Photo by Den Harrson on Unsplash
Five days in the southwest corner of Utah: the valley floor and the high trails of Zion, a river walk in the narrow canyon, the quiet Kolob Canyons, then Highway 12 to the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and a last drive to the highest point in the park.
From average weather, 2021 to 2025: mild days score highest, and fierce heat or freezing nights cost points. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
A car-free first day in Zion Canyon. A cliff of three great peaks, a spring that drips from the rock, a river walk beneath tall walls and a paved path at sunset. The shuttle does the driving, so you only need to walk.
Eggs, potatoes and cheese in a warm tortilla, with salsa on the side. It travels well, so eat one in line for the first shuttle.
Local tip Carry a second one for the trail and fill your water bottles at the visitor center.
A sandstone cliff on the south face of three great peaks, named for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A short walk from the shuttle stop leads to a viewpoint over the valley. A calm, easy start.
Go when Morning, when the light first reaches the three peaks.
Local tip Take the first shuttle if you can. The viewpoint is a short climb up a paved path, and a good place to see the valley before the day heats up.
An overhanging cliff where springs seep from the rock and hang ferns, mosses and wildflowers in the shade. The path is short but steep, so check ahead that it is open, since rockfall has closed it before.
Go when Midday, when the cool shade is welcome.
Local tip The trail has been closed at times for rockfall, so check with the park before you go. Wear shoes with grip, because the steps are wet from the dripping rock.
A paved path of about a mile each way beside the Virgin River, at the head of the canyon, between walls that rise on both sides. It is flat, shady and good for any age. The path ends where The Narrows begin.
Go when Afternoon, when the walls hold the warmth and the river is bright.
Local tip It is paved and flat, so it suits all ages. Walk it to the end, then look at the water running into The Narrows, and turn back, unless you are ready to wade.
There is little food inside the park canyon. Buy sandwiches, fruit and drinks in Springdale and eat on a bench by the water.
Local tip Keep food closed away from squirrels, which are bold and quick.
A paved path along the Virgin River from the visitor center, for walkers and bikes, with the cliffs of the canyon glowing at dusk. A quiet end to the day, with room to stroll or to take a bike.
Go when Evening, around sunset (about 8:33 PM), as the cliffs turn from gold to red.
Local tip A paved path for walkers and bikes. Bring a layer for the cool air by the river, and keep to the right so cyclists can pass.
The town has kitchens of every kind along its main street. After a day of walking, a plate of pasta, a burger or a salad on a patio facing the cliffs is the right ending.
Local tip Eat a little early, because tables fill by sunset in spring and autumn.
A bigger day. The famous climb, if you have a permit, then a calmer afternoon on the east side of the park, where the road runs through a long tunnel to a different landscape. Start at first light for the climb.
A narrow rock fin rising nearly 1,500 feet above the canyon floor, reached by steep switchbacks and a final stretch with chains. A permit is needed beyond Scout Lookout, so check ahead. Scout Lookout is a fine place to turn around.
Go when First light, before the heat and the crowds, with a permit in hand.
Local tip The final stretch is narrow, with drop-offs on both sides and chains to hold. Check the park’s rules for the permit. Scout Lookout is a fine place to turn back, and a view in itself.
A sandwich, fruit and salty snacks for the walk down. Carry plenty of water, and more than you think you will need, since the desert sun dries you out.
Local tip Eat at the canyon floor, not on the exposed ridge.
A short trail beside the east end of the long road tunnel, up steps and along a ledge to a view over the canyon. The little car park fills fast, so go early or late.
Go when Early morning or late afternoon, when the car park has space and the light is low.
Local tip The trail has steps and a ledge with a drop and a railing in places. Keep children close, and wear shoes with good grip.
A rounded rock peak beside the road near the east entrance, crossed with lines like a checkerboard. A good place to pull over, look and take photographs, with big sky and slickrock all around.
Go when Late afternoon, when the low sun brings out the cross-hatched lines.
Local tip Pull into the signed car park and look from there. It is a roadside viewpoint, so no walk is needed. Follow any rules about large vehicles in the tunnel before you drive through.
The small town at the south gate of the park, with the cliffs of the canyon rising behind its main street. Walk the street at sunset, and ride the town shuttle if the day has been long.
Go when Evening, when the cliffs glow behind the main street.
Local tip Walk the main street once, then eat. The town shuttle runs along it in the busy season, and the park shuttle starts at the visitor center, so you can leave the car.
Southern Utah is orchard country, and fruit pies are everywhere. Finish a plain supper with a slice of peach, apple or cherry pie.
Local tip Ask what is baked that day, and share a slice if you are full.
One big wade, then a quiet drive. The Narrows is the park’s most famous water walk, so go early. In the afternoon, a short road to a different, quieter corner of the park, away from the shuttle crowds. The road to Kolob Canyons is about an hour from Springdale.
The narrowest part of Zion Canyon, where the walls close in and the river is the path. Walk upstream as far as you like and turn back. Check the flash flood outlook and the river flow with the park before you go, and wear the right shoes.
Go when Early morning, to have the water to yourself and to finish before the afternoon storms.
