Zion National Park & Page, Arizona Road Trip
Glamping, Hiking The Narrows & Paddleboarding Horseshoe Bend
If you’re craving an adventure-packed Southwest road trip that balances epic hikes, unique glamping, and unforgettable water adventures, this 6-day itinerary through Zion National Park and Page, Arizona delivers. From hiking The Narrows to paddleboarding through Horseshoe Bend, this trip is equal parts adrenaline and awe.
Paddleboarding through Horseshoe Bend.
Overview of the Trip
4 Days in Zion National Park (glamping + hiking)
2 Days in Page, Arizona (paddleboarding Horseshoe Bend)
Perfect for adventure lovers, couples, and anyone who wants big scenery without roughing it
Days 1–4: Zion National Park (Glamping + Hiking)
Where We Stayed: Glamping in Zion
We stayed at Wildflower Zion Resort, a dreamy glamping resort just outside the park. The luxury canvas tents gave us all the outdoor vibes—without sacrificing comfort. Think cozy beds, desert views, and the perfect basecamp for early hikes.
If you love nature but also love sleeping well, glamping in Zion is the move.
Hiking Zion National Park
Zion is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. Every trail feels cinematic.
We spent our days exploring the trails of Zion National Park, taking in towering canyon walls, desert landscapes, and river-carved rock formations.
Hiking The Narrows
One of the most iconic experiences in the park is The Narrows. This hike takes you through the Virgin River, surrounded by massive canyon walls.
Tips for The Narrows:
Rent water shoes or hiking boots made for water
Go early to avoid crowds
Check river conditions before heading out
It’s cold, it’s wet, and it’s 100% worth it.
Hiking the Emerald Pools Trails in Zion National Park
One of the most rewarding and accessible hikes in Zion National Park is the Emerald Pools Trails, a trio of connected hikes that lead to waterfalls, sandstone alcoves, and lush desert pools tucked beneath Zion’s towering cliffs. We tackled all three — Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools — and each level offered a completely different perspective of the park.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
The Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest and most popular of the three, following a paved path with minimal elevation gain. This trail winds beneath massive red rock walls and seasonal waterfalls, making it a great warm-up or family-friendly option. The payoff is a shallow pool framed by dripping cliffs and hanging gardens — especially beautiful in spring and early summer.
Middle Emerald Pool Trail
Continuing upward, the Middle Emerald Pool adds more elevation and a quieter atmosphere. The trail opens up to wider canyon views, with smooth sandstone formations and trickling water along the rock face. This section feels more immersive, offering shaded stretches and fewer crowds compared to the lower trail.
Upper Emerald Pool Trail
The Upper Emerald Pool is the most challenging — and most rewarding — of the three. The climb brings you into a dramatic sandstone bowl surrounded by sheer canyon walls. While the pool itself is often shallow, the sense of scale and solitude makes this hike unforgettable. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take photos, and soak in the stillness before heading back down.
Why Hike All Three?
Hiking all three Emerald Pools trails allows you to experience Zion’s diverse landscapes in one outing — from easy, paved paths to rocky climbs and sweeping canyon views. Together, they form a well-rounded hike that’s ideal for travelers who want maximum scenery without committing to an all-day trek.
Trail Tips:
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
Bring water — even for shorter hikes
Check trail conditions, as closures can occur after heavy rain
Go early to beat crowds and midday heat
Pa’rus Trail: A Scenic Stroll Along the Virgin River
The Pa’rus Trail is one of the most relaxed and scenic walks in Zion National Park, offering breathtaking views without the effort of a strenuous hike. Stretching alongside the Virgin River, this paved, multi-use trail is ideal for a slower-paced day, sunrise or sunset walks, or active recovery between bigger Zion adventures.
Unlike many of Zion’s more technical trails, the Pa’rus Trail is wheelchair accessible, family-friendly, and open to both pedestrians and cyclists. The wide path winds through cottonwood trees and open meadows, with constant views of Zion’s iconic sandstone cliffs rising dramatically in every direction.
