From deep red canyons to orange and white hoodoos and spires, Utah National Parks are hard to beat. A 4-day road trip from Escape Campervans in Las Vegas to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park is the perfect long weekend getaway!
Go hiking, relax alongside the Virgin River, take a stroll through colorful desert sandstone formations, and camp among the dark starry skies. Any nature lover shouldn’t miss these two bucket list national parks when visiting Vegas.
Travel Time for a Las Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park Loop
The complete loop from Escape Camper Vans Las Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park and back to Las Vegas is nine hours and twenty minutes. That totals 550 miles. This route includes stops at Valley of Fire State Park and Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park, both located only minutes off the main route.
Best Time of Year for a Las Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park Loop
Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park remain open year-round unless park roads close due to crazy weather. Temperatures vary drastically throughout the year. Most people don’t expect the desert to receive so much snow in winter! Depending on what you’re looking for can play a role in when you choose to visit.
Spring
Spring is a great time to travel in Utah. Zion National Park temperatures are comfortable, in the mid-50s to mid-70s during the day, from March to May. Spring is a great time to hike in Zion.
Bryce Canyon sits at a much higher elevation, between 7,000 – 9,000 feet. Early spring usually has cooler temperatures, and a late-season snowstorm can happen as late as May. Check the weather before you head out!
Summer
Summer is the most popular and crowded season to road trip from Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon. However, summer is the hottest time of year to explore Utah’s desert. Temperatures can reach into the 90s – 100s.
Sleeping in a campervan is tough in the heat of summer. If you choose to visit from June through early September, start your hikes before sunrise and avoid the midday sun. Stay hydrated!
Fall
Mid-September through November brings great weather for a visit to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Temperatures average in the 50s to 80s and leaves begin changing colors. Summer crowds are gone by fall and it’s the perfect season to go on long day hikes.
Winter
Winter is a beautiful time for a road trip from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park, but expect snow! Both parks get cold, especially Bryce Canyon, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing at night. Winter is the best time to avoid crowds and although days are short, the picturesque vistas covered in a coat of snow are an unbelievable site.
Preparation for a Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon Road Trip
A Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park road trip from Las Vegas offers many opportunities to explore. Here are some tips to help your camper van road trip run smoothly.
Book Campsites
Throughout the high season from mid-spring to late fall, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park receive a lot of visitors. Book your campsites in advance to reserve your spot. Some campgrounds accept reservations as early as 6 months out.
Use National Park Shuttles
To avoid crowding throughout the peak seasons in both Zion and Bryce Canyon use the park shuttles.
Zion National Park Shuttle
The Zion National Park shuttle is the most efficient way to get around Zion Canyon. During the busy season from March to November, and around holidays in the winter you can only access Zion Canyon via the Zion Park Shuttle.
Pick up the shuttle right from the Zion Village Visitor Center just past the Springdale Park entrance. Find up-to-date shuttle schedules online. Shuttles run every 5 – 10 minutes. Make sure you check the shuttle times so you don’t miss the last shuttle of the day. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk back!
There is parking for the shuttle by the visitor center as well as outside the park in Springdale. The easiest option is taking the Springdale Shuttle Line into the park to connect with the Zion Canyon Shuttle. The Springdale Shuttle runs every 15 minutes and picks visitors up along the main road in Springdale.
Bryce Canyon National Park Shuttle
Take the Bryce Canyon National Park shuttle during the busy summer months to avoid the hecticness of parking. Leave your car at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and hop on the shuttle. It runs every 10 – 15 minutes and stops at all the park viewpoints as well as the main hotels in the town of Bryce just outside the park. Check online for the most up-to-date shuttle schedule.
Reserve Hiking Permits if Applicable
If you plan to hike Angels Landing or the full Narrows trail in Zion National Park you must obtain permits in advance. You cannot hike these trails without permits.
Pack a Rechargeable Battery
Keep your camera or phone fully charged by carrying a rechargeable battery pack. It’s nice to have when out on long hikes or when you want to charge your devices while relaxing in your camper van in the evening.
