Guide to Zion
Zion National Park has been on my bucket list for some time now, and it should absolutely be on yours, too! This trip was hands down one of the best trips I have ever been on for a few reasons. 1. I think I am learning that I like a combo of adventure and relaxation while traveling. and 2. I think the stay can make or break your trip, and the place we stayed MADE THE TRIP! My FOUR-DAY itinerary is at the end (change it up as you wish), and all the places I explored are listed below. Check out all the TikToks and the outfits I wore linked in the post!
STAY
Under Canvas Zion - glamping tents nestled in the mountains
This was one of the coolest places I have ever stayed. If you don’t mind roughing it slightly, then this might be a great place to check out. Of course, there are many places to stay in and near the park, but nothing like this! There are bathrooms in each tent with running hot water, a wood-burning stove to heat as needed (which you don’t need after May into the summer months!), and battery packs to charge devices as needed. There are a variety of sizes of tents for different-sized groups of people. I had a king bed with a pull-out couch. Plenty of space inside and a cute front porch! Each night, there are fire pits with free s’mores to enjoy and meet your fellow travelers! They also have a restaurant on site that serves coffee and breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening! The menus have many options for all dietary restrictions, so there are options for everyone. There was nothing better than sitting by the campfire after a day of hiking, drinking a margarita. There are Under Canvas locations at many national parks across the country so you can experience this in many states!
COFFEE & EATS
Canyon Coffee - coffee shop right outside the park
get the brown sugar cinnamon latte with oat milk, ½ sweet! I had it every day!!
FeelLove Cafe - food and drinks located all over southern Utah
I loved their vegan breakfast burrito and all the drinks I had! They have so many fun lattes and coffees. They also have hydration and electrolyte drinks as well. My mom’s favorite drink was a black tea with agave and lemon for an Arnold Palmer situation. Also get their protein ball and the carrot cake bite. They have so many yummy-looking treats in the case, so there is always something to try!
Thai Sapa - Thai food right outside the park
Imagine you had just been hiking all day, and you want is a cozy and filling meal. This thai place is the answer. The Fried Rice, Orange Stirfry (which they can make with tofu), Pad See Ew, Pad Thai, and fresh rolls were a hit!
Deep Creek Coffee Company - cute lunch spot
A cute spot to grab a bite before a hike or after! They have a different menu depending on the time of day so take note of that before you visit. Coffee was great! They have homemade cashew milk, which is fab! It makes all coffees taste like a milkshake. I had my very first banana latte there, and it was DELISH!
The Park House - a well-known breakfast spot on the way into the park
This is a bit on the outskirts of the park area, but still walkable if you really want to get your steps in or you can take the downtown shuttle (it is free!)
Wild Thyme Bistro - cute dinner spot
This restaurant has the cutest outdoor seating and vibe. It feels like you are in a vineyard, and their menu is great. Options for everyone!
SHOPPING
Zion Outfitter
Bumbleberry Gift Shop and Bakery
Trailhead Gifts and Gear
Wortherington Gallery
GOOD TO KNOW
Zion National Park entrance fee is $35/vehicle (valid 7 days — buy on Recreation.gov or at the gate. Springdale's free shuttle connects to the park and runs frequently.
Under Canvas is ~25 min from the park entrance. Cell service is very limited inside the park — download offline maps on AllTrails or Gaia GPS before you go.
What to do before arrival:
Enter the Angels Landing day-before lottery on Recreation.gov — it opens at 12:01am MT and closes at 3pm MT each day, with results at 4 pm. You can also still try the seasonal lottery if you haven't already. There's a $6 non-refundable application fee that covers a group of up to 6 people, and if selected, you pay $3 per person. Recreation.gov
Buy your Zion National Park annual or 7-day pass on Recreation.gov in advance (saves time at the gate — it's $35/vehicle).
Download offline maps on AllTrails or Gaia GPS — cell service inside the park is essentially nonexistent.
Narrows gear tip: Rent water shoes, neoprene socks, and walking sticks in Springdale before entering the park — several outfitters on Zion Park Blvd do this starting around $25. Worth every penny.
