Bryce Canyon Vs. Zion: Which is Better in 2024?
Are you trying to decide between visiting Bryce Canyon vs Zion National Park?
These Utah parks are both worthwhile, and I’ve visited them both! I really loved each of them, and deciding which is the best was a difficult choice.
I worked together with Eireann from Wild Trail Finder to use our extensive knowledge to help you decide which is best.
In this post, we’ll cover everything there is to know to help you decide on which to park to visit, or if you should just put them together and make on long trip! Let’s dive in.
Bryce Canyon vs Zion National Parks: Which is Better?
Bryce Canyon and Zion are two of the most popular parks out of Utah’s Mighty Five and for good reasons!
They both offer stunning scenery, diverse activities, great scenic drives, and unique hikes.
But they also have some significant differences that make them unique and appealing to different types of visitors.
Bryce Canyon is known for having bright orange and red rock formations called hoodoos. It actually has the largest concentration of hoodoos on the planet!
On the other hand, Zion is most well-known for its challenging hikes and towering canyon walls that lead through the entire park.
If I had to choose, I would personally go for Bryce Canyon over Zion! I love the colors of the hoodoos, how quiet the park is compared to Zion, and the chances to see the Milky Way.
Here are some of the main similarities and differences between these two parks, so you can choose which one better suits you.
Differences Between Bryce and Zion
Things to Do
Here are some of the very best things to do in each of the national parks. If you love hiking the most, I’d go to Zion! If you prefer more viewpoints, Bryce Canyon is for you.
Bryce Canyon National Park
- Explore the hoodoos, spires, and arches along the Rim Trail.
- Hike the iconic Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the park from Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, or Bryce Point.
- Take a scenic drive on the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.
- See the Milky Way at night from within Bryce Canyon.
Zion National Park
- Complete the challenging Narrows Hike through Zion Canyon
- Climb to the top of Angels Landing
- Admire the towering cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls of Zion Canyon.
- Discover the hidden gems of Kolob Canyons.
- Try rock climbing, canyoneering, or mountain biking.
- Visit the Zion Human History Museum or the Zion Nature Center.
Hiking
Both Bryce Canyon and Zion are home to some of the best hiking trails in the states, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous and short to long. However, there are some differences in the hiking experience between the two parks.
Bryce Canyon
Most of the trails in Bryce Canyon are located below the rim of the amphitheaters, which means you will be hiking among the famous hoodoos.
One of my favorite parts is that the trails in Bryce Canyon are generally less crowded than in Zion, especially in the off-season or early morning!
During my recent visit, my favorite hike was to Tower Bridge. It was just so much less crowded than Queens Garden and was still just as beautiful.
Zion
As for Zion, most of the trails are located along the floor or on the walls of Zion Canyon, which means you will be hiking with views of the cliffs and canyons above you.
Trails here are generally more crowded, especially when it comes to The Narrows and Angels Landing, which is one of the most famous switchback trails in the states.
But if you’re up for a few challenging hikes, then you’ll definitely want to check out Angels Landing and The Narrows!
Geography
Bryce Canyon and Zion have very different geological features that create their distinctive landscapes. While they’re similar with their red rocks, the formations are pretty different.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is actually a series of natural amphitheaters, rather than a canyon. It’s main attraction is the tall pillars of rock called hoodoos.
One of the most beautiful parts of Bryce is the color, which varies from red to orange to pink to white, depending on the minerals and iron oxides in the rocks.
Zion
Zion is a true canyon formed by the Virgin River, cutting through layers of sedimentary rock over millions of years.
The main attraction of Zion is the sheer cliffs that rise up to 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, creating a dramatic contrast with the green valley below.
Location
Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are located in southwestern Utah, but they are separated by about 80 miles (or an hour and a half drive).
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is located right outside of the small towns of Bryce Canyon City and Tropic.
It’s about a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City and about 5 hours from Las Vegas. Bryce is also closer to Utah’s other national parks, such as Arches National Park and Capitol Reef.
Zion
Zion is closer to Las Vegas, only about 3 hours away, and is right outside of the small town of Springdale.
It’s the closest to the Grand Canyon, and you can easily visit Bryce Canyon or Zion and the Grand Canyon in one trip!
Size
Both of these parks are different sizes and can be explored in a different amount of time. If you’re short on time, I would recommend going to Bryce Canyon because it’s much smaller.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is smaller than Zion, covering about 35,000 acres of land, so it’s easier to explore if you only have a day or two.
