Bryce Canyon Day Trips from Las Vegas

The Bryce Canyon tour is one of the most popular tours from Las Vegas. In addition, most tours not only offer a visit to Bryce, but also to Zion National Park. I tell you how to visit both parks from Las Vegas.

Ana Belén Moreno

Ana Belén Moreno

10 min read

Bryce Canyon Day Trips from Las Vegas

Formación rocosa Bryce Canyon| ©Alain Bonnardeaux

The Bryce Canyon tour is a must on your list of things to see and do in Las Vegas. On this adventure you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of southern Utah. You will be greeted by breathtaking views of the cliffs and reddish-orange rock formations known as hoodoos. A unique opportunity to take advantage of incredible opportunities.

Make the most of your stay in Las Vegas and visit two of Utah's most famous national parks: Zion and Bryce Canyon. Each of the national parks boasts incredible scenery and unique natural beauty that has been shaped over hundreds of thousands of years. Here are the different options available to you for a Bryce Canyon tour.

1. Bryce Canyon and Zion, the most demanded excursion

rocky mountain| ©marduk5186
rocky mountain| ©marduk5186

Take advantage of your trip to make two visits in one with a tour to Utah's most famous national parks from Las Vegas: Zion and Bryce Canyon. On this comfortable, hassle-free, stress-free day trip, you'll appreciate the unique natural beauty of this landscape that has been shaped over thousands of years.

Your adventure begins bright and early in Las Vegas, with hotel pickup at the appointed time. You'll board a tour vehicle that will take you to two of southern Utah's most famous national parks.

On the drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, you'll see the desert terrain transform into towering pine forests as you enter southern Utah. As you pass through the Virgin River Gorge, you'll see red rock cliffs rise all around you.

Spend a full day exploring the wilderness of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Go hiking and discover the rich history of the region. There are hiking trails for experts and very accessible walks for beginners. A hike suitable for all levels of experience.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 180 euros.
  • Duration: the duration of this tour is about 13 hours.
  • Means of transport: tourist vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: pick up at the hotel and return. Guided tour and lunch with water in most of the options.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this is one of the most demanded excursions, so you will have to make your reservation in advance.

Book a Zion National Park tour from Las Vegas

2. Bryce Canyon private tour

man hiking in the mountains| ©KathyCat102
man hiking in the mountains| ©KathyCat102

Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas may be the most famous. However, if you want to get off the beaten path, opt for a private tour to Bryce Canyon. Best of all, you can enjoy this incredible scenery with the peace of mind that comes with a small, private group.

Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not a canyon, but a set of natural amphitheaters on the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. A guided tour gives you an unparalleled view that you can only experience with a local who knows the area well.

See the hoodoos, the formations known as fairy chimneys, hike and ride horses on a private tour of Bryce Canyon. You can also go to St George to see the impressive red sandstone cliffs.

Sin City is much more than its casinos and party nights. If you want to enjoy a more intimate Bryce Canyon tour, book a private tour experience with a flexible itinerary and schedule that can be tailored to your needs. Just don't leave your camera behind, as this tour is sure to capture the best moments of your trip to Las Vegas.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 900 euros.
  • Duration: the duration of this tour is about 13 hours.
  • Means of transportation: private tour in an all-terrain vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, park entrance fee, lunch and water in most options.
  • Disadvantages of this option: being a private tour and in a small group, the price is higher than in other options.

3. Bryce Canyon and Zion in small group from Las Vegas

mom and daughter on a mountain| ©Matt & Tofu (Jennifer) Straite
mom and daughter on a mountain| ©Matt & Tofu (Jennifer) Straite

This is one of the best tours you can do from Las Vegas. If you prefer to avoid crowds, the best option for you is to book a small group tour to Bryce Canyon and Zion. In addition, you will have the explanations of an expert guide who will give you interesting facts about these national parks.

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are two of the most photographed parks in Las Vegas. With this tour you'll get off the beaten path of the larger tours and make additional stops with your group of no more than 14 people.

