A Sample 3-Day Glamping Itinerary: Zion National Park
To help you visualize what a glamping trip is like, here is a sample itinerary for a 3-day stay near Zion National Park, blending outdoor adventure with comfort and relaxation. This plan assumes you are staying at a site like Under Canvas Zion and have a rental car.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Plan to arrive at your glamping site in the mid-afternoon, around 3:00 PM. This allows you to check in, get acquainted with your luxury tent, and relax before sunset. Unpack and take a few moments to enjoy the view from your private deck. Around 5:00 PM, head to the main lodge or common area for any complimentary welcome activities, like drinks or appetizers. For dinner, you might choose the on-site restaurant for convenience on your first night. After dinner, join the nightly campfire for s’mores and stargazing. The desert sky, far from city lights, is incredibly clear. Get to bed relatively early, as you will have an early start tomorrow.
Day 2: Exploring Zion Canyon
Wake up early, around 6:00 AM, to beat the crowds and the heat. Have a quick breakfast at your site or grab something to go. Drive the 20-30 minutes to the town of Springdale and find parking. Your goal is to be on one of the first park shuttles, which start running around 7:00 AM. The shuttle is mandatory for accessing the main Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year. Take the shuttle to the last stop, the Temple of Sinawava. From here, you can walk the Riverside Walk, a mostly flat and paved 2.2-mile round-trip trail that is accessible for many fitness levels. For the more adventurous, this is the starting point for The Narrows. After your hike, take the shuttle back, stopping at other viewpoints like Weeping Rock or the Zion Human History Museum. By early afternoon, head back to your glamping site to escape the peak sun. Relax, read, or nap. In the late afternoon, consider a short, less-strenuous hike near your campsite or a drive to the less-crowded Kolob Canyons section of the park. Enjoy a well-earned dinner and another relaxing evening by the fire.
Day 3: Sunrise Views and Departure
On your final day, wake up before dawn to catch the sunrise. The way the early morning light hits the red rock cliffs is a truly magical sight. A great spot for this is the Canyon Overlook Trail, a moderate 1-mile round-trip hike located just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. It offers a stunning panorama of the main canyon. After your sunrise adventure, return to your glamping site to pack up. Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast, perhaps using the on-site facilities one last time. Check out is typically around 11:00 AM. As you drive away, you will carry with you the memories of a trip that perfectly balanced rugged nature with restorative comfort.
