Zion or Bryce National Park?

I’ve been asked this question many times — and it’s not an easy one to answer.

If you’re visiting the state of Utah and don’t have time to visit both parks, you’re probably wondering which one to choose. You might be going back and forth, checking out pictures of both, mesmerized by their beauty, unable to make up your mind. I don’t blame you if you can’t decide. It’s a tough choice. Both parks are spectacular, but hopefully these thoughts will help you choose easily.

Zion National Park in the Summer

If you’re visiting Zion in the summer—especially in June, July, or August—be prepared for two things:
Major crowds and extreme heat!

The best way to try and avoid both is to get up early. Really early. Don’t arrive after 8 a.m. Finding parking becomes a nightmare, and the shuttle lines get long fast. As you may already know, part of Zion is accessible by car, but much of it is only reachable by shuttle. I still remember those long shuttle lines, standing in the heat, waiting, and then getting on a packed bus. They don’t waste an inch of space lol.

You can drive all the way to the park and catch the shuttle from there to the trailheads (just keep in mind that parking is extremely limited, and arriving after 8:30 a.m. might mean spending hours circling). Or you can park in Springdale, the nearby village. Parking there is also limited, and you’ll still need to take a shuttle into the park. If you’re staying or parked at the southern end of the village -where the shuttle route begins- you’ll likely get on quickly. But if you’re on the northern end, by the time the shuttle gets to your stop, it’s often full, and you could be waiting a long time just to board.

One thing that always impresses me is how well organized and clean the national parks are, not to mention the dedication of the park rangers and their love for nature. But with the staffing shortages this year, I can’t imagine how Zion will handle the crowds. If fewer shuttles are running due to short staffing, I’d seriously reconsider visiting in the summer. Try another time of year if you can!

Also, Zion is significantly hotter than Bryce due to its lower elevation. If you don’t handle heat well, you’ll probably feel more comfortable at Bryce.

That said, if you're planning to do The Narrows, you’ll at least escape the heat - not the crowds though. The start of the trail is always packed. But walking between the canyon walls with your feet (and legs) in the water is incredibly refreshing.

If you're traveling with small children who don’t do well in the heat or with long waits, Zion might not be the best option in summer.

Now, if you're planning on hiking Angels Landing (and I assume you're not going with young kids), and that trail is non-negotiable for you then your decision is probably already made.

Bryce National Park

Bryce, to me, feels unique and magical. It is as beautiful as Zion.

Since it’s at a higher elevation, Bryce doesn’t get as hot as Zion. It’s also less crowded, and the entire park is accessible by private car, no need for shuttles. That’s a huge plus when traveling with kids, especially if one is in a stroller.

If you’re planning to camp, some campgrounds at Bryce are first-come, first-served and don’t fill up as quickly. Even if you arrive a little later in the morning on a weekday, you might still snag a spot. That would be impossible at Zion in peak season.

The hikes in Bryce are unlike any other. The hoodoos - those thin spires of rock - come in a stunning range of colors: orange, pink, yellow, red, and white. The way they cluster together along the plateau’s edge is just breathtaking. There’s truly no other park quite like it.

I personally enjoy slow travel. I like to really soak in the moment and the experience of every place I visit. That’s why I don’t recommend trying to visit both parks at once. Also, I have three boys who would never let me do that anyway, lol. But I know people who have done both in one trip and had a great time.

As for me, I’d lean toward visiting Bryce over Zion in the summer. And if you decide to do the same, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Happy travels!