Zion National Park 5-hour Tour: Hike and Drive

Zion National Park offers a captivating 5-hour guided tour that combines the best of scenic drives and leisurely hikes. Kicking off at the Visitors Center, this immersive experience whisks participants away on a 40-minute tram ride before embarking on a 1.5-hour trek along the picturesque Riverside Trail. With expert guidance, you’ll uncover the park’s rich history and witness its awe-inspiring landscapes – from towering 2000-foot cliffs to breathtaking viewpoints. This tour is perfect for groups of up to 10, promising an unforgettable adventure in nature. What makes this tour truly special, however, is the chance to connect with the park’s extraordinary beauty in a way that most visitors simply don’t get to experience.

This experience made our article of The 11 Most Popular National Park Tours In Zion National Park.

Key Points

• A 5-hour guided tour of Zion National Park that includes a 40-minute tram ride, a 2-mile Riverside Trail hike, and a 2-hour scenic drive.
• The tour costs $750 for a group of up to 10 participants and features flexible reservations with a 24-hour free cancellation policy.
• The hike on the Riverside Trail is suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, with an expert guide providing information about the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna.
• Tour highlights include scenic canyon views, 3-5 photo stops, and the provision of hiking snacks such as mandarin oranges, granola bars, and crackers.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 5 or individuals with heart problems, and certain restrictions apply, such as the prohibition of drones, intoxication, and bare feet.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Zion National Park 5-hour Tour: Hike and Drive is a comprehensive excursion that allows visitors to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty.

The tour lasts one day and costs $750 for a group of up to 10 participants. Reservations are flexible, and there’s a 24-hour free cancellation policy for a full refund.

The tour starts at the Zion National Park Visitors Center, where guests will take a 40-minute tram ride, hike the 2-mile Riverside Trail, and embark on a 2-hour scenic drive with stops for photos.

An expert guide with 30 years of experience in Zion leads the tour.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the Zion National Park Visitors Center, where guests will meet at 7:00 AM.

After a 40-minute tram ride, hikers will embark on the 2-mile Riverside Trail, a paved path suitable for limited mobility.

The expert guide, with 30 years of experience in Zion, will lead the 1.5-hour hike.

Afterward, guests will enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive with stops for photo opportunities at 3-5 viewpoints.

The tour wraps up with a return to the Visitors Center, where the experience concludes.

Hiking Details

The Riverside Trail, a 2-mile paved path, is suitable for hikers with limited mobility, including those using wheelchairs or strollers.

The Riverside Trail, a 2-mile paved path, is suitable for hikers with limited mobility, including those using wheelchairs or strollers.

This trail offers a scenic and accessible way to explore Zion National Park’s natural beauty.

Led by an expert guide with 30 years of experience in the park, the hike along the Riverside Trail provides an opportunity to learn about the area’s history, geology, flora, and fauna.

The easy terrain and gradual incline make this trail a great choice for visitors of all fitness levels who want to enjoy Zion’s stunning canyon landscape.

Tour Highlights

Zion National Park’s scenic canyon features 2000-foot cliffs that tower over a tranquil river, offering a breathtaking backdrop for the tour’s photo stops.

Guests will visit 3-5 viewpoints where an expert guide will share insights on the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna.

This private group experience ensures no strangers join, allowing for a personalized exploration.

Hiking snacks like mandarin oranges, granola bars, and crackers are provided to fuel the adventure.

With the guide’s 30 years of experience in Zion, you will gain a deeper appreciation for this natural wonder.

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Participant Information

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 or individuals with heart problems.

Participants should come prepared with sunglasses, a sun hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing. A daypack and reusable water bottle are also recommended.

Drones, intoxication, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and bare feet aren’t allowed on the tour.

The meeting point is the open area in front of the public restrooms next to the Zion National Park Visitors Center, with GPS coordinates 37.200071, -112.98761.

Water gear rentals may be available, ranging from $0 in summer to $70 in winter.

Additional Information

3 pickup locations are available for participants – St. George, Hurricane, and Springdale.

The entry fee for Zion National Park is approximately $20 per person, so a National Parks Pass is recommended to save money.

A National Parks Pass is recommended to save money on the approximately $20 per person entry fee for Zion National Park.

Water gear rentals, such as wet suits and life jackets, are $0 in the summer but can cost up to $70 in the winter months.

The meeting point for the tour is the open area in front of the public restrooms next to the Visitors Center, located at GPS coordinates 37.200071, -112.98761.

Pickup Locations

Participants can be picked up from three convenient locations – St. George, Hurricane, and Springdale.

The tour operator offers pickup from these nearby towns to make it easy for visitors to access the Zion National Park adventure. This saves guests the hassle of navigating to the Visitors Center on their own.

The pickup points are centrally located, allowing for a seamless start to the day’s activities. Guests simply need to be ready at the designated time and location, and the guide will take care of the rest, transporting the group comfortably to the park entrance.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Zion National Park tour is an open area in front of the public restrooms next to the Visitors Center.

The meeting point for the Zion National Park tour is an open area in front of the public restrooms next to the Visitors Center.

This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for the adventure. The GPS coordinates are 37.200071, -112.98761, making it simple to navigate to the meeting spot.

Participants should look for the guide in this designated area to begin the 5-hour excursion.

With clear directions and a defined gathering place, the tour can commence smoothly and efficiently, setting the stage for an enjoyable and memorable exploration of Zion’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour accommodates up to 10 participants in a private group, allowing for a personalized experience without any strangers. The small group size ensures the guide can provide attentive service and focus on the needs of the group.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment for the Hike?

The hike requires standard hiking attire – sunglasses, sun hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a daypack. Participants should also bring water and any necessary snacks or medications. No specialized equipment is needed for this moderately paced 2-mile hike.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children With Mobility Issues?

The tour is suitable for children with mobility issues, as the Riverside Trail is a 2-mile paved path that can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. However, children under 5 are not recommended for this tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and snacks on the tour. However, light hiking snacks like mandarin oranges, granola bars, and crackers are provided by the tour operator. Bringing a reusable water bottle is also recommended.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photos During the Tour?

Photos are generally allowed during the tour, but the use of drones is prohibited. Participants should be mindful of any restricted areas and respect the guidelines set by the tour operator and national park authorities.

The Sum Up

Zion National Park’s 5-hour guided tour is an excellent way to experience the park’s breathtaking natural beauty. With a scenic drive, leisurely hike, and expert guidance, visitors can enjoy the park’s rich history and stunning landscapes. This tour is perfect for groups of up to 10 and promises unforgettable memories in nature.

You can check availability for your dates here: