The Ultimate 2-Day Zion Itinerary
A two-day trip is the perfect amount of time to experience the dual personalities of Zion. On your first day, you can join the flow of travelers exploring the famous hikes of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. On your second day, you can head to the high-elevation trails of East Zion and Observation Point to escape the valley crowds. This independent guide shows you how to structure a memorable weekend.
Day 1: Zion Canyon Classics (Angels Landing or Narrows)
Your first day will focus on the main canyon, where the park’s most famous trails are located. Park early at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or use the Springdale Shuttle to enter the park by 7:30 AM.
Morning: The Grotto & West Rim (Angels Landing)
Ride the shuttle to stop 6 (The Grotto) and begin your climb up the West Rim Trail. If you hold a valid permit, proceed up the final chain-assisted spine to Angels Landing. If you do not have a permit, hike to Scout Lookout for stunning views, or climb further along the West Rim Trail to see the canyon from higher vantage points.
Afternoon: The Narrows (Riverside Walk & Wading)
After a quick rest, take the shuttle to Stop 9 (Temple of Sinawava). Walk the 1.1-mile paved Riverside Walk to the start of the Narrows. Wading into the river allows you to see the canyon walls narrow to just twenty feet apart, with towering cliffs rising thousands of feet above. Ensure you have sturdy, closed-toe footwear and a hiking stick for stability on the slippery riverbed.
Day 1 Evening: Springdale Dining & Shopping
Head into the town of Springdale just outside the park boundary. Springdale features local galleries, outdoor outfitting shops, and excellent restaurants. It is an ideal spot to sit down, relax, and support local business owners. Browse our directory of local Restaurants Near Zion to plan your dinner.
If you’re looking for gear or outfits for Day 2, Springdale’s specialty stores offer rentals and gear purchases. For hotel recommendations, refer to our Where to Stay Near Zion Guide.
Day 2 Morning: Canyon Overlook & East Zion
Begin your second day by driving up and through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Built in 1930, this 1.1-mile tunnel cut through the solid sandstone cliffs, connecting Zion to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
The Canyon Overlook Trail
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Distance: 1.0 mile round-trip
East Zion is a dreamscape of cross-bedded sandstone contours, petrified sand dunes, and deep washes. Driving from the main canyon, you pass through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel—a 1.1-mile engineering marvel completed in 1930 that cut straight through the Navajo Sandstone. Just outside the tunnel’s east portal lies the start of the Canyon Overlook Trail. This rocky 1.0-mile trek hugs the cliff edge, passing over a bridge suspended above the deep, dark wash of Pine Creek Canyon. The trail culminates at a sweeping viewpoint perched directly on top of the massive Great Arch—a blind arch carved into the mountain face. From this high platform, you look down upon the winding switchbacks of the highway, the East Temple, and the immense red bulk of the West Temple rising into the Utah sky. It is an ideal hike for big canyon views with minimal elevation gain.
Day 2 Afternoon: Observation Point via East Mesa
For your final afternoon, experience one of the grandest views in the entire Zion region without climbing the strenuous and currently closed Weeping Rock trail.
Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail
Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Distance: 6.7 miles round-trip
Drive out of the park’s east entrance toward the Zion Ponderosa ranch area to find the East Mesa Trailhead (a shuttle service is run by local partners if roads are muddy). This trail crosses flat, pine-covered terrain on the high plateau. The path is relatively easy with very little elevation change. The trail ends at Observation Point, a spectacular rocky overlook that looks down on Angels Landing, the Virgin River, and the entire length of Zion Canyon. This view is considered by many to be the best overlook in the park.
Monsoon Alert: During summer months (July through September), afternoon thunderstorms can cause flash floods in slot canyons and washouts on plateau dirt roads. Always check the weather forecast and check flash flood warnings on official channels. Reference our Hiking Preparation Guide for complete details.
2-Day Zion Itinerary FAQs
Do I need to pay a fee to drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel?
Driving a standard passenger vehicle through the tunnel is included in the standard park entrance fee. However, large vehicles (RVs, campers, buses, and dual-wheel trucks) require a tunnel permit and an escort due to the narrow width of the tunnel. Check official park resources for current vehicle dimensions and permit costs.
Is the road to the East Mesa Trailhead accessible for standard passenger cars?
The road leading to the East Mesa Trailhead is a dirt road. In dry conditions, it is usually passable for standard passenger vehicles. However, during rain or snow, the clay road becomes extremely muddy, slick, and rutted. During wet conditions, standard passenger cars can easily get stuck. It is recommended to use a local shuttle service to access the trailhead when wet.
Where is the best place to buy lunch for Day 2?
Because East Zion is remote and lacks large grocery stores or restaurants, we recommend buying lunch and snacks in Springdale on the evening of Day 1 or early morning of Day 2. Pack everything in a cooler or backpack. You can find local markets and sandwich shops listed in our local directory.