Kanab Utah To Bryce Canyon And Zion National Park Road Trip

Planning a road trip to Utah? Some of the best spots are on the route between Kanab Utah to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. After living in my campervan and traveling full-time for many years, Utah is one of my favorite places to road trip.

The best way to complete this road trip is a loop from Las Vegas to Kanab Utah, to Bryce Canyon, then Zion National Park and back to Vegas. This way, you’ll see all the best spots and make the most efficient use of your time.

In this article:

• The best route and things to see along the way
• Highlights in Valley Of Fire and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• Best things to do in Kanab Utah
• Itineraries for Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

Start Your Road Trip In Las Vegas

A loop road trip from Las Vegas to Kanab Utah, Bryce Canyon, Zion and back is the perfect way to spend a week in the southwest.

I always recommend Las Vegas as the best starting location for most roadtrips throughout Utah and Arizona for a few reasons.

First, Las Vegas tends to have the most number of flights and schedule options at the best prices.

Second, Vegas also tends to have much cheaper car rentals than other nearby airports (like Salt Lake City or Phoenix).

Las Vegas to Kanab Utah

1. Valley Of Fire State Park

Valley Of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest and biggest state park. It’s famous for its stunning red sandstone formations, and ancient petroglyphs.

The landscape is so unique. You’ll feel like you’re exploring another planet while you’re here.

I recommend one of these short hikes in Valley of Fire:

• Fire Wave and Seven Wonders Loop (1.9 miles)
• Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse’s Tank Trail (0.7 miles)
• Elephant Rock Trail (0.3 miles)

Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle

2. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

As the name suggests, this state park has pink sand! One of the most unique things to do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is to rent a sand board or sand sled ($25) and ride the dunes.

I also recommend a short hike in Coral Pink Sand Dunes:

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail (0.8 miles)
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes Loop Extension (2.2 miles)

Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle

Where To Stay In Kanab Utah

Kanab Utah is a smaller town, but it’s packed with great restaurants, shops, and plenty of options for where to stay.

• Vermilion Inn – budget
• Quality Inn Kanab – mid-range
• Canyons Boutique Hotel – luxury resort in a Victorian home
• White Camel – unique Geodome stays

Best Things To Do In Kanab Utah

There are many fantastic things to do in Kanab Utah, especially if you’re looking to spend time outdoors exploring the unique landscape of southern Utah. You’ll find fascinating caves and unusual rock formations everywhere you look.

My favorite things to do in Kanab Utah are exploring Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon and Toadstool Hoodoos.

1. Toadstool Hoodoos

The Toadstool Hoodoos are located on a short 1.5 mile hike where you’ll be able to see the unusual sandstone formations that look like giant mushrooms.

Even though this hike is short, it’s completely exposed so if you’re hiking during the hot summer months you definitely want to bring water with you.

Entrance Fee: Free

2. Kanab Sand Caves (Also Called Moqui Caves)

The Kanab Sand Caves are only 5 miles outside of downtown Kanab. They’re a series of really neat (man made!) caves you can explore with an easy 1 mile hike.

Because these are located right off the main road they’re easy to see from the car (if you don’t feel like hiking), and are a quick detour if you’re en route to other stops in Kanab Utah, like Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon.

Entrance Fee: Free

3. Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon (Also Called Red Canyon)

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon is a great alternative to Antelope Canyon – which is farther away near Page, Arizona and can only be accessed through a paid tour.

There is a short 1-mile trail through these slot canyons where you can walk through the narrow openings eroded in the sandstone over millions of years.

The catch to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyons is that the access road to the trailhead is not really a road. It can have deep sand that makes it hard to navigate. In order to reach this hike you’ll need to have a 4wd vehicle or ATV.

Note: the AllTrails link above shows this is a 7-mile trail. It is not, the trail is 1-mile but the route on AllTrails includes the unpaved road in, which you will need to drive.

Don’t have a 4×4 vehicle? You can join a guided group tour to Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon (around $70 per person), or book a private guide with ATV to take you (around $130 per person).

Entrance Fee: Free (or cost of booked tour)

Kanab Utah To Bryce Canyon National Park

1. Ice Cream And Tamales At Panguitch Gem Theater

A short detour off the main road is Panguitch Gem Theater. Yes, it’s a theater, but it is also home to a famous ice cream shop and Mexican restaurant.

This is definitely worth the extra drive time (less than 10-minutes) from the main road to stop in for lunch and a sweet treat on your drive from Kanab Utah to Bryce Canyon.

2. Red Canyon, Dixie National Forest

Red Canyon, part of Dixie National Forest, is located about 20 minutes outside of Bryce Canyon. Stop into the visitors center where you can take your picture with the Smokey Bear statue and pick up a map before taking a few hikes.

