Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are two of Utah’s best National Parks…and that’s really saying something…because Utah has FIVE pretty stellar National Parks.
Zion definitely feels like a bigger, beefier park. If you’re drafting US National Parks, Zion is for sure in the top 5. It’s a heavy hitter. Zion is so diverse with a much wider variety of terrain and things to do.
Bryce Canyon is more of a little jewel. It’s a much smaller, more compact park. But it packs a punch. It’s not nearly as diverse and expansive as Zion. In some ways, it’s like a one trick pony…it does one thing…but it does it SO WELL.
Zion is DEFINITELY the more crowded park. It’s the third most visited National Park in the US with over 4.6 million visitors a year. Bryce Canyon is way less crowded, but it’s still really popular.
Zion is only about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas and since it sees so much traffic, there’s been a lot of infrastructure built up in the surrounding towns. Bryce Canyon is a lot smaller with fewer options, but there are options. It’s not nearly as scenic as Springdale, but there are hotels, restaurants, and they even have a rodeo.
Let’s talk about hiking…Zion probably has the most famous, legendary hikes in the entire National Park system. It’s a hiker’s paradise. A mecca. A world class destination. Annnnnnnd…I enjoyed hiking at Bryce Canyon more! HAHA.