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The Watchman at sunset in Zion National Park
USA National Parks

Zion & Bryce Canyon: The Complete 2026 Guide

Zion and Bryce are the two most photogenic parks in the American Southwest and sit close enough to do as one loop out of Las Vegas. Below is a three-to-four-day itinerary, how to book the Angels Landing permit, and where to stay in and around both parks.

A three-to-four-day itinerary from Las Vegas

Day 1: Drive Las Vegas to Springdale (160 miles / 2.5 hours). Afternoon Pa'rus Trail and Canyon Overlook for sunset.

Day 2: Zion. Angels Landing (if you won the permit lottery) or Observation Point via East Mesa. The Narrows bottom-up in the afternoon.

Day 3: Drive Zion to Bryce via the Mount Carmel Highway tunnel (75 miles / 90 minutes). Bryce Amphitheater Rim Trail, Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden combined hike.

Day 4: Bryce sunrise at Sunrise or Inspiration Point. Drive back to Las Vegas via Kanab (or continue east to Grand Staircase-Escalante).

Angels Landing, The Narrows and other Zion permits

Angels Landing: a permit is required for anyone hiking past Scout Lookout. Two lotteries — seasonal (apply 2-4 months ahead) and day-before (5pm the day before). Apply on recreation.gov.

The Narrows bottom-up: no permit needed. Rent neoprene socks / dry bibs in Springdale in cool months.

The Narrows top-down: permit required, apply 3 months ahead.

The Subway (Left Fork): permit-only via lottery; a serious full-day route.

Zion shuttle runs March-late November and is the only way to reach the trailheads on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. In winter, drive your own car.

Where to stay

Inside Zion: Zion Lodge (the only in-park hotel; 1920s cabins) — book 12 months ahead through Xanterra.

Springdale: the park gateway, walking distance to the shuttle. Cliffrose Springdale, Cable Mountain Lodge, Desert Pearl Inn, La Quinta Springdale — the widest hotel choice.

Inside Bryce Canyon: Bryce Canyon Lodge (1925 historic; log cabins) — book 12 months ahead.

Just outside Bryce: Ruby's Inn / Best Western Plus (the biggest cluster, walk to the free shuttle) and Under Canvas Bryce Canyon for glamping.

Kanab (50 miles south of Bryce): the best mid-point base for combining Zion, Bryce, Grand Staircase and the North Rim.

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Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Zion and Bryce?

Three days is the minimum: two in Zion, one in Bryce. Four is more comfortable and lets you add a sunrise or a second Bryce viewpoint. Add a fifth for Grand Staircase-Escalante or the Grand Canyon North Rim (summer only).

How do I get to Zion from Las Vegas?

160 miles / 2.5 hours via I-15 north to Hurricane, then Highway 9. Rent a car at LAS or book a private transfer to Springdale. Full-day guided tours also run from the Strip.

Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?

Yes, for anyone hiking past Scout Lookout. Two recreation.gov lotteries — seasonal (2-4 months ahead) and day-before (5pm). Everything up to Scout Lookout is permit-free.

When is the best time to visit Zion and Bryce?

April-May and September-October: warm days, cool nights, waterfalls flowing, shuttles running. July-August thunderstorms bring flash-flood risk for The Narrows. Winter is quiet and Bryce with snow on the hoodoos is unforgettable.

Can I do Zion without a car?

Yes — stay in Springdale and use the free town shuttle to the park entrance, then the free Zion shuttle inside. This is one of the few US national parks that works well car-free.

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