Looking for a way to explore multiple national parks while basing yourself in one convenient location?
Zion National Park is a good hub for visiting some of the Southwest’s most stunning landscapes. Staying in Virgin or other towns near Zion National Park puts you close to the park’s main attractions while keeping other parks, monuments and state parks within an easy driving distance. By planning day trips or multi-day routes from this central spot, you can see more without spending all your time on the road. With a little guidance on distances, drive times and must-see stops, a stay near Zion can turn into a full Southwest adventure covering some of the most scenic parks in the country.
What Are the Closest National Parks to Zion?
The closest national parks and monuments to Zion National Park are all within easy driving distance, making it a great base for exploring the Southwest. Bryce Canyon is about 1.5 hours away, the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is roughly 2 hours, Cedar Breaks National Monument takes around 60 minutes and Grand Staircase-Escalante is just 30 minutes from Zion’s east entrance. For longer day trips, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell are also reachable from a Zion base.
National Parks Near Zion: The Mighty Five and Beyond
Zion National Park sits at the center of one of the Southwest’s richest collections of scenic landscapes. It makes it a good base for exploring multiple parks and monuments. From Virgin, it’s easy to plan day trips or short multi-day excursions with a focus on drive times, must-see stops and comfortable lodging. This area of Utah and northern Arizona is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, from towering hoodoos to deep canyons and high-elevation amphitheaters.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos and Amphitheaters
Just 75–85 miles from Zion, Bryce Canyon is about a 1.5-hour drive via UT-9. Known for the world’s largest collection of hoodoos, this park offers unforgettable landscapes and outdoor adventures. Highlights include the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden trails, as well as scenic viewpoints like Bryce Point and Inspiration Point. For a day trip from Virgin, it’s best to leave early in the morning and plan to return in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay. Stargazing here is also spectacular, thanks to the clear night skies.
Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim: Epic Views
Roughly 120 miles from Zion, the North Rim offers a quieter, more rugged alternative to the South Rim, with sweeping views and fewer crowds. Drive times are about two hours, making it feasible for a long day trip, though staying overnight in Virgin makes the experience more relaxed. Popular viewpoints include Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal and Point Imperial. Keep in mind the North Rim is seasonal, typically open from mid-May through mid-October, so check the National Park Service website for current dates.
Capitol Reef National Park: The Hidden Gem
Located around 120 miles from Zion via Scenic Byway 12, Capitol Reef takes roughly 3 hours to reach. It’s a lesser-known park celebrated for the Waterpocket Fold, scenic drives, historic orchards and petroglyphs. Must-see stops include the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and a visit to the Gifford Homestead for their famous pies. Capitol Reef works well for a day trip or an overnight stay in nearby Torrey for a longer itinerary.
While Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef are all within a few hours drive, the other two of Utah’s Mighty Five, Arches and Canyonlands, are farther away, around five to six hours from Zion. They’re fantastic destinations for a longer road trip or extended Southwest adventure, but they don’t fit into quick day trips from a Virgin base.
National Monuments & State Parks Near Zion National Park
Beyond the major national parks, the region is packed with stunning national monuments and state parks that are often less crowded but just as striking. Many of these spots are perfect for shorter day trips or as stops on a multi-park route.
Cedar Breaks National Monument: The Mini Bryce
About 55 miles from Zion, roughly a one-hour drive, Cedar Breaks features a massive natural amphitheater similar to Bryce Canyon but at a higher elevation of over 10,000 feet. Summer brings colorful wildflowers, and trails like Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook offer breathtaking views. The dark skies also make this a great spot for stargazing.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: A Vast Wilderness
The edge of Grand Staircase-Escalante is just 25 miles from Zion’s east entrance, or about a 30-minute drive. This immense, rugged landscape is great for adventurous travelers seeking slot canyons and unique geology. Popular areas include Zebra Slot Canyon and Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulches, though some sections may require high-clearance vehicles or more planning.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Fun in the Sand
Approximately 30 miles from the east side of Zion, around 45 minutes drive, Coral Pink Sand Dunes features striking coral-colored dunes perfect for sandboarding, sledding or off-road adventures. It’s a fun stop to break up a road trip between Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Snow Canyon State Park: Volcanic Landscapes & Red Rock
Located near St. George, about 50 miles or an hour from Zion, Snow Canyon offers a unique mix of red Navajo sandstone and black lava rock. Trails like Jenny’s Canyon, lava tubes and petrified dunes provide accessible hikes for all skill levels.
Other Notable Stops
- Valley of Fire State Park (NV) – Red sandstone formations and petroglyphs.
- Gunlock State Park (UT) – A smaller reservoir park perfect for a quiet break.
- Quail Creek State Park (UT) – Water-based recreation near Hurricane, UT.
- Pipe Spring National Monument (UT) – Historic pioneer and Native American site along the route to the Grand Canyon North Rim.
Planning Your Multi-Park Adventure
Planning a trip to multiple parks from Zion takes a little preparation, but the payoff is worth it. Spring and fall are good times to visit, offering mild weather and smaller crowds. If your route includes the Grand Canyon North Rim, keep in mind it’s only open seasonally, usually from mid-May through mid-October.
An America the Beautiful Pass is a smart investment if visiting several national parks and monuments. It covers entry fees and can save time and money along the way. For lodging, Virgin is the most convenient base, putting you just minutes from Zion’s main canyon. Kanab and St. George are also good options for extended trips or if you’re planning to hit the North Rim or Capitol Reef.
When it comes to driving, it’s important to plan for the remote stretches between parks. Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel, bring plenty of water and snacks, and download offline maps in case cell service is spotty. Some destinations, like parts of Grand Staircase-Escalante, may require a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle, so check road conditions before heading out. With a little planning, exploring the parks near Zion can be smooth, safe and full of unforgettable scenery.
Virgin, Utah is the perfect home base for exploring the incredible parks and monuments of the greater Southwest. Staying at The Riv puts you just minutes from Zion National Park, making it easy to plan day trips to Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon North Rim, Capitol Reef and nearby state parks and monuments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest national parks to Zion?
The closest parks and monuments to Zion include Bryce Canyon National Park (~1.5 hours), Grand Canyon North Rim (~2 hours), Cedar Breaks National Monument (~60 minutes) and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (~30 minutes). Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell are farther but can work for longer day trips.
Is Bryce Canyon close to Zion National Park?
Yes. Bryce Canyon is about 75–85 miles from Zion, which usually takes around 1.5 hours to drive via UT-9. It’s a popular day-trip option from Virgin.
Which part of the Grand Canyon is closest to Zion?
The Grand Canyon North Rim is the closest section to Zion, about 120 miles away, or roughly a 2-hour drive. It offers a quieter, less crowded experience than the South Rim.
How far is Antelope Canyon from Zion?
Antelope Canyon is about 125 miles from Zion, which takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to drive. It’s doable as part of a longer day trip or as a stop on a multi-day Southwest adventure.
Can you do Zion and Bryce in one day?
Technically, yes, but it’s very rushed. Leaving early in the morning can give you time for a quick hike in Zion and a visit to Bryce Canyon, but spending a day in each makes the experience far more enjoyable and relaxed.
