It’s rugged, it’s breathtaking, and it’s quiet enough to hear the wind whisper through the hoodoos — Bryce Canyon National Park is the polar opposite of Las Vegas, which is exactly why the best Bryce Canyon tours from Las Vegas presents as the perfect alternative-style, outdoors-focused getaway.
After you’ve ticked off the top things to do in Las Vegas and you’re ready to trade in the glitz and glam for Mother Nature’s wonders, Bryce Canyon has options aplenty. Boasting hiking trails, scenic drives, and unforgettable landscapes made up of rare crimson-colored natural towers, this untouched slice of southern Utah beckons nature lovers and adventurers alike.
In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about the best Bryce Canyon tours so you can kick-start your journey to this magnificent national park. So, what are you waiting for?
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How to get to Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas?
Bryce Canyon can be found in the south of Utah, only about 170 miles away as the crow flies. It sits in between a couple of other popular national parks — Zion National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — which makes the entire area a coveted destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are a handful of ways to get from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, varying in duration, price, and style, so you’re bound to find one that works for you. Let’s take a look at the options.
By car
The most straightforward way to get from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon is by car. The journey takes around 4 hours and is regarded as a lovely, picturesque drive, passing through three states along the way (Nevada, Arizona, and Utah).
The most direct route is to take the I-15 North towards St George, then take a right onto Highway-20 East (after you pass Paragonah) and follow the directions until you reach the park entrance.
Alternatively, you can take the I-15 to St George, then turn right onto the scenic Highway-9 East towards Zion National Park and continue up Highway-89. This route is longer (around 4.5 hours) but takes you through stunning landscapes.
Hot tip: Drive up one way and drive back the other, so you get to experience the best of both worlds!
By bus
There are no official public transport options between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon, but a few private tour companies operate shuttles or buses.
Alternatively, you can take a Greyhound bus (#US1200) from Las Vegas to Parowan, Utah (departing once daily at 1:45 am) and then arrange a taxi or rideshare to take you the final hour or the journey. For the return leg, the bus leaves from Parowan at 11.25 pm. This can give you a full day exploring the area, however, you need to make sure your taxi service is properly organized.
By shuttle
A handful of reliable companies, such as the National Park Express, provide connections between Vegas and Bryce Canyon, making stops at places like St. George (Utah), Springdale (Utah), Zion National Park, and Ruby’s Inn (Bryce Canyon) along the way.
This National Park Express shuttle leaves from the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino on the Strip with one departure daily (usually at 05:30 am). The bus ride is usually about 5 hours, but beware that this does not include the timezone change.
With the National Park Express shuttle, logistically, it would be tricky to return on the same day. Therefore, visitors traveling with the shuttle usually choose to make this a multi-day trip, planning an overnight stay at Bryce Canyon or one of the nearby towns. Or, they’ll opt for a guided tour (scroll down to learn more) instead.
By organized tour
The most popular, hassle-free, and arguably most enjoyable way to experience Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas is by joining an organized tour. These tours come in different forms, ranging from exciting day trips to jam-packed multi-day excursions that combine multiple national parks and attractions.
Day trips are great if you only have a day to spare or want a quick getaway from the city, typically leaving early in the morning and returning late in the evening. These tours usually include round-trip transportation, entrance fees to the national park, lunch and an insight-packed guided tour of the main attractions scattered throughout the beautiful national park.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, multi-day tours offer an all-in-one package that includes transportation, accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide to show you the main haunts of this stunning piece of rural America.
How much does the entrance ticket to Bryce Canyon cost?
While many visitors assume that entry to Bryce Canyon is free, this is not the case. Being a National Park, entry to Bryce Canyon requires visitors to pay a small fee.
The price of the tickets is not per person, but rather how you enter the park.
The standard entry pass for a private vehicle is US$35, or US$30 for a motorcycle. If you are entering on foot or on a bicycle, you can obtain a personal ticket for US$20.
The prices for commercial vehicles are slightly different. A commercial sedan (1-6 passengers) or van (7-15 passengers) can enter the park for US$50, while commercial minibusses (16-25 passengers) pay US$60 and buses (26+ passengers) pay US$150. If you book a guided tour, these fees are usually baked into the overall price. It’s worth noting that these fees are valid for seven days.
You can also purchase a Bryce Canyon National Park Annual Pass for US$70. This is the most affordable option if you plan to visit two or more times.
Can you visit Bryce Canyon for free?