Local tip Check the flash flood outlook and the river flow with the park before you wade, and turn back if it rises. Outfitters in Springdale rent water shoes and walking poles, and the water can be cold.
Wet shoes make you hungry. Dry off, eat a sandwich and fruit at a picnic table, and rest before the drive to Kolob.
Local tip Pack a spare pair of socks for the car.
A short trail at the end of the Kolob Canyons road, in the northwest corner of the park, with a view over red fingers of rock. A scenic road of about five miles leads here from the highway, and it is much quieter than the main canyon.
Go when Afternoon, when the light warms the red rock fingers.
Local tip The trail is short and easy, with a view of the finger canyons. Bring a layer and water, and check ahead with the park for the road.
A trail from the visitor center that climbs to a view over Springdale and the canyon mouth. A good place for the last light, if you have the legs. Carry water and start with plenty of daylight.
Go when Late afternoon, starting with plenty of light left.
Local tip The trail gains height steadily on a sunny, open slope. Carry water, wear a hat and turn back if the heat is too much.
A day on the road. Two hours north and east through red country to the edge of the high plateau, then the first views of Bryce Canyon. The air is thinner and cooler here at 8,000 feet, so bring a jacket.
A stretch of red rock spires and arches in the national forest beside Highway 12, with the road passing through two tunnels cut in the rock. Stop for a short walk among the hoodoos. A first taste of what is ahead.
Go when Morning, on your way to Bryce, when the low sun is on the rock.
Local tip Pull over safely at one of the signed trailheads and walk a short loop among the hoodoos. There is a bike path too, away from the highway.
There is little food on Highway 12 between towns. Buy bread, cheese and fruit before you leave, and eat at a picnic table at the rim.
Local tip It is cool at 8,000 feet, so bring a layer for lunch.
A three-level viewpoint over the amphitheater at Bryce Canyon, where the hoodoos stand in thousands. The upper levels have the widest view. Walk with care on the ledges.
Go when Midday, when the amphitheater is lit from the top and you can see far.
Local tip Walk up to the highest of the three levels for the widest view. The rim trail is fenced in places and open in others, so keep a safe distance from the edge.
The overlook on the southern rim of the amphitheater, with a wide, curving view over the hoodoos and the plateau beyond. One of the best places to see the whole bowl in one frame.
Go when Late afternoon, with the sun behind you, or at sunrise.
Local tip Look south and east along the arc of the rim. It is cold and breezy at this height, even in summer, so bring a jacket.
A rim viewpoint where the hoodoos glow orange and red as the light goes low. Stay on after the sun is down, when the sky is dark and clear, and the stars are bright. Bring a jacket and a light.
Go when Evening, around sunset (about 8:33 PM), and for a while after the light fades.
Local tip The crowd is large at sunset, so arrive early for a place on the rail. After dark the sky is wide, so look up, and check whether the park has a night sky program that evening.
Utah’s cowboy tradition is cooking in a heavy cast-iron Dutch oven: stew, cobbler and biscuits. Look for it on a menu near the park.
Local tip Ask what is on that day, and book if you can.
The last day. Walk down among the hoodoos in the morning, take a short stroll to a waterfall in a cave, then drive to the highest viewpoint in the park. Then the long drive home.
The classic walk down among the hoodoos from the rim, through a slot canyon called Wall Street and past a formation called Queen Victoria. The climb back is steep. Check which sections of the trail are open, as parts have closed after rockslides.
Go when Early morning, before the heat and the other walkers.
Local tip Check with the park which sections are open before you start, because parts have closed after rockslides. The climb back is steep and the air is thin, so carry water and take your time.
A short trail beside a stream to a small cave and a waterfall, off Highway 12 in the northern part of the park. An easy, shady stroll, and a calm contrast to the crowds on the rim.
Go when Midday or morning, when you want a quiet pause from the rim.
Local tip The trail is short and along a stream, with a small waterfall and a cave. It is entered from Highway 12 rather than the main park road, so watch for the sign.
Pack a sandwich and fruit for the rest of the day. There is little food on the long road to Rainbow Point or on the way out.
Local tip Fill the tank before you leave town and carry water for the road.
The end of the scenic drive, 18 miles along the plateau, with views of cliffs and forests more than 9,000 feet above the sea. It is cool and breezy up here even in summer, so bring a layer. Check ahead that the road is open.
Go when Afternoon, when the light is clear on the far cliffs.
Local tip It is cold and windy at over 9,000 feet, so carry a layer. The scenic road can close in snow, so check ahead, and stop at the pull-offs on the way back.
By average weather from 2021 to 2025, April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months for a desert trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon. This plan is built for mid May, which is one of the best months. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
It covers 5 days in Zion and Bryce Canyon, planned for mid May. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
Each day has about 9.1 to 37.3 miles between its stops, and 93.9 miles in all across 5 days. A short hop is a walk and a longer one a ride. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
4 days from the Grand Canyon to PageAbout 90 miles awayAn easy add-on
3 days in Las VegasAbout 170 miles away
3 days in SedonaAbout 180 miles awayMake it yours in a minute, then move days around and add what you want.
A trip idea · Updated November 2026
Want your own days planned like this? Plan your own trip on the web or get the Archie app.
