If you’re dreaming of seeing Utah’s famous hoodoos and wondering how far Bryce Canyon is from Los Angeles, here’s the quick answer:
➡️ Distance: About 500 miles (800 km)
➡️ Drive Time: Around 8–9 hours, depending on traffic and stops
That might sound long—but the route is one of the most beautiful drives in the American Southwest, winding from California’s desert basins through Nevada’s neon lights and into Utah’s red-rock wonderland.
Whether you drive, fly, or join a small-group guided tour like MaxTour’s multi-day Southwest itineraries, the trip from Los Angeles to Bryce Canyon is absolutely worth every mile.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance (LA → Bryce Canyon) | ~500 mi / 800 km |
| Drive Time (one way) | 8–9 hours |
| Best Route | I-15 N → UT-20 E → US-89 S → UT-12 E |
| Closest Major City | Las Vegas, Nevada (4 hrs from Bryce Canyon) |
| Best Travel Seasons | Spring (Mar–May) & Fall (Sep–Oct) |
| Tour Option | MaxTour 2- or 3-Day Southwest Itineraries (Bryce + Zion + Grand Canyon + Antelope Canyon) |
Driving Distance and Best Route
🚗 Main Route (I-15 North via Las Vegas)
This is the most direct and scenic way to drive to Bryce Canyon.
Step-by-step route:
- Take I-15 North from Los Angeles.
- Pass through Barstow and Baker (great rest stops).
- Stop in Las Vegas—perfect for lunch or an overnight stay.
- Continue north on I-15 into southern Utah.
- Exit at UT-20 East, then take US-89 South → UT-12 East to Bryce Canyon.
Total Distance: ~500 mi
Drive Time: 8–9 hours (without extended stops)
📸 Recommended Stops Along the Way
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande, CA): Whimsical Route 66 folk art.
- Calico Ghost Town (Yermo, CA): 1880s mining town turned state park.
- Seven Magic Mountains (Jean, NV): Neon boulder art installation south of Vegas.
- Valley of Fire State Park (NV): 1-hour detour with fiery sandstone formations.
- Zion National Park (UT): Just 1.5 hours before Bryce Canyon.
Pro Tip: Break the trip into two days, overnighting in Las Vegas or Springdale (near Zion).
✈️ Flying Options: Los Angeles → Las Vegas → Bryce Canyon
If you’d rather skip most of the driving, take a 1-hour flight from Los Angeles (LAX, BUR, or LGB) to Las Vegas (LAS). From there you can either rent a car or join a guided Southwest tour.
Las Vegas → Bryce Canyon by Car
- Distance: ~260 mi / 420 km
- Drive Time: 4–5 hours
- Route: I-15 N → UT-20 E → US-89 S → UT-12 E
Flying saves 8 hours of road time and places you within reach of five major parks—Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Valley of Fire.
🏜️ Combining Bryce Canyon with Other Parks
Bryce Canyon sits at the heart of Utah’s red-rock corridor, making it ideal to combine with other icons:
| Nearby Park | Distance from Bryce | Drive Time | Why Combine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion National Park | 85 mi / 137 km | 1.5 hrs | Towering cliffs + easy link via US-89 |
| Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend | 160 mi | ≈ 3 hrs | Famous slot canyons & river overlooks |
| Grand Canyon (North Rim) | ≈ 240 mi | 4 hrs | Epic canyon views, open May–Oct |
👉 For visitors starting in LA, the easiest way to cover all three is through 3-day guided tour from LA such as MaxTour’s Southwest Highlights Tour.
🚐 Why Choose a MaxTour Small-Group Adventure
1. Hassle-Free Travel
Fly or drive to Las Vegas, and MaxTour handles everything—park entries, timing, transportation, and photo stops.
2. Small-Group Comfort
Ride in a luxury van with 14 guests or fewer—no crowded buses, just relaxed conversation and flexible pacing.
3. Expert Local Guides
Knowledgeable guides share geology, culture, and photo insights at every park.
4. All-Inclusive Experience
- Entry fees included
- Snacks & bottled water provided
- Hotel pickup/drop-off (Las Vegas Strip)
- Photo assistance + storytelling
5. Multi-Park Itineraries
Most MaxTour trips include Bryce, Zion, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Grand Canyon—a perfect sampler of the Southwest.
Accolades:
⭐ 5.0 Google Rating 🏆 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice (2020–2025) 👥 100,000+ happy travelers since 2015
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild temps, bright colors, fewer crowds | Chilly mornings |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Long days, full park access | Busier, afternoon storms |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Golden light, crisp air | Cooler nights |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Snow-topped hoodoos, peaceful trails | Some trail closures |
Best Overall Months: May, September, and October
🧭 Travel Tips for Driving from Los Angeles to Bryce Canyon
- Start early: Leave LA before sunrise to beat traffic.
- Fuel up in Las Vegas: Services thin out past Mesquite.
- Pack layers: Elevation 8,000 ft = cool mornings & warm afternoons.
- Stay hydrated: Desert air is dry even in spring.
- Don’t rush: Plan ½ day minimum in the park.
- Bring a camera: Sunrise & sunset light ignite the hoodoos.
❓ Extended FAQs
How far is Bryce Canyon from Los Angeles by car?
About 500 miles or 8–9 hours of driving.
Can I visit Bryce Canyon as a day trip from Los Angeles?
Not realistically—it’s too far. Plan at least 2–3 days or fly to Las Vegas first.
How far is Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas?
Roughly 260 miles (4–5 hours) via I-15 N and UT-12 E.
Is Bryce Canyon worth the long drive?
Absolutely. The vivid hoodoos and amphitheater views are unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Can I visit Bryce and Zion on the same trip?
Yes—they’re only 85 miles apart, often paired on MaxTour itineraries.
✨ Final Thoughts
So, how far is Bryce Canyon from Los Angeles?
About 500 miles—but it’s a journey packed with cinematic desert vistas, Route 66 nostalgia, and glowing sandstone landscapes.
Whether you road-trip the whole way or fly to Las Vegas and join a MaxTour adventure, the payoff is huge: sunrise over Bryce Amphitheater, golden hoodoos, and star-filled skies at 8,000 feet.
This isn’t just a drive—it’s your gateway to the heart of the American Southwest.