Zion National Park vs Bryce Canyon: How to Choose Between Two of Utah’s Most Iconic National Parks

Written By Matthew Cogossi
Canyon Overlook in Zion National Park

Canyon Overlook in Zion National Park

Are you planning a trip to Utah and wondering which National Parks you should visit? First, Utah’s National Parks, best known as the Utah Mighty 5, are absolutely incredible, so the short answer is you can’t go wrong visiting any of these amazing natural wonders. Each of these national parks are awe-inspiring and each one offers something unique and different.

So far, we have visited 4 of the Mighty 5: Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Canyonlands (we just have Capitol Reef left!), and each one offers a different and unique experience. Two of the easiest and most popular ones to pair are Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. We recently visited both of these parks (in October) as part of a larger road trip, starting from Phoenix, up to Zion, over to Bryce, down to Sedona and Flagstaff, and then back to Phoenix. After exploring both of these parks we are here to help you decide which one works best for you.

If You Want the Easy Answer… Visit Both. Seriously.

Let’s give you the easy answer, if you can visit both - definitely visit both, they are so vastly different and offer completely unique experiences.

If Zion is the extrovert of Utah’s parks—bold, social, dramatic—Bryce Canyon is the quiet, artsy friend who surprises you with the most jaw-dropping views you didn’t know you needed.

But if you have to choose one due to time constraints, keep reading. This guide will give you a clear, quick comparison so you can confidently decide which park fits your travel style.

If You Have Time to Visit Both

If you're trying to squeeze in both parks during your Utah or Southwest adventure, here’s what you need to know:

Can you visit Zion and Bryce in one day?

Short answer: Yes.
More realistic answer: Yes… but be prepared for a very long day with possibly long drives (depending on where you are starting your day)

At a minimum, we recommend:

  • At least 2 hours in Bryce Canyon (if you just want to hit the quick viewpoints and scenic drive)

  • At least 4 hours in Zion (shuttle + a short hike or two)

Distance Between the Parks

It takes about 2 hours to drive between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. The drive is beautiful, too—red cliffs, open desert, and a whole lot of “wow what even is that rock formation?”. Just be aware, we drove at night and saw a TON of deer, so be cautious when driving through the wide open spaces.

They Pair Beautifully on a Road Trip

These two parks flow together naturally on a larger loop (Las Vegas or Phoenix being the most common start). We personally spent three days visiting both parks and recommend:

  • 1 full day in Zion, and

  • 3/4 of a day in Bryce Canyon, including travel time between the parks.

Can you take a tour of both parks?

Yes! If you’re short on time or don’t want to drive, you can book a very full-day guided tour from Las Vegas.

Zion vs. Bryce Canyon: Quick Comparison Table

Category Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Park
Overall Vibe Adventurous, dramatic, immersive Quiet, surreal, expansive
Best For Hikers, thrill-seekers, scenery lovers Viewpoint collectors, photographers, families
Landscape Towering canyon walls, riverbeds, lush valley floors Massive amphitheaters filled with bright orange hoodoos
How Much Time You Need Full day (8+ hours) 2–6 hours
Crowds Busier, especially spring–fall Typically less crowded
Main Access Shuttle required most of the year Self-driving year-round (shuttle optional in peak season)
Top Experiences The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, Emerald Pools Sunrise at Bryce Point, Navajo Loop, Scenic Drive
Best For a Single Day Trip From Las Vegas, St. George, or Phoenix From Salt Lake City
Ease of Visiting Without Hiking Low — views usually require walking or hiking High — best views are steps from the car
Town Nearby Springdale: lively, lots of food & hotels Bryce Canyon City: small, limited dining & lodging
Dark Sky Status Yes Yes
Driving Between Parks About 2 hours (Zion ↔ Bryce)

Zion National Park

The Narrows in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the United States—and for good reason. Massive sandstone cliffs, lush canyon floors, dramatic trails, and Insta-famous views make it a bucket-list destination. Zion is the most popular park and for good reason. Staring up from the valley floor at the towering mountains is incredible. Not to mention the iconic hikes and beautiful landscapes. Zion is actually our personal favorite of the Utah parks because of the incredible hikes and views.

Why You Might Choose Zion

  • Closest to major cities
    Easiest access from Las Vegas, St. George, or even Phoenix.
    If you’re coming from Vegas with only a single day to spare, Zion should be your pick.

  • It’s very much a hiking park
    Yes, there are scenic viewpoints, but to see the most iconic views you’ll need to strap on your hiking boots and get exploring.

  • Shuttle system most of the year
    Unless you're visiting in winter, you cannot drive your car through the main canyon. You’ll use the shuttle, which is easy but does require time and patience. While the shuttles come frequently, there could be a line and you may have to wait for the shuttle during peak hiking times, something to consider if your plan is to “see as much of the park as fast as possible”.

  • It’s typically busier than Bryce
    Expect crowds—especially spring through fall. Winter is calmer (and beautiful). If you are hoping for secluded nature hikes, you’ll either need to get to the trails first thing in the morning or visit during the off season.

