Leave the Strip behind and explore Zion National Park on a guided day trip from Las Vegas. Choose from small group hiking excursions or combination tours that also visit Bryce Canyon.
Free Cancellation Visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks on a guided day trip from Las Vegas to see Utah's iconic rock formations.
Free Cancellation Trade the Vegas Strip for a full day of guided hiking and red-rock views in Zion National Park.
Free Cancellation Zion National Park Small Group Tour from Las Vegas
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Zion — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Trading the neon lights of Las Vegas for the towering red rock cliffs of Zion National Park is a massive shift in scenery. Day tours typically handle the nearly three-hour drive each way, taking you straight into the heart of Utah's oldest national park to explore deep canyons, massive sandstone monoliths, and scenic river walks.
Your tour bus or van will likely drive along this historic route. It features dramatic switchbacks, sweeping canyon views, and a passage through a massive 1920s tunnel carved straight through the rock.
A striking geological formation you'll spot right from the road. The massive sandstone hill features unique vertical and horizontal fissures that make it look exactly like a giant checkerboard.
Many tours stop at the Temple of Sinawava for this easy, paved 2.2-mile trail. You'll stroll alongside the Virgin River through a lush canyon oasis filled with hanging gardens.
A quick, highly accessible viewpoint showcasing three towering sandstone peaks named after biblical figures. It is a classic photo opportunity highlighting the sheer scale of Zion's canyon walls.
If you book a dual-park tour, you will also visit Bryce Canyon in the same day. You'll contrast Zion's deep river valleys with Bryce's high-elevation amphitheater of bright orange hoodoos.
Planning a day trip from Las Vegas to Zion requires a bit of preparation, especially regarding pickup logistics, park fees, and the long travel time.
You can choose between small-group van tours focusing solely on Zion with moderate hiking, or larger bus tours that combine Zion and Bryce Canyon into a single 13-hour day trip.
Be prepared for an early start. Most tours begin picking up guests from major Las Vegas Strip hotels (like Bellagio, Excalibur, and Treasure Island) between 5:50 AM and 6:30 AM.
If you are not a U.S. resident, be aware of a new National Park Service policy. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older must pay an additional $100 entrance surcharge per person, collected on-site.
Most guided day tours from Vegas include bottled water, snacks, and a provided lunch. It is still highly recommended to bring your own refillable water bottle, as the desert climate is extremely dry.
Space on tour vehicles is limited. You are generally allowed one small backpack per person. Extra luggage usually requires advance notice and a $10 fee paid directly to the tour staff.
Dress in layers to handle cool mornings and hot desert afternoons. Wear comfortable, high-grip walking shoes, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunglasses.
Children are welcome, and infants under 2 can usually ride free on an adult's lap. Note that Nevada/Utah state law requires children under 6 to have a booster seat, which you may need to provide.
Most major tour operators offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund.
| Zion & Bryce Combo Tour | Zion Small Group Hiking Tour | Standard Zion Day Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 13 hours | 10-11 hours | 10-12 hours |
| Best for | Seeing maximum landscapes in one day | Deep exploration and moderate hiking | Budget travelers wanting basic transport |
| Includes | Lunch, WiFi, Madame Tussauds tickets | Lunch, snacks, water, hotel pickup | Round-trip transport, driver-guide |
| Price from | $184 | $148 | $149 |
Park Hours: Zion National Park is officially open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.
Facility Hours: Operating hours for visitor services vary by season. Generally, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Information Desk is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Zion Forever Park Store operates from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the Wilderness Desk is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Tunnel Access: If you are traveling in a large vehicle or RV, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel requires a ranger escort, which is only available from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
From Las Vegas: The drive from Las Vegas to Zion is approximately 163 miles and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car or tour bus. You take Interstate 15 North toward Salt Lake City, exit 27 for UT-17 toward Toquerville, and follow UT-9 East directly into Springdale and the park's south entrance.
Tour Pickups: If booking a tour, operators typically pick up from designated rideshare or bus areas at major Strip hotels, such as the Excalibur, MGM Grand, Bellagio, and Treasure Island, starting around 6:00 AM.
Ideal Months: The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best times to visit. October and November are particularly stunning as autumn colors peak and the massive summer crowds begin to thin out. June is the best time if you plan to hike water trails like The Narrows, as it is the driest month.
Months to Avoid: July through September is the peak summer season but also the most difficult time to visit. Temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and frequent monsoon thunderstorms create severe flash flood dangers in the slot canyons.
Facilities & Transport: The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is fully accessible with tactile exhibits and accessible restrooms. The free Zion Canyon Shuttle is equipped with a lift that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs per bus.
Accessible Trails: The Pa'rus Trail is a paved, 3.5-mile path ideal for wheelchairs and strollers, offering flat walking along the Virgin River. The 2.2-mile Riverside Walk is also paved, though some natural terrain may require assistance.
Vehicle Permits: Visitors with specific medical needs can request a 'Yellow Permit' at the visitor center, allowing them to drive their personal vehicles on the scenic drive even during shuttle season.
Parking: The Zion Canyon Visitor Center has over 350 parking spaces, but they typically fill up completely by 8:00 AM during peak season. Overflow parking is available in the town of Springdale for $15 to $25 per day, where you can catch the free Springdale shuttle to the park entrance.
Food & Water: The Zion Lodge offers dining options inside the park. Because the desert environment is extremely dry, there are multiple water refill stations located at the visitor centers, campgrounds, and select shuttle stops. Bring a reusable gallon jug or large bottles.
The drive is about 163 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes each way. Most day tours from Vegas factor in a quick rest stop along Interstate 15 to break up the journey.
Most tours include the standard commercial entrance fee in the ticket price. However, as of a recent NPS policy, non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older are required to pay an additional $100 surcharge on-site.
Tours start very early to maximize time in the park. Hotel pickups along the Las Vegas Strip usually begin between 5:50 AM and 6:30 AM.
Generally, no. Hiking Angels Landing requires a pre-arranged permit from the National Park Service and takes 4 to 5 hours, which does not fit into the fixed schedule of a standard day tour.
While full hikes deep into The Narrows require specialized gear and a full day, many tours stop at the Riverside Walk. This allows you to see the entrance of the slot canyon and wade in the edges of the Virgin River if conditions permit.
Yes, many of the small group and combo tours include a boxed lunch, snacks, and bottled water. You can check the specific inclusions of your chosen tour before booking.
Space is highly limited. Guests are usually restricted to one small backpack or day bag. If you need to bring a suitcase, you must request it in advance and pay an extra fee, usually around $10.
Yes, children are welcome. Infants under 2 can usually join for free if they sit on an adult's lap. Keep in mind that local laws require children under 6 to use a booster seat, which you may need to provide.
Dress in comfortable layers, as desert mornings are cold but afternoons can exceed 100 degrees in the summer. Sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
Yes, there are popular 13-hour combo tours that visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park in a single day. These are fast-paced but great for seeing maximum scenery if you are short on time.
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