Bryce or Zion, 4 days in Oct?
 

Hi all,
My husband and I are planning to arrive in Las Vegas Wednesday evening, October 24th. Must fly home Sunday, October 28th. Dates are fixed - we're fitting the trip in between travel engagements for work. We really want to see the fall colors in Zion, but would like to see Bryce too (have never been to either). Is it reasonable to do both in that short time, or should we concentrate on just one? If we do both, how to divide the time?

Thank you!

You don't mention what time you have to fly home on Sunday. It's a three hour drive from Zion to Las Vegas...so I don't know if you will have to drive back to Las Vegas on Saturday night or Sunday Morning.

I think I'd spend the 2 or 3 nights in or near Zion and if you decide you have time and the weather is good, I'd make a day trip to Bryce.

Utahtea

HI Suz,

Our fall colors are coming just a bit early this year and they may not last long due to the extreme dought. So, for fall colors in Zion, I think you may hit it just right, but Bryce will probably be long done with color, might have a little snow which is very beautiful!

Utahtea's plan sounds just right! Hope you have a great trip.

You will have time to see both because the two are not that far apart. I have a preference for Bryce, but that may put me in the minority. Zion is very interesting as well, although its rock formations are better displayed at Capital Reef.

But try to see both. I think you will feel rewarded.

We'll fly out Sunday late in the evening, so we'd at least have part of that day for some exploring. Thanks for the input!

At that time of year there is a chance for a snowstorm at Bryce Canyon as it is at 10,000 ft. You should watch the weather and make your decision based on that as to whether to go or not or the day to choose. Ask at the Zion visitor center and they can tell you what the weather is like at Bryce.

Hi suz78-
We just returned from another great trip to southern Utah, this time staying in Zion and Bryce. You should try to reserve lodging in the parks. If you can spend 2 nights in Zion and 1 in Bryce, you'll have a chance to experience sunrise and sunsets along with fall foliage. With a late Sunday flight out, you can wake up in Zion, spend the morning there, and have plenty of time to get to LV airport. Remember, you gain an hour traveling from Utah to Nevada. Definitely see both parks. You have plenty of time unless you have to spend some of it working.

I just got back from a 4-day trip to Zion and Bryce, so I can say you'll definitely have time for both. If you can swing it, I'd spend the last night near Bryce so you can have more than a few hours there. I thought it was beautiful, but it will be much colder there than in Zion.