Your email address will not be published. Along this short 1-2 mile jaunt, you will discover awe-inspiring views of the canyon, as well as the gnarled beauty of ancient bristlecone pine. One of the biggest things to consider on a Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary is your ability to nail down housing. This RV park is located in Hurricane, Utah. This Slot Canyon Exploration and UTV Tour will take have you exploring the backcountry of East Zion on a thrilling UTV ride followed by a stunning hike in a slot canyon. All are basically flat. Use the parks shuttle bus to explore this magnificent canyon from end to end. Im not a digital nomad or backpacker. And I finally did it!! We drove from Zion to Bryce as part of a larger Southwest road trip years ago, but missed all these things. Shuttle stops inside Zion National Park (in order): Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Museum, Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, Big Bend, and Temple of Sinawava, You might also like: Planning A Visit To Zion National Park During COVID, You might also like: Exploring Nevadas Valley of Fire State Park. If your vehicle is 114 or taller or 710 or wider including mirrors, youll need to obtain a tunnel permit when you buy your park pass at an entrance station. From the 3-minute jaunt up to the Court of the Patriarchs view, to the 1.5-hour Lower Emerald Pools, to full-day hikes, anyone can find something. But it is doable and it is a very scenic route. With 2.6 million visitors in 2019, Bryce Canyon is America's 12th most popular park. All from the top rated Bryce Canyon Campground. In the busy summer months, the parking area at the Visitor Center often fills up early in the day. Even without venturing into the depths, it is still an impressive sight to see! The permit is $15 and your vehicle can be measured at the entrance if you are unsure. Know your camping dates and set a reminder on your calendar two weeks in advance for the South Campground or six months in advance for the Watchman Campground so that you can head to Zion in ease, knowing you already have a site reserved (see camping tips below). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It depends on what youre looking for. The temperatures at Bryce are typically cooler than Zion due to its higher elevation. It was awesome, couldnt have been happier. Here are some of the reasons why you should RV camp in these national parks. You are able to enjoy full-hookups with complete water, electric, and sewer service. For something a little more difficult try the Upper Emerald Pools and Kayenta (both were closed when we were there), You might also like:The Only Carry-On Suitcase Youll Need. Pin it! You can play pool in the clubhouse or use one of their barbeque pits. However, we ended up backtracking when we discovered the little-known Arches Trail. Pets are allowed, and they have a dedicated dog run. They have full-service camping spots. Las VegasReturn to Las Vegas for the flight out. It is somewhat more expensive than average. If you want to wake up to stunning landscape views, we recommend camping near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon! stay at Zion National Park - South Campground. They have a laundry and fitness center. 2WD vehicles should have no trouble accessing the trailhead except following heavy rains. Smores will always remind us of summer nights. The scenery in this region is incredible and includes pristine alpine lakes, waterfalls, caves, but most importantly, Cedar Breaks National Monument. Discover other hidden gems or photography inspiration from the American Southwest. Living in a camper with a family 13 Tips to Help for Full Time Camping, RV Herb Garden; 7 Tips to Grow an Indoor Garden in a Camper, 13 Best RV Sheets Reviews 2023 (Ultimate Buying Guide). The canyon is located near the small town of Orderville. If you have only one day, it is best to just explore one of the parks. Nice post. So heres everything you need to know for planning a trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon. Zion National Park is quite possibly Nature at its most eloquent. Beyond accommodation and tour companies, there is not a ton in Bryce Canyon City. The Zion shuttles are free and operate from March to November most years. Its worth checking flights into St. George, Utah, as wella smaller airport for sure and could be more expensive, but you might get lucky. Outsmart the Crowds. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Each guide had wildly varying hike times, distances, and even different names! If youre only doing these two parks then it doesnt matter which you do first. Inevitably, you will get to the wash. From here, you can hike in either direction; if you go right, the trail will dead-end at a pool less than half a mile up which requires rope to continue past. I recommend that one of the first things you do upon arrival is to take the shuttle all the way around the park to get oriented. The park gets over 2.7 million visitors a year, coming to see the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon Amphitheatercool geological erosion-created rock formations. And even if you only want to see beautiful scenery from a car or static position, youll be spoiled for choice. