Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary

The Classic Utah Road Trip

Zion and Bryce is the classic Utah pairing. The site's Utah Mighty 5 guide calls Bryce the easiest add-on from Zion: Bryce Canyon is about 1.5 hours away, on a route that runs through Red Canyon. This four-day plan gives Zion two days and Bryce one, plus a flexible last day.

Day 1: Zion Canyon

Morning

Ride the canyon shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9) and walk the Riverside Walk. The canyon shuttle typically runs from mid-March through late November; in winter you can usually drive the scenic road yourself. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Afternoon

Move down-canyon to Weeping Rock (Stop 7) for the Weeping Rock alcove. Rockfall has interrupted this trail before, so confirm it is open before you count on it. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Then Zion Lodge (Stop 5) for Emerald Pools.

Evening

Dinner in Springdale; the eat guides have options.

Day 2: A Bigger Zion Day, Then Head East

Morning

Spend the morning on one larger hike: Angels Landing if you hold a permit for the chained section, or the Watchman Trail if you do not. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Afternoon

Drive east through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and stop at the Canyon Overlook Trail, about an hour round trip. Its lot is small, fills at first light, and stays full most of the day, so if it is full, plan something else nearby.

Evening

Continue toward Bryce and plan to overnight near the park. This site has not reviewed lodging near Bryce Canyon, so check current listings and the park's own site. For your Zion nights, see where to stay near Zion and Springdale.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon

Morning

Spend the day at Bryce Canyon National Park, where hoodoo amphitheaters replace Zion's walls-and-river canyon. Start with the rim viewpoints and take in the amphitheaters from above.

Afternoon

Take the scenic drive and linger at the viewpoints. Bryce is a change of scenery rather than a repeat of Zion, so give it real time rather than a quick pass.

Evening

Watch the light change on the hoodoos, then settle in. For park conditions and any timed access rules, check the official park page. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Day 4: Head Back or Keep Going

Morning

Drive back toward Zion, allowing about the same 1.5 hours you spent on the way in.

Afternoon

Use any spare time for something you missed, such as the Narrows if the season is right, or the Pa'rus Trail.

Evening

Wrap up in Springdale, or read the Mighty 5 guide if you are continuing to other parks.