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Zion National Park

Saturday, May 2, 2026 - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 -- $1300 ★


Zion National Park is a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Known for its towering cliffs, deep canyons, and iconic sandstone formations, Zion offers a dramatic and colorful landscape that is both accessible and awe-inspiring. This trip is designed to showcase the parks most scenic and famous day hikes—perfect for those who want to experience Zion's magic without the demands of full-pack backpacking.


We'll be exploring the major established trails open to commercial groups, which means we won’t be venturing into places like the Upper Narrows, but we will hike into the lower Narrows, where the canyon begins to widen and the Virgin River flows gently between towering rock walls. Other highlights include the Court of the Patriarchs, Riverside Walk, the Grotto, and of course the trail to Angel’s Landing, one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable hikes in any national park.


While some scrambling over rocky terrain may be required, especially on Angel's Landing, the overall mileage is moderate and the scenery more than compensates for the effort. The pace of the trip is designed to allow for full enjoyment of Zion’s sweeping vistas, photographic moments, and peaceful reflection.


May brings warm days, cool nights, and clear desert skies—perfect conditions for hiking by day and stargazing by night. With campgrounds for overnight stays and day packs for each hike, this trip offers a great balance of adventure and comfort. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trail-lover looking to explore Zion’s most iconic terrain, this journey promises unforgettable memories in one of the most striking landscapes on Earth.



Topographical Map of Proposed Route

See Topo map


Weather

Weather is always an important factor when planning a hiking trip, especially in a desert environment like Zion where conditions can shift quickly. In early May, you can typically expect daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F, with nighttime lows in the 40s and 50s°F—generally ideal for hiking and camping.


However, be prepared for temperature extremes. Daytime highs can occasionally reach into the 90s, while overnight lows can dip near freezing, particularly in shaded canyon areas or higher elevations. While rain is uncommon, it’s still a possibility—and snow, though rare this time of year, is not entirely out of the question.


Bring ample sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, as much of the terrain is exposed with little natural shade. Due to the dry climate and intense sun, you should also carry water containers with a total capacity of at least 4 liters, especially on longer hikes where refill options are limited.



Probable Trip Leaders

Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD

The trails through Zion National Park are often easy to navigate and enjoyable to hike, but not always. There will be some sandy patches, occasional slickrock with dramatic dropoffs and a few places like Angel's Landing where scrambling (using hands and butt) is necessary. It's pure hiking pleasure.



Cost

$1300 per person pre-trip single occupancy, post trip double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Las Vegas (LAS) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 2 nights in front country campgrounds, storage fees, 3 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.


Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to) other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well, please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes they've dug.



Important Notes about this trip

Daily mileage will be kept relatively low, and since we’ll be carrying only day packs, most days will be significantly less strenuous than a traditional backpacking trip. This allows participants to enjoy the scenery and terrain without the burden of a heavy load.


While many trails in Zion National Park are well-maintained and a joy to hike, some sections do present challenges. Expect stretches of deep sand, slick rock with dramatic drop-offs, and scrambling in places—particularly on Angel’s Landing, where you'll need to use your hands (and sometimes your seat) for stability. Despite these moments of effort, the trails are incredibly rewarding and offer an exceptional hiking experience in one of the most striking landscapes in the country.


It’s pure hiking pleasure—memorable, exhilarating, and well worth every step.


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Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
Map
 
 

Itinerary


Saturday, May 2, 2026

Drive or fly into Las Vegas Airport (LAS). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However, if you can save a substantial amount on your flight by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.


Take the free airport shuttle to our local hotel TBD


We will assemble at: TBD, To Be Determined


Equipment shakedown. We go through your packs to make sure you're prepared for the trip equipment-wise.


Maxe-your-own trail mix bar. You craft your personal trail mix from a cornucopia of nuts, fruits, sweets and occasional wildcard items that we provide.


All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage. Try to keep this to a small amount of stuff.


At around 3PM, shuttle to campsite: Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, UT-9, Springdale, UT 84767, (877) 444-6777. Site(s) TBD Elevation: 3925'


Shuttling will take about 3 hours


Guides prepare dinner in camp. On some trips with longer shuttle times, we may opt to go out for an opening dinner at a local restaurant. (Cost of restaurant dinner not included in trip price)


Camp at Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, UT-9, Springdale, UT 84767, (877) 444-6777. Site(s) TBD Elevation: 3925'



Sunday, May 3, 2026

Take an early shuttle bus up-canyon to the Temple of Sinewawa, elevation 4370'


Hike 8.0 miles on the Riverside Walk down canyon to the Watchman Campground, elevation 3925'


Time permitting, Day-Hike 3.1 miles on the Watchman Trail completing a loop that tops out at elevation 4425'


We will have views of Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon and the town of Springdale


Base camp at the Watchman Campground, sites TBD, elevation 3925'


Miles today: 11.1. Total miles: 11.1


Monday, May 4, 2026

Zion Narrows


Take an early shuttle bus up-canyon to the Temple of Sinewawa, elevation 4370'


Start Day-Hiking the Riverside Walk, elevation 4420'


Day-Hike 2.0 miles on the Riverside Walk to the trail register, elevation 4550'


Begin Day-Hike up the Narrow Trail for 0.5 miles until we reach Orderville Canyon, elevation 4825'


Day-Hike 2.5 miles back to the Temple of Sinewawa


Take a park shuttle bus back to camp


Base camp at the Watchman Campground, sites TBD, elevation 3925'


Miles today: 5.0. Total miles: 16.1


Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Pack up camp


Today we will hike Angel's Landing, one of Zion's iconic destinations. It is a long, steady climb to get to the top so perseverance will be rewarded.


Board the park shuttle bus to the Grotto stop, elevation 4300'


Day-Hike 4.3 round-trip miles to Angel's Landing, elevation 5760'


Miles today: 4.3. Total miles: 20.4


Shuttle 3 hours back to Las Vegas & check into local hotel


We will assemble at: TBD, To Be Determined


This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Take free airport shuttle or we will pay for a shared cab/Uber


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