My husband and I are going to Zion and Bryce National Parks in the middle of August. We are only spending one night at each park. That only gives us one full day for seeing the sites of the parks. What should we be sure to see at each park? Will taking the shuttle in Zion allow us to see the most important spots of the park. We are not really hikers.

Our family visited both parks last August and like you, had only 1 day at each park. We did spend 1 night at each park lodge and ate at each park restaurant - I would recommend both of these since you are short on time. We arrived at Zion mid-afternoon and check in to the lodge - only lodge guests can drive in the park, which saves a lot of time! We hiked Emerald pools and then changed for dinner. The next Am we checked out, but they let us leave our car in the parking lot. We caught the shuttle and went on the Riverside walk - very easy trail along the river. Although we would have liked to do more, I felt it gave us a good overview of the park.
Then we headed for Bryce - the drive from Zion to Bryce is absolutely amazing! We stopped in at Ruby's for a snack and then went to the visitor ctr for a while. Checked in to lodge and walked along the rim of the canyon. Had an early dinner and went to bed. The next AM we hiked the Navajo loop/Queen's garden trail down into the canyon - amazing! We checked out and went to a ranger talk before leaving the park.
Yes, it would be nice to have had more time, but we did get a good feel for each park - and we know what we want to do when we go back! We are not big hikers either, and all of the trails I mentioned were very easy - flat and even paved. The only one that was a bit of work was the one down into Bryce Canyon. Hope this helps!

Only one thing to recommend: make absolutely certain to be at Bryce at both sunrise and sunset (there are overlooks with those specific names!). It is at its most gorgeous when the sun hits the hoodoos from the side. When the sun is high overhead, the beautiful colors are somewhat washed out.

Hi Amattthe,

There are all sorts of hikes I could recommend. And, that is what I have enjoyed most at these parks, expecially at Zion.

So, minus the hiking, the National Park service is really good about listing the hightlights for each of their parks in the brochure they'll hand you. I have posted the "plan your visit" section of their web site for each of these parks below, which will also be in the brochures.

Let me twist your arm to do some of the marvelous easy walks. (Expect crowds of other people.)

Zion
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A walk through the narrows is very scenic, and the wide path is well-maintained. You will spot many birds and have many opportunities for photography. The walls of the narrows provide shade to cool you off, and make it quite pleasant. Check out this link for a description of the day hike (...er walk) from the bottom and back: http://www.nps.gov/zion/ZionNarrows.htm
This walk is very easy. Before you go, be sure to check the weather because flash floods can make this area quite dangerous. (I say this not to scare you. My intention is to warn you to be prudent. The rangers at the visitor center will be able to help you with weather info. Afternoon storms are common in this part of the world.)

Spend some time in the visitor centers and the Human History Museum. The museum is very well done.

http://www.nps.gov/zion/MakingTheMostOfYourTime.htm This lists several scenic drives.

A leisurely walk to the lower emerald pool would be pleasant. It is wheel-chair accessable, to give you an idea on the easiness. http://www.nps.gov/zion/WalksAndHike...eraldPools.htm

For the hot afternoon you might try this walk: http://www.nps.gov/zion/WalksAndHike...ersideWalk.htm

There might be a tremendous program offered by the rangers that will suit your liking. Head to the visitor centor upon arriving and check out the ranger programs while you are there.

The walks I listed above will give you some idea of the diversity at this amazing national treasure.


For Bryce
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Definitely do the sunrise/sunset routine. Glorious!

http://www.nps.gov/brca/whatto_do.html

Check out the hike descriptions. http://www.nps.gov/brca/hiking.html The National Park Service lists climb, descent and altitude ranges for each of the hikes.

Walking through the hoodoos is spectacular, so find a walk that you are comfortable with.

For both Zion and Bryce bring water with you. The desert is very hot and dry and you can dehydrate quite quickly. Chapstick is also a good idea. (Use it and carry it with you.) Must also mention a wide-brimmed hat and sunblock. (I'm not sure if you've ever been to this kind of a climate before.)

I encourage you to post a trip report when you get back.

Have a great time! It is also splendid to drive through Arches and Capitol Reef. No walking or hiking required.

- Sharon

The Zion Shuttle bus will be the ONLY way to see most of the important spots in Zion canyon. Ride the shuttle getting off at many of the scenic locations and then get back on the shuttle bus to go to the next stop.

I highly recommend the easy 2 mile round trip Riverside Walk at the last stop on the shuttle bus run at the Temple of Sinawava. The Riverside walk takes you to the Gate Way to The Narrows. If you plan to doing any of the Narrows, then you need to wear good shoes that you don't mind getting wet when crossing or wading in the river.

At Bryce just take your time doing the scenic drive and stop at all the overlooks.

You don't need to hike to enjoy these two parks and you can see a lot spending one day at each.

Utahtea