There are five days throughout the year (public holidays) where you can enter the park for free, without a pass. The free entry days are listed below:
- January 16th — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 22nd — First Day of National Park Week
- August 4th — The Great American Outdoors Act
- September 23rd — National Public Lands Day
- November 11th — Veterans Day
How much does it cost to camp in Bryce Canyon?
There are additional fees for camping in the park. The main campgrounds are the North and Sunset campgrounds, which cost US$20 for tents and US$30 per night for RVs.
To camp in the backcountry, it will cost US$10 per permit and US$5 per person.
How to choose the best Bryce Canyon tour from Las Vegas?
When it comes to choosing a tour from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, think about your budget and the amount of time you have available.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to opt for a shorter, no-frills tour (like the large group Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park day tour with lunch from Las Vegas). If you prefer a more luxurious experience, you can choose a longer, all-inclusive tour – or even a multi-destination tour that includes Bryce Canyon along with other Zion and other fabled nearby attractions (like the 3-day National Parks tour: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon).
Given that there are dozens of different options, it can be a little confusing or overwhelming to determine which one is the best for you. That’s why it’s important to do your research beforehand, and read reviews from previous travelers who have taken these tours. This way, you’ll get a richer understanding of the pros and cons of each adventure, which will help you make a more informed decision.
With the TourScanner search engine, you can easily compare prices and itineraries from all the different tour companies, allowing you to find the best Bryce Canyon tour that matches your budget and preferences.
What is the classic Bryce Canyon tour itinerary?
The classic Bryce Canyon tour from Las Vegas is a full-day excursion that will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning natural wonders of the American Southwest. The tour begins early in the morning, usually with convenient pickup at your Vegas hotel (either Downtown or the Strip) in the wee hours of the morning.
From there, you’ll travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach through the Mojave Desert and into Utah, passing by the Virgin River Gorge and crossing the northwest corner of Arizona along the way.
Upon arriving at Bryce Canyon, your guide will escort you along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, making a handful of spots to appreciate the incredible panoramic views and the natural hoodoo rock formations – not to mention notable landmarks like the Bryce Amphitheater. You’ll usually also visit Rainbow Point, where you’ll get to walk a relaxing 1.3 miles and see the park’s highest point at 9,115 feet above sea level, and Sunset Point (the ideal spot for a lunchtime picnic).
Thanks to their proximity, the majority of Bryce Canyon tours include a visit to Zion National Park as well — this remarkable slice of the American southwest is renowned for its towering cliffs, narrow canyons and epic hiking trails (none more famous than Angels Landing), and it’s usually the second leg of the trip. If your tour includes Zion, you can expect to check out the Zion National Park Visitor Center, drive along the beautiful Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, and tick off photogenic landscapes like the Checkerboard Mesa.
After a day full of adventure and natural beauty, the tour will bring you back to Las Vegas, dropping you off at your hotel after nightfall.
Full-day Bryce Canyon small group tours
Getting more specific into the different types of tours available, the full-day Bryce Canyon small group tour tends to serve up a more personalized, immersive experience compared to the larger group tours.
While larger group tours typically take place on big buses, during which there’s not much time nor opportunity to engage with the tour guide, small group tours often use cars or minivans to whisk you into the wilderness. This allows for a much more intimate atmosphere and gives you the chance to truly take in the stunning landscapes without feeling like you’re just another tourist on a conveyor belt.
Moreover, the smaller group size means you’ll have more time and flexibility at each location — whether it’s taking that perfect photo or spending an extra 20 minutes exploring a particular spot. There are also usually fewer people to contend with when trying to get the best view or enjoy the serenity of the park.
With fewer people on your tour, you’ll also get more time to chat to your guide. And since they’re experts in all things nature, wildlife, history, and geology, you’ll be sure to learn a thing or two about Bryce Canyon that you would have never known otherwise. Plus, with their extensive knowledge and passion for the park, they’ll likely have some great insider tips and hidden gems to share with you.
Similar to a large group adventure, the small group tours typically begin early in the morning, between 5 and 7 am, to make the most out of the day. After the 4-hour drive from Las Vegas, you’ll arrive at the park and start exploring right away. Depending on the tour, you’ll have a mix of hiking and scenic viewpoints, with breaks for meals and snacks in between. As the day goes on, you’ll see how the colors and shadows of the canyon change, making it an ever-evolving experience. After a full day of adventure, you’ll head back to Las Vegas and be dropped back at your hotel.
Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park tours from Las Vegas
As two of Utah’s most renowned national parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon are must-visit destinations for any nature lover. While they might sit next door to one another, the unique landscapes you’ll find within the bounds of each park are vastly different. In Zion, you’ll be treated to towering red rock cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and pockets of lush greenery. In contrast, Bryce Canyon boasts a vast Mars-like landscape of colorful hoodoos (towering spires of rock) that are unlike anything else in the country (scratch that – unlike anything else in the world).
But with both parks located about 4 hours away from Las Vegas, it makes sense to combine them into one epic adventure. That’s what the majority of day (and multi-day) tours from Las Vegas offer – the chance to experience both parks in one go.
While every company serves up something a little bit different, most Zion + Bryce combo adventures follow a relatively similar schedule: The day will start early with a pickup from your Sin City hotel before embarking on the scenic drive towards stunning Utah. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on the history, geology, and wildlife of the area.
Bryce Canyon is often the first stop, where you’ll have a few hours to cruise along the Scenic Drive, hike along parts of the Rim Trail, or take in the breathtaking panoramas from iconic viewpoints like Rainbow Point and (the aptly named) Inspiration Point.
After a couple more notable stops (which could be places like the Bryce Amphitheater, Thor’s Hammer, or Natural Bridge, to name a few), it’s off to Zion. Here you’ll typically have a few more hours to explore the park in all its glory. Whether your trip includes hiking through The Narrows to Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock, or catching incredible views from Angels Landing, you can bet on a day filled with absolutely stunning scenery.
You’ll typically round out the day by witnessing the sunset at one of the viewpoints before jumping back on the bus for the journey home to Las Vegas.
Read more: Best Zion National Park tours from Las Vegas
Bryce Canyon multi-day trips from Las Vegas
While many adventure-seeking travelers manage to cram Bryce Canyon into a quick day trip from Las Vegas, the park is certainly deserving of much more time than just a few hours. If you’re not too pressed for time, and you want to truly experience all that the national park has to offer, then Bryce Canyon multi-day trips from Las Vegas are the way to go.
Take your pick from private, small group and larger group tours, and choose the trip length that suits your schedule. From two-day excursions to week-long adventures, there’s a tour option for everyone (and every budget).
If you book something on the shorter end of the spectrum (2-3 days), you can expect to focus your attention on Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and perhaps one section of the Grand Canyon. However, with an extra couple of days at your disposal, you open yourself up to exploring even more of this stunning region — think Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Yellowstone, Canyonlands… the list goes on.
With a multi-day excursion, you can sit back and relax as someone else takes care of all the transport and logistics (which, in this part of the country, can get a little tricky if you attack it solo). Plus, friendly and knowledgeable tour guides are always on hand, diving into the fascinating history behind the parks and their landmarks.
Not only do multi-day trips from Las Vegas allow you to see much more of the area, but they also give you a chance to experience other activities (beyond just driving and hiking). Depending on which trip tickles your fancy, you could find yourself horseback riding, revving through the rocky landscapes on ATV tours, river rafting, and even stargazing under the moonlight at campsites in the wilderness.
Bryce Canyon 2-day trips
Giving you more breathing room compared to a single-day trip, a 2-day tour combines all the quintessential Bryce Canyon sights with some extra time to explore off-the-beaten-path trails and viewpoints.
Generally speaking, 2-day trips follow one of two different itineraries. Either they’ll focus exclusively on Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, or they’ll be more of a grand circle tour that includes other Utah and Arizona highlights like Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
In the former case, expect to spend around a day at each park (and in some cases even an extra night) with a comfortable night sleep in the charming small town of Kanab, Utah.
However, if you’re seeking a more comprehensive experience, and want to cram in as many national parks and landmarks as possible, then a grand circle-style tour could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Fast-paced with early morning starts, you’ll usually check off Bryce Canyon and Zion on day 1 before crossing the border to Arizona where Antelope, Horseshoe and the Grand Canyon await on day 2.
The Grand Canyon needs no introduction; Horseshoe Bend is one of America’s most postcard-worthy attractions, and Antelope’s bright orange slot canyons (which have been carved out by rainwater for millions of years) make you feel like you’re on another planet.
Bryce Canyon 3-day trips
Managing to squeeze a lot of sightseeing in, yet without feeling too rushed or exhausting, a 3-day tour of Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas sells itself as the ideal balance (so long as you have the time up your sleeve.
These tours are often in the same general circle style as a 2-day tour — checking off the likes of Zion National Park, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon — but with an extra night’s stay at either the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park or the Grand Canyon.