Pick Up Paper Maps and Download Offline Maps
It’s always good to carry a paper map and GPS navigation. You’ll receive paper maps at each park entrance kiosk. Before you leave Vegas, download offline maps for hiking trails and roads. There are many stretches from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon without cell service.
Check Weather and Road Conditions
Both Zion and Bryce Canyon receive snow throughout the winter. Bryce receives even more snow sitting at such high elevations. Check the Zion and Bryce Canyon park pages to stay up to date about road closures and storms. Any alerts will appear in a banner at the top of the page.
Fuel Up
You’ll drive through remote areas while road-tripping from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park from Vegas. Always keep your gas tank at least half fuel to avoid running out alongside the highway!
Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon Stops
Start your trip by visiting Valley of Fire State Park, located just northeast of Vegas. Then continue to Zion National Park and spend a night or two here exploring the stunning Zion Canyon.
Drive through the park the next day via the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway then check out the famous hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. On your final day, head back to Las Vegas; but first, pay a quick visit to Kolob Canyons, the western district of Zion National Park. It’s located right off I-15, on your route back to Las Vegas!
Day 1: Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is a little gem located an hour northeast of Las Vegas. Adding Valley of Fire to your Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon road trip only adds on 30 minutes! It’s the perfect place to spend your first night if you pick up your campervan in the afternoon or if you want to stop and stretch your legs on the way to Zion National Park.
Things to Do in Valley of Fire State Park
Elephant Rock is one of the most famous rock formations in Valley of Fire State Park, and you guessed it; with a little bit of imagination, it looks like an elephant! You can reach Elephant Rock on a short 0.3-mile loop from the east entrance parking lot.
If you want to explore a bit further beyond Elephant Rock then hike the full Elephant Rock Loop Trail. It’s a 1.3-mile loop that gains 175 feet in elevation. This trail winds you through the desert across sand paths and over the beautiful red and orange rocks.
The Beehives are unique sandstone formations that resemble beehives. Some have large enough cave-like openings that you can even walk in! The Beehives are located right off Valley of Fire Highway across from the campgrounds.
Mouse’s Tank Road is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Valley of Fire State Park. Many hiking trails start off Mouse’s Tank Road. There are also a handful of parking lots off Mouse Tank Road where you can pull off, and scramble up rocks for panoramic park views.
White Domes Trail is a 1.1-mile loop at the end of Mouse’s Tank Road. The trail loops you among beautiful orange and white sandstone formations including a must-see slot canyon. There is some moderate scrambling on this trail.
Camping in Valley of Fire State Park
Arch Rock Campground is a 29-site campground located right off Valley of Fire Highway next to Arch Rock. The campground has water, bathrooms, shaded tables, and showers.
Atlatl Rock Campground is located right next to Arch Rock Campground in Valley of Fire State Park. The campground has 44 sites with shaded tables, grills, water, toilets, and showers.
Day 2: Zion Canyon, Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the most popular national park in Utah drawing visitors from around the world to admire the high red canyon walls carved out by the Virgin River. There are plenty of options for hiking, scenic walks, and picturesque drives here.
Escape Camer Vans in Las Vegas to Zion National Park is only a three-hour drive. Valley of Fire State Park to Zion is a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Things to Do in Zion National Park
Angels Landing is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. It’s also considered one of the most dangerous because of the infamous chain section that takes hikers out on a narrow ridge to the final viewpoint at Angels Landing.
If you’re comfortable with exposure and steep drop-offs along a narrow ridge then this is the hike for you! The round-trip hike is about 4.5 miles and gains 1,827 feet. You must reserve permits in advance to hike Angels Landing.
The Narrows are another one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, but they are more accessible for all visitors. The Narrows are located at the narrowest point of Zion Canyon. Access the Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava bus stop.