The best hikes in Red Canyon are Losee Canyon (5.9 miles), where you can see hoodoos and Birdseye Trail (2.3 miles) with unique rock formations.

As you leave Red Canyon and head towards Bryce Canyon you’ll pass under the famous Red Canyon Arch. This is an iconic spot for photos along Utah Byway 12 between Kanab Utah and Bryce Canyon.

Entrance Fee: Free

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the smallest parks in the US, but it’s jam packed with things to do.

If you’re on a 5-day road trip, I recommend spending at least one day in Bryce Canyon so you can see the highlights.

If you’re on a 7-day road trip then two days in Bryce Canyon will allow you to take a few additional hikes.

Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (or free with America The Beautiful Park Pass)

Best Things To Do In Bryce Canyon

While you’re at Bryce Canyon I recommend taking a few hikes along the rim, as well as into the canyon.

The best hikes along the rim are Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail (1.2 miles) and Bristlecone Loop Trail (1 mile).

The best hike into the canyon (and my personal favorite hike in Bryce Canyon) is Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail (3 miles).

During the summer, Mossy Cave Trail (0.9 miles) is one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon. The trailhead is located just outside of the park entrance, and you’ll be treated with a waterfall at the end of the hike.

While most of the park can be accessed with the free Bryce Canyon shuttle, you’ll need your own vehicle if you want to access the Southern Scenic Drive – which is one of the most beautiful parts of Bryce Canyon and definitely worth it!

Where To Stay In Bryce Canyon

There’s only one hotel in Bryce Canyon National Park – The Lodge At Bryce Canyon. Rooms sell out quickly so be sure to book in advance (6+ months at least).

Right outside the entrance to Bryce Canyon, there are many options in the town of Bryce Canyon City. These are convenient to the shuttle system, too.

• Ruby’s Inn – mid-range
• Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel – luxury

Bryce To Zion National Park

1. Mammoth Cave

There’s a slight detour off the route from Bryce to Zion National Park I highly recommend. Mammoth Cave has 4 cave chambers that were created by lava, and it’s a fun (and free!) activity if you aren’t claustrophobic.

There’s an easy trail through the caves, but I recommend bringing a headlamp because it can get very dark inside.

Entrance Fee: Free

2. Lunch At The Shop

If you’ve worked up an appetite from adventuring all over Utah, be sure to stop at The Shop in Orderville on your way from Bryce Canyon to Zion.

Literally everything on this menu will make your mouth water. Try the Zion Dog (served on a pretzel bun) or the pesto grilled cheese. And definitely get an almond croissant or famous cinnamon bun to go!

There are also plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options to pick from.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of my favorite parks in the US. You could easily spend a week or more here, but if you’re on a 5-day road trip, I recommend spending one day in Zion National Park so you can see the highlights.

If you’re on a 7-day road trip then two days in Zion is a great way to fully explore.

Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (or free with America The Beautiful Park Pass)

Best Things To Do In Zion

While you’re visiting you must hike either Angels Landing (4.3 miles) or The Narrows (8.9 miles). They’re iconic hikes and so different than any other trails you’ll find in the US.

Note: Angels Landing requires a Zion permit.

I also highly recommend Canyon Overlook (0.9 miles) for sunset or sunrise. The views from the trail look down over Zion canyon and are stunning.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, Observation Point (7 miles) is a fantastic hike in Zion that has panoramic views, including the Virgin River as it cuts through the valley.

Unfortunately, the most popular path up to Observation Point suffered damage from a rock slide so for now, the best way to reach the summit is via East Mesa Trail.

The most popular area of Zion to explore is the canyon, along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. During the summer, there’s a free shuttle along this road. In the winter, you’re able to drive it with your own vehicle.

Where To Stay In Zion

There’s only one hotel in Zion – Zion Lodge. It’s an incredibly iconic lodge located in the center of the valley. The shuttle route passes right by here so it’s easy to get everywhere in the park.

Just past the main entrance to Zion is the town of Springdale. There are tons of shops, spas, restaurants and a variety of accommodations located here. It’s a very convenient place to stay while you’re visiting Zion National Park.

• Bumbleberry Inn – mid-range
• Red Cliffs Lodge At Zion Country – luxury
• 2 bedroom vacation rental – good for groups

Zion to Las Vegas

Additional Trip Planning Guides

Check out these additional trip planning guides for your Utah road trip:

• Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
• Zion National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Zion And Bryce Canyon National Park
• Bryce vs Zion: Which Is Better & Why?
• Mighty Five Utah National Parks Road Trip
• Road Trips From Las Vegas – 14 Epic Destinations