Take the short spur trail at the halfway point to Tower Bridge. It has been named by Forbes as one of America's best snowy drives, and it was named by our sister publication Backpacker magazine as a favorite "Wild Roads.". And this is the place for relaxation, surrounded by some of Utahs most stunning landscapes. for things that we could have easily packed and brought from home, but didnt. Were so happy that our guide helped you to have a wonderful time. The overlook is located just past Mile 6 on the Scenic Drive, at an elevation of 7998 feet. Some of these trees measure more than 5 feet in diameter and exceed heights of 150 feet. This means a total of $70 for the two parks. Utilizziamo i cookie per personalizzare contenuti e annunci, per fornire funzionalit sui social media e per analizzare il nostro traffico. The last stop we will mention before going through the Carmel Tunnel and arriving in the Zion Valley is the scenic Overlook Trail. Scenic Byway 12 winds east-west through the heart of Bryce Canyon Country, leading travelers through some of the most remote and awe-inspiring scenery in southern Utah. It's creepily beautiful (and it costs a fraction of the airfare to France). The elevation is 8100 feet, about 200 feet lower than Bryce Point. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The parking area is located just a mile from Carmel Junction. All the viewpoints along the Southern Scenic Drive are located a very short walk from their parking lots, so no hiking is required to enjoy this trip. Published April 6, 2022. With a 500-mile span all the way from Idaho to Arizona, the highway brings you to the heart of unique cultural, Twelve miles outside of Bryce Canyon National Park on Scenic Byway 12, Red Canyon beckons with a similar red rock landscape. or the sun rise. The full paved road in North America climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 27 miles, with breathtaking views around every bend. Utah - Scenic Drives 9 reviews 10 helpful votes Scenic drive snow Jan 25, 2023, 4:34 AM Save Given the current snow levels what is the likelihood of the scenic drive being reopened for the 7th feb? Grocery. Below are all the things to see and do along this scenic detour between Bryce Canyon and Zion NP in the order that you will discover them. All rights reserved. Bryce Canyon National Park At-A-Glance 2. From many vantage points you can frame rich green, Ponderosa pine trees through the arch. Along this section of the main road are 9 scenic overlooks that display a lesser-seenbeauty of Bryce Canyon. Astle Valley, Utah, is a peaceful haven just 20 miles north of the bustling metropolis of Moab. If possible, plan an overnight visit to wake up to a perfect mirror-reflection of sunrise at Aspen-Mirror Lake. The route is only 2.5 hours from Chicago and only a hop, skip, and a jump from Dubuque, making it an ideal day trip or weekend escape. La Sal Mountains Highway 191. Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Bryce Canyon, UT. The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. After seeing Bryce Canyon National Park, you may not be quite as impressed at first glance. This section quickly covers these frequently asked questions. So is it still possible to drive from Bryce to Zion as described? We traveled to Bryce from Zion and it was a scenic 80 mile drive that we easily drove in under two hours. Eventually, Byway 12 will end at the junction of Highway 89. Furthermore, there is no easier way to summit a 14er. After passing through Cedar Breaks, continue onward toward Duck Creek admiring the mountainous beauty before returning to Hwy 89. But if you can handle the chill, the amphitheaters that make up the park are stunning in winter, with snow highlighting red tones saturated by snowmelt. While the Visitor Center is situated at 7,894 ft (2,406 m), Rainbow and Yovimpa Points exceed 9,000 ft (2,743 m). We parked and walked along the paved section of the trail that overlooked the Bryce Amphitheater. Click here or on the image below to open the Google Map. Bryce Canyon National Park - Visit Utah The smaller canyon is located just to the right of this large slot. Drive Distance: 4 minutes, 3 miles from Mount Carmel JunctionHike Distance: 1-5 miles roundtrip, depending on desired distance. Enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas, as well as plenty of possibilities for outdoor activity and downtime. Keyword Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours Reset Show on Map It is located by Mile 2 of the Scenic Drive. