Much as we found in Bryce Canyon National Park, February was a great time to experience Zion National Park. We were able to drive our personal vehicle rather than take the mandatory shuttle that runs from spring through fall, we were not held to any reservation system for entry, and while there were more people at Zion than we experienced in Bryce or Capitol Reef National Park, the numbers were nothing like they tend to be during peak season.

We wanted to experience as many areas of the park as possible during our three-day visit, including the East Entrance drive, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and Kolob Canyons region with stops at the two visitor centers and plenty of time for hiking. I really enjoyed our time in the park and would recommend our three-day itinerary to other first-time visitors.

How to Spend 3 Days in Zion National Park

Day 1: Explore East Entrance Drive and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive + Visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center

We entered the park via East Entrance Drive, which was a great initial introduction. The traffic was light, it was snowing and everything was beautifully dusted, and there were a number of pull offs where we could really stop and get a feel for the red rocks that were growing progressively larger as we wound further into the park and through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

We took a right onto Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which was busier than expected, especially as the snow turned to rain.

We used the drive out and back to get an idea of the areas where we hoped to hike the next couple of days, and we stopped at one of the pull offs to take a few photos of the canyon draped in mist.

Our final stop was the main Visitor Center, which was honestly a little disappointing. There were a few rangers to help make recommendations but not much information inside – it was basically a giant gift shop. There were informational plaques outside that were probably interesting, but we chose not to stand and read them in the rain!

Day 2: Hike at the Grotto and Emerald Pools

The Emerald Pools hike is a popular one for people of various hiking capabilities and subsequently busy. The waterfalls and the three Emerald Pools (upper, middle, and lower) were interesting but the trails were really crowded and muddy, and we didn’t feel we were getting the full effect.

A note on parking: Usually you would park at Zion Lodge to access the trail to the pools, but right now the bridge over to the trail is under construction. Instead, you have to cross the river at the next stop (the Grotto) to access the Kayenta Trail and take it down to the Emerald Pools. As luck would have it, the road was blocked by rangers just passed Zion Lodge so we had to park there, walk up to the Grotto, and then walk back to the pools. Not a huge problem, but it did add time and mileage to a normally more straightforward hike.

Instead of heading back to the car the way we approached the pools, we turned our hike into a longer loop by following the Sand Bench Trail down to the Court of the Patriarchs where we crossed the river and hiked alongside it back up to our car at Zion Lodge.

This is definitely a less traveled route and was much more to our liking, both in terms of fewer people and really stunning views of the canyon. If you have the time and are interested in some additional mileage, I’d highly recommend taking this longer route.

With the modifications on either end of our hike, our final trek came in at 5.4 miles / 8.7 km and 807 feet / 246 m of elevation gain.

Day 3: Hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout and Angel’s Landing

Angel’s Landing is a bucket list hike for many people, but it’s not on mine. I had no intention of hiking it this trip, but Brian decided he wanted to tackle it so he put in our names for the permit drawing.

As luck would have it, we won permits for our final day in the park.

We got up relatively early and set off on the West Rim Trail. It was a tough hike up to Scout Lookout, including steep switchbacks, canyon walks, an icy climb to the split off for Angel’s Landing, a bit of via ferrata around to the permit area where a ranger checked our paperwork, and then at last we could see the final push up the towering rock ahead.

The trail was icy and snowy, and I wasn’t comfortable continuing so I waited at a beautiful overlook and watched Brian make his way to the summit.

In the first photo below you can just make him out thanks to his orange backpack. In the second photo he captured part of the catwalk – literal drop offs on either side with a slight chain you can hold onto during your crossing. And finally, his successful summit!

Once he was safely back, he assured me I wouldn’t have liked it and would probably have held him back from doing it/made him turn around had I gone with him. I’m glad we each knew our own limits and acted accordingly so we could both have a good experience!

My hike ended up being 4.2 miles / 6.2 km with 1,000 feet / 305 m of elevation gain. Brian’s was 5.8 miles / 9.3 km and 1,506 feet / 459 m of gain.

Bonus: Drive to Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Outside the main park boundary is the Kolab Canyons section of Zion National Park, which has its own small visitor center and several hiking trails.

It was a sunny, beautiful day as we left the main area of the park so we decided to check out this bonus section and hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. At 1 mile / 1.6 km with 100 feet / 30 m of gain, this short trail is easy and offers some nice views.

During our visit, however, the trail was completely covered in snow and ice, and a lot of people were turning back after slipping and sliding for several feet.

I was really glad we had our ice spikes and hiking poles – we had no trouble walking out to the turnaround point and were happy to have one final experience in the park.

Zion National Park was stunning, and I see why it’s a fan favorite. I’m so glad we visited in the winter when we had more control over our schedule, fewer people on the trails, and beautiful snowy weather!