Salt Lake City: Zion & Bryce Canyon Full-Day Small Group Tour

Two National Parks in One Day: Zion's Canyons & Bryce's Red Hoodoos

You visit Zion Canyon's towering sandstone cliffs and viewpoints, then drive the scenic route through Bryce Canyon to Rainbow Point for panoramic hoodoo views. The guide handles the route and timing, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and water is provided. You're back in Salt Lake City by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Travel through Virgin River Gorge
• Visit Zion Canyon Visitor Center
• Explore Zion National Park viewpoints
• Drive Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
• Walk part of Rim Trail
• Visit Rainbow Point viewpoint
• Stop at Bryce or Inspiration Point
• Return to Salt Lake City

The Experience

"You're going to see more red rock in one day than most people see in a lifetime," our guide said as we pulled out of Salt Lake City that morning, and she wasn't exaggerating. The drive south takes you through the Virgin River Gorge first—the landscape shifts fast, from high desert to something that looks like it belongs on another planet. By the time we hit Zion National Park, the sandstone cliffs are already towering overhead, and you're standing at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center with that weight of geology all around you. The canyon walls here are carved over millions of years, and you can feel the scale of it even from the parking area. We spent time taking in the viewpoints, and the guide pointed out how the rock layers tell a story—each color band is a different era.

Then came the drive to Bryce Canyon, which is less than 40 miles away but feels like stepping into a different world. The park isn't a canyon in the traditional sense; it's a natural amphitheater carved into the Paunsaugunt Plateau, and the hoodoos—those tall, thin rock spires—are what make it unforgettable. We drove the scenic route and stopped at Rainbow Point, the highest viewpoint in the park. From there, you're looking out over what feels like an infinite maze of red and orange formations stretching toward the horizon. The guide gave us time to walk around, take photos, and just stand there. On the way out, we made one more quick stop at Bryce Point or Inspiration Point to see the densest collection of hoodoos in the world—it's a 25-minute detour but worth it if you want that final dramatic view before heading back.

The whole day is structured so you're not rushing between stops, but you're also not sitting idle. The air-conditioned vehicle means you're comfortable during the drives, and the group stays small enough that you're not herding through crowds. Bottled water is included, which matters when you're at elevation and moving between two parks. By the time you're heading back to Salt Lake City in the late afternoon, you've covered the two most photographed parks in southern Utah without having to navigate the roads yourself or figure out the timing.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with private transportation.
• expert guide for the full day.
• entry to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
• stops at Zion Canyon Visitor Center and key viewpoints in Zion.
• scenic drive through Bryce Canyon with visits to Rainbow Point and a secondary viewpoint.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• specialized infant seats available upon request.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by BARBIL TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see both Zion and Bryce Canyon in one day without driving yourself or juggling park logistics—the guide and fixed itinerary take that off your hands, and the small group size means you're not lost in a crowd.

Top questions

How long is the full day tour?

The tour runs approximately 9 to 10 hours from Salt Lake City, including drive time, park stops, and viewpoints at both Zion and Bryce Canyon.

What's included in the tour?

Air-conditioned vehicle, expert guide, bottled water, and private transportation. Park entry fees are included.

Is there time to hike or walk around at each park?

Yes. You stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and key viewpoints in Zion, then drive the scenic route through Bryce Canyon with time at Rainbow Point and another viewpoint on the way out. The stops allow for walking and photos, though this is not a hiking-focused tour.

How far is Bryce Canyon from Zion?

Bryce Canyon is less than 40 miles from Zion, roughly an hour's drive.

What's the group size?

Small group tour, which keeps the experience more personal and manageable than larger coach tours.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Specialized infant seats are available, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Most of the experience is viewing from pullouts and the vehicle.

Do I need to arrange my own park entry?

No. Park entry is included in the tour price, and the guide handles all logistics.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes for viewpoint stops, and a camera. Bottled water is provided, but you may want to bring more if you're sensitive to the sun and elevation.