Zion & Bryce Canyon: Small Group Day Trip from Las Vegas

Summary

Las Vegas to Zion and Bryce hoodoos, hikes and canyon colors

You’ll start early from Las Vegas with hotel pickup and head out with a small group toward Bryce Canyon’s wild hoodoo formations and Zion’s towering cliffs. Walk scenic trails, share laughs with your guide over lunch, and feel that hush of desert air around you. This day trip leaves you with red dust on your shoes—and probably more questions than answers (the best kind).

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the Strip when our guide, Miguel, handed out coffee and asked who’d ever seen a hoodoo before. I hadn’t — didn’t even know what one was, honestly. Someone in the back said it sounded like a spell. The sun wasn’t up yet but you could see that weird blue light over Mesquite as we made our first stop. There was a woman selling tamales in the parking lot; I bought one just because it smelled so good, all corn and chili steam in the cold air.

Bryce Canyon came up fast after that — or maybe I just dozed off for part of it. When we got out, the air felt sharp and dry, and everything was quiet except for some crows shouting at each other above the amphitheater. Miguel pointed out the layers in the rock, all those oranges and pinks stacked like cake slices. We walked along the rim trail for a bit; I tried to count the hoodoos but gave up after twenty-something. Lunch was simple but hit the spot — sandwiches and chips at a picnic table with everyone trading stories about where they were from.

I thought Zion would feel similar but it’s totally different — bigger somehow, more closed-in with those huge cliffs right over you. We followed Miguel down into a slot canyon where the light bounced off every wall in this gold-and-rose way that made my phone camera useless (in a good way). Some folks went further on their own but I just sat on a rock for a while listening to water trickle somewhere nearby. There’s something about being surrounded by all that stone that makes you feel tiny but kind of safe too, if that makes sense.

The drive back was mostly quiet except for someone snoring behind me and Miguel humming along to some old country song on the radio. I kept thinking about those strange shapes in Bryce — how they look like they’re waiting for something. Still not sure what exactly I expected from this day trip to Zion & Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas, but I’m glad I went anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

• Pickup from Las Vegas hotel at 5:30 AM
• Stop in Mesquite en route
• Arrive at Bryce Canyon around 11:00 AM
• Explore Bryce Canyon hoodoos and trails
• Enjoy lunch break
• Visit Zion National Park in afternoon
• Walk scenic trails and view slot canyon
• Return to Las Vegas around 8:30 PM

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Las Vegas to Zion & Bryce Canyon?

The tour lasts approximately 15 hours, starting around 5:30 AM with return to Las Vegas by about 8:30 PM depending on traffic.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the stop at Bryce Canyon National Park.

How many people are in each group?

The small group size is up to 14 people for a more personal experience.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included from select Las Vegas Strip hotels.

Is there much walking involved?

A moderate amount of walking is involved on scenic trails; hiking is optional.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and your camera or phone.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas hotels, bottled water throughout the journey, guided sightseeing at both Zion and Bryce Canyon with all activities covered, plus lunch shared with your small group before heading back in the evening.