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.
Arrival day
Before Day 1. This is a trip of early starts and a lot of walking, so sort your base, your shoes and your permits first.Details
Getting here
Most visitors fly to Las Vegas and drive about two and a half hours to Springdale, at the south gate of Zion. St. George is closer, with a small airport. Both are a long drive away, so check the airlines and your road time.
Your car and the shuttle
In the busy season the main road through Zion Canyon is closed to private cars, and a free park shuttle runs along it instead. Check the dates and the shuttle rules with the park, park once in Springdale or at the visitor center, and ride.
Permits
Angels Landing needs a permit for the final section, and the permits are awarded by a lottery. Check the park’s own page well before your trip for how it works, and have a second plan ready for the day you do not win one.
Where to sleep
Springdale suits Days 1 to 3, with the shuttle at the door. For Days 4 and 5, a base near Bryce Canyon saves long drives at dawn. Both fill early in spring and autumn, so book ahead. Day 1 starts on the valley floor, with a morning shuttle ride.
Day 1. Zion Canyon and the shuttle
5 stops · 4.2 mi
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
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 whenFirst 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.
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 whenEarly 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.
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 19 min walk1.0 mi
3
MorningA big day, check ahead
Observation Point
A high viewpoint towering about 2,100 feet above the canyon floor, with one of the widest views in the park. A rockfall closed the lower trail, so the walk now starts from the east side. A long outing, so check the route first.
Go whenEarly morning, in cool weather.
Local tip A rockfall has closed the lower part of the trail from the canyon floor, so the route now starts from the east side of the park. The route is long and strenuous, so check the park’s page for the trail and carry plenty of water.
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 whenMidday, 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 whenAfternoon, 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.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 2. Springdale and Zion Canyon and the shuttle
4 stops · 7.4 mi
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from Riverside WalkAbout 16 min by car or transit3.5 mi
Where Day 1 ended.
1
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 whenMorning, 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.
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 whenEvening, 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.
About 26 min walk1.3 mi
3
EveningA short climb, if you have the legs
Watchman Trail
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 whenLate 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.
About 20 min walk1.0 mi
4
EveningAn evening stop
Springdale
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 whenEvening, 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.
Dinner
A dinner in Springdale
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.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 3. Highway 12 and Bryce Canyon
4 stops · 81.2 mi
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Drive from SpringdaleAbout 1 h 25 min by car55.0 mi
Where Day 2 ended.
1
MorningWorth the time
Sunrise Point
A rim viewpoint on the north side of the amphitheater, the starting point of the Queen’s Garden trail and a favorite place to watch the first light on the hoodoos.
Go whenDawn, when the rim first lights and the hoodoos turn gold.
Local tip Bring a jacket and a light, since it is cold at dawn even in summer. The Queen’s Garden trail starts here, and the rim path runs on to Sunset Point.
About 16 min by car or transit3.6 mi
2
MiddayWorth a short walk
Mossy Cave
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 whenMidday 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.
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.
About 35 min by car or transit12.9 mi
3
AfternoonHalf a day, a detour
Kodachrome Basin State Park
A state park of colorful rock chimneys and sandstone spires, about 20 miles from Bryce Canyon, reached by a paved road from Cannonville. A quieter detour with short, easy trails.
Go whenMorning, when the rock is lit and the air is cool.
Local tip A park of colorful rock chimneys, reached by a paved road from Cannonville. Check ahead for the road and bring water, since there is little shade.
A small town on Highway 12 near the entrance to Bryce Canyon, founded in 1891. A practical place for fuel, a meal and a bed.
Go whenEvening, after the rim, for a meal and a bed.
Local tip A small town on Highway 12 near the park, a practical place for fuel and a meal.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 4. Bryce Canyon
4 stops · 7.6 mi
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from TropicAbout 17 min by car or transit4.0 mi
Where Day 3 ended.
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 whenEarly 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
2
MiddayWorth a short stop
Bryce Canyon Lodge
A rustic lodge built in 1924 and 1925 in the national park style, with stone and timber detail, close to the rim. A pleasant place to look at the architecture, and a quiet pause from the wind.
Go whenMorning or evening, when the rim path nearby is quiet.
Local tip A rustic lodge from the 1920s, designed in the park-service style. Look at the stonework and the beams even if you are not staying.
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 10 min by car or transit1.7 mi
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 whenLate 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
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 whenEvening, 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.
If it rains. Bryce Canyon Lodge is covered, so keep it. Move Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden, Bryce Point and Sunset Point to a dry day if you can.
Day 5. Bryce Canyon and the east side of Zion
4 stops · 74.0 mi
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from Sunset PointAbout 34 min by car or transit12.0 mi
Where Day 4 ended.
1
MorningWorth a short stop
Red Canyon
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 whenMorning, 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.
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 whenMidday, 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.
About 32 min by car or transit10.4 mi
3
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 whenAfternoon, 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 7 min by car39.5 mi
4
AfternoonWorth a short stop
Checkerboard Mesa
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 whenLate 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.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 6. The east side of Zion and Kolob Canyons
3 stops · 24.8 mi
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from Checkerboard MesaAbout 16 min by car or transit3.8 mi
Where Day 5 ended.
1
MorningWorth a short stop
Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
A long road tunnel cut through the sandstone in the 1920s and 30s, with windows on the canyon side, on the road between the east side of the park and the valley. A short stop on the way through.
Go whenMorning or evening, when the road has little traffic.
Local tip The long tunnel was cut through the rock in the 1920s and 30s. Large vehicles have special rules, so check the park’s page if you drive a camper or a trailer.
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 whenEarly 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 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 whenAfternoon, 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.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Departure day
After the last day. The roads are long and the desert is empty, so leave more time than the map says.Details
The drive out
Las Vegas is about four hours from Bryce Canyon, and Salt Lake City is longer. Winter snow, road work or a closure on Highway 12 can add hours, so check the road conditions the evening before.
Your flight
Do not plan a big sight on the day you fly. A missed connection is hard to mend from a desert highway, so book a flight with a buffer and leave early.
Returning the car
Fill the tank in a town before you reach the airport, because fuel is scarce on the last stretch. If you drop the car in a different city, ask your rental company about the rules.
If you have a few hours
Take one more slow walk along the Bryce rim in the early light, or a coffee in a small town on Highway 12, then go.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon?
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.
How many days does this plan cover?
It covers 6 days in Zion and Bryce Canyon, planned for mid May. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
Who is this plan for?
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
Is anything on this plan booked?
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Can I plan my own days like this?
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.
Can I change this plan?
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
How much walking is there?
Each day has about 3.6 to 62.0 miles between its stops, and 121.0 miles in all across 6 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 away