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is famous for Angels Landing and the hoodoo rock formations. Las Vegas is the closest big city and airport, 3.5 hours from Zion National Park. Be sure to check out our Utah Slot Canyons Comprehensive Guide to learn more about these canyons and others nearby. At the intersection of comfort and convenience lies Bryce Canyon Springs, where you can take full advantage of the proximity to national parks while enjoying the serenity of our area. This section provides a quick overview of everything covered for the skim-readers out there. However, you can access the top of the canyon quickly and easily and have a little peek into it. Google will tell you that you have arrived despite there being nowhere to park and nothing to see! One issue is that it is only open March through November. An RV driving on the Mount Carmel Highway Road in Zion National Park Photo: Ian D Keating/Flickr. All purchases or bookings made through We Dream of Travel come at no extra cost to the reader. The scenic drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon is a treasure trove of roadside marvels and otherworldly landscapes that most visitors drive right past. At the grocery store you can only buy beer, and for wine or liquor you have to go to the liquor store. You will not find Many Pools on the Zion NP map nor signage when you have arrived, but it is on Google Maps. Below is a list of the best things to see and do as you drive between the national parks. This can make negotiating an RV through the park complicated and frustrating. Assume youll be able to catch a shuttle at any of the stops every 5-15 minutes. You can certainly explore all of the main shuttle stops, catch a sunrise and sunset if weather permits, and do a few short hikes or one longer one. RV Park | Bryce Canyon Springs | Hatch Tl;drthe Las Vegas airport is probably the closest and most convenient if youre flying and *only* doing these two parks. best RV Parks Near Bryce and Zion - Bryce Canyon National Park Forum We could only go as far as Natural Bridge when we were there. They allow pets. Zion to Bryce Canyon: 17 Best Stops & Itinerary (2023) Both of these tours offer a great addition to your Zion to Bryce Canyon itinerary. This charming lakeside town offers a variety of accommodation from cozy cabins to RV parks, as well as providing some quaint cafes and restaurants, check here for current rates and availability. I believe that sometimes you save and sometimes you splurge, and Ill help you figure out how to have the best experiences regardless. We were already running later than we would have liked, so just got out and climbed around for a bit. However, you will recognize you have arrived long before this as the vibrant red hues are impossible to ignore. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . The South Campground requires reservations, which can be made two weeks in advance by visiting recreation.gov. We're here to help. It is not as large and has less hiking, but the trade-off is almost no crowds. From the parking lot, there is no clear trail. Your three main options would be Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and St. George (Utah), and it partly depends on how you want to structure your Zion and Bryce Canyon itinerary. At that same time we were wearing tank tops to hike, as Zion got quite hot and dusty during the day. February 27 to March 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. March 13 to April 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. April 24 to August 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. August 28 to September 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. September 25 to November 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Forget hiking as soon as you get up in the morning and enjoy the ability to walk to several different restaurants. Checkerboard Mesa is a large rock formation that you cannot miss on your way out of the park. And thats me, that tiny little gray speck on the big tower there. I second your recommendation for Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, it was one of my favorite hikes I did in the area! Alternatively, you may use, Bryce Canyon National Park Hotels and Places to Stay, 9 stellar stargazing experiences in the US to book now. 9 from Springdale to Hurricane and Hwy. It has almost 180 slots. Who am I? There are a myriad of amazing sights and things to do on the drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon, of which the best are: You will find all necessary services including gas, groceries, accommodation, and restaurants at Carmel Junction, Orderville, Hatch, and at the Bryce Canyon Village. This facility has basic amenities. Contact Us Today , PO BOX 2296 Top 10 Campgrounds and RV Parks Zion National Park Utah is known for its expanses of dry deserts and red rock formations. All though only 72 miles away from each other they offer two different experiences. Note that this facility can only be reached through the Zion Tunnel. 