There is so much to see and do in the southwestern United States. From the Grand Canyon to Utah’s Mighty Five, there is just so much to choose from. That can make planning difficult, even if you have ten days to work with. The annoying thing is sometimes, you don’t even have a full week for your trip. So, I put together my Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary (and a few variations). Each itinerary is five days and focuses heavily on Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, making perfect for a long weekend.
You’ll notice that these itineraries are very similar, and that’s by design. I wanted each of these itineraries to be able to give similar experiences for a long weekend in Utah. Despite their similarities, they are different enough so that each itinerary will cater to a specific type of traveler.
Highlights of These Itineraries
Before we get too far into the exact itineraries, let’s talk about the highlights of this region.
About Zion National Park
Located in southern Utah, this national park is a favorite among travelers. The scenery, like most of this region, is just spectacular. Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise and is full of interesting and diverse trails. For those not big on hiking, there’s a handful of epic shorter trails. Plus, don’t skip the scenic drive along the Mount Carmel Highway—it is just amazing.
About Bryce Canyon National Park
This national park can be visited faster than Zion National Park, but it’s no less spectacular. The highlight is of course Bryce Canyon with its iconic hoodoos. While it’s totally possible to just drive the scenic drive and visit all of the view points, I think the best way to explore is to hike down into the canyon where you can see these hoodoos up close and really feel the scale of Bryce Canyon.
About Valley of Fire State Park
It’s so easy to only focus your attention on the national parks, but the state parks in this area of the country are also worth a visit. Located an hour east of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is full of jaw dropping scenery. The scenic drive is awesome, but the real highlight is getting out to hike. Hike the iconic Fire Wave, wander through a slot canyon, and take in some incredible overlooks.
About Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is excellent and located in southern Utah, but if you’re short on time, this is the one park that I’d cut from this itinerary. Yes, there are amazing geologic features, but it just doesn’t feel quite as grand as the other parks on this list. On your visit, see the lava tubes, petrified dunes, a slot canyon, and more. And did I mention you can loop most of those highlights into one awesome hike?
Four Zion and Bryce Canyon Itineraries
We’ve covered the highlights of this region. Let’s talk about these long weekend itineraries. Each itinerary will start and end in Las Vegas. Since this is a major tourist hub, you should have no issues finding a flight to Las Vegas, no matter where you are located.
Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary 1 – What I Did
Quite honestly, I don’t really recommend doing things the way I did. It was not efficient nor was it as budget conscious as it could have been. In my defense, my plans changed last minute due to the weather, so that’s why this Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary looks so wonky. Still, I’m including it since it makes a starting point for this kind of trip.
So, if I admit that it’s not the best of these itineraries, why include it? If you plan to do some remote working while on vacation (like I did), I found this itinerary gave some great flexibility. I managed 8 hours between days 4 and 5 and therefore saved an entire day of vacation (which I then used on a different trip).
Day 1 – Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park to Hurricane, UT
Pick up your rental car and hit the road. If you land early in the day, you can do some sightseeing on your way to Utah.
Personally I recommend stopping at Valley of Fire State Park which has some epic scenery and some fun, but short, hikes.
Check in to your hotel in Hurricane and get ready for a big day tomorrow.
Day 2 – Zion National Park
Today is all about Zion. I recommend hiking the Riverside Trail and Emerald Pools Trail, which can be reached via the Canyon Shuttle. Then take your rent a car along the Mount Carmel Highway for the Canyon Overlook Trail.
At the end of your day, return to Hurricane.
Day 3 – Hurricane to Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George
Head over to Bryce Canyon and hike the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail before visiting the viewpoints on the scenic drive. When you are finished, head back west to St. George.
Spend the night in St. George.
Day 4 – Snow Canyon State Park to Las Vegas
You only need a few hours at Snow Canyon State Park, so if you need to work remotely, squeeze in a few hours in the morning before heading out. Hike the highlights at Snow Canyon State Park and return to Las Vegas.
