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Zion to Bryce Canyon: the drive
The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park covers 85 miles (137 km) and takes about 1 hr 45 min without stops, mostly on US-89, SR-9 and SR-12.
It's an easy drive that leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Allow about 2 hr 30 min with breaks.
We found 6 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Kolob Canyons (Zion), Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kanab and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| US-89 | 43 |
| SR-9 | 24 |
| SR-12 | 14 |
Best time to go: May to October. At 8,000 to 9,000 feet it is much cooler than Zion, and snow is common in winter.
Best stops between Zion and Bryce Canyon
- 1
Kolob Canyons (Zion)
Zion's quiet northwest corner, with a 5-mile scenic drive right off I-15 at exit 40 and no shuttle needed.
- 2
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Shifting pink sand dunes between Zion and Kanab, where you can rent sandboards.
Photo: Staplegunther (David Jolley) · CC BY-SA 3.0 - 3
Kanab
'Little Hollywood': a central base between Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon North Rim and Page, and the permit office for The Wave.
Photo: P199 · CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4
Cedar Breaks National Monument
A 2,000-foot-deep natural amphitheater at 10,000 feet. The rim road is usually closed by snow from November to late May.
Photo: Lucas·G · CC BY-SA 4.0
Near Bryce Canyon
- 5
Red Canyon
Bright red hoodoos and rock tunnels on Scenic Byway 12, a free preview of Bryce with a paved bike path.
- 6
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Tall sandstone chimneys named by National Geographic after the color film, 20 minutes from Bryce.
Photo: Photographersnature · CC BY-SA 3.0
Where to stay in Bryce Canyon City
A high-altitude amphitheater of orange hoodoos, best seen at sunrise from Sunrise and Inspiration Points. Bryce Canyon City is the closest town with lodging. Rooms near national parks sell out in peak season, so book early.
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Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon:
Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park?
About 1 hr 45 min without stops for 85 miles via US-89, SR-9 and SR-12. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 2 hr 30 min.
What is the halfway point between Zion and Bryce Canyon?
Kanab, UT is about halfway, roughly 43 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon in one day?
Yes. At 1 hr 45 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Zion and Bryce Canyon?
Top stops include Kolob Canyons (Zion), Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kanab and Cedar Breaks National Monument. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Zion to Bryce Canyon?
About $11 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon?
May to October. At 8,000 to 9,000 feet it is much cooler than Zion, and snow is common in winter.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
