A 6-day spring break adventure combining the excitement of Las Vegas with the stunning red rock landscapes of Zion National Park - perfect for families.
Trip Highlights
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
M
Mustafa Furniturewala
Travel Itinerary
At a Glance
6 days • Best for 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
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 explore iconic 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 stunning 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 most iconic hike
- Wade through the Virgin River between 1,000-foot canyon walls
- Go as far as you want - even 1-2 hours is spectacular
- Rent water shoes and hiking poles in Springdale
Afternoon
- Dry off and have lunch
- Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile round trip)
- Short but stunning 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: Mandalay Bay or similar 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 - Mandalay Bay has 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