Utah is known for its grand scenery, outdoor adventures, and five national parks – and you can find all of this in the southwestern corner of the state.
Whether it’s your first time visiting the Zion region or southwestern Utah is your regular playground, these vacation-planning tips will help you experience all the beauty and adventure of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Choosing a Destination
The best part of planning the best vacation is choosing a great destination. Start with the big picture: Do you want to explore and have great adventures, immerse yourself in local culture and great food, or relax and enjoy evenings under the stars?
Do you want to wander and sleep under a different roof each night or unpack once and stay awhile? With the right base camp, you may be able to fit everything into one trip.
Next, narrow it down to a specific location. If your destination is Utah, consider whether you’d like to visit all five of Utah’s national parks or spend your vacation thoroughly exploring one or two.
If hiking, sightseeing, and photography are at the top of your list, a trip to premiers southwestern Utah destinations like Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park should top your list.
In Bryce and Zion, you’ll have the best experience by visiting during less crowded times like weekdays, early mornings, and late afternoons.
Budget
Transportation, recreation, meals, and lodging all come into play when planning a great southwestern Utah national park vacation.
Sharing a vacation rental with family and friends can be as economical as a hotel room, with the added bonus of amenities like a full kitchen, private bedrooms, and room to spread out.
Guided adventures bring some added expense but also can provide greater experiences. Zion National Park has a great diversity of lodging, dining, recreation, and adventures to help you make the most of your time away.
Vacation Time
For travelers with limited vacation time, getting the most out of your getaway is essential. Plan enough time for both the actual travel and to enjoy everything you want to do at your destination.
Guided adventures can help you have the best Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park vacation.
How you’re getting there
The best airports for arrival to southwestern Utah are Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Both are major airports with services offered by a number of airlines and rental car companies.
Zion National Park is just a three-hour drive from Las Vegas and five hours from Salt Lake City, making it a great midweek or weekend destination for Utah and Vegas locals. Bryce Canyon National Park is just four hours from each.
St. George also has a small airport. Southwestern Utah is also a great destination for Las Vegas and Southern California road trippers.
Plan Ahead
A successful vacation is all in the details. Whether you like to wing it on a weekend getaway or plan your annual family vacation far in advance, nailing down the practicalities can make or break a trip.
Be flexible when you have to, but have the big-ticket items like lodging and guided adventures already in place.
Plan Activities
If you’re headed to Bryce Canyon National Park or Zion National Park, chances are you have sightseeing and adventures on your wish list.
Making advance reservations for activities like Jeep tours, guided hikes and horseback riding adventures can ensure availability and that you get the most out of your vacation time.
After all, no one wants to show up only to find guided adventures are sold out. Of course, if that does happen, there are still plenty of activities to do in Zion and Bryce. The scenery and hikes alone are always worth the trip.
Lodging Makes All the Difference
There are many different lodging types in southwestern Utah, and some locations offer multiple lodging types.
Where do you want to rest your head at the end of each adventure-packed day? Vacation lodging can range from luxury vacation homes and cabins to glamping and camping.
Some even have a fun historic twist, such as the Isaac Riddle Cabin at the Slot Canyon Inn near Bryce Canyon or Conestoga wagons at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort near Zion National Park.
Don’t forget to factor in the little things that are most important to you, whether that’s a pool and hot tub, on-property dining, or guided adventures.
The right amenities can turn even the most budget-friendly getaway into the best southwestern Utah vacation experience.
