Six Day Road Trip Through Southern Utah
Six Day Road Trip Through Southern Utah
Where to Eat, Sleep, & Hike in the Zion & Bryce Canyon Region
Published: August 1, 2021
There’s just something about a road trip, am I right? The open road, unfamiliar landscapes, gas station snacks, cheesy souvenir stops—there’s really nothing like it. And there are so many ways to do it. I’ve always wanted to be one of those fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants people—just hop in the car and see where the road leads. But these days, that’s not always so simple. Campgrounds and hotels fill up way ahead of time, and leaving it all to chance can sometimes mean missed opportunities or scrapped plans. My approach? Book the key things in advance so you’re not stressed when you should be having fun. Choose a few must-see stops, then leave space in between for the spontaneous detours—the heart of every good road trip.
I’ll admit, I actually love planning trips—at least to a certain extent. It’s part of the fun, helping me get excited about what’s ahead. But if I’m honest, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. I tend to worry about missing something worthwhile, which means I sometimes spiral into over-research mode. Instead of spending hours hunting down every possible thing to do in a region, I’ve found it most helpful to learn from others—what they loved, what they skipped, and what they’d do differently. So since I already put in the time, I figured I’d share. If you ever find yourself in Southern Utah with a few days to explore, I hope this guide is helpful.
There are countless ways to shape this trip—how long you stay, how much ground you cover, how fast or slow you move. For us, six days felt just right: enough time to chase adventure and find moments of rest. We chose to stay in hotels this time around, but there are plenty of other options too, from campsites to RVs to cozy vacation rentals. Whatever your style, there’s something here for you.
6-Day Itinerary
Las Vegas -> Bryce Canyon -> Zion -> Las Vegas
Day One: Arrival + Scenic Drive to Bryce
Fly into Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran) and pick up your rental car. From there, it’s about a four-hour drive to Bryce Canyon—but there’s no need to rush. Stop for a bite, stock up on snacks and water (road trip essential, obviously), and settle in for a scenic ride. The highlight for me was driving through Red Rock Canyon on Scenic Byway 12, where the road winds through a series of stunning red rock arch tunnels—the gateway to Bryce. Completely unexpected and totally spectacular.
Once you arrive, check into your hotel and take a walk around. Compared to Zion, Bryce feels quieter, more nostalgic—less built up, more rooted in that classic National Park charm. We skipped a sit-down dinner and instead grabbed cereal and sandwich supplies from the General Store to eat back at the hotel. After a long travel day, turning in early is a good call—you’ll want to be up before sunrise.
Day Two: Sunrise + Hoodoo Hiking
Waking up for sunrise can be painful - particularly after a travel day - but it is so worth it when visiting national parks. Not only do you miss out on the crowds but you are more likely to spot wildlife and as a photographer I can assure you- there is nothing like sunrise light - especially true for Bryce Canyon. Leave your hotel about 30 minutes before sunrise - this will give you time to get into the park, find parking, and make your way to an overlook for sunrise. Both Sunrise Point and Sunset Point have great sunrise views and are located near the entrance/exit (depending which direction you go) for your morning hike. You’ll need to pay admission at the park or show your annual pass. Note: There may not be anyone in the booth at that early hour. In our experience, if the booth is not manned when you enter the park- they will generally ask you for a receipt when you leave and you pay then, if needed. We have an Annual Park Pass.
After sunrise, hit the trails. You’ll find so many of the sunrise spectators head out after the sun comes up- back to their hotels to grab coffee or breakfast so it’s a great time for some quiet hiking. The Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail offer spectacular views, switchbacks, and varied landscapes- particularly for such a short and relatively easy hike. It will only take you an hour or two to complete the hike - including stopping for photos or to take in the view.
After the hike, head back to your hotel or a local cafe for some breakfast and coffee then hop in your car to drive the scenic drive through the park. There are lots of overlooks and stops along the way to pull over and get out. The most popular ones tend to be crowded mid-day but the smaller ones, we found, offer enough parking for a few cars and people move in and out quickly. If you are up for some other hikes the Fairyland Loop is popular (we didn’t have time). Stop on your way out at the visitors center for some great displays on the history of the park and hoodoos.