Under Canvas perk: Complimentary coffee and tea are available, plus free access to yoga classes, indoor and outdoor games, stargazing, and unlimited nightly s'mores sessions. The staff is also incredibly knowledgeable about trail conditions — lean on them for day-of recommendations
Here's what to pack:
For hiking, moisture-wicking base layers and shorts or convertible pants are ideal for the warm afternoons, but bring a fleece or light down jacket for morning starts and evenings around the campfire. The Narrows will have cold water (likely 50–55°F), so neoprene socks are worth renting in Springdale even in the warmer daytime temps. Sun protection is non-negotiable in the canyon — SPF, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses. Trail runners or hiking boots with ankle support are better than sandals for Angels Landing and the rocky terrain.
For camp and evenings, pack a cozy layer — temps drop fast once the sun sets in the desert. A light packable rain jacket is smart to tuck in your daypack just in case, especially for The Narrows (you really don't want to be caught in that canyon if a storm rolls in upstream). For a nicer dinner, something easy and cute that layers — the vibe in Springdale is very relaxed.
SHOP MY OUTFITS HERE
WATCH THE CONTENT
FOUR DAY ITINERARY
Zion & Southern Utah Trip
DAY 1
Arrival — St. George → Zion
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Land at St. George Regional Airport
Pick up checked bags and the rental car. About 45 min from Under Canvas Zion.
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~12:00–12:45pm · St. George
Cafe Feellove — lunch + coffee
Highly rated, dietary-restriction-friendly cafe with tons of plant-based options, great coffee, and vintage decor. Vegan breakfast burrito, avocado toast, Cowboy Bowl. A local staple. Open until 3:15pm.
Vegan-friendly · ★ 4.7
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~1:15pm · Washington, UT (on the way)
Natural Grocers — stock up for camp
Grab snacks, trail food, vegan marshmallows, gluten-free graham crackers, and anything else you'll want at the campsite. Right off the route from St. George to Virgin.
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3:00pm check-in
Check in to Under Canvas Zion
3955 Kolob Terrace Rd, Virgin. Settle into your tent, explore the 196-acre property, and take in the red rock views. Complimentary yoga, games, stargazing, and s'mores by the campfire are included. Great evening to decompress and plan your hikes.
Free coffee & tea on-site · morning yoga available
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Evening
Dinner at Embers (on-site restaurant) + stargazing
Under Canvas has an on-site restaurant with seasonal, locally sourced food — great for a low-key first night. Then head to a campfire for s'mores and use their telescopes. It's a certified DarkSky resort — the night sky is spectacular.
DAY 2
Zion Canyon — big hike day
Thursday, May 7
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6:00–7:00am
Early morning coffee at camp + sunrise
Complimentary coffee and tea at camp. Or get the cinnamon iced latte! Get an early start — Zion fills up fast in May. Pack trail snacks and water before you leave.
Beat the crowds — arrive at park before 8am. Inside the park has free parking if you get the pass but it can be hectic. We parked in the lot right across the street from the visitor center before you enter the park. It was $40 for the entire day and so convenient. Easy to stop at the car to change shoes or grab a snack between activities.
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7:30–11:00am
The Narrows (bottom-up)
One of the most iconic hikes in the US — you wade directly through the Virgin River as canyon walls tower 1,000+ ft above you. Take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (stop 9), walk the Riverside Walk, then enter the river. Go as far as feels right — most do 2–4 miles in. Bring water shoes or rent gear + walking sticks in Springdale. Water is knee to hip-deep most of the way.
No permit needed · rent gear in Springdale right before you enter the park!
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~11:30am · Springdale
Deep Creek Coffee Company or Canyon Coffee
Two of the best-rated coffee spots in Springdale, right on Zion Park Blvd. Both open at 6am. Grab a post-hike latte and pastry. Canyon Coffee has a stunning patio view of the canyon.
Both ★ 4.7–4.8
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1:00–3:30pm
Emerald Pools Trail
Beautiful cascading trail with three pool levels and waterfalls you can walk behind. Lower pool is 1.2 miles round trip (easy), upper pool is 3 miles (moderate). Starting from shuttle stop 5 or 6. Great afternoon hike after the Narrows — less demanding but incredibly scenic. This was one of the top hikes we did! So beaituful. Be sure to pay attention to the signs along the trail, as it is easy to get off the path!
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~4:00pm · Springdale
Browse Springdale shops
Trailhead Gifts and Gear (jewelry, women's clothing, souvenirs), Zion Canyon Offerings (local artisan jewelry and gifts), and Shirt Off My Back (best tees in Springdale). All within walking distance on Zion Park Blvd.