14 two years ago with an 25 ft. RV. There is one official Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon which is a technical slot canyon beginning near the Overlook Trail. Youll be around 8,000 feet elevation, whereas youll spend most of your time in Zion in the 4,000-6,000 feet range. Coordinates. My deeper post on Zion gives some great tips for getting a room with a a view and what to expect at the hotelroom was huge, and had a nice pool area too. Crowds are common at most scenic overlooks and a number of trails, especially in summer, but the atmosphere is quieter than at Zion. Drive Distance: 2 minutes, 1 mile from Mount Carmel Junction. Because it is a forty-minute drive to Zion National Park, youre trading cost for convenience. Zion to Bryce Canyon: 80 miles, Bryce Canyon National Park 2 nights Restaurants are limited and those that do exist do not have particularly great reviews, but thats what you get in a small town sometimes. Loops B & C (46 sites) are only for vehicles less than 20 feet, and generators are not allowed. The Best Books I Read in 2019. Live and Breathe These Wonders of Nature South Campground is undoubtedly the best place to camp in Zion. There are hundreds of guided experiences you could do along the way. Look for signs that say Detour near a construction sight directly in front of you and follow these signs a short distance along a dirt road to a large water tower which can be seen on Google Maps. Enjoy one or more fun activities, like an ATV tour or horseback ride. Not only does it grant access to both Zion and Bryce Canyon, but it also allows you to enter more than 2,000 recreation sites for a year. To find it, you will simply have to keep your eyes peeled on the right-hand side as you are leaving the park for the tree that matches the photo. It takes about 40 minutes round trip if you dont get on and off, and will give you a good sense of the lay of the land. Also Nearby: Duck Creek Ice Cave, Cascade Falls, and Navajo Lake. It is a gorgeous drive, though. While it is mostly a winter-town, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it any time of year. Great early afternoon, as well as in the morning. Theres so many thing to do throughout the American Southwest, I think itd be impossible not to miss a few things. Because youre next to a major resort, horseback riding, climbing the climbing wall, or taking guided jeep tours are all options when staying here. We, therefore, highly recommend buying an annual America the Beautiful Interagency Pass for $80. By foot, you can walk to several points that look down into the slot canyon but you will not get the incredible scenes you will discover inside. I have a demanding full-time career but still find ways to fit in tons of travel. Those travelers who have allowed themselves some spare time in the Southern Utah itinerary will want to devote at least an extra couple of days to see all there is to see on the way from Zion to Bryce Canyon. Pets are allowed. During shuttle hours there is no private traffic allowed on the Zion Scenic Canyon Drive. It was onto Bryce! You might also like:A Detailed Packing List for Chilly, Windy Active Travel. Each of these are a slight detour from your organic route but drive times are minimal. 37.3854276 N 112.57559775 W . Im planning Zion Bryce Which Is The Better Choice? Best RV Parks in Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764 - Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground, Bryce Canyon RV Resort by RJourney, Bryce Valley Ranch RV and Horse Park, Henrie's Hitch N Post RV Resort, Wilderness Ranch, The Riverside Ranch, Panguitch KOA, Riverside Campground, Dixie Forest RV Resort By Rjourney Also, if you havent yet, be sure to check our other southwest guides to ensure you do not miss anything throughout your journey! We use cookies to ensure that we're providing you with the best experience while visiting our website. You do not need to even leave the drivers seat to appreciate the incredible, Mars-like red rock you will pass through as you near Bryce Canyon. One point in favor of this RV park is the amenities. We've created a quick guide on how to make your trip a success and what mistakes to avoid! Required fields are marked *. With these six tips, youre ready for the vacation of a lifetime