Stopping in Zion?
I’m doing a cross-country road trip in mid-May and trying to figure out the best way to handle Zion on my drive from Moab to Las Vegas.
Current itinerary is staying in Moab Thursday night, possibly doing either Mesa Arch sunrise or the Delicate Arch (Arches national park) hike early Friday morning, and then driving Moab → Zion → Vegas all in one day. Realistically I’d probably leave Moab somewhere between 7–9 AM depending on the hike and get to Zion around 1:30–3 PM on a Friday afternoon.
I’m mainly trying to figure out whether I’ll actually have enough time/energy to do the Zion shuttle system if I’m only passing through on the way to Vegas, or if that becomes a huge time sink that late in the day. If I don’t do the shuttle, what’s the best way to experience Zion in just a couple hours?
I’ve heard Canyon Overlook Trail is the best short option, but I’m also hearing parking around the tunnel gets difficult in the afternoon. I’d also love any info on parking and shuttle wait time, or anything else I should know before going. Basically trying to experience Zion without arriving too late in Vegas. Any advice would be appreciated!!