Zion to Bryce Canyon Drive: Itinerary, Map & Best Stops
The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon is 84 miles and takes just under 2 hours via US-89 and Utah Scenic Byway 12. I think it’s one of the most scenic roads in the entire Southwest.
You’ll pass red rock formations, pink sand dunes, and lava caves before the road cuts straight through a sandstone arch into Bryce Canyon country.
I’ve made this drive many times while traveling full-time in my campervan. Utah is one of my favorite places to road trip, and this particular stretch it’s stunning during every season.
Despite being less than two hours apart, Zion and Bryce Canyon are vastly different parks. Zion is a lush, green canyon carved by the Virgin River, and Bryce Canyon (technically an amphitheater, not a canyon) is a high-elevation plateau packed with thousands of orange and red hoodoos.
They complement each other perfectly, and if you’re already going to one it’s definitely worth the drive to see the other!
In this guide:
- How many days you need for Zion and Bryce Canyon
- Where to fly in (Las Vegas vs. Salt Lake City)
- The drive route and what to see along the way
- Day-by-day itineraries for 3 days and 5 days
- Best hikes, things to do, and where to stay at each park
- Entrance fees, best time to visit, and FAQ
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How Many Days Do You Need for Zion and Bryce Canyon?
Most people need 3–5 days to visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Here’s how I would plan an itinerary for both options:
3 days gives you one full day in Zion, one travel day with stops between the parks, and one full day in Bryce Canyon. You can see the highlights at both parks, but it’s a tight schedule.
5 days is the more relaxed option and the one I recommend. Spend two days in Zion, overnight in Kanab with a full day of side trips, and two days in Bryce Canyon. This gives you enough time to do the best hikes at both parks and actually enjoy the stops in between.
Can you do Zion and Bryce Canyon in one day? Technically yes (the drive is under 2 hours) but you’d only have time for a quick stop at each.
Where to Fly Into for Zion and Bryce Canyon
There are two good airport options, and which one makes more sense depends on how you structure your trip.
Las Vegas (LAS) is the most popular choice. It’s 2.5 hours from Zion and about 4 hours from Bryce Canyon, and it consistently has lower flight prices, more direct routes, and cheaper rental car rates than Salt Lake City.
If you’re doing a round trip, fly into Vegas. You can follow my full Las Vegas to Zion National Park driving guide for stops along that first stretch, including Valley of Fire State Park.
Salt Lake City (SLC) makes more sense if you want to do the trip in reverse (Bryce Canyon first, then Zion) or if you plan to extend into Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef for the full Utah Mighty 5 National Parks road trip.
SLC is about 4 hours from Bryce Canyon and just over 4.5 hours from Zion’s main entrance in Springdale. Flight prices tend to be higher than Vegas, but if you’re covering more ground to the north and east, it’s worth it.
The best option for a longer Utah trip: Fly into Las Vegas, drive Zion → Bryce Canyon → Arches → SLC, and fly home from Salt Lake City. This eliminates backtracking and lets you add Capitol Reef and Canyonlands along the way without any duplication.
From Salt Lake City to Arches National Park the drive is under 4 hours, and is an easy highway drive without much traffic.
TIP: I recommend booking your rental car with Discover Cars. They negotiate competitive rates across multiple providers and allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, so you can lock in a good rate early without stress.
The Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon

