My Itinerary: Zion National Park

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A few girlfriends and I were discussing going on a girls' trip, and we wanted something active. Enter Zion National Park! 

We packed up last May for an unforgettable road trip from Phoenix to Zion. The drive itself was part of the adventure, with a coffee and donut stop in Payson (yum!) and a scenic stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center, where we stretched our legs and admired the views before continuing north.

Our Home Base in Orderville

We stayed just east of Zion in Orderville, UT, in a spacious 3500 sf rental home tucked away in the Ponderosa Ranch gated community—a beautiful house that can be rented at Argo Vacations. The house had everything we needed: a huge, fully-stocked kitchen, indoor and outdoor spaces to gather, a hot tub under the stars, tennis courts, a grill, plus more—the perfect balance of comfort and rustic luxury. Plus, it was close to the park and nestled in the forest for nice, after-dinner hikes complete with deer and wild turkeys.

Day 1 – Hiking Observation Point

We kicked off our trip with a hike up to Observation Point, one of Zion’s most breathtaking viewpoints. The climb was worth every step—the expansive vistas made us feel tiny against nature’s grandeur.

Day 2 – Biking & Hiking Inside the Park

On our second day, we purchased daily park passes and entered through the east entrance, winding our way through the park to Springdale. From there, we rented e-bikes at Zion Peddler—one of the best decisions of the trip. Since only shuttles are allowed inside the canyon, biking was stress-free and so much fun.

We pedaled our way to the Emerald Pools Trail, hiked through its unique scenery, then continued riding all the way to shuttle stop 9, the very end of the canyon. Beyond that point lies The Narrows, Zion’s iconic hike through the river. That one’s on my list for next time!

Day 3 – Horseback Riding & Slot Canyons

For our last adventure, we saddled up with East Zion Adventures for the White Mountain Horseback Ride. The ride was magical, with sweeping views and a surprise stop where we dismounted to explore a sandstone slot canyon. It was one of those moments where time slows down and you soak it all in.

Evenings at the House

Our nights were just as special as the days. We cooked dinners together, sipped wine, swapped stories, played games, and laughed until late.

On our final night, we treated ourselves to dinner at The Cordwood Restaurant at Zion Mountain Ranch. With its farm-to-table menu, herds of buffalo grazing on the ranch, and a hydroponic greenhouse, it was more than a meal—it was an experience. Everything was fresh, unique, and absolutely delicious.

Park Pass Tips

* You don’t need to buy another park pass when re-entering on bikes—just show your receipt.

* If you’re 62+ years old, consider getting the Lifetime Senior Pass for U.S. National Parks. It’s only $80 and covers up to four people in one vehicle. Learn more here.

✨ Final Thoughts

Zion was more than I expected—the combination of adventure, scenery, and laughter with friends made it unforgettable. Next time, I’m definitely checking The Narrows off my list. Until then, I’ll hold tight to the memories of sandstone cliffs, starry skies, and the joy of exploring with amazing women by my side.




Location: Zion National Park, Utah, USA

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