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6:30pm · Springdale
Dinner at Wild Thyme Bistro
Consistently rated one of the best restaurants near Zion. Fresh, creative American cuisine with lots of accommodation for dietary needs. Beautiful setting with canyon views. They don’t offer reservations but you can call ahead.
Call ahead for wait time or to get on the waitlist · ★ 4.6
DAY 3
Angels Landing + Kolob Canyons
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6:00am
Early start — FeelLove Coffee at Zion (Springdale)
Opens at 6am. Vegan burritos, great pastries, strong coffee. Perfect pre-hike fuel before Angels Landing. On the way into the park.
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7:00am–12:00pm
Angels Landing (with or without permit)
5.4 miles round trip, 1,488 ft elevation gain. Without a permit, you hike to Scout Lookout — still stunning views and the famous Walter's Wiggles switchbacks. With a permit, continue the final half-mile on chains to the summit. Get there early — it gets very crowded by 9am. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Allow 4–5 hours total.
Permit required for chains section — enter day-before lottery!
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~12:30pm · Springdale
Lunch at The Park House
Beloved local breakfast and brunch spot (open until 2pm) with incredibly fresh ingredients, great salsa, and a charming mismatched-china vibe. Rated one of the best meals near Zion. Get there before the lunch rush ends.
Open 8am–2pm · ★ 4.8
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3:00–6:00pm
Kolob Canyons — scenic drive + viewpoint hike
A completely different, less-visited section of Zion NP accessed off I-15 (about 30 min from camp). 5-mile scenic drive through towering red monoliths, ending at Kolob Viewpoint where a short 0.7-mile hike gives incredible panoramic views. Dramatically less crowded than the main canyon — feels like you have it to yourself.
Hidden gem — much less crowded than main canyon. Or you can walk in Springdale and visit more of the shops and explore the town!
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Evening back at camp
Campfire + star party at Under Canvas
Under Canvas hosts organized star parties with telescopes. Perfect low-key evening before the birthday celebration tomorrow. S'mores, campfire, great company.
DAY 4
Morning at camp
Start with morning yoga at Under Canvas, then a leisurely breakfast together.
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9:30am–12:00pm
Canyon Overlook Trail
One of the most scenic short hikes in all of Zion — just 1 mile each way with minimal elevation gain but absolutely jaw-dropping panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Perfect for a birthday hike — rewarding without being brutal after 2 big days. Located on the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway near the tunnel.
Moderate · stunning views · no permit · 2 miles RT
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~1:00pm · Springdale
Thai Lunch — Thai Sapa
Great vegan/vegetarian options, including curries, drunken noodles, and spring rolls. Stunning views of the canyon entrance. Lots of plant-based-friendly dishes. A fun, casual lunch spot, or you can save this for a take-out dinner later in the evening!
Many vegan-adaptable Thai dishes · ★ 3.8
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~3:00–5:00pm
Afternoon exploration + shopping
Use this time for whatever feels right — more Springdale shops, a slow walk along the Virgin River Walkway (flat, paved, beautiful), or simply relaxing on your tent deck with the red rock views. You can also rent E-Bikes and ride through the canyon or in Springdale!
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7:00pm
Special birthday dinner — Wild Thyme Bistro
Return to Wild Thyme for a proper birthday dinner celebration. Make a reservation and mention it's a birthday — they're known for being incredibly accommodating. Finish the night back at camp around the fire under the stars.
Make a reservation — mention the birthday!
DAY 5
Morning hike + fly home
Sunday, May 10
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6:30am
Early coffee + pack up camp
Checkout is 10am. Pack your bags first, then enjoy one last coffee and breakfast at the Under Canvas restaurant or grab pastries to go from Deep Creek Coffee in Springdale.
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7:00–10:00am (optional)
Watchman Trail — final morning hike
A beautiful, moderate 3.3-mile loop starting right from the Zion Visitor Center with panoramic views of Watchman Peak and Zion Canyon. Perfect swan song hike — manageable in the morning window before your drive back.
3.3 miles · 368 ft elevation · no permit
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Check out + drive to St. George
About 45 minutes from Under Canvas to the airport. Return rental car — budget 30–45 min for car return before your flight.
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St. George (if time)
Quick stop at FS Coffee Co. (if time allows)
Great downtown St. George coffee shop with house-roasted beans and a sunny patio. Only if your timeline is comfortable — airport security at SGU is quick and relaxed.