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Bryce Canyon isn't the only National Park accessible from Bryce Canyon Country. Cottonwood Canyon Road is a scenic, unpaved road that travels through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Visit our Accessibility page for more information. During winter the cave is filled with giant icicles. Driving Directions to Bryce Canyon, UT including road conditions, live traffic updates, and reviews of local businesses along the way. This stop overlooks Ponderosa Canyon which is named for the Ponderosa pine trees on the canyon floor growing taller than 150 feet in height. Before reading about each of the must-see stops on your road trip from Bryce Canyon NP to Zion, it may be helpful to orient yourself with the map below. (Photo by, Hells Backbone Bridge is pictured here. Directions to Bryce Canyon, UT . Drive Distance: 7 minutes, 5 miles north of Mount Carmel JunctionHike Distance: 2 miles roundtrip. Whenever you think you see one, hike the creek wash and you will likely discover one! Fortunately, there are a collection of other, smaller slot canyons located along the Pine Creek wash that can easily be explored by foot. The Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway run from Golden, in the foothills of the Rockies, past the friendly historic communities of Evergreen and Morrison. Julesburg State Wildlife Area offers hunting opportunities nearby. Unless you are trying to visit both national parks in a weekend, there is too much to see and do between Bryce Canyon and Zion to simply drive from one to the next. Bryce Canyon National Park Scenic Drive Easy 4.5 (415) Bryce Canyon National Park Photos (1,068) Directions Print/PDF map Length 20.6 miElevation gain 2,375 ftRoute type Point to point Head out on this 20.6-mile point-to-point trail near Tropic, Utah. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. 2 hours to Half Day. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Naturalist Kid Scavenger Hunt in Bryce Canyon, 3 reasons now is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon, A Long Weekend in Bryce Canyon for the Family. 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Final Thoughts on Driving from Bryce Canyon to Zion NP, Enjoyed this road trip guide from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park? *If you are as fascinated as we are by these natural marvels, check out our comprehensive guide to Utah Slot Canyons.*. It has been named by Forbes as one of Americas best snowy drives, and it was named by our sister publicationBackpacker magazine as a favorite Wild Roads.. Bryce Canyon is the southwestern origin of this two-lane ribbon through the yellows, whites, greens, oranges and reds of Southern Utah. Be aware that they are also known as the Huntress Slot Canyons and even Dianas Throne. Most of you will need to walk this section by foot. A circle of upright boulders forms a natural entrance called Devils Kitchen. Smoky Mountain Road in Southern Utah - AllTrips Road Trip Route Planner, Map and Trip Guides | Roadtrippers Signup for a free account to create custom itineraries, collaborate with friends, and save your favorite spots! The Belly of the Dragon tunnel was constructed to be a water drainage for Highway 89. The first three miles are around the Bryce Amphitheater. What You Need to Know About Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive 3. Not only will your day be very fast-paced, making it difficult to truly enjoy the parks, you will also miss all the incredible stops between Bryce Canyon and Zion. The name is a bit confusing because the viewpoint is surrounded by a forest of Blue Spruce and Douglas-fir trees. Bryce Canyon National Park's 18-mile scenic drive winds north-south through the park, ascending more than 1,000 feet to its highest elevation of 9,115 feet at Rainbow Point. Advertisement. The main road through Bryce Canyon National Park is an 18 mile (one-way) Scenic Drive with 13 viewpoints. Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and Overlooks - Parkcation Destination Abajo Mountains Alta Ski Area Bear Lake Beaver Blanding Boulder Mountain Brian Head Brian Head Resort Brigham City Brighton Bryce Canyon NP Canyonlands NP Canyons Resort Capitol Reef NP Cedar . It truly is an incredible part of the world! Here are 5 things you've gotta see on your trip to Bryce. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. We recommend taking the paved stretch of the road at least for a closer look. Parking is ample and no hike is required, but it is unlikely to hold your attention for more than a couple minutes. Bryces geology is very different. This ancient path was well-traveled by traders, gold seekers, and fur trappers seeking their fortunes in the west. