5-day Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
Few places captivate the mind and soul like the Southern Utah National Parks. With Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, the unique rock formations, red rocks, massive canyons, and stunning views will have your head spinning. It makes for a perfect 5-day itinerary through the heart of Utah.
Inside, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about visiting this magical area, then plan your trip with a 5-day Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary!
So get your bags packed; we’re doing Zion to Bryce Canyon NOW!
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An Ultimate Guide to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Five days is a perfect amount of time to tackle the Zion and Bryce area. So enjoy this five-day itinerary for the southern Utah region.
5-day Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary
As always, take this with a grain of salt and adjust as you want. For example, you’ll do Angels Landing whenever your permit allows. So plug and play when you have to!
Day 1 – Arrive at Zion National Park
- Check into your Springdale hotel or campground.
- Hike the Narrows (make sure to have waterproof shoes, hiking poles, and a water filter)
- If you have time, check out the Emerald Pools on the way back
Day 2- Explore Zion National Park
- Angels Landing (if you have permits) – if not, you can still hike up to Scout Lookout and Walters Wiggles
- Hike Observation Point. But you’ll have to access it from the secondary route as the main trail is closed.
- Check out Weeping Rock, which is one of Zion’s waterfalls.
- Hang out at Zion Lodge
Day 3 – Zion National Park
- Hike Kolob Arch is in the upper left corner of Zion National Park and is a 13-mile trek with moderate elevation gain.
- Hike to the Canyon View Overlook
- Take part in one of the tours around Zion
Day 4 – Zion to Bryce Canyon
- Drive the two hours to Bryce. Stop by the Checkerboard on the way out
- Arrive in Bryce. Hike Navajo Loop, Wall Street, and/or Queens Garden Trail
- Hike between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point
- Check into the hotel or campground
Day 5 – Bryce Canyon and leave
- Drive the Bryce Scenic Road up to Rainbow Point and stop at the turnoffs
- Head home
Best Stops Along Your Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
There are some truly unique and mind-blowing places, from Zion to Bryce Canyon. You won’t want to miss them!
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
This park’s glowing pink dunes are a blast to explore on foot, by ATV, or with a camera in hand. With constantly shifting sand and striking color, it’s one of southern Utah’s most unique desert playgrounds.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Tucked inside Grand Staircase-Escalante, Kodachrome Basin is known for its towering sandstone chimneys and dramatic desert scenery. Hike, ride horses, or camp among the colorful spires that gave the park its famous name.
Snow Canyon State Park
Just north of St. George, Snow Canyon blends red rock cliffs, lava flows, and rolling dunes into one stunning landscape. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or just enjoying a scenic picnic, the views here deliver every time.
Red Canyon/Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon
This area offers a maze of bright red narrows, twisting walls, and photogenic slot canyons perfect for exploring. It’s a fantastic spot for hikers, canyoneers, and anyone chasing that classic Utah slot-canyon magic.
Cutler Point
Cutler Point hides one of the coolest scenes in the region—a cave-like alcove opening to a massive sand dune. Getting there requires a 4×4 and confidence on rough roads, but the payoff is unforgettable.
Cottonwood Cove
Just beyond Paria Townsite, Cottonwood Cove is a peaceful, lesser-visited pocket of colorful hills and open desert. It’s a great place to wander without the crowds.
Paria Townsite
Near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Paria Townsite is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town with sweeping views and a rich frontier history. The real star, though, is the Rainbow Hills—painted badlands that look straight out of a watercolor palette.
Mammoth Cave
Just outside Kanab, Mammoth Cave is a sprawling lava tube system that pulls you into an underground world of cool air, dark chambers, and unique rock formations. It’s an easy, family-friendly adventure and a fun peek into Utah’s volcanic past.
Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch is a marvelous slot canyon system that’s on public lands. If you’re in the area, you need to see this. Drive southeast of Kanab for about 45 minutes to reach it.
Moqui Cave
Near Kanab in southern Utah, Moqui Cave is a natural limestone cave that has been transformed into a unique museum showcasing a fascinating collection of ancient artifacts, fossils, and geological specimens. This makes it an excellent destination for history and science enthusiasts.
Duck Creek Ice Cave
Duck Creek Ice Cave is a fascinating geological formation with a permanent ice cave that remains frozen even in summer. It is a great destination for those looking to escape the heat and explore the area’s unique natural wonders.
Preparing for your Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
As you plan your 5-day trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, have the appropriate hiking gear.
Hiking gear you’ll want to have in the Utah National Parks
- 32L – 40L backpack
- Water shoes or Sandals
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Base Layer: Sun shirt (men’s) (women’s)
- Lighter Down Jacket
- Water filter
- Sunglasses, Wide Brimmed Hat, Sunblock
- Wind Jacket (Rain Jacket too, if you think it could rain)
- Hiking Poles
- Headlamp
I’m looking for guided tours. Can you help?
A lot of the tours are not specifically inside the National Park. But if you’re looking for fantastic excursions in the surrounding areas, you can get some unique experiences checked off your bucket list!
See the exciting Zion to Bryce Canyon activities here.
Guided Tours near Zion
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Click here to Book your Zion National Park Adventures
Guided Tours near Bryce Canyon
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Check out the Bryce Canyon Adventures
Where To Stay Near Zion and Bryce Canyon
Zion Accommodations for your itinerary
Springdale and Hurricane are great places to stay when visiting Zion. Both are near the park’s entrance, with Springdale mere feet from the Visitor Center.
📍Budget Option – Springhill Suites; Holiday Inn Express
📍Mid-Range Option – Zion Canyon Inn and Suites; Zion Lodge (Inside the Park)
📍Luxury Option – Under Canvas Zion; Cliffrose Springdale; Desert Pearl Inn
Bryce Canyon Accommodations on your road trip
You can stay close to the National Park, which is excellent for reducing drive time. The city of Bryce and Bryce Canyon City are your best bets. Additionally, Tropic, UT, will have lodging for you.
