Zion National Park To Bryce Canyon​: The Best Road Trip

Why visit Zion National Park

Zion National Park holds a special place in my heart. It's a place of immense verticality, where the Virgin River has carved a deep, verdant canyon through Navajo sandstone. When you're inside Zion, you're constantly looking up, surrounded by massive, colorful cliffs that seem to touch the sky. It's a hiker's paradise, offering everything from easy riverside strolls to challenging, permit-required climbs like Angels Landing and the iconic Narrows.

The sheer scale and beauty of the main canyon, with its hanging gardens and emerald pools, are truly captivating. Beyond the main canyon, areas like Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace offer different, quieter perspectives of Zion's diverse landscapes. It's a park that invites you to explore, to challenge yourself, and to simply stand in awe of nature's artistry. For me, Zion is about immersion – feeling small yet connected to something ancient and grand.

Why visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Transitioning from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon feels like stepping into a different world entirely. Bryce Canyon isn't a canyon in the traditional sense; it's a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. What makes Bryce truly unique are its hoodoos – irregular columns of rock, often spire-shaped, that are formed by frost weathering and stream erosion. Standing at an overlook and gazing down at thousands of these orange, pink, and white formations is an unforgettable sight.

It's like a fantastical city of stone, constantly changing with the light. Bryce offers incredible rim trails with panoramic views, as well as trails that descend into the amphitheater, allowing you to walk among the hoodoos. The air is cooler here due to the higher elevation, and the night skies are some of the darkest in North America, making it a prime spot for stargazing. Bryce is about whimsical beauty, intricate details, and a sense of wonder that's distinct from Zion's grandeur.

How far is the drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon?

The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is surprisingly short, making it an ideal pairing for a single trip. From the South Entrance of Zion (Springdale) to the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, the distance is approximately 84 miles (135 kilometers). The driving time is typically around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and how many times you pull over for photos (and trust me, you'll want to!). This relatively short distance means you can easily visit both parks, even if you only have a few days, allowing you to experience two vastly different, yet equally stunning, geological masterpieces in one journey.

How to get from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon

The most common and scenic route from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon involves a drive that is almost as spectacular as the destinations themselves. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Exit Zion via the East Entrance (Highway 9): From Springdale (Zion’s South Entrance), you’ll take Utah State Route 9 east. This road, also known as the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, is an engineering marvel. You’ll drive through the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (note: large vehicles may require an escort and pay a fee) and experience incredible switchbacks and views of Checkerboard Mesa. This section of the drive is a destination in itself, so allow extra time for photo stops.
2. Connect to US-89 North: After exiting the East Entrance of Zion, continue on Highway 9 until you reach a junction with US-89. Turn left (north) onto US-89.
3. Turn onto Scenic Byway 12 (Highway 12): Continue on US-89 North for approximately 45 miles until you reach the junction with Utah Scenic Byway 12 (Highway 12). Turn right (east) onto Highway 12. This is one of America’s most beautiful roads, and it will lead you directly to Bryce Canyon National Park.
4. Arrive at Bryce Canyon: Follow Highway 12 for about 14 miles, passing through Red Canyon (a mini-Bryce experience!) until you reach the turn-off for Bryce Canyon National Park (Highway 63). Turn right onto Highway 63, and it will lead you directly to the park entrance and visitor center.

This route is straightforward and incredibly picturesque, offering a continuous feast for the eyes. While there are other, less scenic routes, this is by far the recommended way to travel between these two natural wonders.

Best places to stop between Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary

The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is packed with incredible stops that can easily turn a two-hour drive into a full-day adventure. Here are some of my favorite places to explore along the way:

Red Canyon

Just before you reach Bryce Canyon on Scenic Byway 12, you'll drive through Red Canyon. It's often called a prelude to Bryce, and for good reason. You'll drive through two iconic red rock tunnels and be surrounded by vibrant red hoodoos and ponderosa pines. There are several pull-offs and short hiking trails, like the Arches Trail, that allow you to get up close to the formations. It's a fantastic introduction to the unique geology of the region and a great place to stretch your legs.

Kanab

Located south of Zion, Kanab is a charming town that serves as a hub for exploring many of the region's natural wonders. While it's a slight detour from the direct route to Bryce, it's worth a visit if you have extra time. Kanab is known as "Little Hollywood" for its history as a filming location for Western movies. You can visit the Moqui Cave, explore the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, or use it as a base for exploring the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

For a high-altitude alternative, consider a detour to Cedar Breaks National Monument. It's a massive natural amphitheater, similar to Bryce Canyon but at an even higher elevation (over 10,000 feet). The views are spectacular, and the cooler temperatures can be a welcome relief in summer. The drive up to Cedar Breaks is scenic, and it's a great way to experience a different perspective of the region's geology without the crowds of the national parks.

Dixie National Forest

The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon takes you through parts of the vast Dixie National Forest. This offers a beautiful contrast to the red rock landscapes, with lush forests of ponderosa pines, aspen groves, and alpine meadows. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping within the forest, providing a different kind of outdoor experience. The changing scenery as you drive through the forest is a highlight of the journey.

Scenic Byway 12

As mentioned, a significant portion of your drive will be on Utah's Scenic Byway 12. This All-American Road is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful drives in the country. It winds its way through a diverse landscape of canyons, plateaus, and forests, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The section between US-89 and Bryce Canyon is particularly stunning, but the entire byway is an adventure in itself.

Panguitch

Panguitch is a historic pioneer town located just a short drive from Bryce Canyon. It's a great place to stop for a meal, browse the antique shops, or simply soak in the small-town charm. The town's name comes from the Paiute word for "big fish," and the nearby Panguitch Lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating. It's a glimpse into the region's history and a peaceful break from the national park crowds.

Hoodoos at Losee Canyon

For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider a stop at Losee Canyon. Located near Red Canyon, this area offers a chance to hike among hoodoos and unique rock formations without the crowds. The trails here are less developed, providing a more rugged and adventurous experience. It's a great spot for photography and for those who enjoy exploring lesser-known gems.

Mossy Cave Trail

Located just outside the main entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, the Mossy Cave Trail is a short, easy hike that's perfect for families or those looking for a quick adventure. The trail follows a stream to a grotto (the "mossy cave") and a small waterfall. It's a lovely, shaded walk that offers a different perspective of the park's geology and is a great way to break up the drive.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon skirts the edge of the massive Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This vast, rugged landscape is a paradise for backcountry enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities for hiking, canyoneering, and off-road driving. While exploring its depths requires significant planning and preparation, even a short detour into the monument can provide a sense of its immense scale and wild beauty.

Best Time to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park

As with visiting Zion individually, the best time for a road trip from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During these months, you'll experience pleasant temperatures in both parks, which is ideal for hiking and exploring. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and flowing waterfalls, while fall offers stunning autumn colors, especially in the higher elevations of Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon. Summer can be very hot in Zion, though Bryce's higher elevation keeps it cooler. Winter offers solitude and beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but be prepared for cold temperatures and potential road closures, especially on Scenic Byway 12.

Tips for a Road Trip from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon

• Start with a full tank of gas: Gas stations can be sparse between the parks, so fill up before you leave Springdale or Panguitch.
• Pack layers: The elevation changes significantly between Zion and Bryce, so be prepared for a range of temperatures.
• Allow plenty of time: Don't rush the drive. The journey is part of the adventure, so plan for stops and detours.
• Check road conditions: Especially in winter and spring, check for any road closures or restrictions, particularly on Scenic Byway 12.
• Pack a cooler: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as services can be limited in some areas.
• Download maps offline: Cell service can be unreliable, so download maps of the parks and the surrounding area before you go.