Is Bryce or Zion more crowded?

Which park is busier – Zion or Bryce? Both parks are incredibly popular destinations with unique features that draw in visitors from all over. While Zion tends to be busier due to its proximity to Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon offers incredible views of its iconic red-rock hoodoos and stunning natural landscapes.



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Crowds and wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park Crowds are common at most scenic overlooks and a number of trails, especially in summer, but the atmosphere is quieter than at Zion.

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Should I Spend More Time in Zion or Bryce Canyon? Chances are, if you're heading to Bryce Canyon, you're probably also wanting to visit Zion National Park at the same time. These parks are only two hours apart, making it easy to see both! Zion definitely needs more time than Bryce Canyon.

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A Utah roadtrip route If you're only doing these two parks then it doesn't matter which you do first. If you're going over to the other Utah national parks (on the east side of the state), then it makes sense to do Zion first, then Bryce and head on east.

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If seeing the most breathtaking views of the southwest is your goal, Zion National Park might be a better choice. With its spectacular sandstone cliffs and deep canyons, it's hard to beat. There are also plenty of trails to explore and activities like rock climbing, canyoneering, and horseback riding.

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One of the major differences between Bryce Canyon and Zion is that Bryce is at a much higher elevation—primarily between 8,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation, while the most accessible parts of Zion are within the 4,000 to 6,500 feet elevation range. Anciently, this entire region was once the bottom of a great lake.

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Bryce Canyon National Park in Southwestern Utah is famous for the largest collection of hoodoos—the distinctive rock formations at Bryce—in the world. Bryce Canyon is also home to horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, scenic vistas, and the dark night sky.

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Start hikes, like the Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop trail, in the morning to avoid crowds. I recommend watching the sunrise and starting the hike shortly after. Wait to do the scenic drive until the afternoon after you've explored the area around Bryce Canyon Lodge. Sunrise is the best time for photography.

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You should plan to spend at least 1 to 2 days in Bryce Canyon National Park. While you can see the highlights in just one day, you'll be able to explore the hiking trails more with a full 2 days in Bryce Canyon.

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Zion to Bryce Canyon 1 Day Itinerary & Map. Yes, it is possible to see both Zion and Bryce Canyon in one day, but it will be one VERY FULL day. A lot depends on where you start and end your trip, of course.

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Best Time to Go to Zion National Park to Avoid Crowds The least crowded months in Zion are December to February when the weather is cold. If you're looking for warmer weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting from March to April or October to November instead.

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5 Tips to Avoid the Crowds in Zion National Park – Best Time to Visit
  1. Hike as early as possible. Our guides have a saying–”an hour earlier, a mile farther”. ...
  2. Head to Kolob Canyons. ...
  3. Hike Observation Point. ...
  4. Go In Winter. ...
  5. Last: Embrace the humanity.


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Best Time to Visit Zion National Park for Smaller Crowds If you have the flexibility, making the trip during the park's off-peak months of October through March means less crowded hiking trails and fewer view-blocking selfie sticks. If you're looking for a really quiet escape, January is the best time to visit.

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As with many National Parks across the country, tourist crowds peak during the months of June, July, and August. This is when you are going to find many families at Bryce Canyon, and the crowds will almost always be high at the iconic attractions within the park's boundaries.

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Best Hikes to Avoid The Crowds in Zion National Park
  • The Watchman Trail (kid-friendly) - panoramic views you don't have to share.
  • Pa'Rus Trail (kid & dog-friendly) - for sunset lovers & landscape photographers.
  • Canyon Overlook Trail (kid-friendly) - Angels Landing views without the congestion and chains.


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Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are approximately 80 miles apart and one can be reached from the other in under 2 hours by car, about 1 hour and 40 minutes without traffic. The fastest route between the two parks starts on Route 12, takes you south on Interstate 89 and then west on Route 9.

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Typically, when you're not much of a hiker or have young children in tow, Zion can be done in a 1- or 2-day trip. Give yourself enough time to catch a few shuttle rides and sightsee. You may even want to set aside a day to do a scenic drive in your personal vehicle around the park.

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Ideally, plan to spend four days in Zion and Bryce Canyon combined. In Zion, spend two days exploring the canyon floor and hiking to scenic spots on the rims. Then, drive to Bryce Canyon and do some afternoon sightseeing. On the fourth day, hike on the canyon floor and explore the rest of the park.

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If you're planning a trip to Bryce Canyon, it is important to take into consideration your tolerance for crowds and unpredictable weather. By and large the busiest time to visit the park are the summer months (June through September). In fact, sixty percent of park visitors come during this time.

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Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am.

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No reservations are required to enter the park. Reservations for lodging within the park are highly recommended. Of the park's two campgrounds only Sunset Campground accepts reservations. All 100 sites are reservable on a 6-month rolling basis.

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Known for its glowing orange rock hoodoos and otherworldly landscape, Bryce Canyon National Park is a must see. While the nearby town of Bryce, Utah offers many lodging options, spending a night inside the park at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon is an unforgettable experience.

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We think one day in Bryce Canyon is just about the right amount of time to see the highlights of the park. It's a relatively small park, so there's really not that much to do and see. Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive – which is the main thoroughfare through the park – is only 19 miles long (one way).

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Bryce Canyon is much higher in elevation so temperatures can swing fast when cold fronts come in. Visitors can enjoy Bryce Canyon's mild weather during any season. Summer days in Bryce are pleasant and nights are cool at 8,000-9,000 feet.

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