Zion National Park can be considered heaven on earth. It is a magical place created by water, snow, and wind. The park’s ecosystem can support 800 native plant species, including more flowers than anywhere else in Utah.
The park has more than 80 percent of the wilderness area, and it will not take more than a few minutes for you to pass into something beautiful. In addition, you can take several day trips from Zion National Park.
Zion National Park is a treasure and a delight to explore. Whether you are traveling with your family or friends, you will love the place. There is outstanding flora and fauna in the park.
The park is around Zion Canyon, 15 miles long and 3,000 feet deep in several places. It also includes most of the landscapes and terrain that range from deserts to forests and across the plateaus over the canyon.
The Canyon is laced with many trails, from easy to strenuous. If you love hiking, this is the place to be. Backpackers can trek the West Rim Trail on the wilderness Horse Pasture Plateau to the Lava Point.
Zion National Park is epic and is filled with several off-beaten adventures and gems. It is ideal for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and families.
There is never enough time to discover all the beautiful park offers. There are many free things to do at the park, as well as several day trips from Zion National Park.
Zion National Park has a mix of nearby urban cities, national parks, state parks, and small towns to explore. I’d recommend booking an RV with RVShare to see all the nearby sights, which will save you money, and you’ll see more along the way.
Otherwise, if you only have time for one or two trips, book a rental car for a day and explore the top fit from our list.
If you find out the number of day trips you can make from Zion National Park, you will ask for more time. Zion is located in Southern Utah and is only a few hours’ drive from other cities, national parks, and state parks.
Day Trips from Zion National Park
1. Bryce Canyon National Park
Located under an hour and a half from Zion, this lesser-known national park does not attract many visitors. However, it is popular for its geological formations and scenic beauty. A day trip from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is wonderful.
If you are under the impression that the parks are nearby, so they will have similar scenery, you’re mistaken.
Bryce Canyon has one popular sight that is not present in Zion hoodoos. They are popular stone formations that resemble stacks of rocks and are formed by erosion and frost weathering.
You will find thousands of them in clusters around the park. At about 35,000 acres, Bryce Canyon is smaller than Zion. It offers several hiking trails and a higher elevation than Zion, making it one of the best day trips from Zion National Park.
On the scenic drive, you can access 13 viewpoints that are ideal for taking some photographs.
2. Springdale
Springdale, the primary getaway from the park, is only about a few minutes away. The highway has several restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and shops.
Some outfitters can arrange several adventure activities around the park. You can choose from rappelling, rock climbing, helicopter tours, hiking on the Narrows, tubing on the River downstream from the park, and more.
If you are done exploring the park, Springdale is where you will find many things to do.
3. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell
When visiting Zion National Park, take a chance to cool off the summer heat. Lake Powell is only 2 hours away and is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on the border of Arizona and Utah.
The second-largest man-made reservoir has steep sandstone cliffs rising on the very edge of the lake and stunning geological formations that can be seen from the water. The lake is one of a kind and is best explored by boat.
You can enjoy the best fishing for stripers and trout, as well as swimming and boating. The recreation area is home to scenic drives, hiking, mountain biking trails, and more.
Read Also: Best National Parks in the United States
4. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
If you are looking for a day trip to explore in half a day, head to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Although you can plan a visit in less than a day, exploring each corner of the massive treasure will take weeks or more.
The monument is as large as the state of Delaware and offers unspoiled wilderness. It will give a peek into the history of ancient animals and people who once called the area home.
The monument is a must-visit for history lovers. It was created recently and remains largely remote and undeveloped, thus making it an ideal place to spend time with nature.
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5. Snow Canyon State Park
You will find many restaurants and shopping options in Springdale, but if you want a day off from Zion, head to the Snow Canyon State Park. It is less than an hour away in St. George and has a mild climate with much to offer.
Travelers frequently make the day trip from St. George to Zion National Park. It is one of Utah’s treasured parks, with 16 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, stunning red rock cliffs, biking, horseback riding, and more.
You will also see the black lava rock caps on the top of the cliffsides and ridges in the park.
6. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Zion National Park is not the best place for winter sports. Coral Pink San Dunes State Park is only 30 minutes away, and you can enjoy sledding here throughout the year.
Head for a day trip to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, over 3,700 acres of land covered in pink-hued dunes formed more than 10,000 years ago. The dunes are formed due to the erosion of the pink-colored Navajo Sandstone surrounding the park.
When you head to the Moquith Mountains, you will see the wind pick up loose particles of sand and drop them on the dunes. It is a sight to behold. The park also offers camping, hiking, photography, and off-roading opportunities, making it one of the best day trips from Zion National Park.
If you do not enjoy sledding, go off-roading with UTVs and ATVs or hiking. Check out the Moquith Mountain, Helldive Canyon Pictographs, Harris Mountains, Ponderosa Grove Picnic Area, and South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs. There is a Jr. Ranger Program, especially for kids.
See Related: Best Zion National Park Hotels
7. Quail Creek State Park
A popular state park less than an hour from Zion, the Quail Creek State Park has a warm water reservoir and mild climate. It is one of the top RV parks near Zion National Park and is a year-round destination for fishing, hiking, and boating.
Located in Hurricane, the park is a desert escape for RVers looking for the right place to fish, camp, or hike. You can enjoy a variety of species when fishing in the reservoir, including bullhead catfish, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and more.
