We eagerly rose before the sun on Day 3 of our Southwest road trip, knowing we had to get through the entirety of Zion National Park in 1 day. With only 24 hours and arguably the most legendary trails in Utah, there was one decision we had to make… Angel’s Landing or The Narrows?
After extensive research, the thrill of steep drop offs and towering canyon views won us over. Angel’s Landing would be our hike of choice and what we would build the rest of our itinerary around. Retrospectively, I am still glad we picked it over the narrows.
Angel’s Landing Summit
Note: As of April 2022, a lottery permitting system has been put in place for Angel’s Landing, making your decision on which hike to do a little easier. If you are able to secure a permit to Angel’s Landing, that would be my number one recommendation. If not, The Narrows is a close second and would make for an excellent day in the National Park.
Angel’s Landing Trail
Location: Utah, USA
Entry Fees: $35 per vehicle, or $80 with the annual National Park pass
Entry Permits: No permit is needed to enter the park. Only to hike Angel’s landing and/or to camp
Campgrounds: Watchman, South, and Lava Point Campgrounds
Best time to Visit: Open year round, but spring and fall are suggested for the cooler temperatures and smaller crowds
Pets: Allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas. (Note: The only hiking trail pets are allowed on is the Pa’rus Trail. They are not permitted in any shuttle buses or public buildings.)
For most of the year, spring through fall, you are required to use the Zion shuttle bus system to access most of the trailheads. This was implemented to reduce traffic and congestion at trailheads. There are 2 shuttle lines that operate:
Zion shuttle stops by the National Park Services
Note that you do not need a ticket or reservation to ride the park shuttle. Both of the shuttles also run free of cost.
Canyon Overlook Summit
Trail Length: 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 150 ft.
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Trail Location: Zion National Park, off of Highway 9
Trailhead on Google Maps: Canyon Overlook Trail, Hurricane UT, 84737
Parking: Small lot just east of the tunnel, extremely limited
Fees/Permits: None needed
Best time: Either very early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Pets: Not allowed
The canyon overlook trail is a perfect introduction to Zion, being a short 1 mile round trip with little elevation gain. This maintained trail leads to a stunning view point in which you can walk up as close to the cliff’s edge as you’d like.
It’s important to note that this trail is not accessible by shuttle and you will need a car to get you to the trailhead (approximately 15 minutes from the visitor center). Once arrived, you can expect to spend about 1.5 hours here.
View from Angel’s Landing
Trail Length: 4.8 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: 1500 ft.
Trail Difficulty: Moderate – slightly challenging, with exposed sections
Time Needed: 3-6 hours
Trail Location: Zion National Park
Trailhead on Google Maps: Grotto Trailhead
Parking: Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Grotto Trailhead (6th stop)
Fees/Permits: Permit needed through seasonal lottery or the day-before lottery
Best time: Spring and fall for best temperatures
Pets: Not allowed
Start of Angel’s Landing trail
Following your morning hike, check in and set up your campsite if you’ve reserved one. Then, between 1-2 p.m. you’ll want to head out for your main adventure of the day, Angel’s Landing.
Deceivingly easy, the trail starts out slowly winding alongside the Virgin River. All too soon, you’ll start noticing a burn in your legs as you notice your ascent up a series of switchbacks. 21 switchbacks to be exact.
Looking back at the switchbacks
The last half mile of the trail is really what you came for. Crossing the spine of an exposed sandstone cliff, 1000 ft. above the canyon floor. Although scary to some, this ridge is lined with bolted chains providing hand holds and a means of security for those who need it. The views you will see here are the most epic in the entire National Park. Soak it in, you’ve earned it.
View from Angel’s Landing
Luckily at this time of day, you’ll notice that majority of the hikers you encounter on the trail are coming down from the summit. Majority of trail users start Angels Landing early, before 9 a.m. making the summit most crowded around 10-1 p.m. Starting later in the day, sets you up for a better experience, as there will be less people at the summit when you arrive.
Just be sure to leave enough time to descend and make it back to the shuttle!
As of April 2022, permits are required to hike Angels Landing, as overcrowding has become a major safety issue recently.
There are two separate lotteries you can enter to obtain a permit: seasonal lottery and a daily lottery:
Watchman campground
Visiting Zion National Park just wouldn’t be complete without spending a night camping. If you can get a reservation, I would recommend the watchman campground, as it’s the most picturesque of the three campgrounds in Zion National Park and conveniently located near the visitor center and shuttle system.
Don’t forget to poke your head out of the tent once the sun goes down to see the milky way painted above the sandstone. A perfect ending to your 1 day in Zion National Park.
Photos were taken in Collaboration with Matt Tonokawa
Have you visited Zion National Park before? Which hikes/viewpoints would you recommend for a 1 day visit? I’d love to know in the comments below.
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