ZION!

Angel's Landing, Observation Point for a view of the valley and looking down on Angel's Landing. Unfortunately the hikes are up and back and lots of switchbacks. Walter's Wiggles on the way up Angel's Landing are probably one of the most unique switchback features in the park. Depending on water depth, you might need a walking stick in the Narrows, we did. Stay at Cable Mountain or Desert Pearl if they have availability . If you have time there is a bike ride from the top of Brian Head ski area. They drop you off with a MTB and you get to scream down the mountain. Cedar Breaks is right there and if you're lucky the aspens will be in full blaze. September is about right for it. Bryce isn't too far away and I recommend running up there for a day if you can.

I need to go check flights now. You just gave me an idea of what to do this weekend!!!

That bike ride sounds like such a blast! I looked up Brian Head ski area and it looks like it's a bit of a drive. Is that why you said 'if you have time' or am I mistakin?

We keep debating back and forth about a walking stick. I keep hearing from so many sources to bring one, but never have I ever used a stick or trekking poles when hiking and I don't want to lug it around if we don't need it. I always heed everyones advice and in the end I always feel I over prepared. I guess time will tell...

Thanks for the suggestions!

I only live a couple hours away so go probably 1-2 times a year.

The one time I attempted the narrows, it was too early in the year and it was flooded.  Angels landing is great BUT, if you are afraid of heights, be warned.  There are some pretty exposed sections.  It's not your typical hike in the woods.  I would be very aprehensive to bring kids on it if they can't focus.  Too many opportunites to make BAD mistakes.  However, that's only the last 0.7 to 1 mile.  The rest is paved and really enjoyable.

You probably can only drive so much of the park, as they shut it down to vehicles except for the shuttle.  But that's enjoyable and they give you an audio tour describing the park as you ride (it free, as I recall).

I haven't had a bad meal there either.  Eveything in town is wonderful (but a little expensive during peak season). 

  Yes, Brian Head and Cedar Breaks are a bit of a drive. If you're doing the Narrows from the top down, that will probably take most of a day. As you only have 2 1/2 days, you'll probably want to do the rest exploring the park/canyon. I just threw it out as an option. Check with these people  http://www.zionadventures.com/zion-narrows/1821-check-daily-during-spring-melt/  for up to date conditions on the narrows. We have only hiked the portion of the narrows starting in the park and went north. We just rented water shoes and staffs as the water was mid thigh. It's not that the water is deep, it is just cloudy and the bottom rocky. The last three times we went the water was too high to hike because our kids were younger and it would have come up to their necks.

  As Kido mentioned, Angel's Landing is does get a bit dicey as you cross the ridge to the outcrop itself. There are chains to hang on in the exposed areas. I've actually had to assist people on two separate occasions that had gotten halfway out and lost their composure! Google Angels Landing chains in images to see if you want to try it.

They dicey part of Angel's Landing is what I'm looking forward to most about it!

Thanks everyone for your insight. I've been fretting allll summer about The Narrows getting flooded, keep your fingers crossed!