You will see some of the most beautiful canyons and mountains here. The park is near a warm body of water formed by the Virgin River’s diversion in the Quail Creek Reservoir.
The State Park is an ideal camping gateway for those who want to stay inside the camping location and away from the most crowded area of Zion National Park.
See Related: Day Trips from Salt Lake City
8. North Rim of the Grand Canyon
This trip takes 2 hours, but it is worth it. The journey from the Grand Canyon to Zion National Park is scenic. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers the spectacular beauty of the popular South Rim.
The best thing about the North Rim is the lack of crowds. It has overlooks, a lot of hiking, and a visitor center, making it ideal for enjoying the park without spending too much time away from Zion.
There are places like the Point Imperial where you can watch the rising sun across the massive walls of rock and Mount Hayden. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a more remote and rugged opportunity to see what the beautiful place offers. It is one of the must-do day trips from Zion National Park.
There are ample trails and hikes that you can take here. The North Rim is known for the maximum concentration of plateau top trials in the Grand Canyon.
So, if you are new to the altitude, you can enjoy a walk with a view. Accommodation is easily found on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Like what you are hearing? Read this full Grand Canyon itinerary to explore more.
9. Las Vegas
You can reach Las Vegas from Zion National Park in two and a half hours. It is the place to be if you want to take a break from sightseeing.
It has some beautiful attractions and sights to see. Once you finish the national park, you can head to Las Vegas. There are several things to do in Las Vegas for all traveler personalities. The city is known for its outstanding nightlife and entertainment.
You can try your luck at the casino or head to the floating playground. You can also participate in the food tour or soak in the beauty of the Bellagio fountains. The most preferred day trip from Zion National Park, Las Vegas, is the place to be.
10. Phoenix
One of the best road trips is from Phoenix to Zion National Park. It is slightly longer than visiting Las Vegas, but worth it. You will have to drive for about six hours to reach Phoenix.
In Phoenix, you can sit back and relax or make the most of the attractions. You can head to the Desert Botanical Garden, Musical Instrument Museum, Art Museum, or one of the golf courses.
Phoenix will not bore you. If you are traveling with children, you can head to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix or Mountain Park. Plan your day and try to cover as many attractions as possible.
See Related: Things to Do in Scottsdale
11. Salt Lake City
You can reach Salt Lake City and Zion National Park in four hours. The capital city of Utah has ample things to do and sights to soak in. You will also find the best accommodation here.
When in Salt Lake City, visit Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, Liberty Park, Great Salt Lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Hogle Zoo, and Clark Planetarium.
If you are traveling with kids, there are several places to see and activities to engage in. Salt Lake City has several museums and many free attractions. You must plan a day trip from Zion National Park to Salt Lake City.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Provo
12. Boulder City
If you are done with the big cities and the national park, drive 3 hours from Zion National Park to Boulder City. It is a small town where you can relax in peace and serenity. Although the town is small, there are things you can do here.
The city does not offer bright lights or gaming tables due to gambling prohibition, but there is a lot of entertainment for the entire family. You can take bike rides on Hoover Dam or the Black Canyon and enjoy the beauty of Lake Mead. Boulder City is one of the top day trips from Zion National Park.
You can learn more about the area’s history and try some of the best beers available. If you are an adventure junkie, you can take to skydiving or desert excursions.
See Related: Best Hotels Near Hoover Dam
13. Springville
Located one hour away, Springville in Utah is known as an Art City for its prominence and development of the arts. It is easy to reach Springville from Zion National Park, which is one of the common day trips.
The Springville Museum of Art is known as the oldest museum in Utah. It hosts works by well-known local and national artists, including Utah Art’s collections.
Besides the Museum of Art, there is the Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum. It houses some historical artifacts, history, handicrafts, and family group records.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Utah
14. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is located fewer than two hours from Zion National Park. It is a must-do in Zion National Park and remains on most travelers’ itineraries.
Your trip to Arizona is incomplete without the Antelope Canyon. The canyon has two areas: the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon. Since it is located in Navajo territory, you must book a tour through the local operators.
It is best to book the tour in advance to make the most of the beautiful canyon. No pictures can do justice to its stunning beauty; you need to see it to believe it.
The light beams can make the canyon look different, making your experience unforgettable. These beams are visible only during certain hours of the day and are a sight.
15. Sunrise Manor
Sunrise Manor, located in Nevada, is 2.5 hours from Zion National Park. The scenic drive from the park to Sunrise Manor is worth it. The small town offers several things to do.
Head to Mystic Falls Park, Frenchman Mountain, or East Fremont Street. Take a day off from all the sightseeing and relax here. It is an ideal place to sit back and enjoy the town’s peace.
It is a beautiful town with a small population and is not overcrowded with tourists. These are the top day trips from Zion National Park. No matter which direction you are headed in or what you intend to do on your day trip, remember to make the most of the Gem-Zion National Park.
Its proximity to the cities and other parks makes it ideal for a long holiday. Explore the park fully, then proceed with your day trips from Zion National Park. Whether you like cities or want to head to a small town and relax, you will find it all near Zion National Park.
Besides these day trips from Zion National Park, you may also want to consider Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park. Plan your itinerary accordingly and keep the route in mind. The drives are comfortable and scenic.
St. George to Zion National Park is also a popular day trip. Make the most of this stunning National Park and explore the surrounding cities at your convenience.
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