As noted all over this blog, I love traveling. I also love researching a destination and planning a trip—down to the details. I know not everyone has the time or the interest for that though, so I thought I’d start sharing some successful itineraries I’ve used in this space.

I’m starting with one of my favorite semi-recent trips—an easy four-night girls trip to Zion National Park last summer. It was a lot of hiking and outdoor activities, but also some relaxing time by the pool and a fancy dinner or two.

Below is our itinerary, which I’d definitely recommend. If I was going to change anything, I might spend the first night in Springdale rather than glamping. While it was very cool, it was a long drive that didn’t feel totally worth it. (I also wrote an article following this trip that provides some additional details.) Hope this inspires you—and enjoy the miso sea bass at Nobu for me.

Wednesday:

8 am: Apply in lottery for permit to hike Angels Landing (everyone in group enter)

11:11 am: Arrive in Las Vegas

11:30 am: Pick up rental car, drive to Zion (I-15) 

12 pm: Stop for lunch at In-n-Out at 2765 East Craig Road, North Las Vegas

3:30 pm ish: Stop for coffee at Perks! in St. George and pick up groceries to pack next day’s breakfast and lunch

4 pm: Find out if we won lottery to hike Angels Landing. 

5 pm: Drive through Zion on the way to the hotel

6 pm: Dinner at Cordwood on the way 

8 pm ish: Check into East Zion Resort 

Thursday:

7 am: Drive to Zion Canyon Visitor Center

8 am: Assuming you won lottery, catch shuttle to hike Angels Landing (5 miles total hike, strenuous and exposed—bring sunscreen, water, and lunch). 

2 pm-ish: Catch shuttle to hike The Narrows (bottom-up). 

5:30 pm-ish: Catch shuttle back to Zion Canyon Visitor Center

6 pm-ish (straight from hiking): Dinner at Zion Pizza and Noodle

7 pm-ish: Drive to Kanab from Springdale

8 pm-ish: Check into Timber and Tin Airbnb

Friday: 

10 am: Breakfast at Kanab Creek Bakery

11 am: Explore Kanab, go on a hike around Kanab like Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch (5.6 miles there and back total, considered easy) or Belly of the Dragon

1 pm: Lunch at Peek-a-boo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen

5 pm:Sunset ATV tour of Peek-a-boo slot canyon

8 pm: Dinner at Sego

Stay at Timber and Tin Airbnb

Saturday:

8 am: Drive to Bryce Canyon (1 hour, 20 minutes)

9:30 am: Hike Navajo Loop to the Queens Garden—taking the Wall Street trail. (3.2 mile loop that takes about 2 hours)

12 pm: Have picnic lunch at one of the roadside overlooks (maybe Natural Bridge)

1 pm: Drive to Las Vegas

5 pm: Check into Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton

7:30 pm: Dinner Reservations at Nobu 

Sunday:

8:30 am: Drop off rental car

9:55 a.m: Catch flight back to CLT