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Experience both rides for $16.00 (must ride both in the same day) Drive Distance: 12 minutes, 11.5 miles from Mount Carmel JunctionHike Distance: Very challenging 0.5 mile roundtrip (but can be seen from the road). This visit to Bryce ended up being a perfect day for us and we were so glad that we got to experience the park in all its glory. Keyword. Highway 14 skirts Cedar Breaks National Monument and Navajo Lake while Highway 12 runs through Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Boulder Mountain, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park. Julesburg was the lone Pony Express home station in Colorado Territory in 1860. Most travelers have the same questions regarding the journey from Bryce Canyon to Zion. Whether you have elected to take the detour to Dixie National Forest or taken the direct route, you will inevitably end up back on Highway 89 headed south toward Mount Carmel Junction. The entire trail is less than a mile in total, with the Arches Trail loop itself totaling about half a mile. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Some of the majestic scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park can be seen by auto touring, no hiking needed. Bryce Canyon National Park is relatively small and you can see the highlights in one full day, including the 13 vantage points along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and maybe do a short hike or two. Once on Monument Road, you enter the beautiful Colorado National Monument at the East Entrance. After a quarter mile, you will encounter telephone wires that intersect the path. By continuing to use our site, you consent to such use of cookies. Yovimpa And Rainbow Points 4.2. Sandstone arches, columns, buttresses and pinnacles foreshadowed the great European cathedrals at a grander scale. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. However, based on a little research it seems that dogs are permitted at most of the sites around Carmel Junction and outside of the National Parks. Alternatively, if you want to give canyoneering a try, this Rappelling Slot Canyon & UTV Tour will take you on a rappelling adventure by UTV. The vast expanses appear barren at first glance but are full of species such as coyotes, mule deer, prairie dogs, and raptors. Explore Bryce Canyon comfortably by staying at one of our favorite nearby lodging options: View other nearby hotels and campgroundshere. Scenic drives to consider in Utah are listed below. As with most national parks, you should drive all the way to the end and then explore on your way back. Both of these are located near the town of Duck Creek and are favorites for everyone from landscape photographers to anglers to picnickers. This overlook with a southern view is located on the same turnoff as Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. It has a small parking area and a multi-level overlook. Top ways to experience Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and nearby attractions Zion & Bryce Canyon: Audio Driving Tour Full-day Tours from C$20.56 per group (up to 8) The Beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park: Full-Day Audio Driving Private Tour 1 Bus Tours from C$13.70 per group (up to 15) Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon 192 Fishermen, bikers, and campers frequent the region. The parking area is not signed, but is just a small pull-off. If the erosion of Southern Utah had a gothic period, Bryce Canyon National Park would be Notre-Dame. Over two million visitors annually take the road through the park either in their own car, the park shuttle or tour bus. The Colorado National Monument is on the northern edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau. It is easy to enjoy all the views along the road, as none of them require much walking to reach. Those with the time and physical ability have a vast variety of must-see destinations on the drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion. Bryce Canyon National Park's 18-mile scenic drive winds north-south through . From this vista you can look north over much of Bryce Canyon National Park. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It begins on a sand track that is easy enough. This is the beginning of scenic Mt Carmel Highway with many hidden gems along the way. These spiky limestone pillars have been formed by water and wind erosion over millions of years. Map with 10 Best Stops on Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive 4. Do you know if most of the activities you have listed between the two parks are dog friendly? Located within a quarter mile of the parking area are two slot canyons; one true slot and one small but colorful slot canyon. The rock of the Claron Formation is rich in iron oxide minerals. What's It Like to Drive Cottonwood Canyon Road? This is the main reason to consider a detour on your way to Zion from Bryce Canyon. Swamp Canyon Viewpoint Soon enough, it dead-ends at a steep cliff wall where you will have to scramble over slick rock and climb toward the caves. Time and interest permitting, there are a handful of hikes and roadside attractions to see along the way before turning south onto Hwy 89. The National Park Service provides this explanation: "The steps are named for the dominant color of rock.