Zion to Bryce Canyon: The Best 3-Day Bryce Canyon and Zion Itinerary

Zion and Bryce Canyon are two of the most beautiful national parks! Located in Southern Utah, these national parks offer incredible and unique landscapes that will leave you in awe. From overlooks to hiking trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Zion and Bryce Canyon.

Luckily, it is easy to drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon, so you can easily create a road trip itinerary to see both! This guide will go over everything you need to know to drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon and create the best 3-day Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary.

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Why You Should Road Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon are among the most beautiful national parks in the United States! Both offer stunning views and fun hikes that will take your breath away because of their unique geology. Zion and Bryce Canyon are in the Colorado Plateau region of Southern Utah, so they have a series of colorful cliffs called the Grand Staircase. The bottom rock layer of Bryce Canyon National park makes up the top layer of Zion National Park.

And the best part? You can easily visit Zion and Bryce Canyon in one road trip. The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon is under two hours, making it easy to add them to a road trip itinerary. And although they are close, they both offer unique geology, so you won't get sick of the views. Zion offers stunning mountain views, while Bryce Canyon offers views of hoodoo formations.

Travel Tips for Planning a Bryce Canyon and Zion Itinerary

Tips for Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park:

Start your day early. Zion National Park receives over 3 million visitors per year, and Bryce Canyon National Park reviews over 1 million visitors per year. These two national parks are always crowded, especially in the summer months. I recommend starting your day early (ideally for sunrise) to get into the parks before most of the crowds. Doing so will help you avoid long wait times to get into the national parks and find parking easily.
Buy the America the Beautiful Pass. The America the Beautiful Pass is $80 and gets you into every national park for a year. If you buy passes individually for Zion and Bryce Canyon, you’ll pay $35 for each, spending $70 in total. Spending a little extra to get the America the Beautiful Pass is well worth it and will save you money if you plan on visiting other national parks during the year.
Wear plenty of sunscreen. Zion and Bryce Canyon don’t offer much shade, and the sun can be brutal, especially in the summer, so it’s crucial to wear sunscreen!
Pack all of the food you will need. Zion and Bryce Canyon don’t have any food stands in the park. To avoid leaving the park and fighting the crowds to get back in, I recommend packing a cooler of food you will need! The only thing the national parks offer is water fountains, where you can fill up reusable water bottles at most restrooms.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

Tips for Zion National Park:

Familiarize yourself with the Zion Canyon Shuttle System. While the shuttle is running between March and November, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. The only way to experience the scenic drive and its attractions is by riding the shuttle or riding a bike. Most of the must-see sights in Zion National Park are along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so you will need to familiarize yourself with the shuttle times and stops. And the best part? The shuttle is free to use!
Get on the earliest shuttle. The parking lot for the shuttle fills up early, so I highly recommend arriving early and catching the first shuttle service. Doing so will allow you to have the most time in the park and see some of the most popular attractions without most of the crowds.
Hike the Narrows first thing in the morning. Although many people don’t want to get their feet wet first thing in the morning, it is one of the least crowded times on the Narrows. If you want to enjoy one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park without the crowds, I highly recommend hiking the Narrows first thing in the morning.
Arrive at Canyon Junction Bridge at least an hour before sunset. If you want to watch the sunset at the most iconic sunset spot in Zion National Park, I recommend arriving early to secure a spot. Canyon Junction Bridge will have many photographers wanting to capture the iconic photo. We arrived over an hour before sunset and got the perfect sunset spot on the bridge!
Apply for an Angels Landing hiking permit. Because Angels Landing is one of the most popular hikes in the Zion National Park, the park is piloting a lottery permit system to decrease the congestion on the trail. You can apply for a permit before your trip during certain windows of days or the day before.

Tips for Bryce Canyon National Park:

Pack layers. The weather in Bryce Canyon National Park can vary throughout the day. The scenic drive gains a lot of elevation and reaches a high point of over 9,000 feet, so the weather at the top is different than the beginning of the drive.
If you don’t want to drive, familiarize yourself with the Bryce Canyon Shuttle. The parking lots in Bryce Canyon are small and can fill up early, so if you want to avoid trying to find parking, you can ride the free Bryce Canyon Shuttle. The shuttle runs from April through October and stops at most must-see attractions.
- Note: The shuttle runs from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, so if you want to see sunrise or sunset, you will need to drive yourself.
Get on the earliest shuttle. If you plan on using the Bryce Canyon Shuttle, I highly recommend getting on the earliest one. Doing so will allow you to get into the park before most of the crowds.
Hike Navajo Loop for sunrise or sunset. The Navajo Loop is the most hiked trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, so I highly recommend hiking it during sunrise or sunset. Doing so will allow you to avoid most crowds and enjoy the hike in the most beautiful light!