Finally, refuel, grab some snacks and coffee, and hit the road to head to Zion. The drive will take you between one and two hours depending on the time of year. You’ll enter through the East Entrance to the park- through the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel - a 1.1 mile tunnel. You’ll see glimpses of the park through the galleries and when you exit you’re greeted by sweeping park views. Note: If you are driving an RV or campervan over a certain size, you will need to pay a $15 fee and obtain a tunnel permit at the entrance station to drive through the tunnel. You’ll exit the park at the south entrance and enter the town of Springdale. Check in to your hotel or campsite, grab some dinner and pack up your things for an early start on day three.
Day Three: Narrows Day! (Or Angels Landing, if you’re feeling brave)
These are the two marquee hikes in Zion, and both are popular for good reason. I recommend picking just one for your first full day—especially if you’re not trying to set a personal endurance record on vacation. For the sake of this itinerary, we’ll stick with the Narrows (our pick), but the early-bird advice applies to either.
Yep, it’s another early morning. May through September, Zion runs a shuttle system, and the first one leaves the Visitor Center at 6 a.m. You’ll want to be on that—or as close as you can manage. You can drive, take the Springdale shuttle, or walk to the Visitor Center depending on where you’re staying, but either way, the earlier, the better.
Hop on the shuttle and ride it all the way to the last stop—Temple of Sinawava. This is your first time seeing the heart of Zion, the part closed to private vehicles, and the views from the shuttle alone are worth the early wake-up. From there, take the Riverside Walk, a mellow, paved mile along the river. When the pavement ends, the real hike begins.
From here on out, you're in the river. Literally. The Narrows is a hike through the Virgin River, not beside it. The bottom is rocky, water depth varies (from ankle to waist, sometimes higher), and it’s slow going. Wear shoes with good grip (closed-toe, no flip flops), quick-dry clothes, and bring a hiking stick or two if you can. We didn’t rent the specialty wading gear that a lot of folks do—we were totally fine without it, even in chilly May water—but I was grateful for layers and a dry bag for my camera. (Pro tip: don’t skip the dry bag. You think you’ll stay upright until suddenly, you don’t.)
This is an out-and-back hike, so turn around whenever it feels right. The full route is up to 9.4 miles roundtrip, but it’s slow going, and you definitely don’t need to do the whole thing to get the experience. If you can, try to make it to Wall Street, the iconic stretch where the canyon narrows dramatically—it’s pretty unforgettable.
The Narrows is considered strenuous by the National Park Service, so trust your body, check the weather (flash floods are a real risk here), and don’t push it if conditions aren’t right.
Once you’ve had your fill, hop the shuttle back to the Visitor Center and enjoy a slow-paced afternoon. Whether that’s lounging at your hotel, poking around Springdale’s shops, grabbing a meal, or collapsing into a nap is totally up to you. You earned it.
Day Four: Bike Zion
For your second full day in the park—rent a bike. Trust me on this one. It’s hands down one of the best ways to experience Zion. I’d go so far as to say: an absolute must. Go for an e-bike or pedal-assist if you can—they make soaking in the views a lot more fun and a lot less sweaty.
The scenic drive through the center of Zion is closed to private vehicles (unless you’re staying at the lodge), so to explore this area you’ll need to walk, bike, or use the park shuttle. Biking gives you more freedom and lets you stop when and where you want—without being packed into a shuttle with everyone else.
Most rental shops are located just outside the park entrance and include helmets and locks with your rental. Once you’ve done a few awkward loops in the parking lot to get the hang of things, head through the pedestrian entrance. There’s a separate gate for walkers and bikers just past Zion Outfitters—super easy to spot. If you already visited the day before, just show your car entry pass or your Parks Pass to get in.
Just beyond the gate is the Visitor Center, which is worth a quick stop if you didn’t check it out yesterday. Then hop on the Pa’rus Trail—the only paved trail in the park where bikes are allowed. It’s an easy, scenic ride with river access, small bridges, and wide-open views of the canyon walls. At the end of the Pa’rus, you’ll merge onto the scenic drive.
Quick heads up: when you’re on the main road, you must pull off to the side and stop completely (one foot down) when an official Zion shuttle comes by. They always have the right of way. This doesn’t apply to private shuttles—just the big green NPS ones.
