Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks Day Tour From Las Vegas with Lunch

Discover Utah’s Spectacular Parks on a Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas

This full-day tour from Las Vegas takes you to two of Utah’s most iconic national parks, Bryce Canyon and Zion, for a scenic adventure packed with breathtaking views and unique rock formations. Starting early at 5:00 am from the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the tour covers about 15 hours of sightseeing, including transportation, stops at major viewpoints, and a provided lunch.

While the tour offers a convenient way to visit these highlights in one day, it’s important to note that time in each park is limited, with only 75 minutes in Bryce Canyon and 30 minutes at Zion. The journey involves a lengthy bus ride through passing sights such as the Virgin River Gorge and St. George, making it a good option for those who enjoy scenic drives with guided exploration rather than extensive hiking.

Key Points

• Visit two top Utah parks—Bryce Canyon and Zion—in a single day
• Includes transportation, lunch, and scenic viewpoints
• Only 75 minutes at Bryce Canyon and 30 minutes at Zion
• Start early at 5:00 am from Las Vegas for a full day of sightseeing
• Moderate physical fitness required; walking and light hiking involved
• Tour is group-based with a maximum of 60 travelers

Starting from Las Vegas: Early Morning Pickup at Excalibur Hotel

The tour begins bright and early at 5:00 am at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Pickup is coordinated with most Strip hotels, and travelers should confirm their pickup times around 4:30 am by contacting the local operator. This early start means you’ll leave behind the bright lights of Vegas for a day filled with desert landscapes and striking rock formations.

The vehicle used for this trip varies depending on the group size but may include sedans, SUVs, or minivans, ensuring comfortable transportation for up to 60 travelers. The long drive is part of the experience, with pass-by scenery including the Virgin River Gorge and St. George as you head toward Utah.

Scenic Drive Through Virgin River Gorge and St. George

As the bus departs Las Vegas, the journey follows a route passing through Virgin River Gorge, offering impressive views of rugged red cliffs and winding riverbeds. This scenic drive sets the tone for your adventure, highlighting the striking desert landscape that leads into Utah.

The route also includes a pass through St. George, a charming city that provides brief glimpses of local life amid towering sandstone formations. While the primary focus remains on the parks, these stops give travelers a taste of the regional scenery en route.

Visiting Zion National Park: Zions Visitor Center and Checkerboard Mesa

The first major destination is Zion National Park, where the tour stops at the Visitor Center for a brief overview of Zion’s highlights. Visitors can explore the Checkerboard Mesa, a distinctive sandstone summit featuring a crisscross pattern that makes it one of Zion’s most recognizable landmarks.

The tour includes stops at scenic viewpoints where you can admire Zion’s iconic sandstone cliffs. Checkerboard Mesa is especially notable for its unusual surface pattern, and it’s a favorite for photos. However, with just 30 minutes allocated here, there’s limited time to explore or hike in Zion itself.

Bryce Canyon’s Unique Hoodoo Rock Formations and Rim Trail Walk

After Zion, the journey continues to Bryce Canyon, renowned for its irregular hoodoo rock formations and sweeping vistas. The tour includes stops at several viewpoints where stunning panoramic images are easy to capture.

A highlight in Bryce Canyon is the Rim Trail, which you can walk along to enjoy spectacular views of the amphitheater’s spire-like formations. The 75-minute time window allows for a quick exploration, giving a taste of Bryce’s otherworldly scenery without extensive hiking.

Tour Includes Bottled Water and Lunch for Convenience

Throughout the day, bottled water is provided to keep travelers hydrated in the desert heat. The tour also includes a lunch, chosen from several options provided by the guide, offering a convenient break during the busy sightseeing schedule. Guests also have the option to bring their own sack lunch if preferred.

This inclusion of lunch and water enhances the value of the tour, especially given the long hours on the road and in the parks. The tour makes no additional admission fees, as entry to both Bryce Canyon and Zion is included in the ticket price.

