Visualize this: towering red cliffs give way to a tunnel carved through solid rock, leading to landscapes that look like another planet.
The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon packs incredible scenery into just 85 miles.
In less than two hours, you’ll watch the landscape change from Zion’s massive canyon walls to Bryce’s colorful hoodoo spires. But here’s the thing, you won’t want to rush this drive.
This guide covers everything you need: route options, timing, must-see stops, and where to sleep.
Whether you’re squeezing both parks into one day or planning a week-long Utah trip, we’ll help you make the most of this stunning drive.
Ready to plan your road trip between two of America’s most beautiful national parks?
Quick Facts: Zion to Bryce Drive
The drive from Zion National Park in southwestern Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park on the Paunsaugunt Plateau is short but spectacular. Here are the key facts on distance, driving time, height, and the best seasons to travel.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~85 miles (137 km) |
| Driving Time | 1.5–2 hours (direct, without stops) |
| Height | Zion: ~4,000 ft (1,220 m) → Bryce: ~8,000+ ft (2,440 m) |
| Best Season | Spring & Fall for mild weather; Winter for magical snow-dusted hoodoos |
Best Routes from Zion to Bryce Canyon
There are several ways to travel between Zion and Bryce, from the quick direct drive to the scenic Byway 12 route filled with stunning stops. Here’s how to choose the one that fits your trip best.
1. The Direct Route
Source: everywherewithclaire.com
The quickest way from Zion to Bryce takes you east on UT-9, through the famous Mt. Carmel Tunnel, then north on US-89, and finally east on UT-12 into Bryce Canyon. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes without stops.
But you won’t want to rush. You’ll pass Checkerboard Mesa with its perfect crosshatch lines, then cruise through quiet valleys past the bright red cliffs of Red Canyon. By the time you reach Bryce, you’ll have stopped for photos way more than planned.
The 1930s tunnel carved through solid rock is worth seeing. It stretches over a mile through pure sandstone.
2. Scenic Byway 12
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If you have extra time, Scenic Byway 12 ranks as one of America’s most beautiful drives. It only adds an hour, but turns the drive into its own highlight.
You’ll see sweeping viewpoints and Kodachrome Basin State Park with 67 colorful sandstone spires.
This works perfectly for 2-3 day trips when you want to soak up landscapes between parks. The scenery changes every mile, from towering cliffs to rolling badlands.
3. Optional Detours
Source: wanderwithkt.com
- Cedar Breaks National Monument – Bryce’s high-elevation cousin with colorful amphitheaters at 10,000 feet. Cool and less crowded.
- Panguitch Lake – A Peaceful mountain lake perfect for picnics. Alpine setting meets red rock backdrop.
Zion to Bryce to Arches Road Trip
Want to turn your Utah trip into the ultimate three-park experience? After seeing Zion’s towering cliffs and Bryce’s colorful hoodoos, continue northeast to Arches National Park in Moab.
The drive from Bryce to Arches takes 4.5-5 hours along Scenic Byway 12 and US-191. You’ll pass through completely different landscapes – from high-elevation forests to red rock desert.
Arches delivers world-famous sights like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Devil’s Garden. This iconic park completes Utah’s “Big Three” with over 2,000 natural stone arches.
This extended route gives you three distinct park experiences: Zion’s massive canyons, Bryce’s intricate spires, and Arches’ gravity-defying formations. Plan 5-7 days total to really soak in all three parks without rushing.
Itinerary Planner: Zion National Park to Bryce
Whether you have just one day or a full week, these tailored itineraries will help you make the most of your road trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon, with options for every pace and style of travel.
1. One Day: Quick Highlights
Morning: Start Early in Springdale. Begin your day at sunrise in Springdale, Zion’s gateway town. Grab coffee and snacks for the road – you’ll need the energy for a packed day.
Mid-Morning: The Drive Head through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel and stop at Checkerboard Mesa for quick photos. The crosshatch patterns make for perfect Instagram shots.
Late Morning: Red Canyon Stretch your legs at Red Canyon. The short walk gives you a preview of what’s waiting at Bryce.
Early Afternoon: Arrive at Bryce. You’ll reach Bryce by early afternoon. Head straight to the trailhead – no time to waste.
Afternoon: Get Among the Hoodoos Tackle the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail combo. This 2.9-mile hike takes you down among the towering rock spires. It’s short but absolutely stunning.
Evening: Sunset Magic ends at Sunset Point, where the hoodoos glow bright orange as the sun sets. Trust us – you’ll understand why people drive hours for this view.
