This section quickly covers these frequently asked questions. Please visit ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policywhere you can find out more about cookies and how to manage them. It's creepily beautiful (and it costs a fraction of the airfare to France). Here is the drive for you if you prefer your roads squiggly and cliff-hugging with spectacular vistas of mountains, alpine meadows and lakes, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. In summer the cave is cool, with water dripping from hanging gardens. Backcountry hiking options also exist, with the Under-the-Rim Trail runningapproximately 22.9 miles (36.9 km) from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point. Located within a quarter mile of the parking area are two slot canyons; one true slot and one small but colorful slot canyon. You will find gas, groceries, accommodation, and restaurants at Carmel Junction, Orderville, Hatch, and at Bryce Canyon Village. The Belly of the Dragon tunnel was constructed to be a water drainage for Highway 89. A short trail of a few minutes leads from Farview Point to Piracy Point. The first three miles are around the Bryce Amphitheater. There are no signs or markings, just a dirt lot located on a sharp corner of the road. Bryce Canyon is a natural wonder, absolutely stunning and bursting with unique views and hikes. The Belly of the Dragon tunnel was constructed to be a water drainage for Highway 89. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our goal is to create helpful & inspiring travel guides that combine our passion for photography with our insatiable desire to explore. Learn About Centennial Events Throughout 2023. We traveled to Bryce from Zion and it was a scenic 80 mile drive that we easily drove in under two hours. We did 2 nights in Bryce Canyon area and 2 nights in Zion. The journey begins in Idaho Springs and ends at Mount Evans. The elevation is 8100 feet, about 200 feet lower than Bryce Point. Just off I-15, the town of Parowan was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1851. Connecting trails offer access from along the Southern Scenic Drive and intersect the Under-the-Rim Trail at Swamp Canyon, and Whiteman Bench. Utah Scenic Byway 12 is one of the 10 most scenic highways in the nation. Stop at New Castle, CO, to round up your third day of driving. The main park road is 18 miles (29km) from the park entrance in the north to the end of the road at Rainbow at Yovimpa Points. If possible, allow at least 1-2 days for the journey so that you do not miss any of the lesser-known treasures along the way. The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon is not scary. The Aqua Canyon Connecting Trail departs from here. Here are 5 things you've gotta see on your trip to Bryce. It has a kitschy curiosity that will intrigue most but is not much for photographers. Many of the park's highlights can be seen by the numerous overlooks. The elevation and light winds made it feel much cooler than expected. However, food is expensive in these towns so its well worth packing your favorite road trip food in advance! A circle of upright boulders forms a natural entrance called Devils Kitchen. Scenic drives to consider in the Kanab area are listed below. Furthermore, there is no easier way to summit a 14er. There is no other place in the world that has as many hoodoos as Bryce Canyon! The drive is approximately 74 miles long and will take you roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive. The most scenic drives are along this road and are all present here. Every road trip from Bryce Canyon to Zion must include a stop in the Belly of the Dragon. Get a free Utah national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. There are two popular day hikes located along this drive: the easy Bristlecone Loop at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points (usually takes about an hour to hike) and the Swamp Canyon Loop at Swamp Canyon overlook (often takes 3 to 4 hours). cabins and RV sites on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater near Bryce Canyon and Escalante. The Losee Canyon trailhead is located a couple of miles up a dirt road. The Elkheart Slot Canyons are a semi-technical series of slot canyons. As soon as you reach the roundabout outside of Bryce Canyon Village, you will begin a short scenic stretch of Highway 12. That means theyre easy to combine into one long weekend, and many people leave one park and immediately head to the other to pitch up a tent. The risk of slip and falls is high and could easily result in broken bones or worse. This way, everything will be on the right-hand side of the road; much safer than pulling across traffic everytime you want to see a viewpoint. A mountainous, snow-capped backdrop sets downtown Salt Lake City apart. The last stop we will mention before going through the Carmel Tunnel and arriving in the Zion Valley is the scenic