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Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Guide

Driving from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah can take less than two hours if you drive without stopping (the distance between the two parks is less than 85 miles), but why speed through this beautiful corner of the country when there are so many fascinating things to see and do both at and between them? Make a long weekend of it and alternate hiking with relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape.

Zion is, arguably, one of Utah’s most popular national parks. Its red cliffs, valleys, and canyons have attracted visitors for more than a century. Bryce Canyon is smaller and has one of the biggest concentrations of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion—in the world1. The two parks have plenty to offer nature lovers, but hiking is the main attraction at both.

Choosing Your Route Between Zion & Bryce Canyon

Your Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip can take a day or multiple days, depending on what you want to do. The good news is that there are fun things to see and do along the way, no matter which route you choose.

U.S. Route 89

One popular route between the parks is to take U.S. Route 9 and then U.S. Route 89 (also known as State Street for a portion of the trip). Route 9 includes the famous mile-long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel at the southern entrance of Zion National Park.

If you want to bring souvenirs back home, plan a break at the White Mountain Trading Post gift shop when turning from Route 9 onto 89.

Moqui Cave is another good place to stop along the way. The cave, which includes a museum, displays dinosaur tracks, gems, rocks, artwork, fossils, and Native American artifacts. There’s also a play area for children when they need to stretch their legs after being in the car2.

Families may want to visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary just outside of Kanab. The ranch has rescued cats, dogs, horses, and other kinds of animals. Plus, volunteers are always welcome3.

If you’re up for a scenic detour, turn off Route 89 to check out Mammoth Cave, which has four lava-created chambers to explore. Bring a flashlight or headlamp—it can get dark inside. You can loop back around to pick up the highway a little farther north3.

Route 15

You can also take Route 89 to Scenic Byway 12 or take Route 15. This route is a little less scenic, but it connects to more towns. It also adds an additional half hour to the drive3.

Off Route 15, the Parowan Gap has petroglyphs from indigenous peoples of the area as well as more recent markings from Spanish Explorers and 19th-century Mormon Pioneers. There are also dinosaur tracks nearby4.

Fans of classic movies should make a point of visiting the Little Hollywood Museum, which has preserved sets from a number of classic Westerns that were filmed in the area decades ago2.

When you get to Bryce Canyon National Park, the four most popular viewpoints are Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point. These are connected via the Rim Trail (about 3 miles each way), but visitors can also drive or ride a shuttle from one to another.

These are great picks for spectacular sunset views, especially at the rim between the Sunrise and Sunset overlooks5.

Relax and Recover at the Hot Springs

Before you begin your road trip, spend a few hours—or even a full day—relaxing and recovering at Zion Canyon Hot Springs. The mineral hot springs waters are sourced from the natural spring located on the Virgin River on the boundary between Hurricane and La Verkin (also known as Dixie Hot Springs or Pah Tempe). These waters are heavily salinated, packed with minerals, and reach up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for soothing sore muscles after a day (or days!) of hiking.

Zion Canyon Hot Springs has dedicated areas for families and for adults, so everyone can get the experience they need to feel their best. Families can unwind in 14 mineral-rich hot springs, a freshwater pool, a cold plunge, and barrel saunas. The Little Canyon Cafe snack bar serves healthy hummus, veggies, and fruit, along with salads, sandwiches, and artisan flatbread pizzas. Guests can also try custom soda blends and unique mocktails.

The freshwater family pool is heated to 90 degrees, which may sound hot, but is cooler than the natural body temperature. This pool is especially comfortable in the summer.

Want a more grown-up experience? Guests over the age of 21 have 18 natural mineral hot springs pools to explore, as well as 16 WorldSprings mineral pools—each inspired by iconic aquatic destinations like Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and the Dead Sea. The Springs Cafe in this area serves everything available at the Little Canyon Café, plus beer, wine, and cocktails at our full-service bar.

Traveling with friends or extended family? No problem. Visitors can rent private cabanas for up to eight people in a single or 16 in a double. Enjoy quality time with loved ones with a little extra shade and privacy between soaks.

Ready to relax in style? Book your stay at Zion Canyon Hot Springs now. Whether you opt for a three-hour pass to enjoy the afternoon or an all-day admission pass to make a day of it, you’ll love exploring our facilities and amenities as part of your Utah vacation.

Sources

  1. (April 2, 2025). How To Visit Zion and Bryce Canyon: Epic 3-Day Road Trip. We’re in the Rockies. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://wereintherockies.com/zion-bryce-road-trip/
  2. (June 24, 2025). How to Connect Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks: 11 Amazing Stops. We’re In the Rockies. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://wereintherockies.com/between-zion-bryce/
  3. (July 14, 2025). Zion To Bryce Canyon National Park Road Trip (+ Map). Everywhere With Claire. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://everywherewithclaire.com/zion-national-park-to-bryce-canyon/
  4. Zion to Bryce Canyon: Epic Utah Road Trip Guide. Beyond My Door. Retrieved July 22, 2025 from https://www.beyondmydoor.com/zion-to-bryce-canyon-road-trip/
  5. How to Plan the Best Zion to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Itinerary. Harbors and Havens. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.harborsandhavens.com/blog/zion-to-bryce-canyon-national-park

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Under Canvas. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.undercanvas.com/blog/72-hours-near-bryce-canyon-national-park/ (9 September 2022). 11 Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. The Wildlife Diaries. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.thewildlifediaries.com/things-to-do-near-bryce-canyon/ Bauer, A. Fun Family Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon (Plus the Best Place to Stay!). Zion Adventure Photog. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.zionadventurephotog.com/single-post/things-to-do-near-bryce-canyon Ockey, N. (22 April 2023). Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon. Utah’s Adventure Family. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.utahsadventurefamily.com/things-to-do-near-bryce-along-scenic-highway-12/ Parks and Other Tourist Attraction Spots near Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.brycecanyon.net/parks-tourist-attraction-spots-near-bryce-canyon/