I took a road trip to Zion & Bryce in October 2022 from SLC. This drive was about 4-5 hours, but very worth it. My road trip included the list below, along with Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, & Moab (Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, & Dead Horse State Park).
One thing to note is that it was still pretty hot in October. There were a few hikes that we could not complete mid-day due to the intense heat and sun. I personally would not recommend going in the Summer due to how it felt mid-Fall. In addition, bring more water than you believe you would even need.
The cool thing about Zion National Park is that there are free shuttles that run throughout all 9 stops in the park. So all you have to do is find parking somewhere within the park and then ride around on the shuttles that come every 10ish minutes. Can't find parking in the park itself? In that case, after you park in Springdale just take the Springdale shuttle into Zion and then hop on the Zion shuttle. So easy and convenient.
I highly recommend visiting the Visitor Center at each of these parks, which are usually located within the first couple of miles from the main entrance. Here you can get information on what to see in the parks, and buy some cool souvenirs.
I also recommend getting an annual National Parks pass as it is about $80 per car and most of the parks are $30 dollars per visit. This pass does not work on State Parks.
All of the miles shown below are round trip. I recommend having good shoes, whether that is sneakers with great traction or hiking boots - it is pretty easy to slip on many of these trails and it is better to be safe.
All experiences beginning with an *asterisks are the ones that I recommend the most.
Angels Landing: 5.4 mi - This is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in America. As of October 2022, you need a permit to climb the 1.1 mi steep hike - which you can obtain here.
*Scouts Lookout: 3.6 mi - this hike leads up to the Angels Landing trail head. Even if you do not plan to do that hike, I highly recommend completing this one as it has insane views and it just as cool - just a bit less intimidating.
Emerald Pools Trail: 3 mi - this hike is another popular one located near the Scouts Lookout trailhead. There are 3 levels of pools and it is pretty easy to see all of them. In addition to the trailhead next to Scouts Lookout, there is a trailhead at the base of the Lower pools as well. We entered in one and exited in another.
Watchman Trail: 3.1 mi - This hike is one of the more popular ones as well and is known for not having shade. Even in early October, we still could not complete this hike in the afternoon due to the heat & intense sun.
*The Narrows: We did 4 miles one way, 8 round trip - but the entire Narrows are 16 mi long if you have a permit to go that far. This is genuinely one of the COOLEST hikes you will ever do - and you can even determine how far you want to go. You hike through water and take in the amazing views.
Zion Guru: This is where we rented gear ahead of time online. I highly recommend getting at least the shoes + pants, or the shoes + waiters (overalls) because they are waterproof and will protect you. Many people were doing parts of this hike in regular shoes and shorts, but I would not have made it very far with those. They also give you a walking stick, which is a necessity for balancing in the water.
Breakfast/Brunch:
Cafe Soleil: A cafe located right outside of the main Zion entrance into Downtown Springdale. This was a great place to get a smoothie after a long day of hiking. (They close at 4 pm)
The Shop Coffee Co: A cute cafe located on the way to Bryce, from Zion. This used to be a mechanics garage but is now turned into a very popular acai & quick brunch spot.
Feellove Coffee: A popular coffee shop in Springdale next to the main Zion entrance.
Lunch/Dinner:
Whiptail Grill: A Mexican fusion & burger restaurant located right outside of the main Zion entrance into Downtown Springdale. They had many items to choose from and large portions. Great option for dinner + a view of the mountains.
Bit & Spur: A nice restaurant that has many options. Also perfect after a day of hiking!
Stays & Souvenirs:
Zion Ponderosa: We stayed here and loved it. They have many options including small cabin suits, camping, and glamping (which we did!). They have super cute merch and a dining hall that serves all meals. It is located about 20-30 min from Zion National Park.
The Get Outpost Gift Shop: This is a gift shop on the way to Zion Ponderosa which sold many cute items!
A beautiful national park that will leave you in awe. One thing to note about this park, that differs from the others, is that it is pretty small in comparison. We only needed a few hours here, rather than 1+ days of exploring.
*Navajo Loop Trail: 3 mi - this loop will have you hitting all of the below spots. It is gorgeous and definitely picturesque.
Sunset Point: A few steps from the parking lot, I recommend starting the loop here as it is much easier to end at Sunrise Point. Sunset Point is a bigger incline. It is also recommended to see the sunset at this lookout.
Queens Garden Trail: A rock that looks like the Queen!
Sunrise Point: A few steps from the parking lot. It is recommended to see sunrise here!
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