There is a 1-mile flat, paved trail from the Temple of Sinawava bus stop before you reach the Virgin River. From there you can wade through the water which ranges from ankle-deep to well over waist deep depending on the time of year. Wander for 20 minutes or explore the Narrows for a few hours.
**The Narrows close when water flow levels are too high. Closures most often occur in the spring following rapid snow melting or after summer monsoonal rains.
The Virgin River cuts right through the center of Zion Canyon and is responsible for carving the canyon out as we see it today. There are many spots along the Virgin River off Zion Canyon Road where you can access the river. Take a dip to cool off in the summer heat or have a picnic alongside the river under the trees.
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is the main park visitor center in Zion National Park. It’s located just inside the park’s Springdale entrance. Learn about park history, geology, wildlife, the environment, and much more. Visit the exhibits on your own or chat with a ranger to learn about upcoming ranger-led activities.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a National Scenic Byway running from Zion Canyon in the west of the park to Mount Carmel, east of Zion National Park. The highway is also known as Highway 9. Take in scenic views along this drive including the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel! It was built in the 1920s and is over a mile long!
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is the best way to continue from the park’s west entrance to the east while on your way from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Checkerboard Mesa is a unique viewpoint located right off Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. It’s a commonly photographed, checkered-patterned sandstone mountainside. There are multiple pullouts by Checkerboard Mesa. Look out for bighorn sheep as they’re known to frequent here.
Camping in Zion National Park
Watchman Campground is a year-round campground sitting right next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, just past the south entrance into the park near Springdale. It has 176 sites with potable water, flushing toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reservations are required and available 6 months out.
Located in Springdale, just a half mile from the Zion National Park east entrance is Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort. It’s a private campground with toilets, running water, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, a swimming pool, a camp store, and coin-op laundry. There is a market across the street and plenty of dining and shopping options right in town.
On your way from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park you’ll drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. There are many primitive camping spots near here. If you’re comfortable with dispersed camping – meaning no amenities, just pulling off the main road, then these are great options.
Camping apps including Campendium, The Dyrt, and iOverlander pin suggested camping spots.
Restaurants near Zion National Park
1 Zion Lodge, Springdale, UT 84767
Red Rock Grill is located in the Zion National Park Lodge right in Zion Canyon. Its beautiful atmosphere features a mix of stone and wood with large windows showcasing impressive canyon views. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner here; or grab wine, beer, or cocktails.
1880 Zion-Mount Carmel Hwy, Springdale, UT 84767
Zion’s Park House Cafe is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch right in Springdale and is considered one of the best restaurants for its price. Meals include healthy traditional plates and both vegetarian and vegan options. During the busy season, the Park Hosue Cafe is open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
1212 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Head to Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon for contemporary Southwestern and Mexican meals. This popular cantina has indoor and outdoor seating every evening from 5 – 9 pm. The bar stays open until 10:30 pm, and the Backyard Taco Shack & Cantina is open daily from 4 – 9 pm. Starting April 15 there’s a farmers market and live music every Monday and Friday from 6 – 9 pm.
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its colorful hoodoos, spires, and amphitheaters. Red, orange, and white sandstone formations make up the landscape. From hiking options to the scenic park drive with many can’t-miss viewpoints, there’s plenty for everyone to explore here.
The drive from the east side of Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park is just under 2 hours, including driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
If you plan to do any walks while visiting Bryce Canyon National Park then hike from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point. It’s a short, 0.5-mile trail along the rim of a large hoodoo amphitheater. Round trip it’s one mile long. Despite their names, Sunrise and Sunset Point are worth visiting at any time of day.
The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is an 18-mile road (36 miles round trip) that goes from the north of the park to the south. Along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive are 9 overlooks with unbelievable views of Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon Drive starts at 7,894 feet in elevation at the visitor center but certain points along the road reach over 9,000 feet so you’ll see a contrast in geologic formations while driving through the park.
