How Far Are Bryce and Zion From Las Vegas?
Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the American Southwest. Luckily, they're within driving distance of Las Vegas, offering visitors the chance to escape the flashiness of Vegas to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
If you’re trying to choose the best Zion and Bryce tour, there are a few things you need to know about the parks before you make your plans. First of all, how far are Bryce and Zion from Las Vegas?
Usually, the drive takes about 4–5 hours, but it depends on whether you're making stops along the way. Read on for everything you need to know about how to get from Las Vegas to these amazing national parks.
Distance of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park From Las Vegas
The distance from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is roughly 160 miles (257 kilometers). The drive typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours.
Bryce Canyon National Park is quite a bit further — 260 mi (418 km) from Las Vegas. You'd cover that distance in roughly 4 hours.
Factoring in the drive from one park to the other, which is quite straightforward, the road trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park will take about 4.5 hours.
Of course, this is just a minimum. You should factor in time for stops along the way, such as for gas or food. In your travel plans, set aside at least 5 or 5.5 hours for driving. It would be even more if you decide to stop at other attractions along the way. For the roundtrip, set aside at least 9 hours.
The drive from Las Vegas to Zion and then Bryce Canyon is mostly along the highway and through flatlands. However, it's worth taking your time to enjoy the journey. When you finally arrive at Zion National Park, you'll be greeted by soaring cliffs and majestic waterfalls. Bryce Canyon National Park is also not to be missed, with its extraordinary red rock formations.
Whether you're looking for adventure or want to soak up the natural beauty in peace, a road trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park is sure to please.
How to Get to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
Closest Airport to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
The closest airport to Bryce Canyon National Park is Cedar City Regional Airport. It's a roughly 1.5-hour drive from the park. However, this airport only receives flights from Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah. There are no flights from Las Vegas.
In the case of Zion National Park, the closest airport is St. George Regional Airport. It's a bit less than a 1-hour drive away. Unfortunately, you also can't get a flight from Las Vegas to here. It only receives flights from Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Driving to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
It's a bummer that there isn't a nearby airport that you can fly into from Las Vegas, but Sin City itself isn't too far from the two parks. As mentioned, it's just a 4 to 5-hour drive.
If you choose to drive yourself to Bryce and Zion, you get the benefit of taking the trip at your own pace. You can make as many stops as you'd like and see other attractions on the way.
Bryce and Zion Tours
For those who would prefer not to deal with the hassle of driving and planning, there are plenty of reliable tour companies that offer relaxing and educational guided trips from Las Vegas.
MaxTour offers a 3-day tour that includes visits to not just Bryce and Zion, but also the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. It's a great choice if you don't have a lot of time but want to see all of the most amazing natural attractions in the American Southwest!
Should You Visit Bryce or Zion First?
If you're visiting from Las Vegas and want to be the most economical with driving time (and gas), visit Zion National Park first. It's closer to Las Vegas. It's also closer to Phoenix, if you're considering starting your trip there.
If you're visiting from Salt Lake City — another popular starting point for Bryce and Zion trips — you'd visit Bryce Canyon National Park first, as it's closer.
Why Visit Bryce and Zion National Parks?
Bryce and Zion National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They're both located within driving distance of Las Vegas, making them a popular destination for tourists.
But what really makes Bryce and Zion such popular places to visit? And with both parks being so vast, how do you choose what to see and do, especially on a short trip?
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is best known for its spectacular rock formations, called hoodoos. Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that have been sculpted by erosion.
Visitors can trek around the park on foot or by car and see the mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope that call this place home. There are several awesome viewpoints and overlooks that you should definitely stop by, including Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon depends on the traveler, but we recommend visiting during the spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is milder and crowds are smaller.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a wonderland for adventurers. With its towering cliffs, deep canyons, and rushing rivers, the park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Zion is also home to over 200 species of birds and seventy-nine different mammals, including bighorn sheep and mountain lions.
How to explore Zion National Park is up to you. The park has some of the world's most dangerous views, including Angel's Landing, a popular hiking trail with steep drop-offs. Those looking for a more mellow experience can travel on an old mining train that takes visitors through a mile-long tunnel into the heart of the park.
Whatever your interest, Zion National Park is sure to have something for you, and with 4.3 million visitors each year, you're sure to find plenty of company. If crowds aren't for you, visit in spring or fall, just like with Bryce.
In Summary
Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park are both only a few hours from Las Vegas. The drive is relatively easy, too, since it's mostly along the highway.
Bryce Canyon is the place for you if you're interested in seeing unique rock formations. If you want to see a variety of landscapes, then Zion National Park could be a better fit. Plenty of people visit both, though. They're equally amazing!
However you decide to plan your visit, you'll have an amazing experience exploring these parks, and MaxTour is ready to make sure your journey is one you never forget!