Beyond Zion National Park: Your Ultimate 4-Day East Zion Itinerary

Have plans to visit Zion? Keep them. Zion is so much more than just Angels Landing or the Narrows. Experience it all and more with this East Zion itinerary.

While Utah is working hard to keep Zion National Park open during the shutdown, East Zion Adventures goes beyond the park borders. From guided Jeep tours and scenic horseback rides to sand dunes, stargazing, and southern Utah’s hidden gems, here’s how to spend four unforgettable days in Zion National Park and beyond.

Day 1: Arrive, Unwind, Jeep Tour and Stargaze

Kick off your adventure at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, located just minutes from the east entrance of Zion National Park. Check into a cozy cabin suite, luxury vacation home, or one of the tiny homes perfect for couples and small groups.

Once you’ve settled in, ease into your getaway with a Sunset, S’mores & Stargazing Jeep Tour with East Zion Adventures. As the sun sets, enjoy s’mores beneath the stars—an East Zion tradition that’s the perfect start to your getaway.

Day 2: Slot Canyons & Scenic Trails

Today’s all about getting off the beaten path. Start your morning with the Crimson Canyon Hike, an exclusive, non-technical East Zion Adventures tour that takes you through winding slot canyons—a private experience you won’t find in the main park.

In the afternoon, saddle up for a scenic ride through East Zion’s rugged backcountry. The White Mountain Horseback Ride leads to the mouth of a secret slot canyon, where you’ll dismount and explore on foot. 

End the day with dinner at Zion Ponderosa’s on-site restaurant, Ponderosa Eats, or enjoy a cozy barbecue from the deck of your cabin suite or vacation home. 

Day 3: Zion National Park—or Beyond

Spend the day exploring Zion National Park at your own pace. Check out hikes like Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk, and Canyon Overlook—no permits required. 

Or, explore nearby Utah state parks. Each offers its own unique landscape and adventures:

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park—Go sandboarding, take photos, or rent an ATV to ride the dunes.
• Kodachrome Basin State Park—Famous for its towering sandstone chimneys and vibrant colors.
  
  
• Snow Canyon State Park—Lava flows, slot canyons, and hiking trails rivaling any national park.

Head back to Zion Ponderosa to unwind with a soak in the hot tub and stargazing.

Day 4: Canyoneering Adventure

Finish strong with an epic East Zion guided adventure. Rock Drop Canyon is the ideal canyoneering adventure for first-timers and large parties. Short but packed with adventure, including a 100-foot rappel, this is a great way to experience canyoneering. Feeling a little nervous about rappelling? No worries, you can still come along for the Jeep adventure and hike. Choose an early morning adventure, or enjoy a lazy morning at the ranch before checking out and joining the mid-day adventure. Either way, it’s the perfect ending to your East Zion vacation.

Stay at Zion Ponderosa—Your Basecamp for East Zion Adventures

When you stay at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, you’re not just close to Zion National Park—you’re in the heart of East Zion’s adventure zone. From Jeep tours, slot canyon hikes, horseback rides, and nearby state parks to cozy lodging and resort amenities, Zion Ponderosa makes it easy to make the most of your Zion vacation.