How long in Zion and Bryce

[4huskers]

We are thinking of visiting both Zion and Bryce NP. DW has some mobility issues so we won't be hiking around. We plan of using the shuttle in both parks. How many days at each would give us a good look at the sights.

[4huskers]

Thanks for all the replies. Great information.

[2gypsies1]

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!

[The_Texan]

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.

[2chiefsRus]

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.

[kalynzoo]

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.

[Golden_HVAC]

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.

[rr2254545]

We visited all 5 National Parks in Utah this April

At Zion I would say two days - one on the bus and one driving either

Zion Mount Carmel Highway (saw a herd of 11 Big Horn Sheep just east of the tunnel
or a very pretty drive up the mountain to a lake is Kolob Terrace Road

Bryce
Again one on the bus and day two drive out to Rainbow point it is spectacular

[jolooote]

Agree, one day each.

[John___Angela]

We did about a week in each. Very relaxed pace. Some hiking, walking, browsing, sitting under the big tree in the RV park. Depends on your schedule I guess.

[Busskipper]

4huskers wrote:
We are thinking of visiting both Zion and Bryce NP. DW has some mobility issues so we won't be hiking around. We plan of using the shuttle in both parks. How many days at each would give us a good look at the sights.

If you are only going to ride the shuttle and not hike up, back or Down then a day in each should work. Then for fun, dinner in the Inn at Zion, and a trip back to the end of Canyon Road, after you are full, grab your Binoculars and STAR gaze.We always go in the Winter months and with no other traffic the Sky just turns WHITE with stars. A Picture doesn't do it justice but if you click on the link you will get an idea.

Having done this a number of times it never gets old.

BOL,