3 Memorable Days in Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, Utah is about a 3-hour drive northeast from Las Vegas, Nevada, near Springdale. Known for its scenic landscapes, majestic sandstone formations, and the spectacular Virgin River, Zion National Park has been on our radar for years.

Our friends were fortunate to visit Zion National Park and were excited to tell us about their trip when they returned home. Not having the chance to visit Zion ourselves yet, we thought it’d be a fantastic idea to have our friends share their experiences with all of you as well. Enjoy this guest post by Naina and Vinod! All images in this post are their own unless specified otherwise.

Day 1: Angels Landing

We started our day early and reached the Visitor Center around 7:30 am to start the most-talked-about trail to Angels Landing. The hike was 2.6 miles (one way) with an elevation gain of 1500 feet, and the soaring heat made it all the more difficult. The day began with a nice cool breeze but as we climbed farther, the heat started to get to us.

The farther we climbed up, the steeper it got. The most difficult part was when we had to climb the last one mile of the mountain with the help of chains. We could see the steep valley on both sides while climbing this part. I guess if you don’t have acrophobia, you can do it without any problem. There was just a single narrow path to climb up with the help of a chain hand-rail, and so we had to wait for the descending traffic at many intervals.

The view from up top was mesmerizing. Massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red soar into the blue sky. We were at a height of 5,790 feet. From the top, we could see the miniature shuttle bus and winding roads with giant mountains in the middle. The view was worth all the effort in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Apart from the steep decline at the top, the rest of the descent was smooth, taking just half the time. Exhausted from the strenuous hike, we were eager to fill our bellies with some delicious local food.

Day 2: The Narrows

The Narrows is a one-of-a-kind trail where you wade through water for most of the hike. The complete loop is around 9 miles, but you can decide how much of it you want to cover. We started this hike a bit late, unaware of the timing of the last shuttle. So, we decided not to cover the whole trail.

We rented our special hiking shoes and a stick from the Visitor Center and started our trek around 3 pm. We had to walk for about a mile before we hit the water part of the trail. And, my god, it was beautiful! A river between two huge mountains, and hiking through the water. I was excited to use all my gear. Though it was really cold, it was also soothing because of the hot weather. The shoes made it easy to traverse over the boulders submerged in the water. You also need to be careful and use the stick before taking steps forward. The water was supposed to have some kind of algae, so we were warned not to submerge our faces.

The whole route was a scenic one. Every spot was picturesque and every minute of the hike was delightful. The water (at its deepest point) was waist-high and immensely added to the experience.

We returned around 6:30 pm by using the last shuttle. I swear if we had time, I would have wanted to finish the entire trail. A must-do hike if you visit Zion National Park. Not strenuous at all, and suitable for all age groups. Not to mention the abundance of beauty you get to witness.

Day 3: Biking

If you have time, you should definitely go biking around the various trails throughout the park. We rented mountain bikes from the Visitor Center and covered the Pa’rus trail. This one was 3.5 miles and ran alongside the Virgin River.

It was amazing to get a close look at the gigantic Zion Canyon. The weather was apt for a good cycling day, and the views were to die for.

Zion National Park is a place so hauntingly beautiful that you will never forget its sandstone cathedrals, the rushing Virgin River, the adventure of climbing the Angels Landing, and strolling through the Narrows.

Thank you, Naina and Vinod for sharing this spectacular trip with us! We can’t wait to see Zion National Park!

Enjoyed this post? Looking for more cool outdoor adventures? Does Hawaii call your name? What about a splendid road tip to Oregon Coast? Or stay local and explore one of our hidden discoveries in the Santa Cruz Mountains!

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