3 days in Zion and Bryce Canyon

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningPermit needed, check ahead

   Angels Landing

   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.

   

   About 9 min by car or transit1.5 mi
2. 2
   MorningA full morning, check ahead

   The Narrows

   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.

   

3. Lunch

   A picnic by the river

   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.

   About 17 min by car or transit3.8 mi
4. 3
   MorningWorth a short walk

   Court of the Patriarchs

   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.

   

   About 13 min by car or transit2.7 mi
5. 4
   MiddayWorth a short walk, check ahead

   Weeping Rock

   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.

   

   About 25 min walk1.2 mi
6. 5
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Riverside Walk

   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.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Riverside WalkAbout 1 h 18 min by car49.0 mi

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningA half morning, check ahead

   Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden

   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.

   About 12 min walk0.6 mi
3. 2
   MiddayWorth the time

   Inspiration Point

   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.

4. Lunch

   A trail picnic

   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.

   About 21 min walk1.0 mi
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Bryce Point

   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.

   About 9 min by car or transit1.4 mi
6. 4
   EveningWorth the time

   Sunset Point

   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.

   

7. Dinner

   Dutch oven cooking

   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.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Sunset PointAbout 1 h 21 min by car51.3 mi

   Where Day 2 ended.
2. 1
   MiddayWorth a short walk

   Canyon Overlook

   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.

   

   About 1 h 11 min by car42.8 mi
3. 2
   AfternoonWorth the time, check ahead

   Rainbow Point

   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.

   About 1 h 23 min by car52.8 mi
4. 3
   AfternoonWorth a short walk

   Timber Creek Overlook

   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.