Distance: 84 miles
Drive time: 1 hour, 54 minutes (without stops)
Route: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway → US-89 North → Utah Scenic Byway 12
This route is remote. There is no public transportation between the two parks, so you’ll need your own vehicle or a rental car.
If you’d prefer not to drive, there are guided day trip tours from Las Vegas to Zion and Bryce Canyon that cover both parks.
From Zion’s east entrance, the drive begins on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, a stunning stretch of road that passes through a long tunnel and winds past formations like Checkerboard Mesa.
Once you exit the park and reach Mount Carmel Junction, you’ll turn north on US-89. A detour south at the junction will take you to Kanab (more on that below).
From there, the route picks up Utah Scenic Byway 12, which carries you through Dixie National Forest, past Red Canyon Arch, and directly into Bryce Canyon.
TIP: This is a great trip to do in a campervan! There are free dispersed campsites throughout Utah, and Scenic Byway 12 has some of the best roadside camping I’ve found in the Southwest. Outdoorsy is a solid peer-to-peer rental platform if you want to try van life for this trip.
⚠️ Oversized Vehicle Access To Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel:
Beginning June 7, 2026, oversized vehicles will no longer have access to the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel.
Previously, the tunnel was accessible with a permit, but oversized permits have been discontinued.
To access the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel your vehicle cannot exceed any of the following criteria:
Length: 35’9″ (50′ if towing, trailer cannot exceed 26′), Width: 7’10”, Height: 11’4″, Weight: 50,000 lbs
If your vehicle is oversized, two alternative routes will get you to US-89:
- US-59 South from Hurricane → 389 East through Kaibab → US-89 North in Fredonia (3 hours)
- US-15 North to Cedar City → US-14 East to Duck Creek → US-89 North of Alton (2 hours, 40 minutes)
I recommend the southern loop through Hurricane and Fredonia (shown below.) It adds less time and still puts you on Scenic Byway 12 for the approach into Bryce Canyon. The other route (through Cedar City) skips Kanab, which is worth the detour.

Map Of Zion And Bryce Canyon
Use this map of Zion and Bryce Canyon to plan your trip! I’ve labeled items by location (noted by color) as well as by activity type (noted by icon).
How To Use This Map:
1. To open in a new tab, click [] in the top right corner of the map.
2. To save to your Google Maps account, click ☆ (you must be signed in to Google).
3. To use during your trip, open Google Maps on your phone, select “You” from the bottom bar, scroll down and click the maps icon for a list of your saved custom maps.
Best Stops Between Zion and Bryce Canyon
There’s enough to see along this route that it could easily fill an extra day on its own. If you’re short on time, the scenic drive on RT-12 is still worth it. But if you have a full day to spend between the parks, Kanab and its surrounding area are genuinely some of the most unusual landscapes in the US.
Quick-reference stops:
- Checkerboard Mesa (roadside viewpoint, free, no hiking required)
- Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, great for sunrise)
- Kanab, UT (slot canyons, pink sand dunes, hoodoos)
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Mammoth Cave (free lava cave, half-mile loop)
- Panguitch Gem Theater (lunch/ice cream detour)
- Red Canyon Arch (Dixie National Forest)
Kanab, Utah

When you reach Mount Carmel Junction, take the short detour south on US-89 into Kanab (about 30 minutes each way.)
Kanab is one of the more underrated stops in southern Utah. It’s surrounded by slot canyons, hoodoos, and sand dunes within a short drive, and there are good tour operators in town for the hikes that require guidance or 4×4 access.
I recommend spending a night here if your schedule allows it.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

💲 Cost: $15 per vehicle
The dunes here are genuinely PINK! Their color comes from eroding Navajo sandstone.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes a smaller park you can cover in a few hours. The most popular activity is sandboard sledding on the dunes ($25 rental).
There aren’t many hiking trails, but the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail (1 mile along a boardwalk) is worth checking out and leads to an observation tower with a good overview of the dunes.
The Wave

The Wave Trail Details
Distance: 6.8 miles
Time To Hike: 3-4 hours
💲Cost: $6 lottery application, $7 permit
The Wave is a strenuous 6.8-mile trail with tricky route-finding. I would not recommend it for beginners, but if you have a moderate level of hiking experience and navigation skills it’s one of the best hikes in the southwest!
Keep in mind a permit is required. Only 64 permits are issued per day, split between an advance lottery (opens 4 months out) and a daily lottery. Permits are extremely hard to get, so apply well in advance if this is on your list.
Toadstool Hoodoos

Toadstool Hoodoos Trail Details
Distance: 1.7 miles
Time To Hike: <1 hour
💲Cost: free
An easy 1.7-mile trail with weird sandstone formations that look like oversized mushrooms. No permit or fee required, and it’s a quick stop right off the highway that’s easy to fit in.
Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon

Peek-A-Boo Canyon Trail Details
Distance: 2 miles
Time To Hike: 1-2 hours
💲Cost: free
Similar in feel to Antelope Canyon, Peek-a-boo slot canyon has narrow walls, smooth sculpted rock, and strips of bright blue sky overhead.
The road to the trailhead requires a 4×4 vehicle due to deep sand, so most visitors join a guided tour which brings you right to the trailhead. There’s also a fun you-drive ATV tour option if you’d prefer less hiking.
Sand Caves (Moqui Caves)

