Road Trip from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon
The road trip from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon National Park is for you if you’re seeking excitement! This trip will fulfil your desires if you enjoy rough terrain and want to see Utah’s iconic national parks.
It will take you 13 hours to drive the 730 miles from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon. Significant attractions include Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Moqui Cave, Zion National Park, Oljato-Monument Valley, and Dixie National Forest.
In order to make your journey to Bryce Canyon National Park exceptional, we have listed a number of attractions and lodging options along the road. Check out our recommendations to get your travel planning underway.
How long will it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon?
| Route | Distance | Driving time |
| Direct Route | 340 miles | 6 hours 30 min |
| Scenic Route | 520 miles | 8 hours 40 min |
Without considering any stops or diversions you might want to make, the Direct Route covers 340 miles in about 6 hours and 30 minutes.
With 520 miles and an estimated 9-hour travel time, the Scenic Route is more than two times far.
Whichever route you proceed on, you should take this road trip to experience Utah’s breathtaking scenery. We suggest setting aside at least three days for this journey, mainly if you are using our suggested scenic route.
Ideal road trip route from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon
The natural Utah scenery, regarded as one of the most breathtaking in the world, will be visible from our advised itineraries. What you want to see and how much time you have will therefore determine the best path to take.
Most of the journey via the Direct Route will take you due south, previous Mount Pleasant. Before you arrive in Bryce Canyon, you will pass through the charming city of Boulder.
Before arriving to Bryce Canyon National Park, which is also on this list, the Scenic Route will lead you to Moab and past three of Utah’s iconic “The Mighty 5” national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion.
The wonderful sights and surroundings are an advantage of long driving tours. This path will take you through the Oljate-Monument Valley and many of the United States’ protected green and red zones.
Depending on your time constraints and preferred destinations, you can choose between the two itineraries, both of which will immerse you in the breathtaking Utah landscape.
The Direct Route
Until you get to Salina, the majority of your journey will be along US-89 South. After that, you will continue on UT-24 East until you reach Torrey. If you have the time, you can take a detour here to see Capitol Reef National Park.
Otherwise, take UT-12 toward Boulder. Traveling south until you arrive to the town of Bryce, which is located outside of Bryce Canyon, is the last stage of this trip.
Go to Provo via Interstate 15 (I-15) from Salt Lake City. You will turn onto US-89 a little more down, and then US-6, which you will continue south into Moab.
It is simple to take diversions from Moab to the well-known Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. After your visit, continue south to Oljate-Monument Valley, crossing the Arizona border.
After passing the town of Kayenta, continue on US-163 until you want to turn west onto US-160 and get off onto UT-98 heading north. Once it becomes US-89, cross back into Utah. Continue north on this highway until you come to Bryce Canyon.
The Scenic Route
Go to Provo via Interstate 15 (I-15) from Salt Lake City. You will turn onto US-89 a little further down, then US-6, which you will continue south into Moab.
It is simple to take detours from Moab to the well-known Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. After your visit, continue south to Oljate-Monument Valley, crossing the Arizona border.
After passing the town of Kayenta, continue on US-163 until you want to turn west onto US-160, then turn out onto UT-98 and go north. Once it becomes US-89, cross back into Utah. Continue north on this highway until you come to Bryce Canyon.
Top places to stop between Salt Lake City and Bryce Canyon
The straight route enables you to travel most of the way to your destination before a potential diversion at Capitol Reef National Park, while the scenic route will pass through several smaller communities along the way, providing more pauses and opportunities for exploration.
Enjoy at the Red Landscapes of Capitol Reef
The straight route enables you to travel most of the way to your destination before a potential diversion at Capitol Reef National Park, while the scenic route will pass through several smaller communities along the way, providing more pauses and opportunities for exploration.
The luxurious Capitol Reef Resort is a fantastic place to spend the night in Torrey. This lovely resort offers a variety of accommodations, including teepees and Conestoga wagons, in addition to stylish rooms with views of the stunning national park.
After your drive, you can unwind at the hot tub or plunge into the gorgeous outdoor pool. Alternatively, you can go to the barbecue facilities for a cosy lunch if you have an appetite while travelling.
The lodge’s location at the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, where you may stroll along the Hickman Natural Bridge, is its best feature.
You will have all the attractions that draw thousands of visitors to this area each year right at your doorstep because the property is also close to the well-known Prehistoric Petroglyph.
Small Town Charm with Big-Impressive Views
You’ll reach Moab halfway through your journey after driving the Scenic Route for about 6 hours. It’s a good idea to stop here for the night so you can rest and see the surrounding natural sights.
Moab is situated right on the Colorado River, where you can try various thrilling water sports if you’re feeling adventurous, and it’s close to two beautiful Utah national parks, including Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
Perhaps you should remain in town, sample local cuisine, and take in the culture. Visiting the Moab Museum to discover the history of the region’s mining, geology, and palaeontology is a fantastic way to spend time in town.
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a great place to relax after all the adventures. Situated just one block from Moab’s main street, this stylish hotel boasts gorgeous exteriors and interior décor.
Before returning on the road the following day, treat yourself to a treatment at the full-service spa or relax in the outdoor pool.
Lodging for guests visiting Bryce Canyon
We suggest staying in the Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Hotel when you eventually arrive to Bryce Canyon National Park. It is located directly amidst the cliffs of red granite.
