Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon: Distance & Stops to Make [2024]
Are you planning a trip from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park?
These are two of Utah’s most popular national parks, and because they’re so close to one another, it’s easy to combine them together for one trip.
Between the towering red rocks, the deep canyons, and the unique hoodoos, you can find some of the most incredible landforms here!
Visiting both of these parks together will blow you away because of how different they are, yet they’re so close!
I’ve traveled to both of these national parks in just one trip and explored them extensively! In fact, Bryce Canyon is one of my favorite parks in the entire country!
In this post, I’m going to share everything that you need to know to get between these posts, as well as stops along the way and an itinerary for the parks. Let’s go!
Zion & Bryce Day Trip from Las Vegas
⭐ 4.5/5
✔️ Admission to both parks
✔️ Transportation between parks
✔️ Lunch, snacks, and water included
✔️ Day trip to both Zion and Bryce
Planning Information for Zion National Park
Here’s some helpful information for planning your trip to Zion.
Where to Stay Near Zion: One of the best places to stay near Zion is the Zion Lodge, right in the park. Otherwise, book a stay at the Pioneer Lodge in Springdale.
How to Get Around Zion: Between May and November, Zion requires that you take the Zion Shuttle on the main park road. Check out Discover Cars for rentals or book a campervan from Escape Campervans for exploring the rest of the park.
Book Flights to Zion: If you’re flying into Zion, I recommend using Booking.com to book your flights! Zion National Park to Las Vegas is only about 2.5 hours.
Take This Zion Tour: If you’re a first time visitor to Zion, embark on this Zion and Kolob Terrace sightseeing tour. For a more adventurous day, check out this epic Helicopter Tour over the park!
Planning Information for Bryce Canyon National Park
Here’s some helpful information for planning your trip to Bryce.
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon: One of the closest places to stay near Bryce Canyon is Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn. Another great option is Bryce View Lodge.
How to Get Around Bryce Canyon: Since there are roads throughout the park, it’s best to have your own car. For rentals, I recommend Discover Cars, or Escape Campervans for RVs and campervans.
Book Flights to Bryce Canyon: If you’re flying into Bryce Canyon, I recommend using Booking.com to book your flights! Bryce to Las Vegas is 4 hours.
Take This Bryce Canyon Tour: For first time Bryce Canyon visitors, check out this scenic tour of Bryce Canyon. Another great option for your trip is this private guided tour of Bryce Canyon.
Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon Distance
If you’re looking to drive between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, you’ll likely be glad to know that it’s a pretty short drive!
Between the two routes, it only takes an average of 2 hours of travel time to reach one destination from the other.
This equals out to be between 80 to 150 miles, depending on which route you choose to take (I’ll cover them below!).
Which Airport to Fly Into for Bryce and Zion Canyons?
Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) is the closest major airport to both Bryce and Zion. It’s otherwise known as the Harry Reid International Airport.
The Vegas airport is only 2.5 hours away from Zion, with a total of just over 160 miles.
And when compared to Bryce Canyon, LAS is just 4 hours away, or about 270 miles.
This makes it easy to drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon.
Another option is the Salt Lake City International Airport, although it’s a bit further away from both parks. I’d personally recommend Las Vegas!
Note: Flying into the Las Vegas International Airport also gives you close access to similar canyons like the Grand Canyon.
Routes Between Zion and Bryce Canyon
There are two main routes for driving the distance from Bryce Canyon to Zion or the other way around.
[Fastest] Via UT-9 and US-89
This is the route for you if you want to get between these two Utah national parks in the fastest way possible.
It’ll take about 2 hours and covers around 85 miles.
You’ll follow UT-9 from Springdale until you reach Mt. Carmel Junction, then turn onto US-89.
This leads you to UT-12, which brings you right to Bryce Canyon City and the national park.
[Easiest] Via I-15
If you don’t care about how fast the drive is and want to get there the easiest way, this is the route for you.
