A Woman's Guide to Zion
If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to visiting Zion National Park, look no further. This article will equip you with everything you need to know to pull off the most epic trip to Zion; from what to pack, what to wear, where to hike, and how to maximize your time in the park.
Let’s start with the basics. Zion National Park is one of five National Parks located in the state of Utah. Zion is touted as the most grand of the five parks, containing some of the most sought after hikes in the US. Whether you’re an avid hiker, or prepare to site-see from a shuttle bus, this park has something for everyone. We recommend planning to spend at least 3 days exploring the park to really get the most out of your trip.
Where to Stay:
Camping -
There are only three campsites located within the National Park. This means if you do hope to camp while visiting, you’ll want to make reservations several months in advance. You can check out the campsites below:
Glamping -
If you’re interested in a more luxurious camping experience, glamping may be the way to go! There are several glamping grounds within close proximity to Zion National Park.
Hotels -
If you’re looking for a more conventional and comfortable stay close to the park, the following hotels will be suited well for you.
-Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale
-Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
What to Pack:
Packing depends on seasonality and weather patterns. Before you go, check the NPS site for average temperatures and forecasts. Below is a guide for Spring / Summer / Fall. We suggest avoiding Winter, as that increases risk and is only suitable for very experienced hikers.
SPRING PACKING LIST: Low of 29 degrees, high of 73 degrees
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Sports Bras
- Base layer for warmth
- Mid layer thermal button up
- Water shoes if you have them for the Narrows
FALL PACKING LIST - Low of 28 degrees, high of 67 degrees
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Sports Bras
- Base layer for warmth
- Mid layer thermal button up
- Water shoes if you have them for the Narrows
SUMMER PACKING LIST - Low of 51 degrees, high of 90 degrees
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Shorts: Stretchy, durable with secured pockets - such as this pair.
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Sun Shirt: sun shirt to keep skin protected in the summer months - we recommend a shirt like this one.
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Swimsuit (summer months)
- Sports Bras
- Water shoes if you have them for the Narrows
FOR ALL SEASONS-
For Hiking
- Snacks
- Phone Protector Case: durable phone case to prevent breakage if it falls
- Backpack with water storage
- Map of the park or other navigation device
- Dry bag for hiking in the Narrows
Miscellaneous
- Camping supplies if you plan to camp
- A picnic blanket
- Chargers + cables
- Phone and/or camera
- Sunglasses
- Comact first aid kit
Toiletries
- Cleanser, moisturizer, and any other regular skincare products
- Travel-sized shampoo, body wash and conditioner
- Deodorant
- SPF
- Dry Shampoo
- Any makeup products you plan to wear
- Hair dryer and/or curling/straightening tools
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Ponytail holders/scrunchies
- Body/facial wipes
- Feminine products if needed
- Brush
- Chapstick
What to wear in the Zion Narrows:
The Narrows are the narrowest section of the Zion Canyon within the National Park that is filled with varying heights of water. The only way to explore the canyon is to wade through the water. Due to the unique nature of this “hike”, the Narrows have become one of the most popular features of Zion National Park. What you wear for this hiking excursion will largely depend on the time of year. During late spring and summer months, you can plan to hike the narrows in a quick dry shorts and water shoes. However, during the cooler months of late fall, winter and early spring, you should plan to either rent or bring a drysuit cover. You can rent the proper wetsuit, water shoes, and a walking stick from Zion Outfitter, located in Springdale (just outside of the park). Walking sticks are advised year round
Where to Hike:
The Narrows- Talk about a unique hiking experience! The narrows draw people in from near and far to experience a water hike through the canyon! I have done this hike in both cold temps and warm temps. During colder months, I'd recommend renting a wetsuit at a nearby gear shop. They'll equip you with everything you need to stay warm and (somewhat) dry. During the heat of summer, this is the MOST ideal hike you can do during the day to avoid the intense Utah heat. So if you are looking for something to do during the middle of the day, this will be your jam. Just rent some hiking sticks and you'll be good to go in your typical swim apparel. While the AllTrails review states that the trail is 15 miles, don't fret. You can do as much for as little as you'd like. Just enjoy the experience! Estimated time needed: Up to you! You could spend all day or just go for a few hours
- Rating: Strenuous - be aware of drop offs and chains section
- Shuttle stop: #6 The Grotto
- Distance: 5.5 miles out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 4-5 hours
- Rating: Strenuous
- Shuttle stop: #7 Weeping Rock Trailhead
- Distance: 7 miles out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 5-6 hours
- Rating: Easy
- Shuttle stop: Not serviced by the shuttle
- Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 30 min-1 hour
- Rating: Moderate
- Shuttle stop: Not serviced by the shuttle
- Distance: 3 mile loop
- Estimated time to hike: 2 hours
- Rating: Easy
- Shuttle stop: #5 Emerald Pools Trailhead
- Distance: 2 miles loop
- Estimated time to hike: 1-2 hours
Getting Around
Shuttle Info + Shuttle Map
Many popular site-seeing areas and trailheads require taking the shuttle, because the areas are closed off to cars due to the crowds/lack of parking. Be sure to plan ahead and arrive at the Zion Visitors Center (where the shuttle departs from) bright and early to avoid waiting in line.
Where to Eat/Drink:
-Drink Sangria and grab dinner at The Bit & Spur
-Wine lovers should check out Zion Vineyards in Leeds, Utah.
-Cafe Soleil for a healthy lunch
-Zion Canyon Brewpub for dinner
-Switchback Grille for Dinner
3-Days in Zion Itinerary
Day One:
- Early Morning Hike Angels Landing
- Head to Zion Outfitters to pick up wet gear
- Take the shuttle and check out the Lower Section of the Narrows
- Explore the Visitor Center + return wet gear
- 5 min drive for Sunset Sangria and dinner at the Bit & Spur
Day Two:
- Hike Emerald Pools
- Float day at Virgin River Tubing + picnic
- Quick dinner at Zion Canyon Brewpub
- Watch Sunset at the Canyon Overlook Trail
Day Three:
- Hike to Observation Point
- Grab a late lunch post-hike at Cafe Soleil
- Bike ride on the Pa’rus Trai
- FInal dinner at Switchback Grille
FAQs:
What will the total cost be?: This is very dependent on lodging. If you book campsites, you can expect a fairly cheap trip. The main expense will be transportation to and from the park. If you plan to glamp or stay at a lodge/hotel, expect a 3-day trip to cost around $800 not including transportation to and from the park.
Do I need permits?: As of January 2022, there will be a lottery system for permits to hike the chains section of Angel’s Landing. In 2021, you only need permits if backpacking, canyoneering, rock climbing, or hiking in the Left Fork of the Subway Trail. Permitting importation can be found HERE.
Do I need to book the shuttle in advance?: As of late summer 2021, there is no longer a shuttle reservation system. The shuttle operates as first-come-first-serve and is free to ride.
Are there easy to find restrooms?: Yes, you will find bathroom facilities at each shuttle stop and main trailhead in the park.
When is the best time of year to go?: For optimal weather, plan to visit in the spring or fall. Mid-week visits are also advised to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
Do I need a wetsuit year round to hike the Narrows?: During the summer months, you can get away with wet shoes and swimwear only. Zion Outfitters gives recommended rental packages based on the time of year to guide you on what to wear.
Hopefully you feel completely prepared to plan and execute a trip to Zion National Park confidently! Enjoy exploring one of the most grand and majestic National Parks in the country! Happy Trails.