Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - The difference between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)

- - The difference between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/the-difference-between-zion-and-bryce-canyon-national-parks-197241/)

The difference between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks

(oops, it didn't post the first time) Part I Visited Bryce Canyon N.P. a few weeks ago (report posted) and just returned from Zion N.P. this afternoon. For anyone weighing itinerary decisions, here's my take on the two areas: Zion is much more "amenitized;" that is, it is much more accessible for more people. Trails are well-developed, often paved, and many are not at all strenuous. Springdale, the closest town, is right outside the park gate and there is frequent shuttle service throughout the area. There are many nice motels and restaurants in Springdale. Zion Park is a nice place for leisurely bicycling as private vehicles are not allowed within the park (except for those people staying at the Lodge). The first few times I passed through the Park (driving between Phoenix and Alberta, Canada), I was in awe of the scenery. It was worth the price of admission, which at that time (I believe) was $10. Now it is $20 for a 7-day pass. Based on comments by posters on this board, we chose to stay at the Lodge in Bryce Canyon. The big advantage was being able to walk out your door to watch the sun rise or set. The nearest (other) motels were 12 miles away. Also, people on this board had said that Ruby's Best Western was the place used by tour bus companies and we wanted more tranquility. We visited Ruby's just to confirm that we made the right decision; we had. Walking in the front doors felt like walking into a scaled-down Las Vegas casino, although it was an ATM machine that confronted us at the front door, not a slot machine. There are other motels in the same general area as Ruby's. Many of them looked decent. I'm glad we stayed in the Park though. We stayed 2 nights in a room and 2 nights in a cabin. I preferred the cabin (though the room was fine). We brought most of our food with us since there we didn't want to restrict ourselves to the Lodge restaurant and/or chips and pretzels. We had wine and cheese at sunset overlooking the hoodoos; coffee and bagels in the morning.

Part II While many of the hikes were easily accessible (paved, short), there were plenty of hikes that were more challenging. "Accessible" in Bryce is a little different than in Zion. In Zion, you're in the canyon, surrounded by mountains. Many of the paths are level. In Bryce, you're on the Rim. The short, paved paths are sometimes level, but more often than not, involve a climb. All of the hikes that descend into the amphitheaters involve climbing and descending. Returning to Zion after being at Bryce, I was---not disappointed--but I think Bryce was more dramatic and I like the more remote feeling at Bryce. Additional note: We took a 45 minute drive one day to the Kolob Canyon section of Zion Park, and hiked the Taylor Creek Trail. It was a 5 mile round trip hike that traversed the creek and ended in a slot canyon with a double arch. The fall colors were more pronounced than in the "main" part of the Park. It wasn't strenuous, but because it was away from the main area, there were fewer people. I would recommend visiting this area as well if you have the time. Incidentally, we stayed at the Zion Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale and loved it. The rooms are bright and airy with high ceilings, and a full wall of windows overlooking either the pool or the river and a red rock mountain face. The decor is contemporary; bathrooms are saltillo-tiled. We stayed on the second floor, riverside (again, because of recommendations on this board). The poolside rooms seemed fine, but I wouldn't want to overlook the pool. At night, with your blinds open, people from the pool can see every move you make in your room! At least if you're off to the side people won't be staring right in at you. We had breakfast one morning at Flanigan's and it was fabulous. Dinner was also great both at the Pizza and Noodle place and at Bits & Spurs. Both parks are well worth a visit. I'm looking forward to Canyonlands and Arches N.P.'s out of Moab for our next trip.

