How to Visit Zion National Park on a Budget
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.
Transparency matters: I’m not a credit card affiliate. Any card links you see here are my personal referral links, which may earn me bonus points if you choose to use them. There’s never any pressure — my advice is always free, and I only recommend cards I personally use in my own travel strategy.
If you’re new to points and miles, my Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles is the best place to start — it walks you through the basics so trips like this feel easy.
⭐ Trip Cost Breakdown (Points vs Cash)
Flights: ~$1,600 → covered with Southwest points + Companion Pass
Hyatt Place Las Vegas: ~$260 → 12,000 Hyatt points
The Palazzo (2 rooms): ~$600+ → covered with Amex FHR credit
Total out‑of‑pocket: ~$300 Total savings:$2,000+
Want to see more real trips we’ve booked with points? Explore my Points & Miles Adventures Hub.
Update: We ended up staying at a different hotel due to a last‑minute change, but this is the strategy we originally booked — and it’s still the best way to save on Zion trips.
✈️ Flights to Zion Using Southwest Points
We flew into Las Vegas using Southwest Rapid Rewards points — one of the easiest ways to get close to Zion without overpaying.
Why Southwest works for Zion:
Free checked bags
Flexible cancellation
Frequent sales
Easy award availability
Our booking:
2 round‑trip flights booked entirely on points
My husband paid cash for his ticket
I flew free using the Companion Pass
We reimbursed the paid ticket using a $400 cashback credit from my Amex Blue Card
If you’re building a starter card setup, my Credit Card Strategy Hub breaks down the cards we use for trips like this.
🏨 Night 1: Hyatt Place Las Vegas (Booked with Hyatt Points)
After landing, we stayed one night at Hyatt Place Las Vegas — a reliable, easy airport hotel.
Cost: 12,000 Hyatt points Perks:
Free breakfast
Spacious rooms
Close to the airport
Perfect for families (2 doubles + pull‑out couch)
We’ve stayed here before and love it for quick overnights.
Curious how I choose which hotel program to use? Check out myHotels on Points Hub.
🚗 Drive to Zion: Scenic & Easy
The drive from Las Vegas to Springdale takes about 2.5 hours and is one of the prettiest desert drives you’ll ever do. We grabbed snacks, loaded up the car, and headed straight toward those red rock views.
🏨 Nights 2–3: Hyatt Place Springdale/Zion (Paid Cash)
We booked two nights at Hyatt Place Springdale — just minutes from the park entrance.
Cash rate: ~$150/night (off‑season pricing) Why we paid instead of using points: The cash rate for a 2‑bedroom room was better than redeeming points. We paid with the Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 4X.
Why we love this hotel:
Free breakfast
Big rooms
Walkable to restaurants
Easy parking
Perfect for families
🏨 Final Night: The Palazzo at The Venetian (Free with Amex FHR Credit)
To end the trip in style, we booked two rooms at The Palazzo using our Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts credit.
Value: ~$600+ in rooms — completely free Perks included:
Early check‑in / late checkout
$100 property credit
Room upgrade (when available)
Luxury suite with a soaking tub
After hiking Zion, nothing beats a marble tub and room service.
Want the full breakdown? Here’s my guide: Amex Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts
⭐ Popular Zion Tours (Highly Recommended)
These are the most‑booked tours in the area — perfect if you want to add adventure or avoid planning stress.
Check out these popular tours from Viator
⭐ Before You Go: What to Know About Zion
Parking inside the park is limited — use the shuttle
Start hikes early to avoid crowds
Bring layers (temperatures swing 30°+)
Springdale hotels fill fast — book early
Use points for Vegas hotels before/after your trip
Bring electrolyte packets (trust me)
⭐ Summary: How We Saved $2,000 on This Trip
Southwest flights: free using points + Companion Pass
Hyatt Place Las Vegas: free using points
Hyatt Place Springdale: ~$300 cash
The Palazzo: free using Amex FHR credit
Total out‑of‑pocket: ~$300 Total savings:$2,000+
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✨ About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind — a travel‑hacking educator and content strategist who helps families turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. With more than twenty years of experience optimizing points and miles, Julie teaches readers how to travel smarter, not harder, through approachable, real‑life examples and transparent strategies.