If nature tourism is your thing, you'll love this tour. You'll be picked up at your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip and taken on a full-day adventure in this unique setting. Plus, you don't have to bring drinks and snacks, as they are included. The best way to enjoy a comfortable trip without missing any detail of your visit.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 250 euros.
  • Duration: the duration of this tour is about 14 hours.
  • Means of transport: private vehicle in a small group.
  • Advantages of this option: pick up at the hotel and return. Small group tour of less than 14 people, with guide and lunch with water in most options.
  • Disadvantages of this option: make your reservation in advance, as it is usually in high demand.

Book the best National Parks tours from Las Vegas

4. Bryce Canyon and Zion in two days and camping

mountain camping tents| ©Al_HikesAZ
mountain camping tents| ©Al_HikesAZ

After taking a look at Las Vegas in 7 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visitHow about spending a night in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks? You'll be picked up at your Las Vegas hotel and taken to enjoy a full day with camping in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park.

On this tour you'll spend an afternoon exploring Bryce Canyon and taking in Utah's breathtaking scenery. An expert guide will take you to learn about the geology of the Virgin River and hike among the sandstone spires known as hoodoo.

The ancient sand dunes that rise above the canyon floor make for a unique landscape. Stroll through the Emerald Pools or climb to the top of Angel's Landing. Zion National Park offers walks and hikes for all levels of fitness. At the end of the day you can choose to camp out under the stars or stay in a comfortable hotel.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 330 euros.
  • Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
  • Means of transport: minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: pick up at the hotel and return. Option to sleep in a camping site or in a hotel. Excursion with guide and lunch with water in most of the options.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the price does not include hotel rooms, if you choose this option.

5. 3-day tour to Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon

welcome to the park| ©Al_HikesAZ
welcome to the park| ©Al_HikesAZ

If you don't want to miss anything on your next trip to Las Vegas, this 3-day tour is the best option for you. On this three-day tour you will have more than enough time to explore the three most famous parks in Las Vegas: Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon.

Your adventure starts from the moment you are picked up at your Las Vegas hotel. You will then arrive at the Grand Canyon and spend some time exploring this natural wonder with an expert guide. After lunch, you can visit some craft markets.

The next day you will visit Antelope Canyon and Bryce Canyon, home to natural sculptures known as hoodoos that have been formed over thousands of years. This is an impressive place all day long, but even more so at sun set. Be sure to bring your camera.

On the third day, at Zion Park, you will hike a short trail along the Virgin River that runs through the park before returning to Las Vegas. Definitely an experience you will love if you are a lover of nature and unusual landscapes.

Details of interest

  • Price: around 570 euros.

  • Duration: the duration of this tour is 3 days.

  • Means of transport: Excursion by 4X4 jeep or minibus.

  • Advantages of this option: pick up at the hotel and return. Excursion with guide and lunch with water in most options. All camping equipment is also usually provided.

  • Disadvantages of this option: if you prefer to stay in a hotel, the cost is not included in the price of the excursion.

6. Grand Canyon, Zion Park and Monument Valley 3-day tour

road with a view of the mountains| ©jack_1243
road with a view of the mountains| ©jack_1243

Las Vegas is known for its nights of debauchery and gambling in its many elegant casinos. But if that's not your thing, don't worry because you'll find plenty of adventure activities around Las Vegas. By the way, have you already seen the best off-road tours you can do in Las Vegas?

Back to our Bryce Canyon tours; if you have time, we propose a three-day tour in which you will see the main places of interest: the Grand Canyon, Zion Park, Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon. All in comfort and with an expert guide.

Escape 3 days from Las Vegas and its bustling pace of life to enjoy the natural beauty of these national parks. See the curious rock formations of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks before heading to the Grand Canyon. On this adventure, you'll also visit Monument Valley, where you can take a Navajo guide-led jeep tour.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 700 euros.
  • Duration: 3 days and 2 nights.
  • Means of transport: 4X4 jeep or minibus excursion.
  • Advantages of this option: pick up at the hotel and return. Excursion with guide, food and drinks in most options. All camping equipment is also usually provided.
  • Disadvantages of this option: hotel price not included.

