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A high-angle landscape photograph showing a deep canyon with towering red sandstone cliffs and a snow-dusted valley floor, characteristic of the Zion Canyon area.
Photo by Matthias Mullie via Unsplash

5-day itinerary

Zion & St. George Highlights Tour

5-day tour of Zion and St. George, Utah

Length
5 days · 5 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
$130 per person
Based in
Zion & St. George

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in St. George and Snow Canyon

    Arrive in St. George, settle into accommodation, and explore the local area. Visit the unique red rock formations at Snow Canyon State Park in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour light.

    • 14:00

      Arrival and Check-in

      Arrive at St. George, check into the hotel, and freshen up.

      About 60 min

    • 16:00

      Snow Canyon State Park

      Explore the black lava rock and red sandstone formations. The Pipe Spring Trail offers a moderate hike with great views of the surrounding landscape.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Dinner at St. George Downtown
    Where to stay:
    Stay in St. George, UT, near downtown or the entrance to Snow Canyon for easy access.
    Getting around:
    Rental car is essential for this day.

  2. Day 2: Zion National Park: The Narrows and Riverside Walk

    Spend the day exploring the lower canyon of Zion. Start with the Riverside Walk, then consider the Narrows. This is a high-activity day, so start early.

    • 07:00

      Drive to Zion Entrance

      Drive from St. George to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Arrive early to secure parking or catch the first shuttle.

      About 30 min

    • 08:00

      The Narrows (Top Down Start)

      Hike along the Virgin River. For a half-day, the section from Temple of Sinawava to Big Spring and back is popular. Note: The Narrows is typically hiked bottom-up, but the top-down is a full-day commitment. For this itinerary, we stick to the accessible lower sections or the Riverside Walk if the full Narrows is too strenuous for the day's pacing.

      About 4 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch at The Grotto

      Lunch at the Grotto area, which is a central hub for the shuttle system.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at St. George; Lunch at Zion National Park; Dinner at Springdale
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Springdale, UT, to be close to the park entrance.
    Getting around:
    Use the free shuttle bus within the park. Walk to the entrance from the parking lot if not using the shuttle.

  3. Day 3: Angels Landing and Hidden Trails

    Hike the iconic Angels Landing trail (permit required) or the alternative Scout Lookout. This is a strenuous day, so keep the afternoon light.

    • 06:00

      Drive to Trailhead

      Drive to the chain area trailhead. Arrive early to secure parking.

      About 30 min

    • 07:00

      Angels Landing Hike

      Hike the steep chain section to the summit. Note: A permit is required for the final chain section. If not secured, the hike to Scout Lookout is a great alternative.

      About 4 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Springdale

      Light lunch after the hike.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Springdale; Lunch at Springdale; Dinner at Springdale
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Springdale, UT.
    Getting around:
    Walk to the trailhead from Springdale.

  4. Day 4: Cedar Breaks and St. George

    Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument in the morning, then return to St. George for the afternoon.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Cedar Breaks

      Drive north from St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument.

      About 60 min

    • 10:00

      Cedar Breaks National Monument

      Explore the amphitheater. The high elevation offers cool temperatures and stunning views.

      About 3 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Cedar City

      Lunch in Cedar City before returning to St. George.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at St. George; Lunch at Cedar City; Dinner at St. George
    Where to stay:
    Stay in St. George, UT.
    Getting around:
    Car rental is essential for this day.

  5. Day 5: St. George Exploration and Departure

    Explore local attractions in St. George and depart in the evening.

    • 09:00

      Brigham Young Winter Home

      Visit the historic home of Brigham Young and Mary Ann Angell.

      About 60 min

    • 11:00

      St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site

      Explore the dinosaur tracks and fossils at Johnson Farm.

      About 60 min

    • 13:00

      Lunch in St. George

      Lunch in St. George before departure.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at St. George; Lunch at St. George
    Where to stay:
    Check out of hotel.
    Getting around:
    Drive to airport or next destination.

Practical information

The optimal time to visit the Zion and St. George region is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to October). These seasons offer mild temperatures, typically ranging from 60°F to 80°F, which are ideal for hiking. Summer months, particularly June through August, are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F, making strenuous activity dangerous without significant hydration and early morning starts. Winter visits are possible but require preparation for cold weather, potential snow, and shorter daylight hours. Transportation is a critical logistical consideration. While you can drive to the area, access to the core of Zion National Park is restricted. From March through October, private vehicles are generally prohibited in the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, requiring visitors to use the mandatory free shuttle system. This shuttle connects the visitor center to major trailheads and viewpoints. Outside of the shuttle season, or for accessing areas outside the main canyon, a personal vehicle is necessary. St. George, located about 40 minutes south, serves as a convenient alternative base for accommodation if parking in Springdale is a concern, though it adds commute time to the park entrance. Accommodation options are concentrated in Springdale, the town immediately adjacent to the park’s south entrance, offering the most convenient access to the shuttle system. St. George, located further south, offers a wider variety of hotel options and dining but requires a 30-45 minute drive to reach the main park attractions. Booking well in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons, as lodging in Springdale fills up quickly. Budget considerations should account for high demand costs during peak seasons. Expenses include park entrance fees, which are typically per vehicle, as well as costs for lodging, food, and potential gear rentals. While the shuttle is free, other costs such as parking fees at trailheads outside the main canyon or guided tour fees for specific activities like the Angels Landing permit lottery should be budgeted for. Travelers should pack sturdy hiking boots, ample water, sun protection, and layers for changing temperatures. Essential items include a headlamp, navigation tools, and sufficient snacks. For specific trails like The Narrows, waterproof footwear and a walking stick are highly recommended. Always check current park conditions and permit requirements, as regulations for certain areas, such as the Angels Landing chain section, may require specific permits or reservations.

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