One day of Zion magic

christopherwanstal
Dec 7, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jan 10

1 day itinerary

A park with rapidly rising popularity, you quickly see why when you experience the amazing views and hikes that Zion has to offer. Tackle two of the most famous hikes in the park, and in the whole US, in one exhausting but awesome day!

Get up before sunrise, put on your head torches, and head out onto the trail for this exhilarating hike that will get the blood and adrenaline pumping early! Make sure you get a permit before arriving, so you can get excited for one of our favourite hikes in the country!

Angels Landing starts with a relatively gentle set of switchbacks, before curving around the rock face where you get your first good view of Zion Canyon as the sun starts to rise. This is followed by a much steeper set of relentless switchbacks, Walter's Wiggles, which will really make the legs burn.

The reward however, is Scout Lookout, with the unique chain section of this amazing hike laid out ahead of you. It's almost inconceivable to think you can reach the summit from this point, but the experience is worthy of any bucket list. Scramble and climb with the chains as you manoeuvre through gaps between the rock, all while perilously close to the edge! Enjoy your snacks after reaching the top, but be sure not to give any to the numerous chipmunks which reside at this grandest of viewpoints!

Take your time on your way back down as you pass with hikers still ascending - one of the benefits in starting early is you get a much cleaner run to the top! And if this last section of the hike isn't for you, that's okay! Wait it out at Scout Lookout, which still offers a good view of the canyon!

Reward your hard work and bravery with lunch in Springdale, with Oscar's Cafe serving hearty Mexican food which really hits the spot in the desert of the US southwest!

As the day heats up, you'll be pleased to cool down in the refreshing water of the Virgin River as you tackle The Narrows. The other half of the iconic duo of hikes, hire some gear from Zion Outfitters so you can maximise your experience within the walls of the canyon towering up to 1000 ft above you! Make sure to check the weather before hiking into The Narrows as storms even far from the park can quickly lead to dangerous flash floods. Catch the shuttle bus to the Temple of Sinawava, the final stop on the line, and walk alongside the river until the trail merges with it.

Day hikers can go as far as Big Spring, 4.7 miles into the canyon, before a permit is required. At times you might hike with water above the waist, as you criss-cross the river, so the hike takes much longer than planned! This is especially true when heading upstream, as the current is very strong in some places!

Make it out early in the evening so you can head to The Watchman trail if you have any energy left! From here, you can see sunset from a couple of good vantage points, either from close to the Virgin River, or Watchman Overlook, capping off an amazing day in Utah!