Overlook Trail. This is the main reason to consider a detour on your way to Zion from Bryce Canyon. Like Bryce Canyon, Red Canyons hoodoos were sculpted from Claron limestone over eons from wind and water erosion. This will allow you to see some of the most incredible views in the world. The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. Don't miss out on your chance to experience the majestic views of Southern Utah with Soaring Southern Utah! Locate Red Hollow Slot Canyon in Google Maps. Highway 12 Scenic Byway. . Additionally, it has been broken down into specific segments of the drive. Some popular choices include Springdale, UT (2 hours from Bryce Canyon), Kanab, UT (2.5 hours from Bryce Canyon), and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ (3 hours from Bryce Canyon). Looking down into distant canyons near the horizon, you can just make out some red rock underneath the White Cliffs. You will begin your journey to Zion from Bryce Canyon along this impressive stretch of road and will rarely be afforded a chance to catch your breath. **If youre planning on traveling in the opposite direction, check our Zion to Bryce Canyon guide as weve already reversed the order for you! Those with the time and physical ability have a vast variety of must-see destinations on the drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion. Red Canyon is part of the Dixie National Forest, and follows, The East Fork of the Sevier River Scenic Backway (FR-087) follows the river southward along the western edge of Bryce Canyon National Park to Tropic Reservoir. There are 9 viewpoints along the drive, each one promising to deliver the ultimate wow factor. Depending on whether you just enjoy the drive and the viewpoints or choose to take a hike along the way, the Southern Scenic Drive can be a relatively short excursion or your whole day. Bryce Canyon is located in southern Utah and is one of Utahs Mighty Five National Parks (between Zion and Capitol Reef). Not only will your day be very fast-paced, making it difficult to truly enjoy the parks, you will also miss all the incredible stops between Bryce Canyon and Zion. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-southernafro_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'southernafro_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-southernafro_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Begin your fourth day by visiting Colorado National Monument. . This 124-mile byway is Utahs first All American Road and it takes you from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. Experience the innovative virtual reality motion ride that will leaved guests wanting more of Utah's majestic landscape! The vast expanses appear barren at first glance but are full of species such as coyotes, mule deer, prairie dogs, and raptors. However, the one you absolutely should not miss is the Arches Trail. While admiring natures wonders, it is customary to observe a deer or two directly along the byway. The biggest reason to consider the Dixie National Forest detour, however, is to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument. The canyon rim along these overlooks sits at an elevation around 9,000 feet. National Park Utah. Highway 14 skirts Cedar Breaks National Monument and Navajo Lake while Highway 12 runs through Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Boulder Mountain, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park. 9 reviews 10 helpful votes Scenic drive snow Jan 25, 2023, 4:34 AM Save Given the current snow levels what is the likelihood of the scenic drive being reopened for the 7th feb? Check out the Park App's "Tours" section for a guided walkthrough of how to take a driving tour of this area. Major Points along Hwy 63 (the main Bryce Canyon Road, in order north to south). Hi! It truly is an incredible part of the world! If you have found anything inaccurate or out of date, help us help future readers by providing constructive feedback below. This interactive map shows where each stop is along the way. Here is a photo of Utah Route 12 near Kiva Koffeehouse in Grand Staircase-Escalante. It begins on a sand track that is easy enough. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. 10 Best Stops on Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 4.1. Either the Yovimpa or Rainbow Point trailhead may be used to access this loop. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. It is about two miles from the Scenic Drive at an elevation of 8176 feet. There is a significant elevation gain and the trail is a bit precarious at times. