I'll be driving from Bryce to Zion and then spending the night in-park.

I expect to leave Bryce quite early. Probably by 7AM or a bit earlier.

I want to do as many of the easier hikes in Zion as possible; Canyon Overlook, Lower Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Riverside Walk, possibly the start of The Narrows.

If necessary I can finish up the next morning before leaving.

The question - Should I do Canyon Overlook on the way in or get into the park as early as possible (does the entrance get crowded and how early?) and do it on the way out the next morning?

The parking lot for canyon overlook is quite small. I'd try to get there early to get a parking spot. If the lot is full when you get there, then go on to plan B.

I guess I'm wondering what your concern is: are you worried the entrance station will have a long line, or are you worried about finding parking once inside?

If you're staying in the park (at the Lodge presumably) then you'll be able to drive up there and park, and catch the park shuttle to all of your hikes except Canyon Overlook. By leaving Bryce early, you'll hit the east entrance early enough that you shouldn't have a long line. The west entrance is probably more crowded, and parking at the visitor center fills up fairly early (by 10 am), but you would get there before then and could drive to the VC if you want to check it out before going up to the Lodge.

Canyon Overlook is inside the park, so I guess that's partly where my confusion comes from - you'll already be in the park past the east entrance station, so if you decide to stop then it won't matter anymore if the entrance station is busy. There are 2 parking areas - one directly across the road from the trailhead, and another one slightly before the trailhead on the same side as the trailhead. Both are before the tunnel.

I guess it doesn't really matter much if you do it right away when you get into the park, or the next morning before leaving. Both scenarios would have you doing the hike at about the same time - so I would opt to do it the first day. On the off chance that parking at/near the trailhead is full, you'd at least have day 2 as your backup.

Weasel, Thanks.

The confusion arises because I didn't look at my map closely enough. I didn't realize the East Entrance was that far East. I thought it's at the junction with the Scenic Drive. Now I see it's about 5 miles before.

You are correct, the Canyon Overlook is after the entrance and inside the park.

I will try to do the Canyon Overlook on the way in.

Thanks.

Myer,

Doing the Canyon Overlook trail on your way in is a good idea.

If the Visitor's Center parking is full when you get there, you can always go into Springdale and park somewhere there. The town shuttle has many stops. It will take you to the Zion VC and you can transfer to the park shuttle there.

Have fun!

Dayle, Thanks.

However, parking in the Park shouldn't be an issue. I have an in-park reservation and have a red auto pass (mailed to me with my reservation confirmation).

Doing the Canyon Overlook on the way in looks like the way to go.

Thanks.