Zion & Bryce Canyon

Red canyon walls, a river walk and a park shuttle that does the driving. Then hoodoos at Bryce, where kids can hike down among the pink rock spires.

9.5–10 hrs drive · 6 days · Best for toddlers to teens · Apr–May & Sep–Oct

Day 1: Drive to Las Vegas

7:00 Catch an early Zion Canyon shuttle before the crowds
8:00 Riverside Walk from Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9), 2.2 mi round trip
11:00 Splash at the river's edge if flows are low; hop off at Zion Lodge for lunch
3:00 Rest at the hotel during the hottest hours

The Springdale town shuttle is often full by the time it reaches hotels near the park entrance. If you stay within about a mile of the pedestrian bridge, walk in. If you want the shuttle, stay in the south half of town. Six Suitcase Travel
The canyon shuttle takes about 45 minutes from the Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava. Return lines at Zion Lodge and Canyon Junction get long from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Check the last bus time, because missing it can mean walking up to 8 miles back. Family Can Travel
Most of Riverside Walk is in full sun, so skip it at midday in summer. Fill bottles at the fountain at the Sinawava stop. Toddlers need close watching, because the low brick walls are the only barrier at most drop-offs. Learning Escapes
Pack water shoes. The best wading spot is at the end of Riverside Walk, where Narrows hikers step into the river. Strollers have to stop at the end-of-trail sign, and watching the hikers was enough fun for little kids. Learning Escapes
The squirrels on Riverside Walk act tame, but they bite. Tell kids not to feed or touch them. Learning Escapes
At Bryce, the climb back up from Queen's Garden is steep at about 8,000 ft, and kids will be breathing hard. Hike it right after sunrise for soft light and fewer people. For sunrise, Inspiration Point is a less crowded choice than Sunrise Point. Run Wild My Child

In 2026 the Zion Canyon shuttle ran Mar 7 to Nov 28, plus Dec 26 to Jan 2. Cars can't drive the Scenic Drive during shuttle season. The shuttle is free and needs no ticket, but if you miss the last one out it's a long walk back.
Zion summer highs often top 100°F, and flash floods are most common mid-July through September. The Narrows closes when the river is over 150 cfs or a flash flood warning is in effect.
Bryce's free park shuttle ran Apr 3 to Oct 18 in 2026. Your entrance pass covers it.
Bryce trails can close after storms. In Feb 2026, mudslides shut the Two Bridges side and the full Navajo Loop, while Queen's Garden stayed open. Check trail status before you go.