2. Two Days: Balanced & Relaxed
Day 1: Focus on Zion
Morning Options:
- Angels Landing (if you’re feeling brave and have a permit)
- Emerald Pools for something more chill
- Riverside Walk is perfect for families
Evening: Stay overnight in Kanab or Panguitch to cut tomorrow’s drive time in half.
Day 2: Bryce Canyon Experience
Morning: Take the scenic drive north. Arrive at Bryce mid-morning when the light hits the hoodoos just right.
Midday: Hit the main viewpoints: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. Each offers a different angle on the amphitheater.
Evening: Stay for stargazing if possible. Bryce’s high elevation and zero light pollution create some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see.
3. Three to Five Days: Full Utah Experience
Days 1-2: Really Get to Know Zion
Spend two full days here. You’ll have time for The Narrows, where you actually wade through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. It’s weird, wonderful, and completely different from any other hike.
Day 3: The Scenic Route
Take Scenic Byway 12 toward Bryce. This isn’t just transportation – it’s part of the experience. Stop at Kodachrome Basin for those colorful rock spires, then Red Canyon for hoodoo practice runs.
Day 4: Bryce Deep Dive
Now you have time for the good stuff. Hike the Fairyland Loop – it’s longer but less crowded. Drive out to Rainbow Point for views from Bryce’s highest accessible spot. Catch both sunrise and sunset to see how different light changes everything.
Day 5: Bonus Round
Consider adding Capitol Reef National Park (famous for its fruit orchards and petroglyphs) or the Grand Canyon North Rim (way less crowded than the South Rim, but only open May through October).
Pro Tips for Any Length Trip:
- Book Angels Landing permits 3 months ahead
- Bring layers – temperature swings are wild
- Download offline maps, cell service gets spotty
- Start early to beat crowds and heat
Scenic Stops You Shouldn’t Miss
The journey from Zion to Bryce is as breathtaking as the destinations themselves. Here are the must-see viewpoints, towns, and natural wonders to stop for along the way.
- Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel: This 1930s engineering marvel cuts 1.1 miles through solid sandstone with windows carved into the mountain walls.
- Checkerboard Mesa: Wind and water carved perfect crosshatch patterns into this massive rock formation – nature’s own tic-tac-toe board.
- Red Canyon: Bright orange hoodoos line the roadside, giving you a free preview of Bryce’s formations without the crowds.
- Orderville & Hatch: These tiny towns offer the essentials – gas, snacks, and friendly locals who’ll point you toward hidden gems.
- Panguitch: This authentic cowboy town serves up Old West charm with budget-friendly motels and a genuine frontier atmosphere.
Essential Tips for Driving from Zion to Bryce
Source: mousinaround.com
From the best seasons to travel and park fees to what to pack and where to fuel up, these essential tips will help you enjoy a safe, smooth, and unforgettable road trip between Zion and Bryce Canyon.
When to Go
Spring and fall offer the best weather with fewer crowds, while summer brings heat to Zion but stays comfortable at higher-elevation Bryce.
| Season | Zion Conditions | Bryce Conditions | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Perfect temps | Cool, wildflowers | Light |
| Summer | Hot (100°F+) | Comfortable (70s) | Heavy |
| Fall | Ideal weather | Crisp, colorful | Moderate |
| Winter | Mild | Snowy wonderland | Minimal |
Entrance Fees
$35 per vehicle at each park, or $80 for an America the Beautiful Annual Pas, a smart buy if visiting multiple parks.
Packing Essentials
Pack hiking shoes with good grip, plenty of water, sun protection, and layers since Bryce runs 20°F cooler than Zion.
| Must Bring | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | Rocky, uneven trails |
| Water bottles | Desert heat, high elevation |
| Hat & sunscreen | Intense UV at altitude |
| Layers | 20°F+ temperature difference |
Gas & Food
Fill up in Kanab or Panguitch; gas stations and restaurants near Bryce are scarce and expensive.
Final Thoughts
The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon offers way more than just transportation between parks.
You’ll pass through engineering marvels, stop at geological wonders, and watch landscapes change from towering cliffs to colorful hoodoos.
Whether you choose the quick direct route or take time for Scenic Byway 12, this 85-mile stretch delivers unforgettable views.
Pack your layers, download offline maps, and prepare for frequent photo stops; the scenery won’t let you drive past without capturing it.
From one-day highlights to five-day Utah experiences, you now have everything needed to plan your perfect trip. The hardest part? Deciding which route to take first.
What’s your biggest question about planning this road trip? Drop a comment below and share which stops you’re most excited to see. Safe travels!
