Kanab is very close to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park and is a great alternative lodging option instead of choosing places to stay in Zion National Park.
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A Utah roadtrip routeIf 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.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is one of the park's most iconic historic structures. The Lodge and its surrounding motel structures are located a short walk from the park's iconic Bryce Amphitheater, and offer 114 rooms including lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins. Reservations are highly recommended.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Southwestern Utah. It is approximately 4 hours from Salt Lake City, 4 hours from Las Vegas, NV, and 2 hours from St. George, UT.
If you're passing through Utah and only have one day to visit Zion National Park and Bryce National Park, don't you worry! While you may not see all of the iconic sights, you certainly can get a little taste of what these national parks have on offer.
Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon and Zion in One TripPlan Sufficient Time: Ideally, plan at least two days for the Grand Canyon and another two days for Zion National Park. This will give you ample time to explore the main attractions, go hiking, and immerse yourself in the beauty of these natural wonders.
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.
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.
Ideally, you need two to three days to really explore Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to hike one of the longer trails such as Angels Landing or the Narrows and enjoy all the major viewpoints.
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.
The scenic drive along Zion Mt.Carmel Highway continues past more red rocks and Checkerboard Mesa, a rock formation formed by erosion, shown above. The drive to Bryce Canyon takes just under 2 hours. Over the drive, you'll climb nearly 4,000 feet, so be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
The fastest route between the two parks starts on Route 12, takes you south on Interstate 89 and then west on Route 9. Route 12 is one of the most scenic roads in Utah, and all of the US for that matter, so this is a drive to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park for Smaller CrowdsIf 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.
Best Time to Go to Zion National Park to Avoid CrowdsThe 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.
For the average national park explorer, late spring or early fall is the best time to visit Zion. From April to May and September to October, the weather is good, crowds are fewer, and hiking conditions are optimal.