While each tour might differ slightly in the order, the typical itinerary goes something like this: one day one, you’ll drive from Vegas in the morning and spend the day at Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, with a possible stop at Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument thrown in. Day two crosses the border down to Arizona where you’ll wander through Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley before ending up at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Finally, day three consists of a sunrise at the Grand Canyon followed by some free time in Sedona before you make it back to Las Vegas (via Route 66!) by nightfall.
While each company’s schedule will have its own unique features — a cruise on Lake Powell or a helicopter flight at the Grand Canyon, for example — the moral of the story remains the same: on a 3-day tour, you’ll be seeing some of the most jaw-dropping and iconic landscapes America has to offer.
Bryce Canyon 7-day trips
The full monty. The big kahuna. The granddaddy of all Vegas-based national park excursions. However you want to look at it, the 7-day Bryce Canyon (and surroundings) adventure is the ultimate way to experience this breathtaking slice of the US.
The premise of such a long, highlight-filled tour isn’t to spend a week in Bryce Canyon and call it a wrap. It’s to meander through the Southwest and take in all of the region’s most iconic landscapes, exploring the likes of Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon — even Yellowstone depending on your tour of choice — along the way.
Of all the week-long adventures on the menu, two potential itineraries stand out:
- The first is the “7-days Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Canyon South Rim” tour.
Beginning in Las Vegas, naturally, you’ll head out to Utah’s trio of highlights — Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Parks.
As if that wasn’t enough nature for one trip, you’ll then be treated to a sunset Hummer tour in Canyonlands before venturing south to explore the intricately carved rock formations of Monument Valley.
The tour winds up with a couple of rewarding hikes — one in the world’s most famous slot canyon (Antelope Canyon), and another from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon deep into its core. A thrilling helicopter ride is the optional cherry on top.
- The second most popular tour — the 7-day Bryce Canyon, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone 7-day adventure — takes an entirely different, equally spectacular route.
Focusing on truly appreciating the great outdoors with 6 nights of camping spread across Yellowstone, the Rocky Mountains, Bryce Canyon and more, this tour is perfect for avid outdoor enthusiasts.
Taking a northern route up to Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, the tour shows off a far less traveled portion of the country, checking off sites like Grand Teton National Park and the unique geothermal features of Yellowstone. With a few more highlights including Salt Lake City, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, the 600-foot-high Bridal Veil Falls, and the Mammoth Hot Springs, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Private Bryce Canyon tours
If all of the landmarks mentioned in this nature-blessed region take your fancy — the rugged mountain ranges, the deep canyons, the hiking trails and the picturesque waterfalls — but you prefer a more intimate and personalized experience, then a private Bryce Canyon tour from Las Vegas may be the right move.
Leaving the selfie stick-wielding tourists behind and focusing exclusively on what matters most – you – private tours have the flexibility and the freedom to stray off the beaten path, spend more time at your favorite viewpoints, or even combine a few national parks of your choosing into one trip.
Like most Las Vegas private tours, you also have the advantage of customizing your daily itineraries to fit your interests. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, your guide can take you on a more challenging hike or even arrange for a helicopter tour over the breathtaking landscapes. For families with young children, your guide can suggest easier routes and activities, and make sure there’s more time for breaks and snacks, for example.
Plus, you’ll have the luxury of being accompanied by your very own experienced guide who’ll be sharing their deep knowledge and many stories about this stunning area.
Take your pick from day drips, 3-day adventures that also visit the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, or a 6-day trip that includes Zion, Bryce, Antelope, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and more. Whichever you choose, rest assured that you’ll be in for the experience of a lifetime.
What will you see in Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon is a treasure trove of natural landscapes. Its hoodoos, narrow canyons, and towering cliffs are stunning, and its adventure opportunities (think hiking, horseback riding, and off-road adventures) are endless. Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive landmarks and activities on the menu.
Incredible lookouts points
With the likes of Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon boasts a plethora of top-notch overlooks.
At most of the viewpoints, you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping vistas of the canyon and its unique rocky formations.
For the pick of the bunch, head to Rainbow Point – at 9,115 feet above sea level, it’s the highest lookout in the area.
Fascinating hoodoos
Hoodoo formations are a rare sight around the world, making them an absolute must-see in Bryce Canyon National Park.
One of the most famous hoodoos in the park is Thor’s Hammer, a towering 150-foot pillar that resembles its namesake.
Queen Victoria (seen on the Queen’s Garden Trail), The Hunter (at Agua Canyon) and Wall Street (a collection of dozens with a narrow slot canyon through the middle) are also worth checking out.
Challenging but rewarding hiking trails
Bryce Canyon is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy and scenic to challenging and adrenaline-pumping.
