Explore Zion National Park and Drive to Lake Powell

Guests are allowed to drive their own car through Zion National Park during select times of the year, but routes and pullover parking are limited. Visitors are highly encouraged to use the free shuttle bus system instead, which travels between nine stops, culminating with the Virgin River Narrows where hikers trek through shallow water between narrowing canyon walls. (Bring appropriate shoes if this is of interest.)
You'll spend the rest of the day exploring this gorgeous national park. Angel's Landing is the most famous hike, but relatively dangerous and only for experienced hikers. It requires passes obtained via an advance lottery system. The Emerald Pools trail at the Zion Lodge exit is a more accessible trek along a stream.
Plan to visit Zion National Park early to avoid crowds. You can park at the Visitor's Center, but spaces will likely fill up if you wait too long into the day. Otherwise, you can play it safe with a free shuttle from the hotel to the Visitor's Center. Just plan ahead and adjust your time accordingly.

After spending a big chunk of your day exploring Zion National Park, you've surely built up an appetite. Walk over to Zion Canyon Brew Pub, where you can sip on locally produced beer by Zion Brewery and snack on elk burgers, buffalo meatloaf and beer-battered fish n' chips. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Even leaving Zion is a spectacular experience. You'll travel east on the Mount Carmel Highway, a scenic 12-mile route that connects two park entrances and passes through a mile-long tunnel. You're now on your way to the waterside scenery of Lake Powell, the second-largest artificial reservoir in the United States, formed by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.
Check in to the Lake Powell Resort, a quiet hotel "down-lake" at the Wahweap Marina. It has two swimming pools, fire-pit lounge areas and beautiful waterside surroundings. Ask for a view overlooking the lake or marina.
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Take a sunset dinner cruise with Lake Powell Boat Tours, The departing dock is just steps away from the hotel. The journey begins at 6pm during the majority of the season and lasts two hours with a three-course meal included. Choose between beef, salmon, chicken, or a vegetarian dish as the main entrée. Feast on dinner while cruising past mountains and dramatic rock formations. A cash bar is on board.
Passengers are asked to arrive 45 minutes early, boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure. Call 928-645-1064 with any questions or to book a reservation.

After the boat returns to dock, walk back to the hotel, where you can unwind with a drink by a fire pit or get to bed early in anticipation of another big day ahead.
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