This route is slightly longer at about 2.5 hours and 150 miles, but it’s almost entirely on Interstate 15.
This means that there are minimal turns until you get closer to either Bryce or Zion, and you don’t have to worry as much about backroads.
Map of Distance From Bryce Canyon to Zion
I’ve included a map below of the drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park so you can easily see which routes you can take.
Stops to Make on a Zion to Bryce Road Trip
If you’re making a Zion Bryce Canyon road trip, then check out these awesome stops to take in between! Utah is so amazing and has so many great places to see. I’ve also added a map of the stops below.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Located right on the Utah-Arizona border, this beautiful state park is something that feels out of this world.
The scenic park has a huge area covered in pink sand that you can explore and experience in some unique ways.
From sandboarding to riding off-highway vehicles or just hiking through, there are all sorts of fun adventures to be had here.
Belly of the Dragon
Another great stop between Zion and Bryce is Belly of the Dragon, which is a very unique hike through a tunnel.
Although manmade, it’s still a unique adventure to hike through Belly of the Dragon.
The cave was created to be a water drainage under the highway, and the water has created an interesting effect on the walls of the cave.
It’s just a short 1/2 mile hike, so you can easily get it done on your drive!
Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon
Utah is filled with slot canyons, and this is another one to check out during your Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip.
This short and easy hike leads you through a narrow slot canyon with towering walls of red rock formations above you.
The White Wave
Most people have heard of The Wave, which is a permitted hike that can only be done if you’re able to obtain a hard-to-get lottery ticket.
White Wave is found at the end of a hike past towering white and red rock formations and soft, white sand.
Once you’ve made it, you’ll get to enjoy the view of a giant white formation that has a swirling effect that looks just like the famous Wave.
Climb to the top, snap a few pictures, and enjoy the unique views.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
If you’re looking to add a different spin to your travels, then visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
This large sanctuary is home to around 1,600 animals, from dogs to cats, rabbits, horses, and more.
One of the best things to do here is to sign up for a volunteer session with the animals, where you can meet them and help take care of them.
You can also wander through the sanctuary and see how they’re working to make the entire country No Kill by 2025.
Red Hollow Slot Canyon
As you inch closer to Bryce Canyon, you’ll continue to come across more fun stops along your way.
Red Hollow Slot Canyon is another one of Utah’s slot canyons that you can take the easy hike through.
The trail is just a short 1-mile roundtrip, and you’ll get to pass through a narrow canyon with towering red walls.
Moqui Cave
If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off, head to the Moqui Cave, which never has temperatures higher than 65 degrees F.
This museum showcases some of the history of Southern Utah, as well as the geology.
You’ll find a museum with Native American artifacts, fossils, rocks, and bright-colored minerals.
It’s built right into the side of a rock cliff, giving it a unique feel and somewhere that you can’t really find elsewhere.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Although slightly out of the way, it’s worth making the drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument.
This massive, natural amphitheater looks similar to Bryce Canyon National Park, being that it has hundreds of bright red hoodoos jutting out of the ground.
Spend some time wandering through the trails and enjoying the views.
It’s a great place to go if you want to see sites similar to Bryce Canyon but you’d prefer to avoid the crowds.
Red Canyon Arch
Found right along UT-12 as you make your way into Bryce Canyon City from US-89, you’ll find Red Canyon Arch.
You can drive right through this large arch that crosses over the highway.
It’s a beautiful drive and you’ll get to put yourself right in the stunning landscapes of Utah as you make your way to Bryce from Zion.
Losee Canyon
Your last stop before entering Bryce Canyon should be the Losee Canyon Trail in Dixie National Forest.
This nearly 6-mile roundtrip hike leads you through Utah’s southern desert, past towering hoodoos and red rock formations, and around some of the most beautiful views.
It’s a good place for hiking with your dog, as they’re allowed, and many people also use the trail for horseback riding.
Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary for 3 Days
There are so many amazing things to do in these national parks, and even with just a short amount of time, you can explore some of the best sites.
Below you’ll find an itinerary for 3 days in Zion and Bryce, so you can see what the best ways to spend your time are!
Here’s a quick look at what to expect from the itinerary:
Day One: Hiking in Zion National Park; Dinner in Springdale
Day Two: Hike The Narrows; Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park
Day Three: Hiking in Bryce Canyon; Dinner in Tropic
Day One
For day one of your time in Zion and Bryce Canyon, you’ll do some hiking in Zion, including one of the most popular and thrilling hikes in the United States!
Then you’ll embark on something a little more leisurely before heading into Springdale to end your first day of this Utah adventure.
Hike Angels Landing
One of the most popular trails in the entire United States is Angels Landing, and with a visit to Zion, you can experience it for yourself.
The 4 mile round-trip trail starts with a steep incline to a section called Walter’s Wiggles, where you’ll find 21 switchbacks.
After the switchbacks, you’ll finally reach Angels Landing, where you hike up a narrow cliff to a stunning overlook of Zion National Park.
I recommend getting there very early because when I visited, we had to wiggle past people as they went up and we came down.
Zion is now requiring permits for Angels Landing, so this will help control some of the busyness that happens at the top.
Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail
After hiking the strenuous Angels Landing trail, you’ll want something a bit more relaxing to fill up the rest of your day.
I loved the Canyon Overlook Trail, which is just a short 1-mile trail with minimal elevation gain. It’s a nice easy trail and allowed us to relax a bit after Angels Landing.
It features an amazing view into Zion Canyon and all of the surrounding mountains and rock formations.
It’s a nice relaxing trail that makes for a nice way to cool down and enjoy the views after Angels Landing.
Dinner and Exploring in Springdale
After you’ve finished today’s two main hikes, head into the small town of Springdale to explore and eat dinner.
There are several small shops to stop into and many local restaurants to eat at.
When I visited, we went to MeMe’s Cafe, which was so good! They have delicious home-cooked food, and I ordered a teriyaki burger.
Note: This is also a good time to grab your rentals for The Narrows at Zion Outfitters if needed! Otherwise, ensure you have good shoes for The Narrows with good support and grip.
Watch Sunset Over Zion Canyon
If you’re up for one more hike or adventure, then plan to watch the sunset over the Zion Canyon.
There are plenty of spots to watch the sunset, and there are places where you can either hike to watch or just pull off on the side of the road.
A few of the most popular places are The Watchman, Observation Point, and Timber Creek Overlook.
No matter where you watch the sun sink down, it’ll be one of the best ways to end your day.
Other Activities in Zion for Day One
There are so many more great things to do in Zion that can be added to your Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary if you have extra time on day one.
Here’s a list of a few extra things to do if you’ve got spare time:
- Zion Human History Museum
- Go stargazing at night
- Court of the Patriarchs
- Lava Point
- Go river rafting
- Go horseback riding in Zion Canyon
Day Two
The start of day two on your Bryce and Zion itinerary begins with another of the most popular hikes, where you’ll get to hike through water!
Then you’ll make the drive over to Bryce and end the day with an incredible sunset.
Hike The Narrows
To start day two, wake up with the sun and hop on the Zion shuttle to head on out to the Temple of Sinawava for The Narrows.
I’d recommend getting to the shuttle stop very early since The Narrows gets very packed. We saw lots of people coming in as we were coming out and were so thankful that we missed the crowds!
The Narrows is a section of Zion Canyon that the Virgin River flows through. You can hike through it and experience one of the most unique hikes ever!
Whether you’re a beginner hiking the Narrows, or someone that hikes all the time, it’s definitely a must while in Zion.
Plan to have at least 5 hours to hike The Narrows, especially if you want to see the best places like Wall Street or the Orderville Canyon.