Bryce Point is possibly the most iconic amphitheater in Bryce Canyon National Park offering expansive views of hoodoos. It’s the starting point for a few hiking trails and a nice sunset spot.
Bryce Canyon’s Navajo Loop Trail is the perfect option for a short, moderate hike. It’s a 1.5-mile loop with 520 feet of elevation gain. It starts at Sunset Point looking out on the large amphitheater before descending switchbacks into the amphitheater. Most visitors complete the hike in 1 – 2 hours so it’s a great option if you’re short on hiking time.
The Bryce Canyon Visitor Center is located just past the park entrance. Learn about the park through the many exhibits or watch the park film. You can also chat with a ranger about upcoming ranger-led events.
Camping in Bryce Canyon National Park
North Campground is a 100-site year-round campground located just past the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance and across the street from the visitor center.
North Campground has potable water, flushing toilets, fire grates, and picnic tables. It’s close to the general store if you need any last-minute items. Reservations are required during the busy season from mid-May to early October. Outside of this season, North Campground is first-come, first-served.
Sunset Campground is located a bit further into the park across from Sunset Point. It has 100 sites with potable water, portable toilets, picnic tables, and fire grates. Sunset Campground is open seasonally from mid-April through October. Reservations are required up to 14 days in advance from mid-May to mid-October.
Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground is a private campground located just outside the park. It’s open seasonally from late March through the fall. There are tent campsites with water, picnic tables, fire grates, and bathrooms. The campground is located among the pines so many campsites even have shade.
Restaurants near Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Just about a mile and a half past the park entrance is The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant. It’s a casual restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere with large stone fireplaces and many windows letting in natural light. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served here and there are gluten-free and vegetarian options.
UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Valhalla Pizzeria and Coffee Shop is located right next to the Lodge at Bryce Canyon and serves fresh artisanal baked pizzas, homemade foods, salads, and more. You can also enjoy espresso, beer, or wine here. Valhalla Pizzeria is open from May 1 through the fall.
110 Center St, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Head to Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill Dinner Show to enjoy an unforgettable evening of tasty American BBQ and live country music. Open from mid-April through mid-October enjoy dinner and a show every night.
Doors open at 7:00 pm, you must be in your seat by 7:20 pm. Dinner starts at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm. Make reservations in advance for this fun country cowboy show.
Day 4: Quick Stop at Kolob Canyons then Back to Las Vegas
On your way back from Bryce Canyon National Park to Las Vegas, you’ll take I-15. It’s a four-hour drive. Right off of I-15 is Kolob Canyons, another park unit in Zion. It’s worth the stop if you have extra time and want to stretch your legs and break up the drive!
Things to Do in Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons Road is a 5-mile road into the Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park. Along the drive, you’ll enjoy striking views of the canyon and majestic peaks located on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Kolob Canyons Road closes when covered in snow or ice during winter.
The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is located right at the exit from I-15. It has interpretive exhibits, a small bookstore, and an information desk where you can chat with a ranger.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a one-mile out-and-back trail that follows a rocky ridge to vast panoramic vistas of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, the Pine Valley Mountains, and Shuntavi Butte.
On a clear day, you might even see Mount Trumbull located at the north rim of the Grand Canyon 100 miles away! The trail gains 250 feet in elevation and is definitely a highlight in Kolob Canyons.
Why Rent a Camper Van for a Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park Loop?
A camper van is the best way to road trip from Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. With an Escape Camper Van, you have everything you need, all the time!
A camper van is also a better option than an RV because camper vans are small, compact, mobile, and easy to drive. You don’t need to worry about sewer or electric hookups like an RV. With Escape Camper Vans you can also add on accessories to ensure your trip runs smoothly!
Reserve with Escape Campervans for your Las Vegas to Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park Loop
Repacking a tent each morning is tough but with a home on wheels, you don’t have to worry about that! Camp comfortably and easily with Escape Camper Vans. With a convenient pickup location in Las Vegas, all you have to do is book your flight and camper van today to explore the Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park loop!
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