Illustrative artwork — an impression of Zion — Angels Landing & The Narrows, not a literal photograph.
Angels Landing's chained scramble above Zion Canyon and the wade up the Virgin River through The Narrows are the two hikes most people come to Zion for, and both work as day hikes for most hikers. Where you sleep is simple but limited: Zion Lodge is the only lodging inside Zion Canyon, a couple of canyon campgrounds sit along the same road, and the gateway town of Springdale fills in everything else just past the south entrance.
Why hike here
Angels Landing earns its reputation in its last stretch: a narrow, exposed ridge of sandstone with chains bolted into the rock and a long drop on both sides, opening onto a view straight down Zion Canyon. The Narrows flips the experience entirely — instead of looking down at the canyon, you're inside it, wading the Virgin River between walls that close in tight while the current pulls at your ankles. Together the two hikes show two different kinds of canyon extreme: one vertical and airy, the other narrow and wet underfoot. Spring and fall keep the desert heat manageable and are the seasons most experienced hikers aim for, rather than the height of summer, when both the sun and the crowds are at their peak.
Getting there
Most visitors fly into Las Vegas, the region's major airport, then drive northeast into Utah toward Zion's south entrance and the town of Springdale. St. George, Utah, has a smaller regional airport that can shorten the last leg for travelers with a connecting flight. From Springdale, the town's own shuttle reaches the park's pedestrian entrance, and from there Zion's mandatory park shuttle covers the scenic drive up the canyon for most of the year — private cars generally aren't how hikers get to the Angels Landing or Narrows trailheads.
Where to stay
The realistic options, closest-to-the-trail first. Book through the official links — we don't list prices or availability because they change all the time.
Illustrative — evokes the setting, not a specific property. For example: The only lodging inside Zion Canyon, on the shuttle route
Hikers who want to be first on the trail and last on the river.
Books far ahead for spring and fall weekends.
Zion National Park Lodge (Xanterra)For example: Watchman Campground (reservable) and South Campground
Campers who want to walk to the visitor center and shuttle.
Watchman opens on a rolling reservation window; summer sells out fast.
Recreation.govFor example: Hotels, lodges and rentals just outside the south entrance
Anyone who missed in-park lodging — walk or shuttle to the gate.
The widest choice of rooms; book weekends early in shoulder season.
Search lodging in Springdale, UTPermits & rules
Angels Landing requires a permit via a seasonal and day-before lottery. A top-down Narrows hike or any overnight needs a wilderness permit; always check the flash-flood forecast before entering the river.
Gear you'll want for this trip
Matched to the terrain and conditions here. Real products — check current price on Amazon.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to hike Angels Landing?
Yes. Angels Landing runs on a permit system with a seasonal lottery plus a day-before lottery, so you can't just walk up and start on the chains. Apply in the seasonal window ahead of your trip, and try the day-before lottery once you're nearby in case seasonal permits are gone.
Where should I stay — Zion Lodge, a campground, or Springdale?
Zion Lodge is the only lodging inside Zion Canyon and sits right on the shuttle route, which suits anyone who'd rather skip parking. The canyon campgrounds, including the reservable Watchman Campground and South Campground, put you near the trailheads for less. Springdale, just outside the south entrance, has the broadest range of places to stay overall.
Do I need a permit or special prep for The Narrows?
A standard day hike up from the bottom doesn't need a permit, but a top-down Narrows trip or any overnight in the canyon requires a wilderness permit. Either way, check the park's flash-flood forecast before wading in, since the slot canyon can flood quickly, and carry plenty of water against the desert heat.
Complete gearsets for this trip
Full curated kits built for exactly this kind of hike — what to bring, why, and links to similar gear.
Lodging details are compiled from official parks, refuge associations and reservation systems and can change without notice. We publish no prices, availability or ratings — always confirm current information on the official site before booking or setting out. Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; prices and availability are shown on Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.