Drive to Bryce Canyon
After you’ve finished up hiking The Narrows, it’s time to start making your way down to Bryce Canyon.
This drive is pretty easy, since it’s only about 2 hours in travel time and around 85 miles in distance.
Since you’ll likely have some extra time here, plan to make some stops between Bryce and Zion to make your drive more entertaining.
It’s a beautiful drive, and there are so many great slot canyons, viewpoints, and more along the way!
Sunset at Sunset Point
After a long day of exploring these national parks, ending the day with something spectacular is a must!
At Sunset Point, you can watch the sun go down over the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, which will be the perfect start to your time in the park.
This viewpoint is easily accessible from the parking lot, and you won’t have to hike to reach it. Which is my favorite type of sunset spot!
It’s actually found along a paved trail that connects to Sunrise Point, which is where you’ll start your third day.
Day Three
For your final day of your 3 days in Zion and Bryce, you’ll spend some time exploring Bryce Canyon National Park.
You’ll see the most beautiful places in the park and then end the day with a delicious dinner in the small town of Tropic.
Sunrise at Sunrise Point
Start the day off nice and early at Sunrise Point to watch as the sun comes up from beyond the horizon over Bryce’s hoodoos.
Sunrise Point is a paved area that can easily be reached with just a short walk from the parking lot.
So there’s no need to wake up 3 hours before the sun and hike to the viewpoint!
This is the perfect way to finish off your 3 days in Zion and Bryce Canyon!
Hike the Wall Street and Queens Garden Trail
The hike to Wall Street and Queens Garden Trail are the most popular trails in all of Bryce Canyon.
This 3.2-mile trail brings you right down into the hoodoos and allows you to see them from a different perspective.
You’ll hike past iconic landmarks like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street, which are two of the must-sees in Bryce.
You can start the hike at either Sunrise or Sunset Point, and then you’ll
I know most people like to hike up Wall Street, or go clockwise on the loop, but honestly, if you want to avoid some of the crowds, I’d recommend going counter-clockwise!
This allows you to walk down Wall Street instead of up, and if you start early enough, you’ll miss some of the crowds!
Take the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
After completing the amazing Queens Garden loop, it’s time to cool down and relax for a bit by driving the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.
This road stretches all the way from Bryce Canyon City to Rainbow Point, which stands at 9,115 feet.
I’d recommend going all the way since the further you get, the fewer crowds there are! Plus, there are some great views that you won’t want to miss!
Natural Bridge was my favorite pull-off on this road, but there are dozens of others to stop at too!
Visit Mossy Cave, Turret Arch, and Little Windows
Once you’ve made it to the end of the scenic drive, turn around and exit the main area of the park.
You’ll want to turn onto UT-12 towards Tropic, where you’ll check out one more area of the park to end your Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary.
Stop just before reaching Tropic at Mossy Cave.
This short hike leads you to a small waterfall, a unique moss-covered cave, a unique view of the back of the hoodoos, and Turret Arch.
I personally really loved this spot because it felt like it wasn’t even part of the park. There were so few people and we were able to really enjoy it in solitude!
Dinner in Tropic
Finally after a long few days of exploring Bryce and Zion National Park, it’s time for your final dinner, which I recommend grabbing in Tropic.
There are a few different places to eat here, but I specifically recommend heading to I.D.K Barbecue.
They serve some of the most delicious barbecue! We got a good mix of their menu to share and ended it with a cup of peach cobbler. So good!
Other Activities in Bryce Canyon for Day Three
If you’ve found yourself having some extra time at the end of during your itinerary for Bryce Canyon and Zion, then check out these other activities.
- Fairyland Point
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Tower Bridge
- Navajo Loop
- Peekaboo Canyon
- Inspiration Point
Where to Stay Between Zion and Bryce
If you’re planning a Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip, you may be searching for places to stay between the two.
Luckily, there are many places to choose from when you’re looking for where to stay between Zion and Bryce.
