Six days over spring break: Las Vegas, then Zion National Park, with kids.
M
Mustafa Furniturewala
Travel Itinerary
At a Glance
6 days Best time: April 6 min read
- • Hike The Narrows in Zion National Park
- • Bike the scenic Pa'rus Trail in Springdale
- • Explore Kolob Canyons and hidden sand caves
- • Las Vegas shows, pools, and Shark Reef Aquarium
- • Stargazing in Zion's dark skies
Route: Las Vegas → Zion National Park · ~226 km
Trip Overview
This 6-day itinerary combines the glitz of Las Vegas with the natural beauty of Zion National Park. Starting with a quick Vegas evening, you’ll spend three full days exploring Zion’s famous hikes and hidden gems before returning to Vegas for a relaxing finale. The trip is designed for families with a mix of adventure and downtime.
Destinations: Las Vegas, Zion National Park (Springdale), Kolob Canyons
Best Time to Visit: April offers perfect hiking weather - warm days, cool nights, and spring wildflowers. Avoid summer when temperatures in both Vegas and Zion can exceed 100°F.
Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas
Afternoon/Evening
Fly into Las Vegas (LAS). Pick up rental car at the airport.
Evening in Vegas:
- Check into hotel
- Walk the Strip and walk through the big hotels (Paris, Venetian, Bellagio)
- Bellagio Fountains - Free show every 15-30 minutes
- Dinner on the Strip
- Optional: Catch an evening show
Where to Stay: Las Vegas Strip hotel for one night.
Tips:
- Afternoon flights work well - arrive with time for an evening out
- Book show tickets in advance for best prices
- Pack layers - desert nights are cool in April
Day 2: Drive to Zion & Bike the Valley
Morning
- Leave Vegas by 9am
- Drive to Zion National Park (~2.5 hours)
- Scenic drive through the desert into red rock country
Afternoon
- Check into hotel in Springdale (gateway town)
- Light lunch in Springdale
- Rent bikes and ride the Pa’rus Trail
- Paved, flat, family-friendly trail along the Virgin River
- 3.5 miles one-way with canyon views
- Connects Springdale to the park
Evening
- Hike Emerald Pools Trail (Lower pool is easy, 1.2 miles round trip)
- Dinner in Springdale
- Stargazing - Zion is a certified Dark Sky Park
Where to Stay: Springdale - walking distance to park entrance.
Tips:
- Rent bikes at Zion Peddler or other Springdale shops
- The Pa’rus Trail is one of the few trails allowing bikes
- Book Springdale hotels well in advance
Day 3: The Narrows & Canyon Views
Morning (Start Early!)
- The Narrows - Zion’s best-known hike
- Wade through the Virgin River between 1,000-foot canyon walls
- Go as far as you want - even 1-2 hours is worth it
- Rent water shoes and hiking poles in Springdale
Afternoon
- Dry off and have lunch
- Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile round trip)
- Short hike with panoramic views
- Located near the east entrance tunnel
Late Afternoon
- Drive through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel
- Stop at Checkerboard Mesa for photos
- Return to Springdale for dinner
Tips:
- Start The Narrows early (by 8am) to beat crowds
- Water levels vary - check conditions at visitor center
- Neoprene socks keep feet warm in cold river water
- Canyon Overlook is best in late afternoon light
Day 4: Kolob Canyons & Return to Vegas
Morning
- Kolob Canyons - Zion’s quieter, less-visited section
- Drive to Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (~40 min from Springdale)
- Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles round trip, moderate)
- Hike through a canyon to historic cabins and Double Arch Alcove
Midday
- Moqui Sand Cave (if time permits)
- Unique sandstone formations
- Short hike to interesting cave structures
Afternoon
- Drive from Kolob back to Las Vegas (~3 hours)
- Arrive Vegas by mid-afternoon
- Check into hotel
- Adventuredome at Circus Circus - indoor theme park (great for kids)
Where to Stay: A Strip hotel.
Tips:
- Kolob Canyons has far fewer crowds than main Zion
- The drive back to Vegas is scenic through red rock country
- Adventuredome is a fun transition from nature to Vegas
Day 5: Vegas Fun Day
Full Day in Vegas
This is your relaxation and celebration day!
Morning/Afternoon:
- Sleep in after days of hiking
- Hotel pool time - pick a Strip hotel with a beach and wave pool
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay - walk-through aquarium with sharks, rays, and sea turtles
Afternoon:
- Explore the Strip hotels:
- Paris Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower views
- The Venetian - Gondola rides and Grand Canal
- The LINQ - High Roller observation wheel
- Shopping at Fashion Show Mall or Forum Shops
Evening:
- Nice dinner to celebrate
- Magic show or Cirque du Soleil (book in advance)
- Walk the Strip at night when everything is lit up
Tips:
- Shark Reef is less crowded in the morning
- Book magic shows in advance - popular ones sell out
- Pool cabanas can be reserved for a splurge
Day 6: Departure
Morning
- Final breakfast
- Last pool time or quick Strip walk
- Return rental car
- Fly home
Tips:
- McCarran (LAS) is close to the Strip - don’t need much buffer
- Grab last-minute souvenirs at the airport
- Consider a late afternoon flight for more pool time
Trip Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Days | 6 days |
| Driving | ~300 miles total (Vegas → Zion → Kolob → Vegas) |
| National Parks | Zion (main canyon + Kolob Canyons) |
| Best For | Families, first-time Zion visitors, outdoor + city combo |
| Pace | Active but balanced |
Practical Tips
Zion National Park
Getting Around:
- Private vehicles not allowed in main canyon April-October
- Free park shuttle runs every 7-10 minutes
- Springdale has its own free shuttle to park entrance
Permits & Reservations:
- No permit needed for bottom-up Narrows day hike
- Top-down Narrows requires wilderness permit
- Park entrance fee: $35/vehicle (7 days)
What to Pack:
- Water shoes with good grip for The Narrows
- Hiking poles (rentable in Springdale)
- Dry bag for electronics in The Narrows
- Layers - canyon can be cool, rim is warmer
- Sunscreen and hat
Las Vegas
Getting Around:
- Monorail connects several Strip hotels
- Walking is easiest for most Strip exploration
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) readily available
With Kids:
- Shark Reef, Adventuredome, High Roller are family highlights
- Many shows are family-friendly - check age restrictions
- Hotel pools are often the highlight for kids
Weather (April)
| Location | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | 80°F / 27°C | 55°F / 13°C |
| Zion (canyon floor) | 75°F / 24°C | 45°F / 7°C |
| The Narrows (water) | 50-55°F / 10-13°C | - |
Must-Do Highlights
- The Narrows - Walk through a river canyon like nowhere else
- Pa’rus Trail by bike - Easy, scenic, perfect for all ages
- Canyon Overlook Trail - Best views for minimal effort
- Kolob Canyons - Escape the crowds in Zion’s hidden section
- Shark Reef Aquarium - Walk under sharks and rays
- Vegas pools - Relax after days of hiking
- Stargazing in Zion - Incredible dark skies away from Vegas lights