What to Pack for Your Trip From Zion to Bryce Canyon

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

Where to Start and End Your Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon

When you plan your Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary, I recommend flying into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas since it is the closest large airport. It is just under a three-hour drive from the airport to Zion National Park. You could fly into the Salt Lake City International Airport, but it is over a five-hour drive to Zion National Park.

When your trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon is complete, you can fly out of the Harry Reid International Airport or Salt Lake City International Airport. Both are about four hours away from Bryce Canyon National Park.

If you have or can rent camping gear or a campervan, I highly recommend it because there are campgrounds close to the national parks. If you are interested in renting a campervan, I highly recommend renting from Escape Campervans!

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon and Zion

Where to stay near Zion National Park

Zion National Park Hotels:

Zion National Park Campgrounds:

best towns near zion national park

unique places to stay near zion national park

Where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park Hotels:

Bryce Canyon National Park Campgrounds:

best towns near bryce canyon national park

unique places to stay near bryce canyon national park

Zion to Bryce Canyon: The Best 3-Day Bryce Canyon and Zion Itinerary

Day One: Zion National Park
Day Two: Zion to Bryce Canyon
Day Three: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day One: Zion National Park

canyon junction bridge - zion to bryce canyon

It’s time to explore the beautiful Zion National Park! Get ready to spend the day in awe of this beautiful national park!

The Narrows: The best way to start your Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary is by hiking the Narrows with as few crowds as possible. Sunrise is usually when the Narrows is the quietest. The trail begins on the Riverside Walk for a mile before entering the river. The wonderful thing about the Narrows is you can hike it for as long as you want. The entire trail is 10 miles roundtrip, but most people only hike the first 1-3 miles. Because you are walking through a river, hiking takes much longer than hiking on a regular trail, so it’s crucial to factor that into your itinerary. Here are some things to note about planning your hike through the Narrows:
- Your feet will be in the water for the entire hike, so I recommend having a change of shoes for your explorations later in the day.
- The Narrows area is prone to flash flooding, so make sure to check the weather before hiking it.
- The river is also prone to cyanobacteria, so you should not submerge your head, swim, or drink the river water. You can learn more about cyanobacteria here.
Angels Landing (if you secured a permit): If you secured a permit, you will have a specific date and time to begin the hike. You can move this hike around in your itinerary to fit the start time on your permit. Angels Landing is the most iconic hike in Zion National Park and is not for the faint of heart. This 5.5-mile roundtrip hike climbs steeply over a series of switchbacks before climbing along a ridge with long and steep dropoffs. It’s an adrenaline-pumping hike that will leave you breathless from the climb and beautiful views!
Emerald Pools: Emerald Pools is a 3-mile roundtrip hike that brings you past some of the only waterfalls in Zion National Park. Although the waterfalls are small, they are beautiful! The trail begins across from the Zion Lodge and follows an easy path to the Lower Emerald Pools, where you can walk underneath the waterfall. You can either end the hike there or continue to Middle and Upper Emerald Pools. If you decide to hike to Middle and Upper Emerald Pools, be prepared for a slightly steeper trail. Middle Emerald Pools sits on top of the cliff and waterfall you were just under. Upper Emerald Pool is one of the most beautiful areas along this hike because it is at the base of tall cliffs. It’s a stunning area that not many people hike to!
Viewpoints: Along the scenic drive, you can stop at many beautiful viewpoints. Make sure to stop at these if you have time! These viewpoints include the Court of the Patriarchs, the Grotto, and Big Bend, which don't require hiking.
Pa’rus Trail: If you have time before sunset, I recommend hiking on the beginning of the Pa’rus Trail, starting near the Canyon Junction Bridge. The Pa’rus Trail is a 3.3-mile roundtrip hike that connects Canyon Junction Bridge to the Visitor Center. Although you can hike the entire trail, some of the most beautiful portions are near Canyon Junction Bridge, offering views of the Watchman and the surrounding mountains. If Canyon Junction Bridge is crowded by the time you reach it for sunset, you can opt to enjoy the sunset from the Pa’rus Trail!
Canyon Junction Bridge: Canyon Junction Bridge is an iconic sunset spot in Zion National Park, offering views of the Watchman and the Virgin River. The bridge fills up quickly with photographers looking to capture the iconic Watchman photo, so I recommend arriving at least an hour early to secure a spot! There is no hiking required to get to the bridge, so you can end the day with this easy to get to spot.

2-day Zion National Park Itinerary

Day Two: Zion to Bryce Canyon

Now that you explored all there is to explore along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you can use this part of your Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary to explore some of the other beautiful overlooks and hikes that don’t require the shuttle service. Then you can begin your drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon and end your day in Bryce Canyon National Park!