in Southwestern Utahs desert paradise. How to choose between Zion and Bryce Canyon - Lonely Planet Sunrise is really where the magic happens at Bryce. This stop had us extremely confused during our time researching slot canyons between Zion and Bryce Canyon! Its over a mile long, and pitch dark except for occasionally tiny windows (for ventilation, I assume). RV Parks in Bryce Canyon, Utah - Top 20 Campgrounds near Bryce Canyon For what its worth, you will likely see many similar formations if you are spending any significant time in the Southwest, so dont plan too much time for this roadside attraction. Be sure to have a look as you exit Zion on your way to Bryce Canyon. We started our roadtrip with a 5-hour drive from the northern suburbs of Salt Lake City down to Zion National Park. Cant get a spot in one of Zions campgrounds, or dont want to deal with driving into the park in your rig? One activity that sometimes gets overlooked at Zion is exploring the eastern side of the park. The cheapest way, however, is to go for a walk! Being able to get around and park *inside* the park is tough, just so many people and cars and very limited space. We were glad we planned a full day in Bryce and then two days in Zion. RV Parks in bryce canyon, Utah | bryce canyon, Utah Campgrounds - Good Sam They only have a dozen sites. This RV park is located off East Highway 9 in Mount Carmel, Utah. Although admittedly we travel slow and are patient when it comes to the light. These are the ones we think are worth your time and money. North Campground has 100 sites. As you drive up the center of the park and park close to each site with little walking required to visit. You can camp in the Park's campgrounds and imo those are the best. Or did you stay in both Zion and Bryce. It has more than 160 parking spots. RV Trip to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon & Grand Canyon With the blue skies, the intensely orange rock really popped. However, there are several hiking trails of all distances to consider on the way! We'll definitely be back! There are really three options to choose for your trip to visit both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks: Stay in either of the parks and "commute" to see the other park. OK, you have to drive slowly. Google Maps will send you to an unmarked dirt lot located on a corner just south of Carmel Junction. Route between Zion and Bryce. For years Ive been saying that I need to spend more time exploring the amazing natural beauty that the U.S. offers. Along the wash, there are several lesser-known slot canyons of varying length to be discovered! Like I mentioned above, this is probably not the most efficient route but it worked well for us. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/Springdale-Shuttle-Map_7_7_17.pdf. Thank you for making these memories possible!. In the Spring 2023,. Up to 4 Passengers additional passengers extra. Make sure to make your reservations well in advance due to Zions popularity. No experience is necessary and the tour has drops for every skill level, even those with no prior rappelling experience. Hello guys! For us, being there at the beginning of April, we benefited from the crowds being light, but there was still a lot of ice and snow so we couldnt do much hiking or get down and see the hoodoos up close. So often, the lures of European food and culture call me, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, orbasically anywhere else. 3.1 Best Campgrounds in Zion National Park #1: Watchman Campground. This is a great stopover to break up the drive between the Grand Canyons North Rim and Las Vegas. I would sure keep my eyes peeled for the lonely tree! You might also like:My Favorite Cross-Body Purse for Travel. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. Its hard to describe any National Monument as a hidden gem, but Cedar Breaks certainly feels like one! One point in its favor is size. However, if your RV is over 131 or over 40 feet long, it will not be permitted. The destinations included are ordered from west to east as you travel from Zion to Bryce Canyon. The Best RV Parks Near Bryce and Zion N.P. There are more than 150 RV spots. It is a three-minute drive or roughly half-mile walk to the park. 2.1 The Narrows. Month of Visit . It charges more than average. Drive Distance: 12 minutes, 11.5 miles from Mount Carmel JunctionHike Distance: Very challenging 0.5 mile roundtrip (but can be seen from road). There is a lot to see and do in between, however, for those who have the time. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Oh how fun!! Bryce Canyon to Zion Road Trip: 21 Scenic Stops, Maps & More With Bryce Canyon I had pretty limited options, partly because of the time of year. This is one of the smallest RV sites near Zion national park. Id recommend bookmarking the page to refer to when needed .