Spend the night in Las Vegas. If you need to, you can squeeze in a few more of those work hours back in Las Vegas.
Day 5 – Fly home
This itinerary is over. Return your rental car and head home.
Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary 2 – Everything I did, but make it efficient
Let’s say you aren’t trying to squeeze in work hours and you aren’t traveling on on the strictest of budgets. In this instance, I recommend visiting parks in a much more logical order. This makes for a more efficient Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary.
Additionally, if you are excited to see some epic nature, but don’t plan to do a lot of hiking, I’d recommend looking at this itinerary. You cover a lot of ground, but since you cover a lot of ground, there’s not a ton of time for hiking. That said, you will have some hiking opportunities at each stop. It’s your choice whether or not you want to hike.
Day 1 – Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon. Optional Snow Canyon State Park.
From Las Vegas, pick up your rental car and head to Bryce Canyon National Park. From here, we’ll start working our way back to Las Vegas. If you arrive early enough, you could squeeze in a quick visit to Snow Canyon State Park on your way through.
Spend the night in Bryce Canyon City.
Day 2 – Bryce Canyon to Springdale
Visit Bryce Canyon in the morning and hike the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail before visiting the viewpoints on the scenic drive. When you are finished, head back west toward Springdale. I recommend taking the Mount Carmel Highway through Zion National Park because you’ll pass the Canyon Overlook Trail. If parking is available, stop and hike.
Settle into Springdale for the night.
Day 3 – Zion National Park
Today you get to hike at Zion National Park. I recommend hiking the Riverside Trail and Emerald Pools Trail, which can be reached via the Canyon Shuttle. If you didn’t get a chance to hike the Canyon Overlook Trail yesterday, try again today.
Spend another night in Springdale.
Day 4 – Valley of Fire State Park
Today you’ll head back to Las Vegas, but on your way through, stop at Valley of Fire State Park for epic views, scenic drives, and some short, but fun hikes.
Finish your day in Las Vegas.
Day 5 – Fly home
This itinerary is over. Return your rental car and head home.
Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary 3 – Everything, but budget conscious
It’s no secret that hotels near national parks can be expensive. This Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary bases itself in Hurricane, Utah which I found to have some of the cheapest hotels. You’ll have a bit more driving, but you’ll hopefully save some significant money on your hotel costs.
Day 1 – Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park to Hurricane
Pick up your rental car and hit the road. On your way to Utah, swing through Valley of Fire State Park for some epic scenery.
Spend the night in Hurricane.
Day 2 – Zion National Park
Today is all about Zion. I recommend hiking the Riverside Trail and Emerald Pools Trail, which can be reached via the Canyon Shuttle. Then take your rent a car along the Mount Carmel Highway for the Canyon Overlook Trail.
Return to Hurricane and spend another night.
Day 3 – Bryce Canyon National Park
Head over to Bryce Canyon and hike the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail before visiting the viewpoints on the scenic drive.
Again, return to Hurricane for another night.
Day 4 – Snow Canyon State Park
Head west to St. George and visit Snow Canyon State Park. Hike the highlights and then return to Hurricane (if you have a late flight tomorrow) or to Las Vegas (if you have an early flight).
Day 5 – Fly home
This itinerary is over. Return your rental car and head home.
Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary 4 – For serious hikers
For those who don’t care about variety and just want to hike as much as possible, check out this itinerary.
Day 1 – Las Vegas to Springdale
Pick up your rental car and hit the road. On your way to Utah, swing through Valley of Fire State Park for some epic scenery.
Settle into your hotel in Springdale for the next few nights. This is a more expensive option, but if you’re hiking all day, you’ll likely want to be close to your hotel.
Day 2 – Zion National Park – Short hikes
I recommend hiking the Riverside Trail and Emerald Pools Trail, which can be reached via the Canyon Shuttle. Then take your rent a car along the Mount Carmel Highway for the Canyon Overlook Trail.