This trail is especially beautiful in the early morning or golden hour, when the canyon walls glow and reflections dance along the river. It’s also one of the few trails in the park where bikes are allowed, making it a great option if you want to explore Zion without relying on the shuttle system.
Why We Loved It:
Easy, flat terrain with big scenic payoff
Peaceful river views and photo opportunities
Perfect for sunset walks or rest days
Accessible for all ages and fitness levels
Trail Tips:
Bring water and sun protection — shade is limited in spots
Watch for wildlife along the riverbanks
Start near the Visitor Center for an easy out-and-back walk
Whether you walk a short stretch or the entire length, the Pa’rus Trail offers a calm, scenic way to experience Zion’s beauty without breaking a sweat.
Day 5: Drive to Page, Arizona
After soaking up Zion, we packed up and headed south toward Page. The drive alone is stunning—wide open desert roads, dramatic rock formations, and endless photo stops.
Page is the gateway to some of the most jaw-dropping water scenery in the Southwest.
Paddleboarding Horseshoe Bend (Bucket List Day)
This was the highlight of the entire trip.
Instead of viewing Horseshoe Bend from above, we paddleboarded through it—and it was unreal.
How We Did It
We arranged a backhaul service at Lee’s Ferry, where a shuttle dropped us upriver at Hieroglyphs Beach. From there, we paddleboarded downstream through calm water, towering canyon walls, and eventually into Horseshoe Bend.
Floating quietly through one of the most famous bends in the Colorado River felt surreal—peaceful, powerful, and unforgettable.
What to Know Before You Go:
Reserve your backhaul service in advance
Bring lots of water and sun protection
Paddleboarding is beginner-friendly if conditions are calm
This paddle takes between 4 and 6 hours, it took us 6 because we took our time to enjoy the scenery
The paddle is approximately 10 miles
This experience alone is worth planning a Page trip around.
Day 6: Drive Home to Tucson
After one last peaceful morning in Page, we made the scenic drive home to Tucson, tired in the best way possible.
Final Thoughts
This Zion and Page road trip is the perfect mix of hiking, glamping, and water adventure. You get iconic national park trails, unique lodging, and a once-in-a-lifetime paddleboarding experience—all in under a week.
If you’re looking for a Southwest itinerary that feels adventurous and special, this trip checks every box.
✨ Want to make packing effortless?
Click here to shop everything on the list below and get fully prepped for Zion hikes and your Horseshoe Bend paddleboarding adventure in one go.
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🏜️ Zion National Park – Hiking & Desert Exploring Packing Guide
👟 Clothing (Lightweight + Layerable)
Moisture-wicking tops (short + long sleeve)
Hiking shorts or leggings
Lightweight hiking pants (sun + scrub protection)
Sports bras / comfy base layers
Fleece or light jacket (mornings + evenings)
Windbreaker or packable rain jacket
Casual outfit for dinners / glamping nights
Sleepwear
Swimsuit (for The Narrows + glamping vibes)
🥾 Footwear
Hiking boots or trail shoes (broken in!)
Water shoes (non-negotiable for The Narrows), can be rented at the Narrows!
Casual sandals or slides
🧢 Sun + Heat Protection
Wide-brim hat or baseball cap
Sunglasses
SPF 30+ sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
SPF lip balm
Cooling towel (trust me)
🎒 Trail Essentials
Daypack or hydration backpack
Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder
Electrolyte packets
Trail snacks (protein bars, jerky, nuts)
Trekking poles (optional but clutch in Zion)
Bandana or buff (dust + sweat helper)
🛶 Horseshoe Bend Paddleboarding (Page, AZ) Packing Guide
🩱 Paddle Wear
Quick-dry athletic top or rash guard
Swimsuit or board shorts
Lightweight cover-up
Change of clothes for after paddling
💦 Water Gear
Dry bag (phone, keys, snacks)
Waterproof phone case
Paddle gloves (optional but great for longer routes)
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Towel (microfiber packs small)
🧴 Extras That Matter
Sunscreen re-apply stick
Anti-chafe balm (seriously)
Hat with chin strap (wind = savage)