After a few miles, stop at the Zion Lodge for a coffee or light breakfast. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and take in the setting—basically, red rock cliffs in every direction. Then hop back on your bike and continue riding toward Temple of Sinawava, the final shuttle stop and end of the scenic drive. There are plenty of pull-offs along the way to pause, take photos, or just breathe it all in.
On your return trip, consider stopping for a short hike (there are lots of options along the way), then circle back to the lodge and hang out for a while. The big shaded lawn is the perfect mid-day break spot—grab a quick lunch, stretch out in the grass, and soak in those canyon views one last time before heading back.
Return your bikes in Springdale, then relax however you’d like—pool, nap, ice cream, or all of the above. You've earned an easy evening.
Day Five: Scenic Drive + A Change of Scenery
Today’s the day to either tackle another big hike or opt for something a little more low-key. For us, the choice was made for us—a sprained ankle turned “maybe we’ll do Observation Point” into “let’s just enjoy the views from the car.” And honestly? No regrets.
As mentioned earlier, while much of Zion Canyon is closed to private vehicles, the eastern section of the park—where you first entered via the Mt. Carmel Tunnel—is open to cars. This area feels totally different from the main canyon: less crowded, more wide-open, and with some lovely short hikes worth exploring.
One easy and rewarding stop is the Canyon Overlook Trail. Go early if you can, as it’s popular, but the payoff is a stunning, expansive view—and the trail itself is short and not too strenuous. Afterward, take your time driving this stretch of road. Pull off at viewpoints, wander where you’re able, and just enjoy this quieter side of the park before exiting once again through the South Entrance.
This is also a great moment in the trip to switch up your accommodations. Springdale is super convenient for Zion access, but southern Utah has no shortage of unique stays—and the end of your trip is the perfect time to try something special. We chose Under Canvas Zion for a bit of a splurge, and it was the perfect way to wind down.
The property is tucked off Kolob Terrace Road, which—bonus!—is also a gorgeous scenic drive. Plan to head that way a little early before check-in so you have time to explore. There are fewer crowds here, and if you’re up for it (or your ankles are), some great hiking options. Sadly, we had to pass this time—but we’ll be back.
Once you arrive at Under Canvas, settle in and soak it all in. This is glamping at its finest—canvas tents, cozy bedding, starry skies, and plenty of space to just be. More details on what to expect below.
Day Six: Wind Down + Head Out
The last day. Not exactly the highlight of any trip—but depending on your flight time, there’s still room to fit in a little more before heading home.
By now, you’ve probably racked up a fair number of trail miles and dusty car hours, so it’s worth leaving this day a bit open-ended. You might want to squeeze in one more short hike—or you might just want a quiet morning and a real breakfast. Either way, don’t over-plan. Let how you feel decide.
Take your time checking out, linger over coffee, and enjoy your last bit of space before the drive back to Las Vegas (just under three hours). If you're up for a detour, Valley of Fire State Park is an easy stop along the way with short trails, striking red rock formations, and fewer crowds than the national parks. (Heads up: you’ll need cash or check for the entrance fee.) Another idea? Embrace the contrast and park the car for a quick wander along the Las Vegas Strip—just long enough to marvel at the chaos, grab a snack, and wonder how it’s possible to miss red rocks already. Then it’s off to the airport, probably a little dusty, hopefully satisfied, and already thinking about the next trip.
Where To Fly Into
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran) is your best bet. From here, it’s about a 4-hour drive to Bryce Canyon and just under 3 hours to Zion National Park. The rental car center is a short shuttle ride from the terminal—easy and efficient.
Where To Stay
Bryce Canyon City
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon: Where we stayed. Located just outside the park entrance, walking distance to a few restaurants and a grocery store. The rooms were fine—pretty standard—and definitely on the noisy side (think: your neighbors' conversations becoming your bedtime stories), but honestly, we didn’t mind. The breakfast was surprisingly solid, with hot options, and there’s a water bottle filling station in the lobby.
Bryce Canyon Lodge: Historic lodge and cabins located inside the park, right near Sunrise and Sunset Points. We didn’t stay here but the location can’t be beat.
Ruby’s Inn: Great location with an attached general store—good for snacks, postcards, or a forgotten toothbrush.
Bryce View Lodge: Located next to the Best Western, offering similar convenience.
North Campground: 99 sites, first-come, first-served (spring through fall). 30 sites stay open year-round.
Sunset Campground: 100 reservable sites (April–October) through recreation.gov.