Most of the attractions are concentrated along the rim or within the amphitheaters, so it’s easier to explore.
On our first visit, we spent 2 days in Bryce and didn’t feel too rushed. We covered a lot of ground during this trip!
Zion
Zion is larger than Bryce Canyon, covering about 230,000 acres of land, so it’s perfect for a longer trip of 4+ days.
Zion is more spread out and harder to explore, as some of the areas are remote or require permits or shuttle buses to access.
We spent just 3 days in Zion on our first visit and even then we felt rushed! I’d give yourself closer to 4 or 5 days!
Crowds
If you don’t love crowds, then these parks might not be for you. But for fewer crowds, definitely head to Bryce Canyon. Zion gets very busy.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is less popular and visited than Zion, receiving about 2.6 million visitors per year! This definitely is still quite a few!
Bryce Canyon is more quiet and peaceful, especially in the winter or early morning and allows for more solitude.
We actually visited on a Tuesday during our most recent visit and it was so quiet! We had so much freedom on the trails and it was amazing.
Zion
Zion National Park has become one of the most popular parks in the country, so there’s no question to the fast that it’s more popular, seeing around 4.5 million visitors per year.
It’s especially crowded in the summer or midday. This can make for busy trails as well as less availability for lodging, camping, and parking.
Wildlife
Neither Bryce Canyon or Zion are filled with tons of wildlife like Yellowstone, but they do have a few different animals to watch out for. Bryce supposedly has more, but I saw more in Zion!
Bryce Canyon
In Bryce Canyon, you can watch out for mammals like mule deer, pronghorn, and elk. There are also birds and reptiles.
The one animal that we saw in Bryce Canyon was a big black crow that sat and stared at us as we ate our sandwiches. Not my favorite wildlife encounter, but we’ll take it.
Zion
As for Zion, there are also mammals like mule deer and my favorite, bighorn sheep. There are also large birds and small lizards.
The only wildlife that we saw in Zion were small squirrels, a few bighorn sheep, and some lizards scurrying up trees.
Photography
If you’re a big photography lover and enjoy capturing the beauty of national parks, then Zion or Bryce Canyon will be the perfect subjects for you.
Bryce Canyon
Sunrise and sunset are magical times to photograph Bryce Canyon with the sun casting a beautiful glow on the hoodoos.
If you want the most magical shots, head to Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Sunset Point, or Sunrise Point for great panoramic shots.
The Milky Way shines here and many people head into the hoodoos at 3 am to capture it! If you’re up for it, give it a go.
Zion
Golden hour is the prime time for photography when the sun’s glow illuminates the canyon walls, really bringing out those stunning oranges and reds.
I loved taking photos at Angels Landing because you get the best views from above. Plus, if you want photos of yourself, there are tons of people to ask.
Getting Around
When you’re wondering what is better Bryce Canyon or Zion, there are quite a few differences in getting around. Bryce Canyon is definitely easier than Zion since there is no shuttle.
Bryce Canyon
The best way to drive to the park’s main viewpoints is via the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. This is open to private cars, so you can go on your own!
Or, if you’d prefer not to drive your own car, there is a free shuttle service in the summer that runs along the main park road. We took this and it made our lives so easy.
Zion
You can reach most things in Zion via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, but this road is closed to private vehicles for most of the year.
You’ll need to take the shuttle from March until December. It’s free, but when we visited, it was a pain to get onto. We waited in line for an hour! But, it does provide easy access to the main trailheads.
You can also drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway or around other parts of the park in your own car.
Cost to Visit
Since these are national parks, there is a cost to visit both parks. You won’t be able to enter without one, and you’ll get fined if you’re caught without.
At both Zion and Bryce, it’s $35 for a 7-day pass, which covers everyone in your car. You can also get individual tickets for $20 if you’re entering on foot or by bike.
But I would recommend getting the America the Beautiful annual pass for $80 which gives you access to Bryce and Zion National Parks, as well as all of the other national parks in the country for a year.
Which is Best for Families: Zion or Bryce Canyon
If you’re traveling with your family, then you’ll be glad to know that both parks are really great choices, but I would personally opt for Bryce Canyon National Park.
Families with young children can enjoy the Rim Trail, which offers relatively flat and short walks with stunning views of the hoodoos.
Plus, the park offers nighttime ranger programs that can be a unique experience for kids.