Sand Caves Trail Details
Distance: 1.2 miles
Time To Hike: <1 hour
💲Cost: free
Sand Caves is a good alternative to Peek-a-boo slot canyon and does not require a 4×4 vehicle. These man-made caves were originally used for sand mining and sit directly off the main road, so they’re easy to access and a fun stop if you have kids or dogs with you.
Best Places to Stay in Kanab
- Quality Inn Kanab — budget-friendly, breakfast included
- Canyons Boutique Hotel — Victorian-style luxury property
- Red Canyon Cabins — dog-friendly private log cabins
- White Camel — unique geo-dome glamping
Mammoth Cave

💲Cost: free
About an hour north of Kanab on US-89, Mammoth Cave is a free stop worth the 30-minute detour.
There are four lava-formed cave chambers to walk through on a half-mile loop trail. Bring a headlamp! Some of the chambers get very dark. This is a fun activity if you don’t have claustrophobia and aren’t spooked by dark spaces.
Dixie National Forest and Red Canyon

💲Cost: free
About 40 minutes north of Mammoth Cave, you’ll reach the turnoff for Scenic Byway 12. Before heading that way, consider a quick 10-minute detour into Panguitch to stop at Panguitch Gem Theater. It’s a local spot known for its ice cream and Mexican food.
Back on Byway 12, the road cuts through Dixie National Forest, which is one of the better spots for dog-friendly hiking since Bryce Canyon has very few pet-friendly trails.
Stop at the visitors center (worth a photo with the cute Smokey Bear statue!) and consider hiking:
- Birdseye Trail — 2.3-mile loop, starts at the visitors center, views of Pink Ledges and unique rock formations
- Losee Canyon — 5.9 miles through a wash with hoodoos and arches; trailhead is behind the visitors center off Losee Canyon Road
If you’re road tripping with a dog, this is the spot to get your hike in before Bryce Canyon, where trail access for dogs is very limited.

A few miles further on Byway 12, you’ll reach the Red Canyon Arch. The road passes directly through it. There’s shoulder parking just west of the tunnel, and a larger pullout on the east side.
TIP: If you want to stop for a photo, pull off east of the arch and follow the Canyon Bike Trail for a better angle (don’t try to walk in the road).
Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary: 3 Days vs. 5 Days
A road trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park can be done in as little as 3 days, but if you want to experience both parks to their fullest and spend time at stops between the two then I recommend a 5 day itinerary for Zion and Bryce Canyon.
3-Day Zion to Bryce Canyon Itinerary

Day 1 – Zion National Park
Morning
Get to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center early because parking fills by early-morning, and you’ll want an early start to beat both crowds and heat. During my recent visit in mid-October, after peak crowds, parking inside the park was at capacity by 8 am.
Start with hiking Angels Landing first. It’s 4.9 miles, takes 3–4 hours and requires a permit.
Or, you can hike to Scout’s Lookout instead, which gets you most of the elevation and valley views without the final chains section (which is regulated by the permit system, I cover that in detail with my Zion permit guide)

Afternoon
Have lunch in Springdale (Oscar’s Cafe and Canyon Outpost are both good). Pick up the Zion Shuttle and ride the full Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at Court of the Patriarchs, Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, and Big Bend.
Or, instead of waiting in shuttle lines, rent a bike from Zion Outfitters ($39/day standard, $79/day e-bike) and ride the 7-mile canyon road at your own pace (it’s mostly flat!)
Evening
Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, starts near the east tunnel entrance) for sunset. It’s a fairly easy trail, but trailhead parking is limited so try and arrive early. Have dinner back in Springdale.
Where to stay in Zion: Zion Lodge (the only in-park option) | Bumbleberry Inn (mid-range, near entrance) | Red Cliffs Lodge (luxury, Springdale) | Zion Canyon Cabins (private log cabins)
Day 2 – Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon (with stops)