Springdale
Holiday Inn Express: Where we stayed. Great location with canyon views—especially if your room faces the back. There’s a small pool and fire pit out back, and it’s within easy walking distance to everything in Springdale. The breakfast is… functional (grab-and-go options, not much more). Bonus: pet-friendly and a water bottle filling station in the lobby. Note: the bathroom setup is a little quirky—sink in the main room and a dark shower—but nothing that would stop us from staying again.
Under Canvas Zion: Where we stayed our last night—and it was a splurge-worthy way to end the trip. Located off Kolob Terrace Road, this “glamping” spot offers canvas tents, wood stoves, lanterns, and full-on desert views. We booked a tent with shared bath, but were upgraded to one with a private bathroom (thanks, COVID policies). No electricity or Wi-Fi in the tents, but you’ll have USB ports, hot water, and lanterns. The on-site café serves meals and coffee, and there are evening campfires, live music, and outdoor games. Pro tip: don’t plan to hang in your tent mid-day—it gets hot - like sealed in a ziploc bag in the desert hot. This is definitely not roughing it—but it’s also not luxury hotel-level convenience. Perfect if you want something different.
Other Options in Springdale
Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
SpringHill Suites
South Campground: Near the south entrance. Minimal shade, but has flush toilets and drinking water. No showers or electricity.
Watchman Campground: Similar amenities, also near the south entrance. Reservations highly recommended.
There’s no shortage of places to stay near Zion—whether you want a hotel, cabin, or campground, there’s something for every style and budget.
Where to Eat
Bryce Canyon City
Ruby’s Inn General Store: For snacks, groceries, and souvenirs.
Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet & Steakroom: Classic, no-frills option.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon: Dining inside the park.
Canyon Diner: Quick bites.
Springdale
Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.: Where we ate. For when you are craving some pizza- which we generally, always are.
MeMe's Café: Where we ate. Lot’s of good options and something to suit everyone on the menu. Great if you love crepes!
FeelLove Coffee Zion: Where we ate. Solid coffee stop near the park gates. Harder to find the basics on the menu, but a good espresso hit.
Sol Foods Supermarket: Where we ate. Great stop for snacks, trail food, or a DIY hotel meal.
Springdale Candy Company: Where we ate. Great stop for icecream just outside the park.
Deep Creek Coffee Co: Offering coffee, tea, breakfast & lunch
Cafe Soleil: Coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Thai Sapa: Asian & Thai food
Must-Do Hikes & Must-See Sights
Bryce Canyon
Queen’s Garden & Navajo Loop Trail: If you only have time for one hike, make it this. Just under 3 miles, easy to moderate, and full of the park’s best scenery—hoodoos, red rock, switchbacks, and sweeping views.
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive: Stop at as many viewpoints as you can.
Ruby’s Inn General Store: Shop for snacks, souvenirs or even mail a postcard at the tiny post office - this place was fun to poke around.
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center: Learn about the park’s geology and history, and pick up ranger tips or park souvenirs.
Zion Region
The Narrows: Iconic, wet, and unforgettable. A strenuous river hike that’s up to 9.4 miles round-trip. Rent gear or go with what you’ve got—just check conditions first.
Angels Landing: Not for those with a fear of heights. Permit required. 5.4 miles round-trip with jaw-dropping views.
Canyon Overlook Trail: Short (1 mile), beautiful, and worth the stop near the Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive & Mt. Carmel Tunnel: Breathtaking from start to finish.
East side of Zion National Park: A completely different landscape—and often less crowded.
Zion National Park Visitor Center: Orient yourself, talk with rangers, shop, or hop on the shuttle.
Bike Rentals: Our favorite way to see Zion!
Zion Cycles: Where we rented from. Smooth process, great e-bikes. Reserve ahead of time—especially for pedal-assist bikes.
Zion Guru: Rents RadRunner bikes. Also on the main stretch in Springdale.
Zion Outfitter: Closest location to the pedestrian entrance of the park. Offers bikes and tons of other gear.
What to Skip
Zion
Emerald Pools Hike: We did the lower, middle, and upper pools and… honestly, we wouldn’t do it again. In the afternoon, it was hot and crowded and I never love a crowded hike. Not terrible, just not worth prioritizing—especially when there are better, more scenic options nearby.