📍Budget Option – Bryce View Lodge; Bryce Canyon Resort
📍Mid-Range Option – Best Western Plus; Bryce Country Cabins
Tidbits to know before your trip to Zion National Park
How many days do I need in Zion?
Between 2 and 3 days is just suitable for exploring Zion. Hopefully, this will give you time to snag a day before the Angels Landing permit, hike Narrows, and see other great locations!
What is the busiest month to visit Zion?
The busiest month (s) are likely June and July. This is the middle of summer, with most families traveling to the National Parks. If you’re not beholden to a child’s summer vacation, I’d plan your Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary for a time other than these two months.
What MUST I see in Zion National Park?
The five places you need to see in Zion on your road trip:
- Angels Landing
- Observation Point
- The Narrows
- Canyon View Overlook
- The Checkerboard
What is the elevation of Zion National Park?
Zion sits about 4,000 feet above sea level, with some park areas slightly higher. Even though you’re at some elevation, Zion National Park still gets warm during the summer. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water!
Tidbits to know before your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park
There is a lot to see and know about Bryce Canyon National Park! Let’s get crackin’!
How long do you need to spend at Bryce Canyon?
For as grand and beautiful as Bryce Canyon is, you only need 1-2 days. Obviously, you could take more if you’re doing a backpacking trip, but for most people, you can knock everything out in one long day.
What MUST I see in Bryce Canyon National Park?
Five things to see in Bryce Canyon National Park while you visit:
- Wall Street
- Rainbow Point
- Thors Hammer
- Navajo Garden
- Sunrise Point
What is the elevation of Bryce Canyon?
Bryce has one of the highest elevations for a National Park in the US. At 7,700 feet, it is lovely during the summer and sees lots of snow in the winter. Furthermore, Rainbow Point, at the end of the road, has an elevation of 9,114 feet – the highest in the park.
Taking the Bryce Canyon National Park Shuttle
You can take a shuttle throughout Bryce Canyon National Park if you don’t want to drive or if the parking lot is full.
FAQ: Guide to Your 5-Day Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary
Visiting two National Parks can be a bit hectic. Below are the most pertinent things to know before you embark on your Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip!
Can you see Zion and Bryce in one day?
You can do Zion to Bryce Canyon in a day, but you’ll be tight on time if you don’t go during the long summer months. So, I would recommend getting an early start and briefly checking out Canyon Overlook Trail or hiking in the Narrows.
Then, head straight to Bryce Canyon, where you can do shorter but popular hikes. I’d recommend the Navajo Gardens Loop. Then, soak in the sunset from any of the beautiful viewpoints in the park.
Should I spend more time in Zion or Bryce?
I think you should spend a little bit longer in Zion. You can see nearly everything in Bryce Canyon in one day and definitely in two. However, Zion is more expansive and has more hikes to offer. So when planning your Zion to Bryce Canyon trip, spend more time in Zion National Park.
How long is the drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park?
It’s a two-hour drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park.
What is the best time to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon?
While the summer months are doable because of the higher elevation of these two Southern Utah National Parks, it’s also when everyone is visiting these two National Parks. While Zion to Bryce Canyon is not as popular as other parks, it still sees its share of millions of tourists.
Indeed, most visitors flock to Zion National Park vs. Bryce Canyon National Park. In 2022, 4.7 million people had adventures in Zion, while only half went to Bryce.
As for the best time, March through May and September through October would be great, as you won’t be battling crowds, and your weather will still be great! When traveling from Zion to Bryce Canyon, temperatures can be as chilly as freezing, with snow, while getting into the 100s. It’s a unique area with a wide range of weather outcomes.
Average Temperature during the Summer in Zion to Bryce Canyon
Zion Temperatures
87-93 degrees during the summer
Bryce Canyon Temperatures
75-80 degrees during the summer months
Is the drive from Zion to Bryce pretty?
It’s a decent driv,e but not as good as the actual National Parks. The best part will be when you’re heading west through Zion from Springdale to Mt. Carmel Junction. Then, the next best part is on SR 12 on your way into Bryce Canyon National Park. Seeing the red rock and hoodoos is wild!
Do you need reservations for Bryce and Zion?
As of April 2023, you do not need permits to visit Zion National Park or Bryce National Park. However, you need permits to hike the famous Angels Landing and Subway in Zion. The rest of the magnificent park is open for all exploration!
Continuing, remember that you cannot drive your car into Zion Canyon during the shuttle season. The only way to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is on the shuttle. There is no permit or reservation needed to board. This shuttle will take you to The Narrows, Angels Landing, and other trailheads.
Lastly, I recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass to enter the parks.
Are there any services from Zion to Bryce Canyon?
Yes, there are some. The best bet is the Mount Carmel Junction. This has a small store and a gas station. I’d suggest filling up with gas here. You’ll pass through some smaller towns on the way north from Zion to Bryce Canyon, but they aren’t special.
If you’re looking to stay overnight in this area, there are a few options.
Book your Mount Carmel lodging here.
How much does it cost to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon?
If you buy the aforementioned America the Beautiful Pass, it will cost you $80, and you’ll be able to visit any National Park or Recreation Area free of charge after that. However, if you don’t want to do that, it costs $35 to enter Zion National Park and $35 to see Bryce Canyon National Park.
Both of those entrance fees are good for seven days.
Final Thoughts on your 5-day Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
I wish you all a fantastic trip exploring Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah! This place is a gem, and I hope you enjoy it. Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principle and to treat this land with respect so those who visit after you can enjoy it all the same.
If you have any questions on this Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary, don’t hesitate to shoot me a note.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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