One Day in Zion & Bryce National Parks
Filled with staggering beauty, drama, and power, Southern Utah seems like a place of myth. Zion National Park contains stunning contrasts, with towering rock walls deeply incised by steep canyons containing a verdant oasis of cottonwood trees and wildflowers. Bryce Canyon National Park is famed for its red-and-pink hoodoos, delicate fingers of stone rising from a steep mountainside. At sunrise, the light is magical, the air crisp, and the trails nearly empty.
There are countless ways to explore the parks. Trek through narrow canyons, take in sweeping vistas on a scenic drive, or explore hoodoos up close on horseback. Whatever you choose, once you’ve caught a glimpse of the region’s magnificence, it’s likely you’ll want to start planning your return trip.
Here’s the best way to spend one day in Zion and Bryce National Parks:
Morning
Get an early start for your half day in Zion. Stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to fill up your water bottles, then board the Zion Canyon shuttle.
Hop off at Zion Lodge and warm up with the easy hike to Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
Ride to the end of the shuttle route, the Temple of Sinawava, and follow the paved Riverside Walk along the Virgin River. Take time to admire hanging gardens, where plants grow from cracks in the cliff walls. At the end of the 1-mile (1.6-km) walk, the trail goes into the river, but water-hiking the Narrows is a seasonally accessible, full-day plunge that demands preparation. Save it for your next trip.
Ride the shuttle back to Zion Lodge and grab a quick lunch at the Castle Dome Café snack bar before returning to the visitor center and your car.
Afternoon
Leave some time to enjoy the drive to Bryce. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, which leads from Zion Canyon through a series of switchbacks to a high plateau with fine outcroppings of Navajo sandstone, has plenty of roadside viewpoints and even better vistas from the 1-mile (1.6-km) round-trip Canyon Overlook Trail.
Once in Bryce, you’ll want to get an eyeful from the Rim Trail, and then head down to commune with the hoodoos. The Queen’s Garden Trail, which descends from Sunrise Point, is a favorite.
Evening
By this time, you’ll need a real meal, so treat yourself to a sitdown dinner at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon.
After dinner, a stroll on the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points will leave you with memories of glowing orange and pink spires.
Summer days are long, but try to stick around for sunset and join the scrum of photographers at Sunset Point. Bryce is even spectacular after dark—the lack of light pollution makes this an excellent place to view the Milky Way.
Travel Tips for Zion & Bryce
• This itinerary works best April-October.
• Avoid the largest crowds and intense heat by traveling outside the July-August window.
• Make reservations for lodging and dining up to a year in advance at Zion Lodge (888/297-2757) or the Lodge at Bryce Canyon (877/386-4383); however, last-minute bookings are often available. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is open April-October.
• Check to make sure shuttle reservations aren’t required at Zion.
• Stuff your pack with a picnic lunch, lots of water, and snacks.
• Parking may be full, especially in summer, at Zion. Pay for parking in Springdale for easy access to the free Zion-Springdale shuttle.
Feeling inspired? Start planning your adventure today.
- Easy itineraries for one to three days in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, from a morning hike to Weeping Rock, to a day of river rafting, to a weekend exploring both parks with mix-and-match itineraries
- The top hikes in Zion & Bryce: Whether you're looking to stretch your legs for a couple hours or challenge yourself to an epic trek, you'll find trailheads, detailed trail descriptions, individual maps, mileage, and elevation gains
- Can't-miss experiences: Make it the perfect getaway for you with the best views, picnic spots, and more. Snap a pic on a sunrise hike or get your adrenaline pumping on a white-water rafting excursion down the Colorado River. Explore the beautiful remains of ancient Native American rock art throughout the parks and learn about the Indigenous culture of the area
- Stunning full-color photos and maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map
- Essential planning tips: Find out when to go, where to stay, and what to pack, plus up-to-date information on entrance fees, reservations, and safety advice
- Know-how from Zion and Bryce expert Maya Silver
Spending more time in the parks? Check out Moon Zion & Bryce.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
Taking a longer trip? Get the comprehensive guide.
Spark your sense of wonder and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape of Utah's five national parks. Inside Moon Zion & Bryce you'll find:
- Flexible Itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas ranging from one day in each park to a week-long road trip covering all of them, designed for outdoor adventurers, road-trippers, families, and more
- The Best Hikes in Utah's National Parks: Individual trail maps, mileage and elevation gains, and backpacking options for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Grand Staircase-Escalante
- Experience the Outdoors: Trek between the thousand-foot walls of the Narrows, hike Angels Landing to unbelievable canyon views, and marvel at hoodoos in Bryce. Soak up the serenity of winter on cross-country skis or take a week-long road trip to hit every park on your list. Contemplate ancient Indigenous rock art throughout the parks, mountain-bike through the desert in Moab, and stay late to spot constellations in the dark sky
- How to Get There: Up-to-date information on gateway towns like Moab, park entrances, park fees, and tours
- Where to Stay: Campgrounds, resorts, and more both inside and outside the parks
- Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and easy-to-use maps throughout
- Expertise and Know-How: Utah-based outdoorswoman Maya Silver shares her tips for travelers who want to backpack, mountain bike, raft, rock climb, hike, and more
Find your adventure in Zion and Bryce with Moon.
Visiting more of North America's incredible national parks? Try Moon USA National Parks, Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton, or Moon Best of Grand Canyon. Hitting the road? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
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