Return to Springdale at the end of the day.
Day 3 – Zion National Park – long hike
Today you can tackle one of the longer trails at Zion National Park. Thrill seekers may want to try Angel’s Landing but for a longer, but less strenuous hike, try Observation Point for an epic canyon view.
Spend the evening relaxing in your hotel in Springdale.
Day 4 – Traveler’s Choice
Today the choice is yours. Take another hike at Zion National Park, hike the highlights Snow Canyon State Park, or make the round trip drive to Bryce Canyon for some hiking there. The choice is yours.
Although, if it were up to me, I’d pick hiking at Bryce Canyon National Park. Yes it’s the most driving, but of the options listed, I think Bryce Canyon is the most epic.
If you have a late flight tomorrow, you can spend one more night in Springdale. If you have an early flight, I recommend driving back to Las Vegas and spending the night there.
Day 5 – Fly home
This itinerary is over. Return your rental car and head home.
Which Itinerary Should You Do
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these itineraries. The point is to try to see some of the amazing scenery of this part of America. But, your hiking ability will also feed into what you can accomplish.
But, if I had to pick, I’d choose itinerary 2, with the Snow Canyon State Park add on. You’ll see the best of everything, with an efficient route.
When to Go
Technically, these Zion and Bryce Canyon itineraries can be done all year round, but some seasons will be better than others.
Summers are just hot in this part of the United States and hiking can be dangerous. In fact, in Valley of Fire State Park, some of the travels are closed in the summer months.
Winter is a totally different option. While it will be great hiking conditions at places like Valley of Fire State Park, don’t be surprised to find snow and ice at other parks. The weather can really impact your trip during these months. When I visited Bryce Canyon National Park, the main scenic drive was closed beyond Bryce Point Road. This meant only four view points were available to travelers.
Spring and fall can be ideal. Yes, there is potential for bad weather (usually more so in the spring than in the fall), but these seasons strike a balance between weather and crowds. It can still be busy as more and more travelers are discovering the delights of traveling during “shoulder season” but if I had to choose, I’d pick fall. My first trip to this region was in October and we had phenomenal weather (I can’t speak to the crowds as this was 2021 and Covid was still impacting tourism).
Passes and Entrance Fees
Valley of Fire State Park and Snow Canyon State Park require their own entrance fees. They are $15 each for entrance (cheaper for residents of their respective states).
Additionally, you’ll need to pay for entrance into Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park. At Zion, you’ll pay $35 for entry (valid for 7 days) and at Bryce Canyon, it’s another $30 (valid for 7 days). That’s $65.
My recommendation is to think about the rest of your travel plans for the year. If you plan to visit one other national park at any point within a year after finishing this Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary, it’s worth it to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass costs $80, but is valid for one year and covers your entrance into so many national parks and monuments across the United States.
Final Thoughts
No mater which itinerary you choose, I’m sure that you’ll have a great visit. This part of the United States is one of my favorites just because there is so much unique scenery to be found.
Continue Your Adventure
Bryce Canyon National Park: Start planning your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park with my one day itinerary that consists of all of the highlights. Plus, learn how to make the best of your day if you have rain at Bryce Canyon.
Zion National Park: Zion is full of epic hikes and it can be tough to choose which hike to do, especially if you only have one day at Zion National Park.
Snow Canyon State Park: If you’re interested in seeing some cool geologic features, consider adding a visit to Snow Canyon State Park. While you’re there, hike the highlights of the park in this fun hike.
Valley of Fire State Park: Located just outside of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park has stunning rock formations, fun hikes, amazing views, and so much more.
More in Utah: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks make up two of Utah’s Mighty Five. There’s also the iconic arches at Arches National Park, the otherworldly landscapes at Canyonlands National Park, and unique rocks and stunning drives at Capitol Reef National Park.