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. , Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Grand Canyon North Rim Comprehensive Guide, Ultimate Guide to Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion to Bryce Canyon: 17 Best Stops & Itinerary (2023), 175+ Perfect Waterfall Quotes & Captions for Instagram (2023). Glaciers skipped this region, known as the Driftless Area while flattening other portions of the state. In fact, we visited in September so the shuttle system was in place and had no issues. Visitors can look back from here to see the many hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater. Some of the majestic scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park can be seen by auto touring, no hiking needed. It was formed by erosion from rainwater and rock weakened by cracks from frozen water. You will hit the Pine Creek Wash and find the small entrance easily enough. This beautiful day excursion is less than an hour from Denver. Visit our Accessibility page for more information. We certainly were not. So is it still possible to drive from Bryce to Zion as described? It is not possible to access the depths of Keyhole Canyon without a permit and equipment. Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive - Bryce Canyon National Park Forum Bryce Canyon is the southwestern origin of this two-lane ribbon through the yellows, whites, greens, oranges and reds of Southern Utah. It was so helpful. Did you know Capitol Reef National Park runs north-south into Garfield County, and is easily accessible for visitors staying in Boulder or Escalante? Every view seems different with the sun and shadows constantly changing the colors. Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive | Southern Savvy Today, motorcyclists particularly like the gently winding and uphill two-lane road, which goes through attractive, ancient towns and idyllic dairy country. Top 5 Sights in Bryce Canyon | Utah.com If you have time, stop by the Red Canyon visitor center on the way. These have been created to inspire your photography and ensure you do not miss any scenic destinations in the region. Be aware that parking is extremely limited all times of day. The exception to this is Piracy Point, which is reached via a flat 1,000 foot (39m) unpaved path that provides good access when dry. Like many stops on the way from Bryce to Zion, you wont find it on the map. for things that we could have easily packed and brought from home, but didnt. This hidden gem is becoming a favorite with photographers, although is possibly not quite as interesting for the casual viewer. Unfortunately, with all the late and heavy snows, the road had not been snowplowed to that point and we could only go as far as the Natural Bridge Overlook. 15 Best Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park Stop at New Raymer, CO, after such a long journey. On your fifth day, you arrive at Bryce Canyon. From Rainbow Point, visitors can see the entire park to the north. It has been named by Forbes as one of America's best snowy drives, and it was named by our sister publication Backpacker magazine as a favorite "Wild Roads.". Did you know Capitol Reef National Park runs north-south into Garfield County, and is easily accessible for visitors staying in Boulder or Escalante? Castle Valley is in the shadow of Castle Rock Peak, sometimes known as Castleton Tower by the locals. Once you reach St. George while traveling north from Las Vegas, follow Highway 9 east just north of St. George. Sandstone arches, columns, buttresses and pinnacles foreshadowed the great European cathedrals at a grander scale. If you think weve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below . The main road through Bryce Canyon National Park is an 18 mile (one-way) Scenic Drive with 13 viewpoints. The Zion National Park route would be the most scenic way from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon Countryincluding Bryce Canyon National Park and so much moreoffers canyons, woodlands, and lakes for exploration. The structure called Natural Bridge is one of several natural arches found in Bryce Canyon. As we didnt travel with a dog, we dont have first-hand experience with this. Checkerboard Mesa is on the visitor map for Zion and is impossible to miss as you drive toward the Zion valley. The remaining 15 miles are called the Southern Scenic Drive. To the right, find the unmarked parking area. Directly below you are the Grey Cliffs. Taking in this much beauty is exhausting. It is located by Mile 2 of the Scenic Drive. READ MORE, You lose and regain 950 feet on the Fairlyland Loop Trail. The Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway run from Golden, in the foothills of the Rockies, past the friendly historic communities of Evergreen and Morrison. Stop at these natural attractions along the route (from west to east). You can enjoy all of the park's major overlooks if you get out of your car and take leisurely strolls out to the edge of the pavement. Before reading about each of the must-see stops on your road trip from Bryce Canyon NP to Zion, it may be helpful to orient yourself with the map below. , Hi Rebecca! The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. Categorized as Road