This reasonably priced accommodation has many features, such as an outdoor pool and a complimentary cooked breakfast.
Did you know numerous canyons are lining the steep red cliffs of the plateau, including Bryce Canyon? The most prominent feature of this hotel option is that it’s only a 4-minute drive from this breathtaking natural setting.
Attractions on a road trip from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon
Whether you choose the shorter or more beautiful path to Bryce Canyon, there are many exciting sights to see along the way.
To help you with sightseeing along the road, we have compiled a list of sites unique to the route. On the short path, you’ll see a beautiful mountain range and a few hot springs, but on the long way, you’ll have the opportunity to see a beach and a cave!
The Direct Route
1. Fairview Museum of History- Visit the Fairview Museum of History to learn about the fascinating history of this little town and the current artwork created by local artists.
2. Black Mountains-Known for its black exterior, this breathtaking mountain range is two hours north of Bryce Canyon and has a number of hiking trails.
3. Giant Soda Cans-An oddball roadside attraction west of Salina, Utah, with huge containers painted to look like well-known and beloved sodas.
4. Mystic Hot Springs– Explore the hot mineral springs at this spa in Monroe, Utah, which was established 1905 over a century ago.
5. Hickman Natural Bridge-Stretch your legs on a short hiking track that takes you to and beneath this 133-foot bridge, located in Capitol Reef National Park, while you’re in Torrey.
6. Anasazi State Park Museum- Archaeological discoveries from a Puebloan village from the eleventh and twelfth centuries can be found in this remarkable museum in Boulder, Utah, which is conveniently located along your trip.
7. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park- This distinctive and striking natural reserve, which is only 45 minutes from Boulder, Utah, features dinosaur fossils and petrified wood in outdoor displays.
The Scenic Route
1. Pioneer Town – Experience life in the late 1800s to the early and mid 1900s at this historic museum in Cedaredge, Colorado, which spans five acres and has twenty-four buildings. You will need to drive an additional two hours to get to this attraction.
2. Hovenweep National Monument – Explore this preserve, which is made up of six prehistoric settlements constructed between 1200 and 1300 AD and is home to nearly 2,500 people.
3. Double Arch – With two sizable arches that emerge from the same side foundation, this naturally occurring sandstone formation is a well-liked location for photos.
4. Hole-in-the-Rock – Crafted from a sandstone rock, this ancient 5,000-square-foot mansion features 14 rooms, a gift shop, and a fireplace.
5.Lone Rock Beach- This well-known sandy beach, which is about an hour off-route, is a great place to see the sunset because it is bordered by desert plains.
6.Moqui Cave – Once utilized as a speakeasy and now transformed into a natural history museum, Moqui Cave boasts an outstanding rock collection and gift shop.
Both Routes
1. The Spiral Jetty – The Spiral Jetty is a sculpture that winds into the Great Salt Lake and was created by American artist Robert Smithson in 1970. It is best seen when the water level is low.
2. BYU Museum of Paleontology- Within the first hour of your journey, before you arrive in Provo, this dinosaur-focused museum at Brigham Young University features thousands of prehistoric rocks and fossils.
The ideal time to go on a road trip from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon
The most popular period to visit Bryce Canyon is from May to October because of the bitterly severe winters that arise from its extremely high elevation.
The natural sceneries are at their greenest, and the weather is warm now. Springtime temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
You should plan since there aren’t many lodging options during the summer, which is Bryce Canyon National Park’s busiest season.
With occasional precipitation in July and August, temperatures throughout this season normally vary from 35 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It will be considerably colder if you go in the fall or winter. Although the changing color of the Canyon makes fall especially lovely, the season is usually the most precipitation-filled in this area, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
The canyon receives less than 100 inches of snowfall during the winter, and temperatures can drop as low as -27 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid remaining outside after sundown, when it can get extremely chilly, and bundle up throughout this season.
Throughout the year, Bryce Canyon National Park has numerous festivals and events, most of which occur during the busiest time of year. Be sure to attend the Bryce Canyon Geology Festival or the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival if you’re in town in June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bryce or Zion closer to Salt Lake City?
Zion National Park is 237 miles (381 kilometres) north of Salt Lake City International Airport, while Bryce Canyon National Park is 273 miles (439 kilometres) north.
Is there a train from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon is not directly accessible from Salt Lake City. You can, however, drive to Bryce Canyon after taking the bus to Parowan, walking to Provo Central Station, and taking the rail to Provo Central Station. Alternatively, driving from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes.
What is there to see between Bryce Canyon and Salt Lake City?
Red Canyon, Utah Olympic Park, and Deer Valley Resort are the best places to visit on the route from Bryce Canyon National Park to Salt Lake City (with quick detours). Bridal Veil Falls, Park City Mountain, and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium are some well-liked destinations.
How close is Bryce and Zion?
The roughly 84-mile travel from Zion to Bryce Canyon, which connects two of the most famous national parks in the Southwest, usually takes 1:50 hours. However, the trip is more than just getting there; it’s an adventure full of distinctive natural wonders and important historical sites.
Is Bryce Canyon a day trip?
It’s advisable to spend a few days exploring the Park’s main route, which is 18 miles long and features thirteen views. Stick to the northern part of the Park, specifically Bryce Amphitheater, if you have one day to visit Bryce Canyon.
For more information kindly visit http://NATIONALPARKSTRAVELER.ORG
