The Ultimate 4-Night Zion Itinerary
(Where to Stay, What to Do & How to See It All)
Zion National Park was one of those places that completely lived up to the hype. Red rock cliffs, turquoise rivers, and trails that make you feel like you’re on another planet. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just love exploring nature at your own pace, Zion is pure magic. After spending four nights there, here’s exactly how we’d recommend making the most of your trip—what to do, how to get around, and where we stayed.
About Zion
Zion is an out-and-back park with one main road that runs from the entrance to the very last stop—the start of The Narrows. There are nine shuttle stops along this route (1-9), and while the park isn’t huge, it packs in a ton of beauty.
Unless you’re planning to hike multiple long trails, two full days inside the park felt perfect for us.
👉 There’s no entrance fee if you’re just biking or walking in, but some hikes (like Angels Landing) require permits.
Right outside the entrance is the adorable town of Springdale, Utah—lined with cafés, breweries, and little shops. Inside the park, you’ll also find a restaurant and small market if you need to refuel between hikes.
How to Get Around
1. Electric Bikes 🚲
We LOVED exploring the park by e-bike. It gives you freedom to stop whenever you want—whether it’s for wildlife sightings (wild turkeys, deer, and even climbers on the cliffs!) or spontaneous photo breaks.
We rented ours from Zion Peddler and had the best experience—it was honestly one of our favorite things we did. You can park there (their lot fills up slower than the main visitor center), hop on your bike, and ride straight into the park. You can even bike back into Springdale for lunch!
Electric Bikes were our personal favorite way to see the park at your own pace and beat the crowds if you want to start early, but the shuttles were so simple and easy and efficient. We did both and definitely recommend both.
2. Shuttles 🚌
During regular season, the free park shuttles run every 5–10 minutes and are super easy to use. You can hop on or off at any of the 9 stops.
If you’re visiting in peak months (April–September), arrive early because the Visitor Center parking fills fast. The shuttle picks up right outside the park at the Visitor Center and takes you all the way through the canyon to the last stop.
The Two Must-Do Hikes
1. Angels Landing
(Iconic but Overhyped in Our Opinion 😅)
To hike the chains section—the narrow, famous part leading to the actual summit—you need a permit. It’s $6 to enter the lottery the day before your hike, and only the winners are charged. Everyone in your group should apply to increase your odds!
When to Go
If you want the best photos and fewer crowds, go early (before the shuttles start). The morning sun hits the canyon perfectly. For a sunset view, go later in the afternoon—but know you’ll be backlit for photos.
About the Hike
It’s moderately challenging with lots of switchbacks. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. The permit is only needed once you reach the chains section (the final 20–30 minutes).
We personally found the hike a bit repetitive until the chains began. The chains themselves are sturdy, the rock is grippy, and it didn’t feel scary to us—but that totally depends on how you handle heights.
Our Honest Take
We wouldn’t do it again. The views at the top weren’t that much better than some of the easier viewpoints, and the switchbacks weren’t the most exciting. Fun to experience once—but not a must-repeat.
1. The Narrows
(Our Absolute Favorite 🌊)
This isn’t just a hike—it’s a river adventure. Walking between towering red canyon walls while wading through the Virgin River was easily one of the most surreal experiences we’ve had.
How to Get There
Take the shuttle to Stop #9 (Temple of Sinawava) or ride your e-bike there.
Gear You’ll Need
We rented the Dry Bib Package from Zion Outfitters and highly recommend it. The waterproof bibs, boots, and walking sticks made the experience SO much more enjoyable. The gear keeps you warm, comfortable, and stable in the slippery water.
Zion Outfitters is conveniently located right next to the Visitor Center, so you can rent your gear, walk to the shuttle, and head straight to the trailhead.
About the Hike
The water is toxic, so don’t submerge your head or drink it.
When you rent the gear you can see the level of the river. They have it up every day.
The beginning can get crowded, but the farther you go, the quieter it becomes.
It’s an out-and-back trail, so go as far as you want and turn around when you’re ready.
We started around noon and turned back at the end of Wall Street, which felt perfect. Big Springs is further if you have more time and energy.
The scenery gets more breathtaking the further you go—it’s easily one of the most unique hikes we’ve ever done.
Where We Stayed 🏡
🐮Utah Farmhouse
Utah Farm Stay is perfect if you’re an animal lover—they have two mini cows (Mocha and Chip!) and chickens that lay fresh eggs.
The farmhouse itself is modern and cozy with a full kitchen, hot tub, grill, sauna, and outdoor patio.
It truly feels like a luxury farm stay—ideal for slow mornings and sunset dinners.
🏕️Zion Eco Cabins
For our last two nights, we stayed at Zion Eco Cabins—a stunning glamping-style property with modern A-frame cabins overlooking the red cliffs.
Each cabin includes:
A mini-fridge, A/C, and Keurig inside
A separate private bathroom
Fire pit, grill, utensils, and a hot tub outside
The views were unreal—sunrise and sunset both hit the cliffs perfectly. There are five A-frames total, but the Zion A-Frame and Eco-Friendly A-Frame have the most secluded and panoramic views (worth the splurge).
Hikes & Things to Do Near Hilldale
While Hilldale is quiet, there are a few nearby gems worth checking out:
🌊 Water Canyon Trail
Just 15 minutes away, this is an easy dog-friendly hike with beautiful rock walls and a small waterfall at the end.
🏜️ Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
About 20 minutes away—great for a quick visit. You can rent sandboards at the ranger station and sled down the dunes (avoid high-wind days).
🤠 Kanab, Utah
Roughly 40 minutes away—a charming western town worth a half-day trip. On the way, stop by:
Belly of the Dragon — short cave-like tunnel hike
Moqui Sand Caves — quick, photogenic sandstone caves
Water Canyon Trail Hike.
Dog friendly and super easy at your own leisure. You can also climb to the top if you want a more challenging workout.
Final Thoughts
Zion is one of those places that feels straight out of a movie. Whether you’re biking through the canyon, hiking through a river, or soaking in the view from your A-frame cabin, it’s pure adventure and awe.
Two full park days and four nights total felt like the sweet spot—enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