Morning
Leave Zion through the east entrance via the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Stop at Checkerboard Mesa for a quick photo, then Canyon Overlook Trail if you skipped it on Day 1.
When you reach Mount Carmel Junction, head south on US-89 to Kanab. Stop at the Sand Caves (1.2 miles, no 4×4 needed) and Toadstool Hoodoos (1.7 miles, free) for easy morning hikes.
Afternoon
Head north on US-89. Stop at Mammoth Cave for a free walk through the lava chambers (30-minute detour, bring a headlamp).
Continue north and make the quick detour into Panguitch for lunch at Panguitch Gem Theater. Pick up Scenic Byway 12 and drive through Dixie National Forest. Stop for the Birdseye Trail (2.3 miles) if you have a dog or want an easy hike before reaching Bryce.
Evening
Arrive at Bryce Canyon and enjoy dinner in Bryce Canyon City. Bryce Canyon Pines, Cowboy Ranch House or Ebenezer’s Bar & Grill (dinner with a show) are all great options.
Where to stay in Bryce Canyon: Bryce Canyon Lodge (the only in-park hotel) | Ruby’s Inn (budget-friendly, directly outside the park) | Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel (mid-range, lodge-style) | Clear Sky Resort (stargazing geo-domes)
Day 3 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning
Start early, sunrise in Bryce Canyon is truly magical and I think it’s absolutely worth setting an alarm for. The best spot along the rim to watch sunrise is either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point (both just half a mile apart and connected by a paved path.)
After, hike into the amphitheater on Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail (3 miles and my favorite hike in the park!) before the day heats up. Allow 2–3 hours. The trailhead is next to Sunset Point, so it’s a convenient hike following sunrise.
TIP: Hike it counter-clockwise so you descend the steep Navajo Loop switchbacks first, then climb back out on the more gradual Queens Garden route.
Afternoon
Next, drive to Inspiration Point and walk 1.3 miles along Rim Trail towards Bryce Point. The views along this path are stunning, and the trail is fairly flat and paved.
TIP: You can save some time by taking the free Bryce Canyon shuttle back to Inspiration Point. The shuttle is one-way, so don’t reverse these stops or you’ll be on the long route back.
Stop by the General Store (near Sunrise Point) to pick up a grab-and-go picnic lunch before driving the full Southern Scenic Drive on your own (there’s no shuttle service in this part of the park).
There are several wonderful viewpoints along Southern Scenic Drive, but I recommend skipping them on the way in. Instead, check them out on your return – they’ll be on the right side of the road which makes them easier to get in and out of without crossing traffic.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Rainbow Point (the last stop along Southern Scenic Drive) and take a short 1-mile hike along Bristlecone Loop Trail through an ancient pine forest. Some of the trees are over 1,800 years old!
On your way back, be sure you stop at Agua Canyon and Natural Bridge viewpoints. Natural Bridge is my favorite! It’s a huge sandstone arch that frames the canyon below, and it’s visible right from the parking area with no hiking required.
Evening
In the evening, make your way out of the park towards Bryce City. I recommend a short stop at the Visitor Center (I always stop in to get my National Parks Passport stamped!) and a walk around Bryce Canyon Lodge (built in 1925!)
Grab dinner at Valhalla Pizzeria in the park before heading to the Mossy Cave Trailhead (you’ll exit the park to get to the trailhead.)
Mossy Cave is 0.9 miles out-and-back, and during the spring and early summer there’s a stunning waterfall! If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon in winter you might even see it frozen with icicles.
5-Day Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary
The 5-day version follows the same structure as above with two key additions: a second full day in Zion and an overnight in Kanab with a full day for side trips.

Day 1 – Zion National Park
Same as Day 1 above: Angels Landing in the morning, canyon biking or shuttle in the afternoon, Canyon Overlook at sunset.
Day 2 – Zion National Park (more time to explore)
Morning
If you’re up for an early morning I highly recommend hiking to Observation Point for sunrise.
The trailhead is a bit tricky to get to, though. A rockslide has indefinitely closed the trail access that starts from the canyon so you’ll have to drive to the East Mesa.
The road in is unpaved and after rain can require a 4×4 vehicle. From Springdale, it’s a little under a 1-hour drive.
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail is 7 miles out-and-back. From the summit, you have a birds eye view of the canyon below, including Angels Landing.
After your sunrise hike (or if you’ve chosen to skip it), head to Perks or Canyon Coffee for breakfast in Springdale.
Next, hike 3.3 miles up The Watchman Trail for panoramic views of the canyon before heading deeper into the park.
TIP: Stop by Zion Outfitters on your way back into the park to pick-up rental gear for The Narrows.
Afternoon

