Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Tour

Imagine waking up before sunrise in Las Vegas, hopping into a comfortable bus, and setting out for a day that promises some of the most dramatic landscapes the southwestern U.S. has to offer. For $219 per person, this 14-hour guided tour takes you through two of Utah’s crown jewels: Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. It’s a packed day, but for lovers of red rocks, hoodoos, and breathtaking vistas, it’s a chance to see these world-famous parks without the hassle of planning multiple trips on your own.

What we love most about this experience is how efficiently it combines the highlights of both parks. You get plenty of photo opportunities at iconic viewpoints—like Bryce’s hoodoos and Zion’s canyon walls—and a chance to walk along the rim trail in Bryce, plus a scenic drive through Zion’s impressive canyon walls, including a memorable pass through the mile-long tunnel. Also, the scenic Virgin River Gorge offers a spectacular drive, with towering cliffs that give you a true sense of the rugged landscape.

A key consideration is the long day—14 hours means early starts and late returns. If you’re not a fan of long bus journeys or tight schedules, this might be a bit strenuous. But if you’re eager to maximize your time and see two iconic parks in one day, it’s a smart choice, especially for those constrained by limited time in Las Vegas or looking for an efficient way to experience these natural wonders.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Bryce and Zion without the complications of independent travel. It’s perfect for first-timers, nature lovers, and those who appreciate guided convenience combined with scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Two parks in one day – Bryce Canyon and Zion, both renowned for their stunning geological formations.
• Scenic drives and viewpoints – plenty of opportunities for memorable photos of hoodoos, canyon walls, and rock formations.
• Comfortable transportation – air-conditioned bus with a knowledgeable guide to enhance your understanding.
• Includes lunch and snacks – making the long day more manageable without extra costs.
• Early morning start and late return – suitable for energetic travelers prepared for a full day.
• Limited time at each stop – designed for a quick but memorable visit, not a deep dive for hikers or explorers.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The day begins very early, with pickup from Las Vegas around 5:00 am. That’s a serious early start, but it’s necessary to pack so much into a single day. From there, your journey takes you through some of the most captivating scenery in the Southwest.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Your first major stop is Bryce Canyon, where you’ll spend about 90 minutes exploring various viewpoints. Here, you’ll see the famous hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that look like something out of a fairy tale. The viewpoints around Bryce are designed for snapshots of iconic landscapes, with plenty of overlooks that reveal the intricate formations from different angles. We loved the way the guide explained how these formations were carved over thousands of years, making the landscape both beautiful and humbling.

You’ll also have the chance for a walk along the rim trail—easy enough for most fitness levels—that offers panoramic views. For the more adventurous, there’s an option to hike down into the canyon to see the formations up close, although most tours keep to the viewpoints for efficiency.

Scenic Drive through Virgin River Gorge

As you leave Bryce, your route takes you through the Virgin River Gorge, a breathtaking stretch of road with towering cliffs and dramatic walls. This drive alone is worth the trip, giving you a sense of the rugged terrain that defines this region.

Zion National Park

Once in Zion, you’ll stop at the Visitor Center for about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to snap some photos of Zion’s immense canyon walls and get your bearings. From here, your guide will take you along the South walls of the canyon, with views of Checkerboard Mesa—a unique geologic formation with striking cross-hatched patterns. This spot makes for a memorable photo stop and gives a sense of Zion’s geological diversity.

Next, you’ll pass through the miles-long tunnel, a highlight of Zion’s scenic drive, which offers remarkable views of the canyon from inside the bus as the scenery unfolds outside your window. Passing through this tunnel is a classic Zion experience, giving you a sense of the park’s grandeur and the engineering feat it represents.

Zion’s Highlights and Return

The tour wraps up with a drive along Zion’s East Entrance, providing sweeping views of the canyon walls. By late afternoon, you’ll begin the return journey to Las Vegas, passing through the same Virgin River Gorge and enjoying the changing light on the rocks.

What We Appreciated

One of the standout features of this tour is its efficiency. It packs a lot into one day, allowing you to see both parks’ highlights without the stress of planning multiple trips. The comfortable bus and the presence of a knowledgeable guide—who can answer questions and share insights—make the long hours feel more relaxed.

The lunch and snacks provided are more than enough to keep you energized through the day’s activities. We also appreciated how the tour balanced scenic stops with driving time, so you’re never just stuck on a bus.

From the reviews, travelers mentioned that the views are stunning, and the photo opportunities are plentiful. The guide’s commentary often adds context, making the vistas even more meaningful—something that independent visits might miss.

Considerations and Limitations

While this tour offers incredible value, it’s important to remember that time at each stop is limited. If you’re a hiker or want to explore the parks in depth, this isn’t the trip for you. It’s more about seeing the highlights and capturing the essence of Bryce and Zion.

The long day might be tiring for some, especially with an early start and late return. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with a full schedule and bus travel.

Plus, because the tour operates in good weather only, poor weather could lead to cancellations, which might mean rescheduling or a refund. Check the forecast before booking.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to the area who want to see the most iconic sights of Bryce Canyon and Zion without the hassle of independent planning. It’s perfect for travelers who value guided commentary, scenic drives, and hassle-free logistics. If you’re short on time or prefer a comfortable, organized experience, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely, in-depth exploration or want to hike extensively, you might prefer to visit these parks on your own or with a different, more flexible arrangement.

This Bryce Canyon and Zion tour from Las Vegas offers an efficient way to experience two of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American Southwest. The sights are truly awe-inspiring—think towering hoodoos, expansive canyon walls, and scenic drives that make the landscape seem almost surreal. For the price, it delivers great value, combining transportation, guide insights, and some of the best views you can find in the region.

It’s particularly well suited for travelers eager to check off these parks in a single day, especially if they prefer guided tours that handle logistics and provide local knowledge. While it’s a long day, the scenery and photo opportunities make it worthwhile for nature lovers and first-time visitors eager to see the highlights with minimal fuss.

If you’re prepared for a full schedule, love stunning vistas, and want an introduction to Zion and Bryce without the hassle of planning, this tour will serve you well. Just bring your energy—and your camera.

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:00 am, so expect to be picked up from your meeting point early in the morning. Be ready for a full day ahead.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour provides lunch, along with bottled water and snacks, so you won’t need to worry about packing food for the day.

How long do we spend at each park?
You’ll have approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at Bryce Canyon and about 30 minutes at Zion’s Visitor Center, with additional time for scenic drives and viewpoints.

Are there opportunities for hiking?
The tour mainly focuses on viewpoints and scenic drives. There’s a walk along Bryce’s rim trail but no extensive hikes are included.

What is the size of the group?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 60 travelers, which means it’s a comfortably sized bus group that offers both social interaction and personal space.

Can I cancel or change the reservation?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. It operates only in good weather, and cancellations due to weather may be rescheduled or refunded.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the early start and long hours. It’s best for those comfortable with a full day of travel and sightseeing.

Exploring Bryce Canyon and Zion in one day is ambitious but incredibly rewarding. With breathtaking views at every turn, this tour offers a taste of Utah’s natural grandeur that many travelers cherish. If you’re after memorable scenery with the convenience of guided logistics, it’s a trip worth considering—even if it means an early wake-up call.