Zion National Park Travel Hacks: Save $2,000 Points & Perks

Zion National Park Travel Hacks

We just booked a dreamy Zion National Park getaway—and yes, we stitched it together with points, perks, and a few clever travel hacks. From Southwest Rapid Rewards flights to Hyatt redemptions and a Fine Hotels & Resorts finale at The Venetian, this trip was proof that you don’t need to spend big to travel big.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through a link and make a purchase, I get a small commission at no cost to you. (PS: I only recommend things I really use)

Here’s how we did it:

🌍Check out all the places we travel on points and miles -> Real Points & Miles Adventures 

Flights to Zion with Southwest Points

We booked round-trip flights to Las Vegas using Southwest Rapid Rewards points, taking advantage of flexible cancellation and free checked bags thanks to our Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card.

  • Booking tip: Watch for Southwest sales and use the Low Fare Calendar to stretch your points.

  • Bonus hack: If you have the Companion Pass, this route is a steal for Zion-bound duos.

We only had enough points to book 2 round-trip flights for free. We booked our boys’ tickets on Southwest Rapid Rewards. My husband has the companion pass, so we paid for his ticket, then I got mine free. We then used a $400 cashback from my American Express Blue Card to reimburse ourselves for the ticket. Check out the American Express Everyday Blue Card -> Best Credit card for Groceries.

Night 1: Hyatt Place Las Vegas (Booked with Hyatt Points)

After landing, we booked one night at Hyatt Place Las Vegas, just off the Strip.

  • Redemption: 12,000 Hyatt points

  • Perks: Free breakfast, spacious room, easy access, and super close to the airport

  • Why it works: We love Hyatt Place when all four of us are in a room. 2 Double beds and a pull-out couch are great for my teens who do not want to share a bed. We stayed here last year, and it’s super close to the airport.

Drive to Zion: Scenic & Easy

The drive from Las Vegas to Springdale, Utah (Zion’s gateway town) takes about 2.5 hours.

Nights 2–3: Hyatt Place Springdale/Zion (Paid Cash)

We booked two nights at Hyatt Place Springdale/Zion, just minutes from the park entrance.

  • Cash rate: Around $150/night for a 2 bedroom room. (Booking in the offseason allows us to save big)

  • Why we paid: The cost for a 2-bedroom was better than using points for this stay. I will pay with my Chase Sapphire reserve card, and we will get 4X back on this purchase.

Final Night: The Palazzo at The Venetian (2 Rooms Free with Amex FHR Credit)

To end the trip in style, we booked two rooms at The Palazzo using our American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts credit.

  • Value: ~$600+ in rooms, completely free

  • Perks included:

    • Early check-in / late checkout

    • $100 property credit

    • Room upgrade (based on availability)

  • Why it’s a win: After hiking Zion, nothing beats soaking in a marble tub and ordering room service in a suite overlooking the Strip. I broke this hotel booking down here -> Amex Platinum Fine Hotels and Resorts

Summary: Save $2,000 on Zion Trip

We’re flying Southwest for free—flights that would’ve cost $1,600 for all four of us. Our airport hotel at the Hyatt Place. Normally $260, but we’re staying free on points. We’re spending $300 near Zion, but it’s back to savings in Vegas thanks to the Hilton Fine Hotels & Resorts credit.

Total out-of-pocket for flights and hotels: just $300. Total savings: over $2,000.


Ready to start your own points-powered adventure? Subscribe for travel hacking tips, cruise deals, and real-life redemption stories—delivered straight to your inbox.

Previous
Previous

MSC Cruise URComped, Southwest Rapid Rewards & Hyatt Points

Next
Next

How I Booked an MSC Cruise Deal for $500 Total