3 Days- 2 Nights
Day 1
Drive to Zion National Park
More: Directions: 
From Salt Lake (281 mi/452 km)
Take 1-15 Southbound
Take exit 27 for UT-17 toward Toquerville/Hurricane (0.2 mi/.32 km)
Turn left at UT-17 S/UT-228. Continue to follow UT-17 S (6.1 mi/9.8 km)
Turn left at UT-9 E/W 500 N in La Verkin(There is a Chevron there).
Continue to follow UT-9 E (19.2 mi/31 km). You will arrive in Springdale.
From Las Vegas (163 mi/262km)
Travel I-15 north (131 mi/210 km).
Take Exit 16 for State Hwy 9 toward Hurricane/Zion National Park (.3 miles/.48 km)
Slight right at State St/State Hwy 9 E (12.1mi/19 km)
Turn right at UT-9 E/W 500 N the second traffic light in La Verkin (there is a Chevron there).
Continue on U-9 to the south entrance of the park (19.2 mi/31 km) miles.
From Arizona
Take Highway 89 to Fredonia.
Travel north to Kanab (6.8 mi/11 km)
Continue Northwest on US 89 (17 mi/27 km)
Turn Left at Mt. Carmel Junction UT-9
Continue 12.4 mi/20 km till you reach the Zion National Park, East Entrance.
Check into Accommodations (around 2:00 pm)
Afternoon
Go to Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre and see "Zion Canyon Treasure of the Gods" movie. This film portrays the different eras of exploration in Zion Canyon.
More: Giant Screen:
The Theatre is located on Zion Park Blvd. just before you reach the Main entrance to Zion National Park in Springdale.
Scenic Drive Hwy 9 (2-3 hours)
Time this so you can see the sunset (early evening drive).
Drive Hwy 9 through Zion National Park, up through the mile-long tunnel and east into the park’s Checkerboard Mesa area. Pick up a map and guide as you enter the park.
More: Entrance Fees:
ENTRANCE FEES
All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass upon entering Zion National Park. Passes are non-transferable.
WEEKLY PASSES
Weekly passes are non-transferable and are valid for 7 consecutive days including the date of purchase.
Private Vehicle: $25. Valid for 7 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (14 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas.
Motorcycle: $12. Valid for 7 days. Admits one individual on a private, non-commercial motorcycle to Zion National Park including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas. Any passengers pay the per person fee not to exceed the private vehicle fee of $25.
Per Person: $12. Valid for 7 days. Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas. - typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.
Zion Annual Pass: $50. Valid for 12 months from purchase date. Admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle (14 passenger capacity or less) to Zion National Park.
National Park Annual Pass: $80 (Can be purchased online at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm) Valid for one full year from month of purchase (through last day of that month). Allows pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter Federally operated recreation sites across the country. Covers the pass owner and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee charged for children 15 and under. Photo identification will be required to verify ownership. Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
Senior Pass: $10 US citizens over 62 years of age may purchase this lifetime Sr. Pass.
Hike Canyon Overlook (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip)
This short moderate hike on a well-marked trail leads to an overlook offering incredible views of lower Zion Canyon. If you time it right, the sunset will light up the whole canyon. The trailhead is at the parking lot just beyond the east entrance of the tunnel. Cross the street and begin the easy 1 mile hike. This hike is great for people who want to see a beautiful overlook of Zion that don't necessarily like long hikes and it's great for kids.
Return back to your accommodations by following highway 9 back into Springdale.
There are many Restaurants in Springdale for a delicious dinner.
Morning
Stop at the local market to get water and snacks for the day. You will want a day pack to carry things in since you will be gone for the entire day.
More: Grocery:
Sol Foods Park Market is located at 95 Zion Park Boulevard in Zion Canyon Village, at the entrance to Zion National Park. Sol Foods is the place for groceries, camping supplies, clothing, souvenirs and healthy and affordable dining.