The best towns that offer hotels between the two are Mt. Carmel Junction, Orderville, Glendale, and Hatch.
Below are some of the best hotels for this trip.
➡️ Arrowhead Country Inn & Cabins: At this working ranch, you can enjoy a delicious, handmade, farm-fresh breakfast, gorgeous views from your room or cabin, and a pool and hot tub to relax in.
➡️ Mountain Ridge Cabins & Lodging: Enjoy recently renovated rooms or cabins on this stunning property. Sit back at the nightly bonfires, walk to nearby local restaurants, and be within a short distance of Zion or Bryce.
➡️ Historic Smith Hotel Bed & Breakfast: Nestled at the base of Utah’s mountains, enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning, outdoor spaces to relax, and comfortable rooms, right between the two parks.
Which is Better: Bryce Canyon or Zion?
Choosing between Zion and Bryce Canyon is tough because the parks are very different.
While they both feature towering red rock formations that feel otherworldly, it’s impossible to compare them!
I loved Bryce Canyon more because it wasn’t as busy, had more unique features, and I liked the hikes better.
But that doesn’t mean that you’ll feel the same way. Honestly, it’s hard to choose between these amazing parks.
If you only have one day to visit them, you could try visiting Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon in one day.
Visiting Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon in One Day
While it isn’t ideal, it is possible to see Bryce and Zion in one day, if you’re running short on time.
With the two parks being so close together, it’s easy to visit one in the morning and then make the quick drive to the other for the afternoon.
The only tricky part is that with just one day, you’ll need to skip some things and make some tough choices! To hit some of the best things, it’ll already be a long day!
If you’re going to do this, I would recommend starting your day as early as you possibly can to really get the most out of it. If you can start at 6:00 am, great!
Then, I would follow a plan similar to this one:
- 6:00 am: Get on the first Zion shuttle and ride it to either Angel’s Landing or The Narrows. You’ll need to choose one.
- 11:00 am: Finish the hike and head into Springdale to grab lunch.
- 12:00 pm: Start the drive to Bryce Canyon National Park.
- 2:30 pm: Arrive in Bryce Canyon and make your way to the Queens Garden Loop Trail.
- 4:30 pm: Finish the hike and drive the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at all of the viewpoints.
- 6:30 pm: Dinner in Tropic.
- Sunset: Watch sunset at Sunset Point in the park.
Getting Around Bryce and Zion
If you’re driving from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon, having your own car is best, since it’s the easiest way to get around.
I recommend renting a car from Discover Cars, if you’re going to be flying into Utah (or Las Vegas!).
Here’s some more information about getting around these parks.
Zion National Park
When driving on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive between May and November, you’ll need to use the Zion shuttle.
This is put in place to prevent large amounts of traffic on the main park road, and allow people to get from place to place easily.
There are other roads in the park that you can drive with your own car, but Angels Landing and The Narrows are found on the shuttle road.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Getting around Bryce Canyon is pretty easy, since none of the roads require a shuttle or anything. You can simply use your own car!
Although, when we visited, we took the available shuttle into the park, which was really convenient! It’s free to use.
The Bryce Canyon shuttle allows you to avoid congestion in the park and get to trailheads and viewpoints quickly.
How Much Time Do I Need in Bryce or Zion?
If you’re planning a visit to these parks, it’s important to make sure that you have enough time to see all of the best stuff.
I would personally recommend having at least 2 days in each park, but if you can make it work to have 3 or more, that’s even better.
Having 4-6 days spread out between Bryce and Zion will allow you to do all of the best activities and then some.
If you only have 1-3 days, you can still see some pretty awesome things, but you’ll need to pick and choose a little more.
Best Time of Year to Visit Utah’s National Parks
One nice thing about visiting Utah’s national parks is that they are great for visiting all year round!
However, the heat in Utah is also extreme during certain parts of the year, and these are the times to avoid them.
The best time to visit Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon is during spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds.
