I also recommend staying in Springdale. We had a nice stay at Pioneer Lodge. Very homey with friendly staff.
In Zion one of our favorite hikes is Canyon Overlook Trail. It is short but with a few interesting portions, and a great view at the end.
I agree with others and encourage you to start the Angel's Landing hike. We went all the way until you had to hang onto ropes or chains to be safe. Even without going on the more advanced section, this hike was a highlight of our time in Zion.
And don't overlook the Kolob Canyons portion of Zion (northern section); it had some beautiful scenery too, especially just after a snowfall!

Thanks again for all the advice. Here are a couple of updates:
1) We confirmed the dates to be mid-May (10th-15th), so I'm not sure if the Narrows will be open or not (I've been reading that they open late-May depending on water conditions).
2) We reserved a house in Virgin for all of us to stay in. It's about 13 miles from the main entrance to the park, but much more affordable than staying in the lodges/motels/hotels in Springdale and we get to all hang out together.
3) We've decided to definitely attempt Angel's Landing, and it's sounding like nerves will be as big a consideration for our group as my knee might be.
4) Although it's not hiking, I have been able to do about 7.5 miles of basically flat walking in a day with no trouble from my knee!

I'm putting together some sample itineraries that include Angel's Landing, the day hike of the Narrows, a guided canyoneering day, a half day horseback adventure, and a look-see around the Kolob Canyons/Terrace and Lava Point areas. We're going to focus our touring around to Zion (there's just so much to see!). As I make more headway on these sample itineraries, I'm sure I'll be sharing to get your advice!

Thanks as always, Fodorites!

I like your Iten.!!!! My daughter and I did AL. I don't think it's that big of a deal. She thought it was pretty intimidating. My wife stopped at Scouts Lookout(which is still pretty nice). AL and The Narrows are both excellent. Try to make it all the way up The Narrows to the point where you can't go any more past the dayhike.
I would at least rent shoes and probably even a wet suit pants. You will be much more comfortable and more enjoyable. Zion Adventure Co. does that along with Canyoneering.
I think you are better off doing AL as early as possible.

BTW, The Narrows is much much easier than AL. IMOP

Any hikes in particular that you guys recommend for the Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace areas? It seems like the Terraces are more technical, and that the Taylor Creek hike at KC looks like a good option.

Above I mentioned the Double Arch Alcove hike at Kolub canyons. That is the Taylor Creek hike, with the alcove being the destination. Highly recommended hike.

According to my National Parks Explorer Topo! program its 2.5 miles one way with a gain of 1275 feet and a loss of 665 feet to reach the alcove. The trail kind of ends there, but you can continue exploring up the narrow canyon for a while.

Don't forget to take an hour or so to visit Grafton ghost town, you'll be driving past the turnoff on your way to Virgin from the Park.

Good luck on Angel's Landing. It is a spectacular vantage. Just don't look down!

J62 or others: how did you like Observation Point? The photos I've seen look absolutely incredible (though, admittedly, pretty much all of the photos I've seen of Zion are jaw-dropping)!

Nelson: you're right! You did mention the Taylor Creek/Double Arch; thanks!!

For the canyoneering adventures offered by Zion Adventures, do any of you have an opinion on the half day vs. the full day?

I thought the view from Observation point was incredible - you see the entire valley and you look down upon angel's landing.

I am terribly afraid of heights though so at the top I could not get within 20 feet of the edge nor stay up there for long. The walk up zig zags across the face of the cliff for much of the hike. There were a few sections where if I stopped and looked down I'd get vertigo, but as long as I was moving I had no problems. It's a level (side to side) wide path.

It's a long hike - about 6 or 7 miles round trip with about 2000' elevation gain. The guide books list it as a 5-6 hr hike, so you need to carry food and sufficient water for the whole way. I saw a lot of hikers carrying only one little water bottle, mostly empty only part of the way up and that's not wise at all. I did the round trip in 3 hrs, but I'm a very fast hiker, and I jog downhill when I can so I can't tell you a realistic average hiker pace any different from what the guidebooks say.

2013 the narrows opened up around May 5 or 6 when the water level dropped below the threshold of about 120 cfm or so - I dont remember the exact #. You can call up the adventure shop and they can tell you what the water level is and if the trail is open. Early May a drysuit was needed. The temps air temps in the narrows were about 10-15 degrees cooler than the rest of the valley since there is little if any direct sun. I had my drysuit rolled down to my waist through a shallow section then stepped in a deep hole and got soaked, and got a chill. Thankfully I found a sunny spot to lay out all my clothes and dry them off and warm up. Another reason not to hike alone... ooops happen.

You asked about Kolob Hiking. Of course Kolob Arch (2nd largest arch) is always on the list, but it is a long hike to a somewhat non-attractive arch as compared to Landscape Arch (longest arch) at Arches National park.
I strongly suggest the Subway hike - Outstanding and, therefore, very limited daily permits. Pictures Google: Subway Zion National Park

My only concern would be canyon water level at that time (May snow melt). Call Zion back country desk and ask. 435 772-3256. The trailhead is NOT in the park, but 8.3 miles north on Kolob Terrace Road which is off highway 9 at MP 18.7 en route to Zion from St. George.

Vaga

Zion is a personal favourite of mine. Now been 3 times in last 3 years.

Never hiked at all before then, now I love it.

A.L take at slow pace as switchbacks going up (and down) do take their toll, and even if you only go to Scout Lookout its still a great view. First time up A.L was daunting but easier than I thought if you only watch a few yards in front rather than keep looking up. Going down, which I though was going to be terrifying was easier than going up as I must have increased my fear tolerances/confidence by then. 2nd trip from Grotto to top of A.L took me shy of 1hr. Last Oct I did it in 52mins. Love it every time.

Observation Point - is actually higher than A.L and you end up looking down on it. 4 miles broken into Hard - Ok - Hard - Easy as the last mile at the top is flat and sandy. Initial switchbacks are a killer. I just tend to monotonously plod on for the uphill saving viewing and photos for a more relaxed downhill. Last time took me 1hr 20mins to the marker at the top. there's a side trail to Hidden Canyon, best to take on the way down. Even if you only go to the arch its fun. It even has a chain section like A.L for a bit. Echo Canyon en-route to O.P is nice and cool for a picnic on your downward hike.

Subway - did for the first time in Oct just gone. Challenging but fun. You are basically in Zion wilderness and need a permit $10. excellent fun scrambling over boulders to reach the Subway effect at the end. Probably not suited to a dodgy knee, but a great day hike.

Emerald Pools and Riverside are easy hikes to get great views.

Canyon Overlook gives great views of the side canyon.

Many Pools is an easy but less travelled hike showing the wonders of water can do. Just after the short tunnel, pull over and its across the road.

Have fun.

Here's my trip report! Thanks again, everyone!
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ip-report.cfm#