5 Best Zion National Park Day Trips from Las Vegas

A day trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is one of the best things to do outside Vegas. This majestic and scenic area is where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert converge. The 229 square mi park is home to some of the most impressive geology in the country, so it’s a must-see!

Over millions of years, the Virgin River eroded the Navajo sandstone walls of Zion Canyon, creating the region’s cliffs, buttes, and slot canyons. Today, the area is still a pristine sight, even after more than a century as a national park.

Above all else, Zion’s situation in Utah makes it a convenient day outing from Las Vegas. If you’re previously in Sin City, an extraordinary technique to encounter this natural marvel is by embarking on a Las Vegas expedition to Zion National Park. These journeys can last for just a couple hours or numerous days, so there is something for everyone.

We nearly passed up seeing Zion National Park over the course of our trip along America`s West Coast, however I`m really glad we chose to visit. Taking in the multi-colored rock formations, natural arches, and magnificent views was an experience we will never forget!

In this guide, I’ll briefly discuss the best day trips to Zion National Park from Las Vegas. After hiking through narrow slot canyons and standing next to massive sandstone cliffs, you’ll understand why Zion is one of the most visited National Park near Las Vegas.

5 best day trips to Zion National Park from Las Vegas

I’ve assessed the top-rated Las Vegas tours to Zion National Park, looking at factors like cost, length, and highlights. In essence, these are the 5 best day trips from Las Vegas to Zion National Park:

1. Small-group Tour of Zion National Park
2. Bus tour of Zion & Bryce Canyon
3. Zion & Bryce Canyon small-group tour
4. Zion & Bryce Canyon overnight tour
5. Antelope, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, & Monument Valley tour

1. Zion National Park small-group tour, the best Las Vegas day trip to Zion National Park

If time permits, I strongly recommend a full-day excursion from Las Vegas visiting Zion National Park.This small group tour lasts 10-11 hours and covers breakfast, lunch, and transportation from Las Vegas to Zion National Park.

A guide will escort visitors through sections of the park to witness some of its most stunning natural attractions. Sights include the 800-meter-deep Zion Canyon, the peaks of Horse Ranch Mountain, and the lovely Emerald Pools. While admiring the breathtaking scenery, keep an eye out for bats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, eagles, and other wildlife.

• Highlights: Zion Canyon, Emerald Pools, Virgin River, natural rock formations, plateaus, wildlife viewing
• Duration: 10-11 hours
• Number of participants: 12
• Price: $252+
• Description: This day excursion to Zion National Park from Las Vegas starts with hotel pick-up from the Strip and downtown district. You’ll have a full day to explore million-year-old rock formations, like the Virgin River Narrows, The Three Patriarchs, Kolob Arch, and Checkerboard Mesa .

2. Zion & Bryce Canyon bus tour, a cheap day tour to Zion National Park from Las Vegas

If taking a road journey from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, it makes sense to visit Bryce Canyon too. This tour of Zion and Bryce Canyon will make optimal use of your time. Begin your day with an escorted tour from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, where an experienced guide will take you through majestic ravines and valleys. You’ll see notable sights like the Checkerboard Mesa and other stunning photographic opportunities.

Then, tour Bryce Canyon National Park and see the famous hoodoos, rust-colored rocks, and sandstone cliffs. Your guide will share information about the region’s geology while pointing out popular vantage points. This excursion goes from Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon, so bring snacks and funds for food.

• Highlights: Highlighted areas include Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, natural landscapes offering photographic opportunities
• Duration: 13 hours
• Number of participants: 50
• Price: $129+

See my guide to taking in the attractions of El Yunque National Forest for practical tips and details. Although you don’t need a reservation, expect a long wait to enter the La Coca Recreational Area on PR-191 as parking has limited capacity.

3. Full-day Zion & Bryce Canyon tour, an exciting Zion National Park tour from Las Vegas

To make optimum use of your day, consider this full day excursion. You`ll get an early morning collection from the Strip, then travel from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. An expert guide will lead your small group through the narrow canyons, sandstone cliffs, and even some hidden gems.

Spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring Zion, then stop for lunch before heading to Bryce Canyon. There, you’ll witness the diverse landscape with pink sands, red rocks, and green pine trees. Hike for about 1.5 hours through the formations and natural structures like Bryce Amphitheater while capturing memorable photos. Finally, you’ll grab dinner (not included), then make your way back to Vegas.

• Highlights: Hiking through Zion National Park, natural rock structures, and unique rock pillars in Bryce Canyon
• Duration: 14 hours
• Number of participants: 14
• Price: $239+
• Description: Make the most of your one-day excursion from Las Vegas to Zion National Park by integrating a stop at Bryce Canyon. Spend a couple hours walking through the ancient structures in these two parks, like natural arches, narrow valleys, and magnificent vantage points .

4. Zion & Bryce Canyon overnight tour, the best 2-day tour from Las Vegas to Zion

The optimum way to experience the beauty of Utah is through participation in a day tour to Zion National Park from Las Vegas.This overnight trip first proceeds to Bryce Canyon, where you’ll have a full afternoon to behold the famed hoodoos and sandstone cliffs. Choose to remain at the campsite or Ruby’s Historic Inn and enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub to prepare for the following day.

Then, embark on a day exploring Zion National Park by hiking routes like Angels Landing or The Narrows. You’ll encounter some extraordinary areas including the Emerald Pools and the white, pink, and red-streaked geology. You’ll return to Vegas around 7 pm.

• Highlights: A full afternoon exploring Bryce Canyon, an overnight at a campsite or historic inn, a full day in Zion National Park
• Duration: 2 days
• Number of participants: 14
• Price: $330+

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5. Far, Wild West, the ultimate Zion National Park tour from Las Vegas

If you want to travel from Las Vegas to Zion, you may want to see other nearby parks too during your visit. This three-day package incorporates a Las Vegas tour to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon.

The non-stop adventure starts with exploring the streaked sandstone cliffs and slot canyons at Zion and Bryce National Parks. Guides are available for all hiking skill levels to spots like the Emerald Pools, Great White Throne, Weeping Rock, and others. See the hoodoos, amphitheater, and plateaus at Bryce Canyon and stay at a full-service campsite. You can also upgrade to a hotel or add a Death Valley tour to your day.

The following day, your group will journey past Lake Powell and have the choice to upgrade to an Antelope Canyon tour (~$60). Then, take a 4×4 through Monument Valley while a Navajo guide shares tales about the history of the land. Camp overnight or stay at the Historic Gouldings Lodge. This day also has an optional upgrade to the area’s wild west ghost towns.

Day 3 starts with a brief stop at a traditional Navajo Trading Post before continuing to the Grand Canyon. You can choose the helicopter tour upgrade ($220+) or take the standard hike around the canyon rim. After some time at Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll head back to Vegas.

Alternatively, you could opt for an escapade exploring Lake Powell on a cruise instead of visiting Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon with this three-day regional park excursion.

• Highlights: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon
• Duration: 3 days
• Number of participants: 14
• Price: $695+
• Description: This 3-day excursion from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon incorporates transportation, camping gear, breakfast, and lunch. You’ll hike the trails and see one-of-a-kind geological formations during the day, then gaze at the stars at night in some of the most beautiful places in the West. Upgrades and add-on tours are available.

How much does a Zion National Park tour from Las Vegas cost?

The price of a tour visiting Zion National Park from Las Vegas will depend on factors like the total length, number of travelers, and any added stops along the way. Below, I`ve included some day trips to compare costs and highlights of each.

FAQs – Las Vegas to Zion National Park

If you want to travel from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, these frequently asked questions may help you plan your perfect itinerary.