Zion is nice for kids too, since the shuttle system makes getting around easier for families, but most of the hikes are longer and more difficult.
Is Bryce or Zion Better in Winter?
If you’re planning a visit in the winter, I would recommend Bryce. Last winter, my husband and I decided to embrace the magic of the season with a trip to Bryce Canyon.
The park’s transformation under a blanket of snow was nothing short of enchanting. As we gazed upon the hoodoos adorned with glistening snowflakes, we were left in awe.
We grabbed our winter-ready hiking boots and went snowshoeing on the snow-covered trails. It made for such a peaceful and romantic experience!
The highlight of our trip was the nighttime ranger program. Under the starry skies of Bryce, we joined a ranger-led stargazing session. We learned about the constellations through telescopes and it was so stunning!
So if you’re looking to experience hiking in the winter and the beauty of Utah under snow, I recommend checking out Bryce Canyon for your trip!
Is Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon Better for Non-Hikers?
While hiking is one of the best ways to see the views in Zion vs Bryce Canyon, there are so many ways to see the parks without! Bryce Canyon is best for this.
During our visit to Bryce Canyon, my partner and I were accompanied by my elderly parents who couldn’t do strenuous hikes.
Sunrise and Sunset Points quickly became our favorite spots, since we could just park the car and easily walk to the viewpoints. The accessibility really stood out!
Although, Zion also offers a range of accessible viewpoints. The scenic shuttle ride is great for this, since you don’t have to hike but still get to see the views.
The Riverside Walk is also great for those who don’t mind a short walk. It’s paved, easy, short, and has great views of the Virgin River!
Best Time of Year to Visit Bryce Canyon and Zion
When it comes to weather, Bryce Canyon has a comfortable climate in spring and fall, and warmer temperatures in summer. With winter comes a unique and unforgettable experience as the park is covered in white snow.
As for Zion, temperatures are very hot in the summer months and cooler the rest of the year. There is snow occasionally, but not often.
Overall, we recommend visiting in spring or fall to make sure that you have comfortable weather!
Can You Visit Both Bryce and Zion Canyons in One Trip?
Absolutely, and many people do! A common recommendation is to start with Zion and then head to Bryce.
The drive from Zion to Bryce is only about 1.5 hours, so it’s fairly short, and it’s scenic! If you take the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, you’ll have amazing views the whole way.
I would recommend taking your time though if you plan to visit both parks, because they both have a lot to offer. Don’t rush just to see both!
FAQs About Bryce or Zion
Is Bryce Canyon Less Busy than Zion?
Yes, Bryce Canyon is less busy than Zion, especially in peak season.
Should I Spend More Time in Zion or Bryce?
I think that Zion requires more time because the hikes are longer and getting places takes more time with the shuttle.
Can I Do Zion and Bryce In One Day?
I wouldn’t recommend visiting Zion and Bryce in one day because you won’t be able to see everything. The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is 1.5 hours, so that alone eats up your time.
What’s Better Bryce Canyon or Zion?
I personally prefer Bryce Canyon over Zion, but both parks are fantastic and worth visiting.
Is the Drive From Zion to Bryce Scary?
The drive on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway can be scary to get the distance from Zion to Bryce because it is windy and narrow, but once you’re off of that, it isn’t scary anymore.
Can You Stay in Between Zion and Bryce?
Yes, you can stay in Mount Carmel Junction, which is almost the halfway point. Otherwise, Panguitch offers a few accommodations.
How Much Time Do You Need at Bryce and Zion National Parks?
Between both Zion and Bryce Canyon, I would have at least 6 days to see both parks.
Can You Drive Through Bryce Canyon to Zion
Yes, you can drive through Bryce Canyon to Zion. You’ll take the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to get there.
Is Zion or Bryce Easier to Get To?
Zion is easier to get to than Bryce since it’s located closer to Las Vegas.
Why is Bryce Colder Than Zion?
Bryce is colder than Zion because it’s at a higher elevation.
Wrap-Up: Zion vs Bryce
There’s a lot to know about Bryce or Zion, and now you know all of the best aspects of each, so you can plan your visit.
If you can only visit one, I personally would recommend Bryce Canyon. It’s less crowded, beautiful, has cooler weather, and is great for both hikers and non-hikers.
Now that you know which is the best of these two parks, it’s time to start planning the rest of your getaway to the Southwest USA.