This is typically between March and May and then again between September and November.
When we visited, we made the mistake of going in June, and it was miserably hot, so I’d really stay away from those summer months.
Visiting Zion in October through February, winter, can be nice, but the snow can make getting out and hiking more difficult.
Tips for Visiting Utah National Parks
Below I’ve listed a few of the best tips for visiting Utah’s national parks to ensure you have a blast while there. Following these tips will help you avoid unwanted problems.
What to Pack for a Bryce and Zion Road Trip
Packing for a trip to Utah’s desert can be tricky, since you’ll want to make sure that you either stay warm or stay cool, depending on the time of year.
Below are some of the things that I recommend packing for your visit to Zion and Bryce.
✔️ Comfortable Clothing
For hot-weather hiking, I always recommend packing lightweight, fast-drying clothes. Choose clothes made of polyester, or Merino wool.
✔️ Supportive Hiking Boots
Having boots that protect your feet is very important! Make sure they are sturdy and have good grip on the bottom.
✔️ Hiking Backpack
You’ll also want a supportive and comfortable backpack that can hold all of your gear for the day.
✔️ Camera
Don’t forget your camera! You’ll see endless beautiful views and you don’t want to miss out on snapping those pictures.
✔️ America the Beautiful Pass
Since you’re visiting two parks, I’d recommend getting an America the Beautiful pass. It’s only $80 and is good for all US national parks for an entire year!
✔️ Sun Protection
The Utah desert is hot! Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. It’ll also help you to stay cool.
✔️ Snacks and Water
While you’re hiking, you’ll want plenty of snacks and water to keep yourself fueled and hydrated on the trail.
FAQs: Drive From Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon
Is There a Scenic Drive From Zion to Bryce Canyon?
The distance from Zion to Bryce Canyon is not a scenic drive, but it is still beautiful. You’ll drive through stunning red rock formations for the whole drive.
Which Park is Nicer Zion or Bryce?
Both parks are great, and it depends what you want to do. I personally liked Bryce Canyon better, but a lot of people really love Zion!
How Many Days Do You Need for Bryce Canyon and Zion?
I’d recommend at least 3 days to properly see both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, but having even more is best.
How Long is the Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon?
The distance for how long it is to drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon is only about 2 hours.
Should I Spend the Most Time in Zion or Bryce?
I’d spend a little more time in Zion, since the hikes here are more strenuous and you’ll need to account for the shuttle.
How Many Days in Zion National Park?
I would spend at least 2 days in Zion National Park, but if you have less, you can get all the best stuff, like Angels Landing and The Narrows, in one day if needed.
How Many Days in Bryce Canyon National Park?
Plan to have at least 2 days in Bryce Canyon National Park to fully experience this beautiful park.
Is Bryce Canyon Busier Than Zion?
No, Bryce Canyon is usually less busy than Zion.
Is the Drive from Zion to Bryce Scary?
No, the drive is not scary since it’s either on an interstate or along backroads. There aren’t any cliffs to worry about on the drive between the parks!
Is the Drive from Zion to Bryce Pretty?
Yes, the drive from Zion to Bryce is very beautiful! It features views of red rocks and all sorts of other scenic views.
Can I Do Zion and Bryce in One Day?
Yes, you can do Bryce and Zion in one day if you really need to. You’ll need to pick and choose what you do, but it can be done.
Can I Visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches in One Trip?
If you want to drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon to Arches National Park, you’ll need at least 5 days. Arches is about 6 hours from Zion, so you’ll need extra time to drive.
Wrap-Up: Zion and Bryce Canyon Road Trip
Visiting two of Utah’s most popular parks is easily one of the best things to do while visiting the Southwest United States!
And luckily, the distance from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is very manageable and can be done in just 2 short hours!
So if you’re running low on time, you can plan these parks into one day, or just pair them together for a nice road trip.
Either way, I love both of these parks, and I’m sure that you’ll love them too!
