The American Southwest is a land of towering sandstone cliffs, crimson hoodoos, and sprawling desert landscapes. Among its crown jewels, two national parks often spark debate among travelers: Bryce Canyon vs Zion. Which one should you visit? Or better yet – why not both? Whether you’re drawn to deep, winding canyons or otherworldly rock formations, this guide will help you compare, choose, and plan the ultimate adventure through two of Utah’s most iconic parks.
Which is Better, Zion or Bryce Canyon?
Choosing between Zion vs Bryce Canyon comes down to your style of adventure.
Zion National Park is for thrill-seekers – think narrow slot canyons, water-filled hikes, and dramatic trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Its towering red walls, hanging gardens, and waterfalls make every trail feel like an epic journey. During peak seasons, a mandatory shuttle helps visitors reach top trailheads like The Grotto and Temple of Sinawava, the starting point for The Narrows.
Bryce Canyon National Park feels like another world. Thousands of hoodoos rise from natural amphitheaters, glowing in pinks and oranges. With cooler temperatures and sweeping views from nearly 8,000 feet, it’s a haven for photographers and hikers. Trails like Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden immerse you in the formations, while an optional shuttle makes exploring top viewpoints easy.
So which is better? If you want heart-pounding hikes, choose Zion. For surreal landscapes and quiet beauty, head to Bryce. Or better yet – see both.
Adventures in Zion vs Bryce Canyon
Whether you’re looking for guided adventures led by local experts or self-guided hikes through stunning desert landscapes, here are some of the best ways to experience the beauty of Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Zion
Guided Hiking
Choose a half- or full-day trek through Zion National Park or Greater Zion. You’ll hike along Virgin River corridors, sandstone cliffs, and dramatic overlooks for a memorable experience.
Canyoneering
Rappel, climb, and squeeze through slot canyons on full- or half-day excursions. Gear, photography, and expert instruction included. Perfect for thrill-seekers (ages 6-8 and up, depending on the trip).
Rock Climbing & Via Ferrata
Scale desert cliffs with confidence. Beginners and experienced climbers alike enjoy routes with Via Ferrata, offering iron-rung ladders and cables for a secure, adrenaline-charged climb.
Mountain Biking & E‑Bike Tours
Bike along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or venture onto Gooseberry Mesa with options for all skill levels and both traditional and e‑bikes.
Horseback Riding
Set off right from Under Canvas Zion with professional wranglers and take in panoramic views of red cliffs on quiet horseback tours.
Bryce Canyon
Hiking Tours
Enjoy half- or full-day hikes led by expert guides through Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos. Perfect for photo-rich trails like Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden.
Scenic Driving Tours
Take a private driving tour through Bryce Canyon and its surroundings, stopping at overlooks like Rainbow Point and Natural Bridge with cultural commentary from your guide.
E‑Bike Tours
Ride the scenic Red Canyon Bike Path, a paved trail winding through colorful hoodoos and wildflower fields. Available in half- or full-day formats for riders aged 13 and up.
Zipline
Soar through towering Ponderosa pines and over the Sevier River on a zipline course featuring six lines ranging from 85 to 350 feet for breathtaking views of the mountains and canyons.
Whitewater Rafting
The Sevier River offers an unforgettable whitewater adventure, combining thrilling Class II and III rapids with serene stretches through Utah canyons.
Stargazing in Zion vs Bryce Canyon
When the sun sets, the magic doesn’t stop. Both parks are designated International DarkSky Parks, making them some of the best places in the world for stargazing. At Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion, which are also certified DarkSky Resorts, you can experience the cosmos like never before. Join nighttime programming led by astronomers, peer through high-powered telescopes, capture deep-sky photography, and nosh on nightly s’mores under a blanket of stars.
Visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon on a Road Trip
The best part? You don’t have to choose. These parks are only two hours apart, connected by scenic highways that wind through spectacular red rock country. With a bit of planning, you can explore both in a single trip, even over a long weekend.
For an even grander adventure, make them part of the Grand Circle Road Trip. This loop includes Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon, offering a deep dive into the American Southwest’s most breathtaking landscapes. Plan one to two weeks to experience it all: endless desert skies, unforgettable stargazing, and countless photo-worthy stops along the way. This is road-tripping at its finest.
Getting There and Cities to Explore on Your Visit
Getting to Zion National Park
Flying into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)in Las Vegas is the most popular choice, just under three hours from Zion. For those arriving from Utah’s north, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is about a five-hour drive. If you’re exploring southern Utah, St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest gateway – only 45 minutes from the park. Check out our guide to cities to visit near Zion to make the most of your trip.
Getting to Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon sits in a high-alpine region of southern Utah. The nearest airports to Bryce are Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC), about 90 minutes away, and St. George Regional Airport (SGU), roughly two and a half hours away. Las Vegas (LAS) and Salt Lake City (SLC) are major international hubs, about four and five hours away, allowing you also to explore some nearby big cities.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Zion
Whether your heart leans toward Zion, Bryce Canyon, or both, Under Canvas offers the perfect base for your adventure. Both camps feature upscale safari-inspired tents with plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, and eco-friendly design, for comfort and connection to nature. Spend your days exploring hoodoos or hiking canyon trails, then return to your private retreat for stargazing, cozy evenings by the fire pit, and sunsets that light up the desert sky. From high-alpine juniper forests near Bryce to the sandstone cliffs of Zion, each camp offers a perfect blend of adventure and luxury near two of Utah’s most iconic national parks.
No matter which park you choose – or if you choose both – Under Canvas makes it easy to turn your trip into an unforgettable experience.