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. I definitely recommend doing this hike during the day so you can soak up all of the views along the way.
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Top ways to experience Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and nearby attractions. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 100% of travelers recommend this experience.
Bryce Canyon NP Scenic drive runs 18 miles along Highway 63 from Highway 12 until it ends at the south end of Highway 63 in Bryce Canyon National Park. Many of the park's highlights can be seen by the numerous overlooks. Please be aware that several of the side roads may be closed seasonally due to wintery conditions.
Kolob Canyons RoadKolob Canyons is an incredibly beautiful part of Zion National Park and features many trailheads and incredible red rock views along the 5-mile scenic drive. This section of the park can close due to snow and ice, but through most of the year this road is open and you can freely drive it.
Route 9 is a beautiful scenic byway. It is a great alternative to taking the highway (rt 15) and takes you through Mt Zion Park. Note that your map app may call it a toll road because you are required to pay for admission to the park.
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.
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.
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.
How long is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive? Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is approximately 7 miles long. The up-canyon shuttle routes takes about 45 minutes to reach the last stop, Temple of Sinawava. The entire round-trip ride takes about an hour and a half.
Top cities between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. The top cities between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are Kanab and Cedar City. Kanab is the most popular city on the route. It's 1 hour from Zion National Park and 2 hours from Bryce Canyon National Park.
However, if it is your first visit to Zion National Park, we would suggest visiting from the southern entrance. This will give you direct access to the main visitor's center, shuttles, and Zion Canyon which features Zion's most popular hikes, such as Angel's Landing and the Narrows.
Shuttles take about 45 minutes to drive between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava. This means a round trip takes about an hour and a half.
Zion Canyon is the most visited part of Zion National Park and offers easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes. Most Zion Canyon hikes are accessible only by the park shuttle from March through November and require stopping at the appropriate shuttle stop.
BY CAR: From the Springdale & Zion Canyon Visitor Center, continue 1.4 miles on SR-9 to the south entrance of Zion National Park. Once inside the park, continue on SR-9 for another 5.9 miles. You will drive up a group of switchbacks on the mountain and eventually go through a tunnel.
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).