Two of Utah's national parks in one guided day from Las Vegas: free time on the rim above Bryce Canyon's hoodoos, then Zion's east side and canyon viewpoints, with park entry and a box lunch included.
Bryce Canyon is not really a canyon at all but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, filled with the densest collection of hoodoos on earth: thousands of orange, pink and cream limestone spires. It sits roughly 260 miles from Las Vegas, which is why a day trip makes most sense when it also takes in Zion on the way back. This tour does exactly that.
The coach leaves from Treasure Island on the Strip in the morning and heads north on I-15 through Mesquite, the Virgin River Gorge and St. George. At Bryce you get free time to walk the rim and photograph the amphitheater; Sunset, Sunrise and Inspiration Points are the classic views. A box lunch with bottled water follows, and then the route turns to Zion, entering through the high slickrock country of the east side, past Checkerboard Mesa, for a stop at the visitor center and several canyon viewpoints.
Admission to both parks is included, and the day finishes back in Las Vegas about 13 hours after departure.
The honest trade-off is depth versus breadth. You see two very different parks in one day, which is a great introduction, but you will not have time to hike down into the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop or Queen's Garden, or to walk the Riverside Walk at Zion. If hiking is the priority, a dedicated Zion trip or an overnight in Springdale or near Bryce will suit you better.
Practical notes
Bryce's rim sits at roughly 8,000 to 9,000 feet, so it is much cooler than Las Vegas and can have snow from autumn to spring; bring a warm layer even in summer. Utah is on Mountain Time, one hour ahead of Las Vegas all year. Both Bryce and Zion may charge non-US residents aged 16 and over an extra nonresident fee on top of standard entry, so international visitors should confirm before booking. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure.
What to expect
The experience
Meet at Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd South, at the yellow curb on Sirens Cove Blvd west of the valet and Starbucks. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. North on I-15 through Mesquite, the Virgin River Gorge in Arizona and St. George, Utah, with narration from your licensed driver-guide. Free time on the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater for photos of the hoodoos. Sunset and Sunrise Points are steps from each other along the Rim Trail.
Best time
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons; summer is hot at the rim. Utah is one hour ahead of Las Vegas year-round, so set your watch when you cross the state line.
How long
Plan for a full day, about 13 hours.
Tips
Stops at Checkerboard Mesa, the Zion visitor center and several viewpoints. The route uses the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, so expect tunnels and switchbacks. Round-trip transport, admission to both parks, a box lunch and bottled water. Gratuities, extra food and personal expenses are not included. A warm layer for Bryce's altitude, sunscreen, water and comfortable walking shoes. This is a viewpoint tour, not a hiking tour. Book an overnight trip if you want to walk among the hoodoos.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and first-timers who want to see two national parks in one day without driving.
- Families
- A long day on a coach. Bring snacks, charging cables and something for children to do, and check the minimum age when you book.
- Couples
- No driving means you can both enjoy the scenery and the stops; sit toward the front for the best views.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with Zion National Park or Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend if you have a second day.
- Time needed
- Full day, about 13 hours.
Good questions
How far is Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas?+
Roughly 260 miles, about four hours each way by road. That is why this tour pairs Bryce with Zion, which is on the way back.
What are hoodoos?+
Tall, thin spires of rock left behind as frost and rain erode the plateau's limestone. Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of them anywhere.
Is park entry included?+
Standard admission to Bryce Canyon and Zion is included. Non-US residents aged 16 and over may also owe the nonresident fee that both parks charge, so check before booking.
Is there time to hike?+
Only short walks along the rim. The schedule does not allow for the Navajo Loop or other trails below the rim.
Is lunch included?+
Yes. A box lunch and bottled water are provided after the Bryce stop.