Biking, Scenic Drives. The land drops away in rugged canyons and fine views at the end of the scenic drive, 17 miles (27 km) south of the visitors center. Bryce Canyon National Park's 18-mile scenic drive winds north-south through . The overlook is located just past Mile 6 on the Scenic Drive, at an elevation of 7998 feet. The nearby southern overlook at Yovimpa Point allows visitors to see a large portion of the rock layers called the Grand Staircase. This viewpoint is between Sunset Point and Bryce Point. PDF A Century of Wonder 1923-2023 - U.S. National Park Service A detour down Castle Valley Road will take you to an incredible view of the La Sal Mountains and Castle Rock. It is located just before Mile 15 on the Scenic Drive, between the stops for Aqua Canyon and Black Birch Canyon. CO-5 from Echo Lake to Mount Evans is usually closed in the winter and open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. What we see today seems like something out of a fairytale land or maybe even another planet. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Unless you are claustrophobic, there is no reason to skip this hidden gem as there are no entry fees or long hikes required. $11.00 per person, includes tax. If you are looking at the main information board, instead look to your left and find a small paper sign that just has the words Arches Trail typed on it. As with most national parks, you should drive all the way to the end and then explore on your way back. Utah - Scenic Drives The Gothic Grandeur of Bryce Canyon In 5 Essential Click herefor more information about Bryce Canyon and the surrounding area. Bryce Canyon South End - Bryce Canyon Country Bryce Canyon is the southwestern origin of this two-lane ribbon through the yellows, whites, greens, oranges and reds of Southern Utah. Have you ever been to the theater? It was easy to see why the high altitude and cool temps make Bryce a prime vacation spot in the heat of the summer months. Hidden from view but directly under the towering Vermilion Cliffs are the comparatively diminutive Chocolate Cliffs. Note the two large buttes which resemble sailing ships in battle with a little imagination. Condividiamo inoltre informazioni sull'uso del nostro sito con i nostri social media, pubblicit e analytics partner. Perhaps the most impressive highway in all of Utah is Scenic Byway 12. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Naturalist Kid Scavenger Hunt in Bryce Canyon, 3 reasons now is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon, A Long Weekend in Bryce Canyon for the Family. We could have easily spent more time there if our schedule had allowed. Drive Distance: 2 minutes, 1 mile from Mount Carmel Junction. The Fishlake Scenic Byway ascends to an elevation of 9,000 feet before entering the Fishlake National Forest, which surrounds Fish Lakes magnificent blue-green waters. Locals say you can do it in three hours or three days. The taller of the two is known as "The Hunter." The changing colors of red, orange and yellow illuminate the aspen-covered mountains along the byway in the fall. Some of the majestic scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park can be seen by auto touring, no hiking needed. To get to the more popular west section of Zion, you have to pass through Carmel Tunnel. A backcountry hiking map with mileage is available at the Visitor Center. It is approximately four hours from both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Scenic Byway 12 in Red Canyon, part of the Dixie National Forest. Experience the thrill of being on a helicopter ride across the stunning desert landscape and enjoy your birds-eye view of some of the states most iconic landmarks.$11.00 per person, includes taxExperience both rides for $16.00 (must ride both in the same day), Inspired by the old Aztec legend, enjoy the rush and thrills of going on this animated, mine-cart thrill ride to find the lost Aztec treasure of Montezuma.$11.00 per person, includes taxExperience both rides for $16.00 (must ride both in the same day). 5. That said, most visitors would likely agree that Rainbow Point, Yovimpa Point, Agua Canyon and Natural Bridge are not to be missed. Re: Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive 3 years ago Save Shuttle in Bryce is optional unless your driving an RV. Explore Bryce Canyon comfortably by staying at one of our favorite nearby lodging options: View other nearby hotels and campgroundshere. What was planned to be a six-week journey became a Continue reading Hole in the Rock Road, Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway winds for 78 remote miles connecting Scenic Byway 12 and Highway 89, offering unparalleled views of Lake Powell, the Navajo Mountains, and the Kaiparowits Plateau as it passes through stretches of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National, Bryce Canyon isn't the only National Park accessible from Bryce Canyon Country.