Canyon Overlook: Canyon Overlook requires a one-mile roundtrip hike and offers one of the best views in Zion National Park, especially for sunrise! For the little effort required to get to the overlook, it’s a must-add to every itinerary! The trail begins right after you exit the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (coming from Springdale). The trail immediately climbs up a rock staircase before winding through the canyon ridge to Canyon Overlook. Canyon Overlook offers a stunning view of the canyon with the road running through it and is the perfect sunrise spot to start your day!
Observation Point (if you have time): Observation Point is known to rival the views from Angels Landing. The main trail that begins off the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive has been closed due to trail damage, so the only way to access the beautiful spot is by hiking from the East Mesa Trailhead. To reach the East Mesa Trailhead, you need a high-clearance 4wd vehicle to navigate the dirt roads. The 6.8-mile roundtrip hike only gains about 650 feet of elevation, so it’s a relatively easy hike even though it’s a bit long. Once you reach Observation Point, you’ll quickly realize why it’s one of the most beautiful areas in Zion National Park!
Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon: Once you have explored Zion National Park, you can begin the two-hour drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon. You will drive on US-89 for most of the way, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Inspiration Point or Bryce Point: Once you arrive in Bryce Canyon National Park, it’ll most likely be close to sunset, so it’s time to choose a beautiful sunset spot! Inspiration Point and Bryce Point are two stunning areas to watch the sunset. Both viewpoints only require a short walk from the parking and have expansive views of thousands of Hoodoos. Bryce Point is the more popular spot, so I prefer Inspiration Point. If Inspiration Point is busy, you can walk along the Rim Trail to find a quieter area.

easy hikes in zion national park

Day Three: Bryce Canyon National Park

inspiration point - zion to bryce canyon

It’s time to explore everything Bryce Canyon National Park has to offer! The land of the hoodoos will leave you in awe with its incredible rock formations.

Navajo Loop: The Navajo Loop is one of the most iconic hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park that gives you an up-close and personal experience with hoodoos. The 1.5-mile roundtrip hike begins at Sunset Point and drops you to the canyon floor, passing by Wall Street, Twin Bridges, Thor’s Hammer, and many hoodoos. I highly recommend hiking Navajo Loop for sunrise to enjoy it without most of the crowds. If you want to add another beautiful trail to your morning, you can combine Navajo Loop with Queens Garden for a stunning three-mile hike!
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point: Since the Navajo Loop is near Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, you can take in the beautiful views from each after your hike. Sunrise Point offers views of Thor’s Hammer and the Silent City, while Sunset Point offers views of Wall Street. You can link both viewpoints by hiking an easy and flat half-mile trail.
Natural Bridge: As you drive through Bryce Canyon National Park, there will be many overlooks that you should enjoy. One of the most beautiful and unique is the Natural Bridge. The Natural Bridge is an 85-foot arch surrounded by hoodoos and is an overlook that shouldn’t be skipped!
Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point: Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point are the final and highest overlooks in Bryce Canyon National Park, standing at over 9,000 feet. They are the perfect viewpoints to see the Grand Staircase of rock layers. You can easily walk to each of the overlooks from the parking lots or link them via the easy one-mile Bristlecone Loop.
Fairyland Loop: To end your epic last day of your Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary, you can hike the beautiful and strenuous Fairland Loop. Fairyland Loop is an 8.3-mile roundtrip hike that rivals the beauty of Navajo Loop! Because it is more strenuous than the Navajo Loop, the trail tends to have fewer crowds. The trail begins at Fairyland Point and brings you along a rim and into a canyon past incredible hoodoos and rock formations. If you time it right, you can watch the sunset when you finish the hike at Fairyland Point. Although this is a strenuous hike, it’s a great addition to your itinerary if you are up for it! It won’t disappoint, I promise!
Or Watch the Sunset From Your Favorite Viewpoint: If you aren’t up for a hike, you can watch the sunset from your favorite viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park!

easy hikes in bryce canyon national park

best 2-day bryce canyon national park itinerary

If You Have Additional Days For Your Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon

Additional Zion National Park Attractions

Observation Point: (if you didn't add it to your Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary) a 6.8-mile roundtrip trail to an iconic overlook
Kolob Canyons: a forgotten section of Zion National Park with a scenic drive, trails, and overlooks
Watchman Trail: an often overlooked 3-mile roundtrip hike with views of the valley beneath the Watchman

Additional Bryce Canyon National Park Attractions

Peek-A-Boo Trail: a 5-mile roundtrip hike through hoodoos and rock formations, including the Cathedral and Wall of Windows
Mossy Cave: an easy 1-mile roundtrip hike to a cave and hidden waterfall

If you are looking for a road trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon, this guide is the perfect place to start! It has everything you need to create an incredible Bryce Canyon and Zion itinerary.