I have time for an overnight side trip from Provo to see either Zion or Bryce. My sense is that trying to see both in that limited time would be too ambitious. If you only had time to see one, which would you choose and why? Thanks!

I would choose Bryce. I like the unique landscape that Bryce offers. You will see this type of landscape in very few other locations. Take the time to at least hike one of the popular trails. I don't think you can truely experience what Bryce has to offer without looking up at the hoodoos from the bottom. Amazing! I think Zion is a beautiful canyon as well however if I had to choose...I would choose Bryce.

That's a tough call, but with time for only 1, I think I'd choose Bryce, too.

Ditto sweets reasons above. IMHO, it is very different from just about everything else you'll see on your travels, plus it's quite a beautiful area.

For an overnight I agree with Bruce....Zion need a couple of days.

Let me try again:

For an overnight I agree about going to Bryce....Zion needs a couple of days.

What if I allowed a half-day the first afternoon and a half-day the next morning? Is that still too brief to do justice to Zion?

I've never been to Bryce yet but I have to say you need at least two days to really appreciate Zion. And even that's just not enough in my opinion.

Ramsay,

I have been to both Bryce and Zion during a 3 week tour of the SW. We allowed 2 days at Bryce and 2 days at Zion. I felt like in that timeframe I saw and experienced Bryce, although I would like to go back and do some additional hikes. Zion, on the other hand, I felt like 2 days was not enough to experience Zion. In addition to Zion "the park" there is also the town of Springdale that has alot to offer and explore. Given your limited timeframe you would not do either justice by trying to fit in both.

If you have a clear night at Bryce please make sure you go out and do some stargazing. Just amazing.

Coming from an area that suffers from light pollution the night sky at Bryce was one of the highlights of my trip to the southwest.

Been to both, and find Bruce more unique.

Sorry I meant BRYCE. brYce.

I agree its a tough call but listening to the others I agree that Bruce-Bryce whatever is unique.Make time for a hike or two. P.S. bring lots of water

Bryce. And do the following combination hike:Queen's garden trail and Navajo trail.Not difficult but great. Greetings from Belgium.Paul