Zion & Bryce Canyon

Destinations: Zion National Park + Bryce Canyon National Park
Adventure Level: Moderate to Challenging
Meeting Point: Las Vegas (LAS Airport)

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas & Drive to Zion (July 4)

Meeting Point: Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS)

Plan for the Day:

  • Morning: Arrivals in Vegas – Airport meet-up & group introductions.

  • Lunch in Las Vegas: Golden Ramsey Burger Restaurant – Enjoy a gourmet burger meal before heading to Utah.

  • Afternoon: Drive to Zion National Park (approximately 2.5-3 hours from Vegas to Springdale, UT).

Evening Hike Options (If Time Allows):

  • Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile round trip, easy) – Short and scenic.

Stay: Airbnb or Lodge near Zion (Springdale, UT)
Dinner: Relax and enjoy a casual meal in Springdale.

Day 2: The Narrows Hike & Emerald Pools (July 5)

Main Adventure: Hike The Narrows (Zion National Park’s Most Famous Trail)

The Narrows (Water Hike)

  • Distance: Up to 10 miles round trip (hike as much as you prefer).

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (walking through water).

Gear Needed:

  • Dry bags and waterproof backpack to protect belongings.

  • Hiking poles for river stability.

  • Closed-toe water shoes (can be rented in Springdale).

Stay: Same Airbnb/Lodge near Zion
Dinner: Group meal in Springdale

Day 3: Angel’s Landing (Permit Required) – July 6

One of the most epic hikes in the U.S.

Angel’s Landing Hike (Permit Required)

  • Distance: 5.4 miles round trip.

  • Difficulty: Very Challenging – Steep switchbacks and chains section.

  • Start Early morning (to beat the heat).

  • Permits: Apply on Recreation.gov (Highly competitive).

Alternative Hike (If No Angel’s Landing Permit):

  • Observation Point (8 miles round trip, hard) – Higher views than Angel’s Landing.

Stay: Same Airbnb/Lodge near Zion
Dinner: Celebrate finishing Zion’s toughest hike

Day 4: Drive to Bryce Canyon, Explore & Stargazing (July 7)

  • Morning: Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon (approximately 2 hours).

  • Stop at Red Canyon for quick photo opportunities.

Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon:

  • Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail (3 miles round trip, moderate) – Most iconic hike in Bryce.

  • Bryce Point & Inspiration Point – Best viewpoints for photography.

  • Sunset Point – Ideal for watching the sun go down.

Evening Activity: Stargazing in Bryce Canyon

  • Bryce Canyon is a certified Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.

  • Best locations: Bryce Amphitheater or Inspiration Point – No light pollution.

  • What to Bring: Blanket, warm clothes, and a star map (optional).

Stay: Bryce Canyon Lodge or nearby Airbnb
Dinner: Final group meal near Bryce

Day 5: Drive Back to Vegas & Departure (July 8)

  • Morning: Drive from Bryce Canyon back to Las Vegas (approximately 4 hours).

  • Optional Stop: Quick breakfast or coffee break on the way.

  • Afternoon: Drop-off at Las Vegas Airport (LAS) for departures.

Packing Essentials

Hiking Gear:

  • Dry bags and a waterproof backpack (for The Narrows).

  • Hiking boots with a good grip (for Angel’s Landing).

  • CamelBak or hydration pack to stay hydrated.

  • Rent Hiking poles and water shoes (for The Narrows and Angel’s Landing).

Clothing:

  • Quick-dry clothes (for the Narrows water hike).

  • Light jacket for Bryce Canyon (it gets cold at night).

  • Warm layers for stargazing.

Extra for Stargazing:

  • Blanket or sleeping pad for lying under the stars.

  • A red light flashlight to help eyes adjust to the dark.

  • Star map app (SkyView, Stellarium, or Star Walk 2).