How long in Zion and Bryce

I parked the RV half way between those parks and spent one day at each. if you don't hike, there are more interesting parks to visit.
bumpy

We attended the Star Party at Bryce about 2 years ago that was presented by the Park Rangers with telescopes set up to see some stars, etc. Warning--it was really dark in the parking lot where the telescopes were set up--with small red lights for guidance. BUT it was GREAT! Check the park schedule for dates and time--usually not presented when the full moon is up.

I think it depends if you hike or not. If you do hike, a week in Zion and
3 days in Bryce.

I have been camping with an injury I couldn't walk on. Personally, I can spend a lot of time just staring at awesome views. Then maybe take the shuttle to another awesome view.

Even able-bodied, the first time I went to the GC I just sat on one rock for 3 hours and looked. Then I moved to another rock about 20 feet away :).

At that rate, you could easily fill a week or two at each, if you have the time.

Thanks for all the replies. Great information.

First night - driving to the park and getting settled

Second day/night - riding the shuttle, getting off in areas to walk around a 'little' to a viewpoint, etc.

Third day/night - relaxing, checking out the Visitor Center which always shows a nice movie, driving your own vehicle around the area - both have great outlying areas

Fourth day - leave

This is the bare minimum. Many spend a lot more time in the parks but hiking is a big part of it. Have a good trip!

Having visited both multiple times, as we have family that lives between both, you have 2 choices, hike or drive. In Zion, unless you hike, there is absolutely nothing to see other than the drive from gate to gate. If you do take the shuttle, it is a couple hours round trip and again, unless you walk a long ways, nothing really scenic that you can't see elsewhere in UT. Bryce offers more for the non walker, but that too can be viewed in a day from the scenic pull outs.

We are going to be spending a week in the Bryce area the middle of August, but will be in the backcountry, not the park. The scenery is much more awesome when you get around the peripheral of the parks.

kalynzoo wrote:
It's been years since we visited Bryce, but it is on our list for sooner rather than later. If your staying at Ruby's they used to have a Rodeo on a weekly schedule. It was fun. Years ago we did the walking thing down to the ruins with the ranger, that is no longer an option for either of us, but it is a large park with many historical sites, so a couple of days of touring could certainly be entertaining.

what ruins at Bryce? Are you sure you aren't thinking of Mesa Verde?

As for the original poster's question. If you aren't hiking, I would suggest at least day and a half at each - i.e. two nights stay at each. If you like sunrises and sunsets, that will give you time to catch each. Stargazing is nice too.

It's been years since we visited Bryce, but it is on our list for sooner rather than later. If your staying at Ruby's they used to have a Rodeo on a weekly schedule. It was fun. Years ago we did the walking thing down to the ruins with the ranger, that is no longer an option for either of us, but it is a large park with many historical sites, so a couple of days of touring could certainly be entertaining.

You probably should take time to visit the I-Max theater in SPringdale (adjacent to Zion NP) and there is another just south of the south rim of the Grand Canyon towards Williams.

If you want electric only, you can camp inside Zion NP. For full hookups, you can stay in Springdale Ut. You can catch the shuttle bus from the RV parks in SPringdale, and also near the I-Max theater.

Good luck, and have fun!

Fred.