The afternoon is the perfect time to hike The Narrows and escape the heat. This is a river hike where you wade up the Virgin River through slot canyon walls. It’s one of the most unique hikes I’ve ever done and no permit required!
TIP: Rent neoprene socks and waterproof boots from Zion Outfitters ($32). The water is cold and I thought the rental gear was absolutely worth it to avoid cold feet and carrying around wet sneakers for the rest of my trip.
The entire hike is just over 9 miles, but you can go as far as you want and turn back. I’ve found that the crowds thin significantly after the first mile, so I recommend getting at least that far upstream!
If you’d prefer activities in Zion that don’t require hiking, I recommend a guided East Mesa jeep tour for canyon views from above, the Via Ferrata on Elk Heart Cliffs or a canyoneering adventure in Coral Sands for even more adrenaline.
Evening

In the evening, head into Springdale for a relaxing dinner. After, a short 30-minute drive takes you to Zion Canyon Hot Springs where you can enjoy a quiet evening soaking in one of their 50+ mineral pools.
Day 3 – Zion to Kanab (full day of side trips)
Morning
Leave Zion through the east entrance. Be sure to stop at Checkerboard Mesa viewpoint (just before the ranger station) on your way out.
Then head south at Mount Carmel Junction to Kanab. Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park first. Plan about 2 hours here and try sandboard sledding if you’re up for it!
Afternoon
After Coral Pink Sand Dunes, choose your Kanab adventure. If you want easy and accessible, I recommend Toadstool Hoodoos (1.7 miles) and Sand Caves (1.2 miles). They can both be done back to back.
If you secured a Wave permit (they’re super hard to get!), do that instead. Otherwise, a guided Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon tour is worth 2–3 hours of type-b fun!
Evening
Overnight in Kanab. Dinner at one of the local spots on Center Street.
Where to stay in Kanab: Quality Inn Kanab (budget-friendly, breakfast included) | Canyons Boutique Hotel (Victorian-style luxury property) | Red Canyon Cabins (private log cabins, dog-friendly) | White Camel (unique geo-dome glamping)
Day 4 – Kanab to Bryce Canyon
Morning
Head north on US-89. Mammoth Cave detour (free, half-mile loop, bring a headlamp because it can get completely dark inside). Continue to Panguitch for lunch at Panguitch Gem Theater.
Afternoon
Pick up Scenic Byway 12 into Dixie National Forest. Hike Birdseye Trail (2.3 miles) or Losee Canyon (5.9 miles) if you have a dog or want to stretch your legs before Bryce Canyon.
Stop at Red Canyon Arch for photos before continuing into Bryce Canyon.
Evening
Arrive at Bryce Canyon, same as Day 2 in the 3-day itinerary above. Take a short walk on the Rim Trail at sunset, or grab dinner in Bryce Canyon City.
Day 5 – Bryce Canyon National Park
Same as Day 3 in the 3-day itinerary above; sunrise along the rim, then hike Navajo Loop and Queens Garden before stopping at Inspiration and Bryce Point.
Explore the Southern Scenic Drive and viewpoints in the afternoon. Add Mossy Cave Trail if you have extra time in the evening.
In-Depth: Zion National Park

For a deeper dive, see my full Zion National Park itinerary with day-by-day hike and activity recommendations.
Best Hikes in Zion National Park
|
Trail |
Distance |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
4.9 miles |
Permit required; chains near summit |
|
|
Up to 8.9 miles |
No permit; rent gear from Zion Outfitters |
|
|
2.5 miles |
Moderate, good for families |
|
|
7 miles |
Best sunset views in the park |
|
|
3.3 miles |
Panoramic valley views |
|
|
1 mile |
Great for sunrise; near east tunnel entrance |
Angels Landing permits are required and sold via a lottery on Recreation.gov. Apply for the seasonal advance lottery (opens 4 months ahead) or try the day-before daily lottery if you’re flexible. Full details in my Zion permit guide.
The Narrows doesn’t require a permit, but I’d strongly recommend renting gear from Zion Outfitters (neoprene socks and waterproof boots for $32.) The Virgin River is cold so the socks are incredibly helpful, and renting boots means you don’t have to carry around wet hiking shoes for the rest of your trip.


