There are countless hikes to explore in Zion National Park, all of which are incredible. Even after five visits to the Park my husband and I haven’t hit them all but we have done many of them. So if you find yourself near the area and you only have 24hrs to explore, here is what I would consider the perfect day.

Start your day early. This will help you beat the crowds and the heat. Stop by Cafe Soleil on your way to the Park entrance. This little cafe has great coffee, tea and breakfast wraps. They are also a great place to grab a sandwich or snacks for the trail.

Once you’ve stocked up on breakfast, enter the park and grab one of the Park shuttles. In fact, if you are in the Park between mid-March and late October you will need to take the shuttle to access most of the trails in the main Park. Take the shuttle and get off at the Weeping Rock stop for the trailhead to Weeping Rock, the Hidden Canyon and Observation Point hikes. While there are many incredible hikes in the Park, if you only have 1 day, I recommend the 6hr Observation Point hike.

This hike is considered challenging but anyone with a moderate level of fitness should be able to make it to the top. This 8mi/13km hike climbs over 2100 ft but will give you a taste of everything that Zion has to offer. The hike begins with a series of switchbacks to the mouth of a narrow canyon. As you follow this canyon, you will get the feel of what it’s like to be in one of Zion’s deep and beautiful canyons. The trail follows along the canyon and brings you back to a long set of switchbacks to the top. While there are long drop-offs the trail is in good condition and is wide enough for 2 people to pass each other without worry. As you climb higher and higher, the colour of the rock changes and the views become even more breathtaking. When you reach the top, the trail winds along the cliff edge for a bit and flattens out, bringing you to Observation Point. There is no better viewpoint of Zion National Park than from this spot.

To the right is Angel’s Landing, and if you look really closely, you will see brave hikers climbing the spiny ridge to the top of Angel’s Landing. Down below you will see the shuttle buses travelling along the red rock road and the Virgin River winding its way through the valley. By now you’ve been climbing a few hours and this is a great spot to stop for lunch to take in the views. You will head back down the same way you came up, and if your legs will allow it, you can take the side trail up Hidden Canyon on your way back down although this will add an additional couple hours to your hike. Once you are back at the shuttle stop, I recommend taking the shuttle to the end of the canyon to the Temple of Sinawava before you head back to Springdale to get a glimpse of the entire main canyon.

Regardless of where you are staying, a dinner stop in Springdale is a must at the Whiptail Grill. One of my top 3 favourite restaurants in the world, Whiptail Grill is an unassuming little Southwestern eatery set in an old gas station. They only have a couple of tables inside but you wouldn’t want to sit in there anyways. The tables outside under the gas station awning will provide cover if there is rain and still allow beautiful views of the fiery canyon walls as the sun begins to set. They make the most delicious chicken enchiladas, carne asada (or fire asada if you’re feeling really brave), house-made red pepper salad dressing and THE best dessert I’ve every had. The Habanero chocolate peanut butter creme brûlée from Whiptail Grill will change your life. I swear 🙂

So once you’re done dinner, find yourself a hot tub to soak your sore muscles and you might just find yourself wishing that you had another day to explore Zion National Park.