Our Favorite Spring Activities in Zion National Park

April 13, 2021
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Spring has officially sprung! Free yourself from the winter doldrums by taking yourself on the trip of a lifetime in Zion National Park. Check out this sample 3-day itinerary of our favorite spring activities at Zion.

Zion Spring Itinerary

Day 1:

There’s no better way to begin your trip at Zion than conquering the infamous Angel’s Landing trail. While the trail length is only 5.2 miles out-and-back, don’t be fooled, this hike is not for the faint of heart!

Angel’s Landing features 21 short but steep switchbacks (known as Walter’s Wiggles) and the last .5 mile of the hike includes steep 1,000-foot drop-offs on either side of the rock. Whether from fear or fatigue, this hike is guaranteed to keep your blood pumping. In the end, the spectacular views of Zion Canyon from the top are worth it every time.

For a more relaxed afternoon activity, take a bike ride along the Zion Canyon scenic drive. This bike ride will take you along the canyon floor from the entrance to the park to the beginning of the Narrows hike. This is a great, low-stress way to see the entire park at once and get your bearings. Another low-exertion biking option is pedaling along the Pa’rus Trail, Zion National Park’s only paved trail.

angels landing

Day 2:

While you’re at Zion Ponderosa, make it a priority to visit both Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park. GSENM is a diverse geological monument that contains some of the best landscape that Utah has to offer, including monoliths, slot canyons, natural bridges, and arches.

Bryce Canyon National Park is another must-see stop during your multi-day stay at Zion Ponderosa. People come from across the nation to see its unique landscape and copper-colored, spiky rock formations called hoodoos. There’s something for everyone at Bryce Canyon, including hikes, photography, wildlife, and scenic drives through the park.

The two landmarks are easy day trips from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, so both can be seen easily during your Zion vacation.

Bryce Canyon Favorite Spring Activities

Day 3:

Get into the spring spirit with some beautiful Zion waterfall hikes, some of which are only visible for a short period of time in the spring, due to rainfall and snow runoff.

Extra adventurous and experienced hikers will want to tackle the Subway, one of Zion’s most iconic hikes featuring a beautiful staircase waterfall 3.6 miles into the trail. Before you go, you’ll need a bit of extra gear. We recommend renting neoprene shoes, and even waders because the water can be waist deep and quite cold in the spring. A wilderness permit is required for the Subway, a.k.a. Left Fork of North Creek.

For those looking for a more moderate trail, look no further than the Emerald Pools, another iconic Zion hike. While the emerald pools are beautiful year-round, the trail is extra special in the spring because the waterfalls are at peak volume for the year. Make sure you make it to the Upper Emerald Pool for spectacular views of its incredible 800-foot waterfall.

Zion National Park Subway hike

Visit Zion National Park’s website for current trail conditions, or stop by the East Zion Adventures recreation desk at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort to plan your Zion National Park adventures!


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