Best Things to Do in Zion (Beyond Hiking)
There’s plenty to do in Zion if hiking isn’t your main focus! See my full list of things to do in Zion for non-hikers.
Biking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (7 miles one-way, flat, follows the river) is one of the best ways to see the canyon without waiting in long lines for the shuttle.
Rental bikes are available at Zion Outfitters right next to the visitors center ($39/day standard, $79/day e-bike). With a standard bike, ride the shuttle in (to skip the elevation gain) and bike back downhill.
NOTE: Only standard bikes are allowed on the Zion shuttle (no e-bikes)
There’s also a e-bike tour option if you’d prefer a guide.
Other good options for what to do in Zion besides hiking:
- Guided jeep tour to East Mesa — canyon views from the rim, good for all abilities, especially great for sunset
- Via Ferrata on Elk Heart Cliffs — fixed route climbing and a super unique experience
- Canyoneering in Coral Sands — canyon repelling with a guide, good for all skill levels
Where to Stay in Zion
- Zion Lodge — the only hotel inside the park; book well in advance
- Bumbleberry Inn — mid-range, just past the main park entrance in Springdale
- Red Cliffs Lodge — luxury resort in Springdale
- Zion Canyon Cabins — private log cabins in Springdale
In-Depth: Bryce Canyon National Park

Despite being just two hours from Zion, Bryce Canyon looks and feels completely different. It sits at a higher elevation (8,000–9,000 feet), which means it’s typically 10°F cooler than Zion and can have snow on the ground well into spring.
Instead of canyon walls and river trails, Bryce is defined by thousands of orange and red hoodoos packed into a natural amphitheater.
It’s also more manageable in size, and is one of the smallest National Parks. You can see the main highlights in one day at Bryce Canyon, though two days gives you more flexibility. See my full Bryce Canyon itinerary for a detailed breakdown.
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

|
Trail |
Distance |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
3 miles |
My favorite; hike counter-clockwise |
|
|
1.2 miles |
Rim trail, dog-friendly, easy |
|
|
11 miles |
Can be done in sections |
|
|
0.9 miles |
Waterfall in spring; outside main entrance |
|
|
1 mile |
Easy, southern end of park |
If you can only do one hike, I highly recommend Navajo Loop to Queens Garden. It’s a moderate hike that gets you below the rim and up close to several iconic views (like the Navajo side switchbacks and Thors Hammer.)
For sunrise in Bryce Canyon, head to Sunrise Point or Sunset Point (both are great, in my opinion but Sunset Point tends to be less crowded.) They’re both connected via Rim Trail, which is flat and paved so it’s an easy level of effort first thing in the morning.
For the best hikes in Bryce Canyon across all skill levels, including trails in the quieter southern section of the park, see my full hiking guide.


Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon
The park has one main road, Southern Scenic Drive. The free Bryce Canyon Shuttle covers the first portion (the amphitheater area), but you’ll need your own vehicle to reach the far end.
Start at the amphitheater in the morning (busiest section, worth seeing early), then drive the full scenic road later. It’s a good way to avoid crowds, and the increase in elevation also makes it a bit cooler in the afternoon.
TIP: Download this self-guided driving tour before your trip! It’s just like having a tour guide to point out landmarks, interesting history, geological explanations, etc — except for a fraction of the cost (less than $20), on your own schedule and without any crowds.
Once you download it to your phone, the guide uses your GPS signal to automatically play the guide whenever you’re near a landmark, so it still works even without cell service. You can listen from your own vehicle or while riding the shuttle.
Must-see viewpoints on the Southern Scenic Drive:
- Rainbow Point
- Yovimpa Point
- Black Birch Canyon
- Ponderosa Canyon
- Agua Canyon ✨a must-see✨
- Natural Bridge ✨a must-see✨
- Farview Point & Piracy Point
- Swamp Canyon

