When one of my besties turned 50, we wanted to celebrate. As a trio of fun-loving, adventurous women, we’ve hiked, skied and run countless miles together.
What better way to celebrate than a budget-friendly weekend of hiking surrounded by spectacular scenery in Zion National Park? Looking forward to active days and evening sunsets with a glass of wine, we reserved a cabin and packed our bags.
Best Activities for a Girls’ Weekend in Zion National Park
The best ways to experience the soaring sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons of the park are by hiking, biking and riding the shuttle.
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Go for a Hike
You don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to experience Zion’s jaw-dropping beauty.
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Each of these hikes wowed us. Distances are roundtrip; hiking times are approximate.
Easy
- Lower Emerald Pool – 1.2 miles, 1 hour. Descend through a juniper forest to a small oasis.
- Riverside Walk – 2.2 miles, 1.5 hours. Paved path along the river with wildflowers.
Moderate
- Kolob Canyon Timber Creek Trail – 5 miles, 3.5 hours. Shady path leading to Double Arch Alcove.
- Kanarra Falls – Scale a 20-foot ladder, hiking through a slot canyon. Permit required.
Strenuous
- Scouts Lookout via West Rim Trail – 4.2 miles, 3 hours. Steep ascent leading to magnificent views.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure to download trail maps from AllTails or similar apps as cell service is limited in the park.
Rent a Bike
Renting a bike from Zion Outfitter near the park entrance allows you to explore the canyon at your own pace. Cars are prohibited most of the year, making the Scenic Drive a safe place to ride. Stop for a hike, or just take in the view from two wheels.
Ride the Shuttle
- Use the free shuttle to get around Springdale and to the park entrance.
- Trailheads with water and bathrooms are accessed from shuttle stops.
- You don’t need a reservation but lines can be long.
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during peak season (roughly March to November)
Take in the Scenery
You don’t have to clock a lot of miles to enjoy the scenery. Choose one of these low effort-high reward activities:
- Look for dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs near the Historic Babylon Trailhead.
- Admire the desert fauna at The Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George
- Visit adjacent Pioneer Park for easily accessible red rock photos opps
Other Must-See Attractions on a Girls’ Weekend in Zion National Park
You can’t possibly see it all in three days. Pick and choose between the ideas above and the following must-see attractions for a girls’ getaway to Zion you’ll never forget.
- The Narrows – River hike through the canyon’s narrowest spot.
- Angel’s Landing – Strenuous permit-only hike along a narrow ridgeline.
- Canyon Overlook– Short easy hike with stunning views.
- Zion-Mt Carmel Scenic Highway- Scenic 26-mile drive through the park.
Avoid the Crowds
Battling for parking and hiking with the masses is stressful. Here’s how you can have a peaceful girls getaway:
- Start early. In late May, the Visitor Center parking lot was already full by 8am.
- Avoid summer and school holidays.
- Consider Kolob Canyon. This area is beautiful and much less crowded.
- Hike the Watchman and Pa’rus Trails to avoid the shuttle lines.
- Venture beyond Zion to Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park.
- Rent a bike and skip the shuttle.
Save Money
A girls’ getaway doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how we saved:
- We made breakfast and lunch at home, saving for our “splurge night.”
- I used frequent flier miles, and my besties booked flights and our cabin with Expedia’s “bundle and save” option.
- To avoid baggage fees, share one large checked bag.
- Be flexible in your travel dates
SheBuysTravel Tip: Buy supplies for a fancy charcuterie board dinner, use the leftovers for lunches.
Places to Eat on a Girls’ Weekend Trip to Zion National Park
For two vegetarians and a meat-eater, these places hit the spot:
- Mixed Greens for healthy salads and bowls.
- Main Street Cafe for pasta and casual dishes.
- River Rock Roasting Company for iced lattes with killer views.
- The Zion Brewery for beer and pub fare near the Visitor’s Center.
- Bonrue Bakery for delectable pastries.
- Water Canyon Winery for dinner and natural organic wines in a vineyard setting.
Where to Stay
We chose Gooseberry Lodges for budget price, a kitchen and expansive views. I’m still savoring memories of sunrise coffee on our private patio.
Springdale has the most expensive lodging, since it’s closest to Zion. Prices drop as you move farther out.
Consider these options:
- Zion Canyon Lodge – walking distance to Springdale shops and restaurants.
- Springdale Zion Inn includes breakfast, onsite pool.
- Zion Park Motel accommodates up to six in family rooms, close to park entrance.
- Zion’s Camp and Cottages’ cottages and bunkhouses, some with kitchens.
- Zion Glamping Adventures suits the rustic crew with tents and shared public bathrooms.
What to Bring
Be prepared for quickly changing weather, and wide temperature swings.
Packing List
- Daypack
- Hiking poles
- Boots and extra socks
- Quick dry hiking clothes
- Dry bag for river hikes
- Rain jacket/fleece
- Snacks and water bottles
- Chargers/battery pack for phone
- Camera
- Sunscreen/hat
How to Get There
There are several options for getting to Zion National Park.
Fly and rent a car
- Las Vegas: 2.5 hour drive to Zion. For extra fun, add a night in Las Vegas.
- St. George or Cedar City : 40-60 miles to the south entrance of Zion.
- Salt Lake City: 4.5 hour drive.
Shuttle to Zion
- Catch a ride from nearby airports, saving the hassle of driving.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Las Vegas is on Pacific time, and Zion National Park in Utah runs on Mountain Time. Double check time zones when catching flights!
When to Go
We chose the last weekend in May for our girls’ weekend in Zion National Park, hoping to beat the heat and crowds. Considerations for each season:
- Summer: Pros: Longer daylight, wildflowers. Cons: Heat, crowds.
- Fall: Pros: Autumn colors, fewer crowds. Con: Chilly river hikes.
- Winter: Pro: Least crowded. Cons: Possible snow, trail closures.
- Spring: Pro: Fewer crowds. Con: Unpredictable weather.
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