Can You Do Grand Canyon and Bryce in One Trip?

Last Update on July 07, 2023

by Sunny Samaroo

Table of Contents

Exploring the natural wonders of the American Southwest is a dream for many travelers. The Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park are two particularly popular destinations. But if you don't have a lot of time, can you do Grand Canyon and Bryce in one trip? The good news is that it's indeed possible to experience the grandeur of both parks in one trip.

Visiting both in one day, however, is not as feasible unless your accommodation is near one of the two. Consider the distance, transportation, and activities before planning your trip.

View of Grand Canyon — Even if you only have a day, the Grand Canyon is worth seeing.

Distance Between Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon

Grand Canyon South Rim and Bryce Canyon National Park are about 280 miles (450 kilometers) from each other. This is a considerable distance — a roughly 5-hour journey — but the scenic drive can become a part of the adventure.

From the North Rim, the drive is about 150 miles (240 km). That distance usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to traverse. However, most people choose to visit the South Rim, because it has more popular trails and activities.

You also have to factor in travel time from wherever you're starting your journey. Las Vegas is a common starting point. The distance from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon is about the same: 260 miles (420 km) to Bryce Canyon and 280 miles (450 km) to Grand Canyon. The drive to either one takes about 4 to 5 hours.

The drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and then to Bryce Canyon will take a total of about 9 to 10 hours. That's a lot of driving for one day!

Trying to visit both attractions in one day is easier if you stay in a town close to one of the attractions, like Tusayan or Bryce Canyon City. You can also stay overnight inside the Grand Canyon National Park.

View of Bryce Canyon — Bryce Canyon is known for its spire/column-shaped rock formations called hoodoos.

Transportation Options from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon

If you're starting your trip from Las Vegas, you'll have several transportation options to reach both the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon.

Rent a Car

Renting a car is a popular choice for those seeking flexibility and independence, as it allows you to explore at your own pace.

The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and the route you select.

From the Grand Canyon, it takes another 5 hours to reach Bryce Canyon. Keep in mind that driving times may vary, so it's always a good idea to plan for additional time.

Book a Tour

If you'd rather not drive, there are Las Vegas tours to Grand Canyon and Bryce, combining both in one trip. Joining a guided tour means not having to worry about planning or transportation. It's a very convenient option for those who prefer a structured, seamless experience.

Catch a Flight

Another option is to fly into St. George, Utah, and rent a car or join a tour from there to explore the parks. Though St. George is not as popular of a destination as Las Vegas, it offers a more direct route for this trip. You can also fly from Las Vegas to Flagstaff, AZ and then drive from there.

View of the Grand Canyon — On a guided tour to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, your tour guide will know all the best photo spots.

What to Do at Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon in One Trip

To make the most of your time, you need to know in advance what you want to do. By having a clear roadmap (literally and figuratively), it's much easier to get through both the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon in one day.

Things to Do at Grand Canyon

At the Grand Canyon, you can marvel at the awe-inspiring vistas and hike along the rim trails. Don't miss the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise or sunset, as the canyon's colors come to life.

Consider exploring the canyon by hiking down the popular Bright Angel Trail or the lesser-known South Kaibab Trail.
Take a boat tour or helicopter tour for a unique perspective that you can't get by just hiking.
Go cycling or sign up for a mule ride for another interesting way of exploring the trails. If you have the time, you can even consider journeying to the bottom of the canyon.
There is a visitor center and museum that offer interesting historical and geological facts about the canyon.

Things to Do at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geological formations called hoodoos. Take a scenic drive along the park's rim or venture into the canyon itself on one of the various hiking trails.

The Navajo Loop Trail and the Queens Garden Trail are popular choices, allowing you to get up close and personal with the mesmerizing hoodoos.
Witness the beauty of the canyon and snap some pics from lookout points like Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and Sunset Point.
Try to catch the magical sunrise or sunset, when the hoodoos are bathed in vibrant colors.

Winter at Bryce Canyon — Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon have a different charm during the winter.

Conclusion

A journey to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon will leave you in awe of nature's power. But can you do Grand Canyon and Bryce in one trip? While the trip is difficult to do in one day, spreading it out over a few days within one trip will make for a memorable vacation.

It's important to keep in mind the travel time between the two canyons, as well as the travel time from wherever you're starting your journey if it's not nearby. Plan your time wisely and know in advance what you want to see and do at both locations.

Then, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon and the unique splendor of Bryce Canyon.