How to Get From Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park in 2023

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Wondering how to get from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon this year? Well, you’ve found yourself in the right place.

Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon National Park may seem like two different worlds when you’re taking a trip to the west, but they’re both places you’re going to want to see when you’re there.

And the great thing is, they’re just hours apart!

Below you’ll find everything you need to know for a trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon.

Why You Should Visit Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas

I know it may seem strange to visit the exciting, unruly city of Las Vegas on the same trip as the serene mountains of Utah, but I promise you, you will not regret it.

Las Vegas has been given the fitting epithet of the Entertainment Capital of the World and will keep you on your toes with things to see and experience everywhere you turn. You can check off so many items from your bucket list here.

You’ll eat at some of the top foodie spots, hopefully, win big at a casino or two, and collapse in a luxury hotel room at the end of the day.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a different kind of fun elsewhere.

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Utah. Trade the Vegas city lights for a metropolis of hoodoos and pine trees.

Pull out your tent, or if you’re not quite ready to let go of the luxuriousness of Las Vegas, book a night or two at a glamping resort.

How to Travel from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon

This may come as a surprise, seeing that you’ll be traveling primarily through the uninhabited desert, but there are a couple of different ways to reach Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas.

The first is a scenic drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon. As I said, this will be primarily through the desert, but a kind of desert you haven’t seen too much of before. You’ll weave through guarded red canyons right next to the Colorado River and witness the mountains reaching into the sky before climbing up them yourself.

The distance from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon is about 250 miles, and it takes 4 hours to drive. Most of this will be done on interstate I-15. Once you get into Utah, look for exit 95. Stay on UT-20 east until you hit UT-63 south, which will take you right up to the park’s entrance. Ditch your car here and take the free park shuttle, or continue your scenic drive up into the out-of-this-world scenery.

If you’re looking to hit 2, or I guess 3, birds with one stone, you can book a guided tour from Las Vegas that allows you to explore both Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park in one day. The tour will cover park fees and round-trip transportation. Water and granola bars are also included. 

The tour takes about 13 hours, and you’ll drive through Zion National Park, making a stop at the visitor’s center. Then the bus will head to Bryce Canyon, stopping so you can walk around the rim, admiring the vibrancy of the orange and red hoodoos. Tickets start at $127.20.

You can also take the National Park Express bus. This private company shuttles explorers to national parks all over the west. The buses are equipped with wifi and charging ports at every seat. The ride is semi-guided to Bryce Canyon and Zion and will pick you up at your Vegas hotel.

Now if you’re looking to get a bird’s eye view of the park, you can take a helicopter from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon. Helicopter flights don’t regularly travel to Bryce Canyon, but companies are willing to do a charter flight for you.

Where to Stay Between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon

However you decide to get there, the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon has a few options to stay in if you’re looking to break up the trip.

The first option you’ll hit is Mesquite, Nevada. Right on the border, this is the last chance you’ll get for some gambling before heading into Utah. Some of the best-rated hotels in Mesquite are the Virgin River Hotel and Casino, Eureka Casino Resort, and CasaBlanca Resort and Casino.

A little farther up the road, you’ll hit Saint George, Utah. This youthful city will be your favorite stop on your trip to Bryce Canyon. With plenty to do, plenty to see, and some prime hotels, you might want to even stop here for a couple days.

To get a night of relaxation at an upscale resort, book a room at The Inn at Entrada. If you’re just looking for a comfortable place to touch down in, then continue on your way to Bryce Canyon, stay at the Chalet Motel. Look into St. George Inn and Suites for a family-friendly option.

Now if you’re just wanting to drive as far as possible before making a stop, you can find a place to stay in Cedar City, which is an hour and a half from Bryce Canyon. This way, you can enjoy sunset and sunrise at Bryce Canyon.

Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon from Vegas

If you want to trek from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon in one day, you’ll want to start early. Get there with enough time to hike some trails and explore the park, watch the sunset, then either drive back to Vegas or settle in at your campsite or hotel with some good food.

Now, if you weren’t already aware, the Utah mountains and the Las Vegas desert have drastically different climates. You could come from a balmy Vegas to a snowy Bryce Canyon in the winter. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be equipped for snow both with your vehicles and your outfits. Stay warm, and it will be a much more enjoyable trip.

You’ll also want to factor in delays on the road. There is often traffic on some sections of I-15 that may cause your trip to go a little longer, but roll down the windows, and sing along to your favorite song to pass the time.

Best Time to Make the Road Trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon

Winter roads can get a little sketchy, and summer roads can get pretty busy, so when is the best time to make the road trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon?

Spring and fall are both excellent options. It’s your choice between budding flowers and the cascading oranges of autumn.

Spring does tend to get a little busier around spring break, so avoiding the crowds is a priority, the fall will be the better choice.

Perfect 3-Day Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Itinerary

We want to ensure you won’t waste a second of your time when heading from Vegas to Bryce Canyon, so we constructed a 3 day itinerary that will get you the most out of the trip!

Day 1: Arrival

Leave from Las Vegas in the morning. Whether you’re stopping to spend the night in Saint George or heading all the way up to Bryce Canyon, the first thing you’ll want to do is check into your hotel or campsite.

You’ll probably be a little drained from traveling all day, so take some time for relaxation before heading out to have some fun. Find a spot to watch the sunset inflame Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, then head into town to grab a bite to eat. (Our favorite place to eat is i.d.k. barbecue!)

If you’ve got some energy afterward, head back up to the park and secure a place to stargaze.

Day 2: Explore!

Bryce Canyon has some of the most excellent sunrise locations. Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise.

But don’t stop there! Today’s the day to scour every inch of Bryce Canyon and do some of their most coveted hikes. On the list should be the Navajo Loop Trail, Fairyland Loop, and Mossy Cave Trail.

Bring a packed lunch so you can picnic at the park. Squeeze in a few more hikes after lunch and head to a different part of the park for another sunset spot. I’m not sure if you feel the same way about sunsets as I do, but they never get old.

Day 3: Last Day

Since yesterday had an early start, that’s totally okay if you want to sleep in a little bit today. 

After getting some rest, drive to as many of the park’s lookout spots as you can to see some of the most famous views in Utah.

Once you’ve seen all you need to see, although, with Bryce Canyon, it is never enough, pack up your things and get ready for the trek home. Or to Vegas. Or wherever is next on the list!

We hope with this guide, you’ll be able to make the journey from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon smoothly. And that you’ll have a great time doing it.