If you prefer something low-key, any of the rim trails (such as the Navajo Loop Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point walk) will give you a taste of the canyon’s beauty.
But if you’re hoping for something a little more daring, try the Peek-A-Boo Loop or Fairyland Loop for a full day of adventure.
The Queens Garden Trail, Navajo Loop Trail and Fairyland Loop are some of the most iconic routes in the park, boasting stunning views of hoodoos and
The Bryce Canyon Scenic drive
Covering 18 miles and boasting more viewpoints than any other road in the park, the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is a fantastic way to get your bearings and soak up the beauty of the canyon – especially if you’re sure on time
You can drive it yourself, or hop on one of the park’s free shuttle buses to take you between viewpoints and trailheads. Including time to stop at the lookouts, expect the entire drive to take 2-3 hours.
How much does a Bryce Canyon tour from Las Vegas cost?
The price of a Bryce Canyon tour from Las Vegas starts at as little as US$140 per person but will vary substantially depending on the type and length of the tour you choose.
For something short and sweet, a day trip to Bryce Canyon costs anywhere from US$140-US$320 per person, generally increasing in price the smaller your group size. Private day trips are more expensive, usually varying between US$300 and US$600 per person, depending on how many people are in your group (the more people in your booking, the cheaper the individual cost).
Multi-day tours of Bryce Canyon and the surrounding region will typically cost more, but are often better value for money. A 2-day tour, for example, usually costs between US$400-US$600 per person; 3-day tours hover between US$500 and US$1,000. Private multi-day tours are also available — the private 3-day tour of Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon costs US$9,000. per group of up to 8 people, for example.
Finally, the epic 7-day journeys can cost upwards of US$1,800 per person.
How to book Bryce Canyon tours from Las Vegas?
First thing’s first, Vegas visitors; the best way to book a Bryce Canyon tour isn’t to do so when you’re already in Sin City. Demand for tours is high, as you can imagine, so it’s best to book your chosen tour online, well in advance.
But with so many different tour companies, itineraries, and prices to choose from, how exactly do you know which is the best Bryce Canyon tour for you?
That’s where the TourScanner search platform comes in. The trusted online platform invites you to compare ALL the tours that are happening while you’re in town. It also shows which tours are discounted, and allows you to read reviews from past customers to help you get a real feel for the ins and outs of the adventure.
Prices can vary from one website to another. So instead of spending hours comparing different options, TourScanner has compiled all the information you need in one convenient location.
Bryce Canyon opening hours
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. You don’t have to reserve your entrance ahead of time either – so long as you’ve got your access pass (your tour guide will usually take care of this), you can enter the Park whenever you want.
The Bryce Canyon Visitor Center is open from 8am to 8pm in the summer, 8am to 6pm in the spring and fall, and 8am to 4.30pm in the winter.
Keep in mind that certain parts of the park may close temporarily if it gets snowy in the winter. While guided tours will take care of the logistics for you, if you’re traveling independently, make sure to have a quick look at the website (or pop into the visitor center) for the most up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon?
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is roughly from May to September, when the sun beats down warmest. This is when days are longer and most of the facilities (and nearby businesses) are open.
Being the best time of the year, this is also peak tourist season, so be prepared for slightly larger crowds (although it won’t feel anywhere near as packed as Vegas proper).
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider paying the park a visit in the shoulder seasons; between March and April or October and November.
During the winter months, snow can occasionally sprinkle over the canyon. It’s a beautiful sight to see, no doubt, but it also means that some trails and roads may be closed due to the weather. If you do visit during winter, make sure to double-check the park’s website for any restrictions — and remember, you’ll have a few hours less of sunlight, so you’ll need to squeeze a little more into the days.
Travel tips
- Since it’s quite a long drive from Sin City to Bryce Canyon, you might want to consider an overnight tour — that way you can take your time and get a better feel for the place.
If you’re visiting in the peak season and NOT taking a guided tour, be sure to book your accommodation and transfers well ahead of time. - Thanks to its proximity to several other parks in the area – Zion, Arches, and Grand Canyon, to name a few – a multi-day tour is worth considering. Not only do you get to see more of what this spectacular part of the States has to offer, but you’ll also get much more bang for your buck.
- Remember that the park is located at a high elevation (around 8,000 feet above sea level), so bring an extra layer in case it gets a little chilly.
- Last but not least, with so many different tour companies selling Bryce Canyon adventures, make sure to check the TourScanner search engine — this way, you can save hours of research and guarantee that you’re getting the best deal possible.