Zion & Bryce
with Kids
Hoodoos, red rock canyons & Angel’s Landing — Utah’s most dramatic national parks
Why Zion & Bryce?
Two of Utah’s most jaw-dropping national parks, conveniently close enough to do together in one trip. Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly hoodoos feel like a different planet entirely, while Zion’s towering red sandstone cliffs and the legendary Angel’s Landing hike are unlike anything else in the US.
Flying into Las Vegas makes for a perfect gateway — you get the parks on the way out and a night on the Strip on the way back. And in hindsight, we could have easily used 2 more days for both parks. Plan for 6 days if you can swing it.
~2.5 hrs to Bryce
Nov worked great for us
Queen’s Garden Trail
(family-friendly)
4-Day Itinerary
In hindsight: We could have easily used 2 more days. If your schedule allows, plan 6 days total — you’ll have time for the trails we missed and won’t feel rushed.
Fly into Las Vegas (LAS), check into a hotel on or near the Strip, and unwind. Easy first day — save your energy for the hiking ahead.
Drive from Vegas to Bryce (~2.5 hrs), arriving around 11 AM. Straight to the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail combo — the trip highlight. The hoodoos are absolutely surreal and the combined trail is very doable with kids.
Scenic drive from Bryce to Zion (~1.5 hrs) — the drive itself through Utah’s red rock country is stunning. Afternoon: Riverside Walk, the starting section of the famous Narrows hike. Easy, flat, and beautiful for all ages.
Dad woke up early for Angel’s Landing — one of the most iconic hikes in the US. Note: permits are now required, book well in advance. Later, the whole family hiked Emerald Pools Trail — beautiful, accessible, and kid-friendly with multiple pool tiers.
Drive back to Vegas (~2.5 hrs). Spend the evening on the Las Vegas Strip — Bellagio Fountains are free and amazing for kids, and the Rainforest Cafe volcano show was a hit with our little ones.
Morning flight home from Las Vegas. Already planning the return trip to hit the trails we missed!
Where to Stay
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn – Bryce
The most convenient option for Bryce Canyon — right at the park entrance. Comfortable, well-located, and a solid base for early morning hikes before crowds arrive.
✓ Best Bryce LocationHampton Inn & Suites Springdale – Zion
Excellent location in Springdale, right at the entrance to Zion National Park. Great amenities and easy access to the park shuttle — highly recommended.
✓ Best Zion LocationLas Vegas Strip Hotel
For arrival and departure nights. Plenty of points options here — Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt all have strong properties on or near the Strip.
✓ Use Points HereHikes & Gear
📍 Bryce Canyon
Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail
Trip highlight. This combo gives you the best of both worlds — Wall Street’s towering hoodoos and the amphitheater views from Queen’s Garden. Very doable with kids.
✓ Our Top PickTrails We Missed (Next Time!)
Figure 8 Trail, Fairyland Loop, Bristlecone Loop — all on our list for the return trip. AllTrails has great kid-friendly filters for Bryce.
📋 Next Trip List📍 Zion National Park
Emerald Pools Trail
Best family hike in Zion. Three tiers of pools — lower, middle, and upper. Beautiful, accessible, and the kids loved every section. Highly recommend.
✓ Best Family HikeRiverside Walk
Flat, paved, and stunning. The official start of the Narrows hike — perfect for little legs and strollers. Great intro to Zion’s canyon scenery.
✓ Stroller FriendlyAngel’s Landing
Dad’s solo early morning adventure. One of the most iconic hikes in the US — chains near the top, serious exposure. Permit required, book months in advance.
⚠️ Permit RequiredTrails We Missed (Next Time!)
Pa’rus Trail (paved, bikeable), Watchman Trail, Canyon Overlook Trail — all kid-friendly and on our list for the return trip.
📋 Next Trip List🎒 Favorite Gear
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier
Our son had the best views on the trail and it was super comfy for Dad. If you’re hiking with a toddler, this carrier is a game-changer. Highly recommended for any national park trip.
✓ Highly Recommended