There are also plenty of fun things to do in Bryce Canyon besides hiking! On my first trip, I took a horseback ride through Bryce Canyon. It’s a fun, beginner-friendly way to see the best views without hiking.
A guided e-bike tour of Bryce Canyon is also a great option! It follows the paved bike path and covers viewpoints not easily accessible from the main road. (This one tends to sell out at least 2 months in advance so book early!)
There’s also a guided scenic tour if you’d prefer to see the park from an air-conditioned vehicle! This is also a good way to see Southern Scenic Drive if you don’t have your own vehicle (because the Bryce Canyon shuttle doesn’t cover it.)
Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Lodge — the only hotel inside the park
- Ruby’s Inn — budget-friendly, immediately outside the entrance
- Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel — mid-range, lodge-style resort
- Clear Sky Resort — stargazing geo-domes (Bryce Canyon is a Dark Sky park which makes this is a great option!)
Entrance Fees for Zion and Bryce Canyon
Both parks updated their entrance fees in 2026. Now, fees are different depending on whether or not you’re a US resident.
US residents: $35 per vehicle or $20 per pedestrian at each park. Since Zion’s parking fills by early morning many visitors park in Springdale and walk in. This means you may be paying per-person rather than per-vehicle.
Non-US residents: There is an additional $100 surcharge per person at each park on top of the standard entry fee.
NOTE: All entrance fees only apply to visitors age 16 and older. Each pass is good for 7 consecutive days.
The America The Beautiful Annual Pass is $80/year for US residents and covers unlimited entry to all 63 National Parks (and 2,000+ other federal recreation areas) for a full 12 months.
I’ve had the annual pass for many years because it pays for itself after two park visits! (It also gives you access to the express entry lane when lines get backed up, but this only works if you already have the pass ahead of your trip)
Non-residents can get an annual pass for $250/year, which waives both the standard entry fee and the surcharge. If your group is 2 or more people, the annual pass is the way to go.
TIP: One America The Beautiful park pass will cover everyone in your vehicle. If you’re walking into the park (like at Zion), the pass covers the passholder and three additional adults.
Best Time to Visit Zion and Bryce Canyon
The best time to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks is spring (April–May) or fall (September–October).
My personal preference is early October because the heat has broken, crowds are down noticeably from the summer peak, and fall colors are especially beautiful along the scenic route between Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Because Bryce Canyon sits at a significantly higher elevation than Zion, it runs about 10°F cooler across all seasons.
In winter, Bryce Canyon gets snow (which is actually spectacular in the amphitheater), while Zion in winter is mild and very manageable.
|
Season |
Zion Temps |
Bryce Temps |
Crowds |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spring (Apr–May) |
60s–80s°F |
50s–70s°F |
Low–Moderate |
Wildflowers in Zion; possible snow/mud in Bryce |
|
Summer (Jun–Aug) |
Up to 100°F |
70s–80s°F |
Peak |
All trails open; very hot in Zion, busy everywhere |
|
Fall (Sep–Oct) |
60s–80s°F |
50s–70s°F |
Moderate |
Best overall balance of weather and crowds |
|
Winter (Nov–Mar) |
50s–70s°F |
10s–40s°F |
Low |
Snow on hoodoos in Bryce; limited services |
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Zion To Bryce Canyon Planning Resources:
Planning the rest of your Utah trip? These guides cover the full route:
- Complete Zion National Park Itinerary
- Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
- Best hikes in Bryce Canyon across all skill levels
- Best time to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
- Las Vegas to Zion National Park driving guide with stops
- Utah Mighty 5 National Parks road trip itinerary
- Salt Lake City to Arches National Park road trip
- Hiking The Narrows in Zion: gear, tips and what to expect
🚐 Plan The Ultimate Road Trip In A Campervan
Are you curious about van life? This trip is the perfect route to give it a try!
Outdoorsy is a great peer-to-peer campervan rental site (like Airbnb) with tons of van layouts and prices across the US! Native Campervans is great if you prefer to rent from a company with 24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind.
Not sure about where to park for the night? Don’t stress!
Download my Guide To Finding Free Campsites e-book or checkout The Dyrt to find unique stays.
Travel Planning Resources
These are the resources I use and recommend for planning your next trip:
Accommodations: Expedia (hotels), VRBO (vacation rentals)
Flights: Skyscanner
Rental Cars: DiscoverCars and Outdoorsy
Tours & Excursions: Viator and GetYourGuide
Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
Credit Card With Travel Points: Chase Sapphire Preferred