Sandy, So great to hear what a wonderful time you had. My fiance and I were in Zion and Bryce in late June, and were truly taken with their beauty. We fell in love with the region, and will be going back. I cannot highly recommend this trip enough for people looking for a vacation where you are surrounded by astounding natural beauty and wonders, clean, crisp fresh air, kind people (we're from NYC, we met people from all over that were so nice), beautiful accomodations, and the option of adventure and nature activities, or doing nothing else except sitting on your balcony with a glass of wine and taking in the vibrant sunsets over red rock canyons, mountains, and pink, orange, and red limestone sculptures (hoodoos). We also stayed at the Desert Pearl Inn in Zion, and cannot say enough about this jem of a hotel. We drove to Bryce, through the Dixieland National Forest, and were captivated by the hoodoos and vast canyons. The drive home was terrific too, coming back to Zion in the dark by driving through Zion park, down the switchbacks of the canyon. There was only one other car on the road, and we spotted foxes and deer. We loved Zion and Bryce so much that we are going to return in the spring, when all of the wildflowers are in bloom. It must be stunning. I agree that Bryce is more dramatic, and next time we are going to stay at the lodge in Bryce for 2 nights to have more time to appreciate this natural wonder. We will also spend another two nights at the Desert Pearl Inn, and take in Zion again. We did the hikes to the Emerald Pools, but they weren't too "emerald" or full, as in June the waterfalls are pretty dry. Spring should bring the melting of snow from the caps of the mountains, and wondrous waterfalls. The facilities are excellent - you can take a shuttle in both parks, and do not need to do a lot of walking if cannot or don't want to. These parks can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and physical capacities. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. We took some amazing digital photos there. If you are a prospective traveler, be assured that you will come home with photos and memories that will last a lifetime, and always inspire you. After the WTC attacks, I call on these memories to bring me peace and comfort, away from the incessant sirens and stress of life in NYC these days. Lastly, a trip to Zion and Bryce is very economical, and can be done without breaking the bank! I highly recommend the Frommer's and Fodor's guides to Utah - we got most of our info from these books (especially Frommer's), and it gives you a great place to start going forward with your research. Everything is laid out for you, and this is where I found out which hikes we should do, and where to focus our activities. Hope this also helps anyone planning a trip here. We drove to Utah from Vegas, after spending three nights at the Bellagio. Quite a contrast, but what an amazing trip! Happy travels! - Vicki and Brett

Please help me out with something. It was stated cars are not allowed in Zion unless you are staying in the Lodge. The last time I visited Zion/Bryce was about 5 years ago. We went to Zion through Mt. CArmel Jct taking rt. 9 through Zion to Springdale. Next stop was Bryce and we drove rt. 9 through Zion back to the Jct. and then drove to Bryce. It driving through the park to the JCt. still permitted or do you have to take a longer alternative route?

Can anyone comment on a trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon in mid-March? I have read that March is the snowiest month there. Anyone have any first hand experience? Thanks,

There are 2 entrances to Zion Park, the "East" (Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy.) which cuts through the mountain and connects with the "South" entrance (Springdale)which only runs through the Park a short distance. This is the route to which you were referring and yes, it is still open. The part of the Park that is closed to traffic is the road leading to the majority of the trailheads.

Sandy, Vicki & Brett, So enjoyed reading your posts! My husband, 2 sons (13 & 15) & I are planning a trip out west for this coming June. Yes, it's a long way off, but the planning is half the fun for me. Anyway, we're flying into SLC. Driving to Moab where we'll spend 2 nights. Our next stop will be Lake Powell & the Wahweap Lodge for 2 nights. The next night we have reservations for the North Rim, GC. Following 2 nights we'll spend in Las Vegas. Now, that leaves me with 2 nights for Zion & Bryce. We are thinking of driving through Zion and staying the 2 nights near Bryce. I cannot decide where to stay here. Ruby's Inn sounds like it may be a fun place for kids. I imagine now that there will be fewer tour buses there next June. Just a guess. They have horses at Ruby's, families can hike down into Bryce via horseback. My kids have never been on a horse before, I thought this would be fun for all. Are there horses available at Bryce Lodge? Any thoughts you may have are welcome. Thanks!

Oooh, I just love it when someone has a great experience at Zion/Bryce. It is truly medicinal to go there. Tricia- believe you can arrange trail rides at Bryce- look at the Bryce information at the nps.gov site. Yes, your kids might enjoy Ruby's- there's a big store adjacent to the dining area that has all kinds of items. We've not done the rodeo at Ruby's, but it might be of interest to your children. The main advantage to the Bryce Lodge for us is the close proximity to Sunrise Point. You must see sunrise from this view, and it's just much easier to roll out of bed from the cabin and toddle over to the lookout! Maybe I'm a cockeyed optimist, but I think the tour buses will be just as thick, if not thicker, next summer. If we're out of our present predicament, everyone will be traveling as usual, and if not, well, I think the natural areas will be getting the bulk of travel business. There's not a lot of lodging options near Bryce, so Ruby's gets the bulk of the bus tours. Last thought- search on "Moab" and "Arches" on this board to get info for your trip. Hope this info is helpful.