The best way to get the most out of a Zion National Park tour will depend on how much time you have. Zion is huge and there’s a lot to see, so we’d really recommend taking a full week if you can. With hundreds of miles of trails, canyons, and other unique places to see, you should really take your time and explore as much of the park as you want to. There’s a good reason why Zion is the most popular national park in the United States, and you wouldn’t want to miss anything unless you’re short on time.

That being said, if you do only have a single day, there are some places you should be sure to visit while you’re in Zion National Park. You should start by either driving or taking the shuttle bus out to the Temple of Sinawava, an enormous natural amphitheater that also serves as the trailhead for the Riverside Walk, one of the park’s most beautiful and popular trails. The Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River through a narrow canyon and past hanging gardens. When you make it back, drive or take the shuttle back to the lodge, where you can find the trailhead that leads to the Emerald Pools. The pools themselves offer some of the most gorgeous sights in the park, and the trail isn’t especially difficult. If you’re not worn out by the time you get back to the lodge, you can end your day by taking the Watchman Trail out to a plateau with striking views of some rock formations.