Wehner Vacation 2013: JUNE 25: ZION NATIONAL PARK to BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK UT

Miles: 86

We spent most of the day at Zion National Park. We all enjoyed it. Zion is highly under-rated. In Zion, you are primarily in the canyons looking up as opposed to the Grand Canyon views looking down. You cannot drive through the most popular part of the park; they run a shuttle bus system that works quite well. We hiked three trails, packed lunch and got ice cream. When we were done hiking, we took the bus back to the park entrance and drove the Route 9 portion toward Bryce Canyon. The Route 9 drive is interesting because you drive through a 1.1 mile tunnel (that has no lights) and when you come out the other side, the rock formations change to a “brushed” appearance.

The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon is not too long and includes a stretch through the Red Canyons of Dixie National Forest. This was another unexpected treat. There is very little food or gas between the two parks so stock up if you go. Unlike Springdale at Zion, Bryce Canyon City has little to offer. Our hotel is probably the only nice option as a large majority arrive in RV's and campers. We checked-in, got some take-out from Subway and watched a movie in the room.

Zion National Park:

Breakfast at hotel
Zion Park Shuttles
Temple of Sinawava stop and Riverside Walk Trail hike
Weeping Rock stop and Weeping Rock Trail hike
Zion Lodge stop and Emerald Pools Trail hike
Zion Park drive from Springdale entrance on Route 9 to eastern exit

Dixie National Forest - Red Canyon

Bryce Canyon City - Check-in and eat take-out dinner at hotel