Physical Requirements and What to Wear

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the tour involves walking and light hiking, particularly along the Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon. Dressing appropriately for the weather is essential: long pants and a warm jacket during cooler months or shorts, a light shirt, and a hat in warmer seasons. Hiking or athletic shoes are recommended to navigate the rocky viewpoints comfortably.

Since there are no restrooms onboard the bus, travelers should plan to use the facilities at park stops or during breaks. The tour is accessible to guests of all ages, including children, with child seats available upon request.

The Limited Time in Each Park: A Major Consideration

A key factor to consider is the short duration of visits. The tour’s 75-minute stay at Bryce Canyon and 30-minute stop at Zion restricts opportunities for extensive exploration or hiking. This makes the experience suited for those who prefer guided sightseeing over off-the-beaten-path adventures that require more time.

The long bus ride—around 10 hours—comprises the majority of the trip, which some travelers find less appealing. As one review notes, the experience is primarily a bus ride to scenic parks, with limited time to enjoy the parks’ main attractions.

Cost and Booking Details

Priced at $219 per person, this tour offers a streamlined way to see two major Utah parks from Las Vegas. It is booked, on average, 28 days in advance, reflecting strong interest. The price includes transportation, entry fees, bottled water, and lunch, but not additional activities or extended hikes.

Reservations should be made with awareness of the non-refundable policy, meaning cancellations or changes cannot be accommodated. The tour operates rain or shine, with refunds provided only if the tour is canceled due to poor weather or mechanical issues.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is ideal for visitors seeking a convenient day trip to see Zion and Bryce Canyon without the hassle of self-driving or planning multiple days. It suits those who prefer guided transportation with limited but well-chosen stops for sightseeing. It may not appeal to those looking for longer hikes, more time in parks, or adventure-focused activities.

Travelers should be comfortable with long bus rides, as most of the day’s hours are spent on transportation, and the limited time in each park requires quick sightseeing.

Is This Tour Worth It?

The value of this tour hinges on the desire for a quick, guided overview of Utah’s natural beauty. The inclusion of transportation, entry fees, bottled water, and lunch enhances its convenience. The scenic viewpoints and highlights like Checkerboard Mesa and Bryce’s hoodoos provide memorable photo opportunities.

However, the short duration in each park and the long hours on the bus mean it’s less suitable for those wanting extended exploration or hiking. The price may seem high for those seeking a more immersive experience but is reasonable for a guided group tour with all logistics handled.

Final Thoughts on the Bryce Canyon & Zion Day Tour

This tour offers a straightforward way to see Zion and Bryce Canyon in one day, making it perfect for visitors with limited time or those preferring guided travel. The early start and long day are balanced by the convenience of transportation and included meals.

While the limited time in each park and the majority of the day spent on the bus are worth considering, the stunning viewpoints and easy access to Zion and Bryce are undeniable highlights. This trip best suits travelers who prioritize see-and-photograph experiences over extended hikes or in-depth exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does pricing work for this tour?
Pricing is per group, not per person. You should select one adult for your group and indicate the total number of guests in the “Special Requirements” box during booking.

What is the meeting point and pickup time?
The tour departs from Excalibur Hotel & Casino at 5:00 am, with pickup starting at 4:30 am. Confirm your pickup time by contacting the local operator at least 24 hours before.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, guests of all ages are welcome, and child seats are available upon request with details about the child’s age and weight.

Are meals provided?
Lunch is included, with several options available. Guests can also bring their own sack lunch if they prefer.

Are admission fees included?
Yes, entry fees for Zion and Bryce Canyon are included in the tour price.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, hiking or athletic shoes are recommended, along with dress suitable for the season—warm jackets in cooler months and light clothing during warmer seasons.

Is there free time for exploring in Zion or Bryce?
No, the stops are brief—75 minutes in Bryce and 30 minutes in Zion—so the experience is focused on guided viewpoints rather than extended exploration.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How long is the overall journey?
The total trip lasts approximately 15 hours, with most of that time spent on transportation.

Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely, the viewpoints and formations present excellent photo opportunities, so bringing a camera is highly recommended.