  • Springdale has a charm of its own
    The town outside the park is lively and convenient, with plenty of:

    • Restaurants

    • Bars and breweries

    • Hotels

    • Gear shops

    • Cute cafés (coffee + canyon views = perfect way to unwind)

  • Phenomenal hikes and views
    You’ll find iconic trails like Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools.

  • It’s a designated Dark Sky area
    Perfect for stargazing and finding those beautiful shots of the Milky Way overhead. We got some incredible shots of the Milky Way just outside the park.

  • Expect a full day here
    Plan for at least 6-8 hours if you want to enjoy even a portion of what Zion offers. Zion isn’t exactly a park to “rush through”, you’ll need to be prepared to wait for shuttles, hike the trails, and bring plenty of water!

A Few Cons to consider:

  • The park is not dog friendly (other than Pa’rus trail), so you’ll definitely want to leave your pup at home or in your accommodation

  • If your plan is to rush through the park - while you could just ride the shuttle and jump out at the different stops, you’ll really need to do at least some hiking to see the most iconic views

  • The shuttle - we found it really convenient (no need to circle around and find parking!), but you may have to queue/wait for shuttles and yes the shuttles can get very packed

  • Parking in Springdale can be a bit difficult (and expensive), so you’ll need to plan accordingly during peak season and either plan to stay in Springdale, or try to get to the park first thing in the morning.

If Zion sounds like your jam or you are interested in learning more, check out our full Zion guide .

Bryce Canyon National Park

Descending into the Queen’s Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon

Bryce isn’t like any other place on Earth. Its surreal landscape of hoodoos—those tall, bright orange rock spires—looks like something straight out of a dream. Or Mars. Or a Dr. Seuss book. Take your pick.

Why You Might Choose Bryce Canyon

  • More accessible from Salt Lake City
    Though overall, it's more remote than Zion.

  • You can drive the park year-round
    Shuttles exist during peak season, but they aren't required.

  • Fewer crowds than Zion
    Especially in the mornings and outside summer.

  • It’s a “driving park”
    You can easily drive the 14-mile scenic road with multiple pull-offs and viewpoints.

  • Expansive, panoramic vistas
    You can see the canyon and surrounding area from countless overlooks.

  • You don’t need to hike for incredible views
    Short walks are needed for the best viewpoints, but nothing strenuous is required.

  • There are a few fantastic hikes
    One of our favorites? Walking among the hoodoos via Queens Garden Trail —absolutely magical.

  • Parking lots get busy
    Especially mid-day, and some viewpoints have limited spaces.

  • It’s very doable in half a day
    A quick drive-through takes about 2 hours.
    A fuller visit with a hike or two? Plan 4–6 hours.

  • Also a designated Dark Sky park - perfect for gazing up at the Milky Way!

  • Bryce Canyon City is small
    Let’s calm it “developing”. Expect a few hotels, a few restaurants, and not much else—but that’s part of the charm.

A few cons to consider:

  • Many of the viewpoints along the driving road have limited parking. If you are visiting in peak Summer, you may need to wait to find parking.

  • The amphitheater is the busiest location, during peak tourist season (summer), you may find parking hard to find.

  • Bryce is more difficult to get to than Zion.

  • The nearby town is still in the process of being developed, so expect to stay at least 30 minutes away or further.

For more inspiration, see our in-depth guide to visiting Bryce Canyon.

Where Should You Stay in Bryce and Zion?

When we visited Zion National Park, we stayed in the nearby town of Hurricane at: Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane/Zion National Park

When we visited Bryce Canyon, we stayed about 45 minutes away at: Mountain Ridge Cabins and Lodging

Both of these hotels were great. If you want a larger list of recommended hotels and accommodations, check out our full in depth guides for Zion or Bryce.

What Should I Pack for The National Parks?

When visiting either of these National Parks we recommend bringing:

For a full packing list check out our full in depth guides.

Final Thoughts: Zion or Bryce — Which One Should You Choose?

If you have time, do both. Together, these parks showcase two completely different sides of Utah’s natural beauty. Zion is dramatic, immersive, and adventurous. Bryce is serene, surreal, and instantly breathtaking.

If you must choose one:

  • Choose Zion if you want iconic hikes, canyon landscapes, and a lively town.

  • Choose Bryce if you prefer easy viewpoints, fewer crowds, cooler temps, and unforgettable hoodoo formations.

Whichever you pick, you’re in for an incredible day surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the American Southwest. Enjoy your National Park Experience and we can’t wait to hear about your National Park experience!

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✨ Ready to plan your own Bryce escape?
Check prices for Hotels near Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks or browse tours around Bryce and Zion National Park to get started!

Interested in getting more National Park Inspiration? Check out our other blog posts below:


Matthew Cogossi
Next

How Long Do I Need to See Bryce Canyon Park and Is It Worth It?