Explore Zion Canyon (All Day)
Catch the park shuttle near your motel/hotel in Springdale. The city shuttle will take you to the park entrance once in the park you will switch to the Zion Canyon shuttle. Get out at each of the shuttle stops to view and photograph the sights, and to hike.
More: Shuttle:
During the summer months, the shuttle runs at six-minute intervals during the middle of the day. Operating from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Parking at the visitors center inside the park can be difficult from May-September, so riding the shuttle into the park is a better option. November through March you can actually drive up the canyon.
Hike to Emerald Pools (1 hour, 1.2 mi/1.9 km round trip to the lower pool)
Emerald Pools consists of three different pools. The hike to the lower pool is easy, moderate to the middle pool, and strenuous to the upper pool. Lower route ends at lower pool and three waterfalls and has beautiful views of Zion Canyon.
More: Emerald Pools:
To reach upper pool, hike an additional 1 mile- this is more strenuous and has long drop offs. Upper pool is larger and sits at the base of high towering cliffs, with the highest waterfall in the canyon during springtime. The pools and waterfalls are at their highest levels during spring runoff (April-May).
Lunch
Eat the snacks you brought or stop at the café at Zion Lodge near the trailhead of the Emerald Pools hike.
Weeping Rock (1 hour .4 mi/.64 km round trip)
Take the easy stroll to this alcove where drops of water fall continuously from the cliff face and ceiling. It takes about 5-10 minutes to hike. Hanging gardens decorate the alcove. This is always a favorite with visitors and is cool in the summer. The trail begins at the Weeping Rock parking area in Zion Canyon.
Hike Riverside Walk (1.5 hours, 2 mi/3.2 km round trip)
Follow the paved trail along the Virgin River upstream to the base of Zion Narrows. The trail winds through hanging gardens of wildflowers in spring and summer. The trail is easy with minor drop-offs. The trail begins at the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive- Temple of Sinawava.
Add a little extra adventure and incredible scenery by walking up the Virgin River Narrows a mile or two. Bring an extra pair of shoes and a walking stick. The trail is the river and you are walking on slippery rocks as you go up the Narrows.
More: Zion Narrows:
There are Outfitters in Springdale that rent gear for hiking in Zion Narrows. These outfitters have canyoneering boots and walking sticks to assist you in hiking in the Virgin River. The water is cold especially during spring runoff but feels great on hot summer days.
The Full Zion Narrows hike begins at Chamberlin Ranch and is over 16 miles long. It requires a shuttle or extra car to drop off at the trail head. Click here for details on hiking Zion Narrows.
Eat Dinner in Springdale.
Check out of hotel
Stop at the local market to get water and snacks for the day. Pack a lunch and at least two liters of water. A small backpack is nice to carry items since you will be getting on and off the shuttle and taking short hikes. Take the Zion shuttle to The Grotto stop.
More: Grotto Stop:
During the summer the earlier you start the better (before 9:00 A.M.), temperatures can reach 100F/C during the middle of the day. Drink water often so your body stays hydrated.
Hike Angels Landing (4-5 hours, 5 mi/8 km round trip)
Angels Landing is an amazing hike for people looking for adventure. It's strenuous, has long drop-offs and narrow trails, and is not for anyone fearful of heights. The hike ends at the summit high above Zion Canyon floor. The last .5 mil follows a steep narrow ridge; chains have been added for safety. It is really wide once you get up on top and you get a beautiful bird's eye view up and down the canyon. Eat Lunch. On the way down take your time. Your legs may be tired from the ascent and you want to be sure footed.
More: Angels Landing:
If you want a beautiful view without the height scare, stop at Scout Lookout more than half way up. It still provides great views of the canyon without having to scale up the ridge holding on to chains and avoiding steep drop-offs. Scout Lookout is right after a series of 12 short switchbacks called Walters Wiggles. Hiking Angels Landing can take 3-7 hours depending on walking pace.
When you are done with the hike, head for home.