When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon?

person sitting on the mountain| ©Chris Borgia
person sitting on the mountain| ©Chris Borgia

The best time to visit Bryce National Park is from May to September. This is the period with the warmest weather of the year. In May, average highs hover around 15 degrees. In June and September, daytime highs are usually around 21 degrees; while in July and August, they rise to 26 degrees.

However, these two months are also the rainy season, with frequent, albeit brief, thunderstorms producing heavy rain and lightning. This means you will need to be prepared in case you have to seek shelter.

On the other hand, the months of October through April are also a good time to visit Bryce Canyon. There are fewer people, the temperatures are cooler, and the fall foliage and wildflowers make for wonderful scenery.

Be aware, however, that due to its high altitude, the weather in Bryce Canyon in the fall, winter and spring can be very variable. Check the weather on the National Weather Service website before your visit.

What will I see on this type of hike?

group of people on horseback in the mountains| ©Kajtek
group of people on horseback in the mountains| ©Kajtek

Bryce Canyon is a unique gem in the southwestern United States, located in southern Utah. It is a more compact national park, making it easy to see and experience the best features of Bryce Canyon in a single day.

Many visitors come to Bryce Canyon National Park to witness the largest collection of hoodoo formations in the world. What makes these hoodoos so appealing is not only the sheer number, but also the unique beauty of each formation: the different patterns, shapes and sizes.

The best way to see these unique rock formations in Bryce Canyon in one day is to take the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and hike the park's most popular trail, Queens Garden and Navajo Loop trail.

After viewing the hoodoos you can head to Sunset Point. At Bryce Amphitheater, you'll see some of the park's most famous hoodoo formations: Queen Victoria, Thor's Hammer, Two Bridges and Wall Street.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Bryce Canyon on my own?

person hiking alone on rocky mountain| ©Chris Borgia
person hiking alone on rocky mountain| ©Chris Borgia

The decision to go to the Canyon on your own or on a guided tour ultimately depends on you and your travel needs, as well as the type of experience you are looking for. Both the drive and the guided tour offer a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Going on a guided tour may offer less flexibility than going on your own, but many people prefer the comfort and relaxation of just sitting back and enjoying the Canyon trip. The tour guide can also explain the history and geology of Bryce Canyon and show you the best spots.

On guided tours you also don't have to worry about driving. You won't have to deal with the hassles of renting a car, parking in the Canyon, or driving in bad weather. Keep in mind that the trip is a long one. Plus, you'll have to plan your route so you don't get lost. You even have the option of taking a helicopter tour from Las Vegas.

If you decide to drive there on your own, an overnight stay is often recommended for travelers driving from Las Vegas due to the length of the drive and the number of places to see and do. You can also time your visit around sunrise or sunset, the two most amazing times of day to see the Canyon.

Tips for a Bryce Canyon tour

man sitting on a lookout overlooking the Rocky Mountains| ©jack_1243
man sitting on a lookout overlooking the Rocky Mountains| ©jack_1243

Bryce Canyon National Park is an in-demand excursion from Las Vegas. However, before embarking on this adventure, it's good to keep a few tips in mind:

Start your day early. Bryce gets crowded from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Parking at the busiest spots, such as the visitor center, is often difficult in the middle of the day. I recommend arriving before sunrise to see the hoodoos in the first rays of morning light.

Bring plenty of water. Bryce Canyon National Park has the highest elevation of Utah's national parks. Plus, you'll climb more than 1,000 feet along the scenic drive. At higher elevations, you dehydrate faster, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

As any experienced hiker knows, dressing in layers is the best option. The park is at high altitude. This means it will be cold during the night. Also, it is best to be prepared for thunderstorms. Summer in Utah comes with thunderstorms, which are accompanied by lightning.