Zion National Park Itinerary: Our Easy Weekend Adventure
If you’re looking for a national park trip that’s easy to reach, simple to plan, and packed with jaw‑dropping scenery, Zion National Park is one of the best choices in the Southwest. For this trip, we flew into Las Vegas, spent a night near the airport, then headed straight to Springdale for two full days of exploring Zion’s red‑rock canyons. Here’s exactly how our itinerary unfolded — where we stayed, what we ate, and how we wrapped up the trip with a relaxing night back in Vegas.
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Day 1: Fly into Las Vegas + Stay at Hyatt Place Las Vegas Airport
We kicked off the trip by flying into Las Vegas — the closest major airport to Zion and usually the easiest place to find affordable flights (or points redemptions). After landing, we checked into the Hyatt Place Las Vegas Airport, a convenient spot for a quick overnight before driving to Utah.
The hotel was exactly what we needed: clean, comfortable, and close. It made the early start the next morning feel effortless. This was our second time staying here. It’s a great place to catch some zzz’s before heading out of the city.
Day 2: Drive to Springdale + Check In at Hotel Novo
The next morning, we grabbed our rental car and made the scenic 2.5‑hour drive to Springdale, Utah — the gateway town to Zion National Park.
For our stay, we booked Hilton Hotel de Novo Springdale a modern and stylish property located in Springdale. It’s conveniently located near shuttle stops, restaurants, and shops, making it an ideal base for exploring the park without stress. The location was absolutely stunning. The restaurant on site was delicious. No boring hotel food here!
👉Read my full review -> Hilton Hotel de Novo Springdale
Where We Ate
Dinner at Anu — Located inside the hotel, Anu was the perfect first meal after arriving. Fresh, flavorful, and convenient. The food was amazing. We were able to order a burger for our picky 17-year-old old but the rest of us had South America-inspired dishes that were incredible.
Breakfast at a Feellove coffee shop — Springdale has several cozy cafés, and grabbing breakfast locally added to the small‑town charm. The cinnamon rolls at Feellove were amazing. Make sure to get it warmed up! No pictures we devoured them.
Dinner at Zion Canyon Brew Pub — After a day of exploring, we wrapped up the evening with hearty food and cold drinks at a local brewery. Great atmosphere, great views, and exactly what you want after a day in the canyon. Nice beer selection. I had the chili to warm me up.
Day 3: Full Day in Zion National Park
🥾Must Have Gear Zion National Park
With two nights in Springdale, we had a full day dedicated to Zion. Whether you’re hiking The Narrows, exploring Emerald Pools, or simply riding the shuttle through the canyon, Zion delivers nonstop scenery.
Hotel Novo’s location made it easy to get an early start, beat the crowds, and return for a relaxing evening in town. We visited in mid-December. The shuttle was not running. We were able to drive around the park with ease since it was not a peak weekend.
Day 4: Return to Las Vegas + Stay at The Palazzo (Venetian Resort)
After two nights in Springdale, we drove back to Las Vegas for a final night of relaxation before flying home. This time, we checked into The Palazzo at The Venetian, one of the most spacious and luxurious stays on the Strip.
It was the perfect end to our national park adventure — plush rooms, great dining options, and a chance to unwind before heading home.
🌍Read my full review of the Palazzo at the Venetian -> Palazzo at the Venetian Las Vegas
Why This Itinerary Works
This trip is ideal if you want:
A national park adventure without complicated logistics
Easy flights into Las Vegas
A comfortable mix of nature, good food, and a little Vegas luxury
A short but memorable getaway
Flying into Vegas, spending two nights in Springdale, and ending with a night back on the Strip creates a smooth, balanced itinerary that works for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Las Vegas is a great starting point for other National and State Parks. We did a similar trip the year before. Check out these posts on trips from Las Vegas.
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