Flying into Las Vegas, the neon lights and the buzz of the Strip greet you. But before you get ready for the city’s famous nightlife, take a moment to explore. Make your way through the streets of Vegas, stop by Caesars Palace for a bit of glamour, or visit the shops for some retail therapy. And for breakfast? You can't miss Kitchen Table. Their Monkey Bread is a must-try, warm, gooey, and perfect with a cup of coffee. It’s the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for your adventure ahead.

Once you're fed and ready to hit the road, it’s time to leave the city behind and begin your journey toward Zion National Park. But before you arrive, we recommend a detour through the Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas.

The Valley of Fire is an amazing desert landscape known for its dramatic red sandstone formations. Named after the vibrant colors of its rocks that seem to glow, especially during sunset, it’s a place where the earth feels alive.

Drive through the park and you’ll be surrounded by fiery red rocks that twist and turn, creating an almost alien-like terrain. This park is a photographer’s dream. You’ll get shots that are perfect for your travel journal or Instagram feed. The way the light hits the rocks gives you an unforgettable scene.

If you're up for a short hike, take the Fire Wave Trail to capture those incredible sweeping views of the rock formations.

After enjoying the beauty of the Valley of Fire, we continued our journey to Zion National Park. During the winter months, Zion feels like a hidden gem, removed from the crowds that flock to the park during peak season. The winter chill makes the air feel fresher and the landscape even more breathtaking.

During the day, don’t miss the Canyon Overlook Trail, a short but spectacular hike that offers some of the best panoramic views of Zion Canyon. This trail is just under a mile long, but you can find incredible sights. As you make your way up, the trail winds through a series of switchbacks, providing you with awe-inspiring vistas as you climb higher. From the viewpoint at the end, you’ll look down into Zion Canyon, which plunges over 2,000 feet deep. The canyon was carved over millions of years by the Virgin River, and its walls of Navajo sandstone stand tall and majestic around you. The views are unlike anything else. It’s the perfect hike for us to stretch our legs, and get a glimpse of the grandeur of the park.

One of the most unique experiences in Zion is staying at the Zion Lodge, located right inside the park. When the day-trippers leave and the sun dips below the horizon, the park transforms into your own private sanctuary.

As the light faded, we ventured out in the car, driving deeper into the canyon. When we stepped out, the darkness was so intense, that we couldn’t even see our hands in front of our faces. It was as if the night had swallowed us whole. We stood there, stunned by the absolute stillness, and looked up at the sky. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens, its stars shining brighter than we ever imagined possible. It was a humbling sight, one that felt almost surreal. Then, out of the silence, a distant coyote’s howl echoed through the valley, sending us jumping back into the car with wide eyes and quick hearts.

That raw, untamed moment is what makes Zion at night so magical, eerily quiet yet filled with wonder, a perfect blend of peace and excitement.

On your way from Zion to Bryce, make sure to stop at Dixie National Forest. The forest offers a beautiful contrast of vibrant red rocks and greenery, perfect for those perfect photo ops. You’ll find rock formations that make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world. This is an absolutely perfect place to pull over, stretch your legs, and snap a few shots. The rugged landscape and the silence of the forest will make it one of the highlights of your drive.

As you go, you’ll spot tons of epic rock formations and cool plateaus perfect for exploring and snapping pics. We even spent some time laying on those beautiful rock plateaus, soaking in the warm sun rays, feeling the peaceful serenity of the place as the cool mountain air kissed our skin. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon takes just two hours, but the scenery? Totally different worlds.

Fun fact: Bryce isn’t actually a canyon. It’s a massive collection of natural amphitheaters carved into the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Sitting at a sky-high elevation (8,000–9,000 feet), it’s home to those funky, otherworldly rock spires called hoodoos, shaped by millions of years of frost-wedging and erosion.

Winter in Bryce is pure magic. Picture those wild hoodoos dusted in snow, the deep red rock popping against bright white powder. It’s a scene straight out of a dream, and trust me, it’ll stick with you forever.

One of the best ways to explore? The Queen’s Garden Trail. It takes you right into the canyon for unreal up-close views of the snow-covered hoodoos. But heads up, those trails can get super slick, so make sure you’ve got some solid hiking boots!

Oh, and before you go? A snowball fight on the plateau is definitely a must :)

Pack microspikes: Winter hikes can be icy, so make sure to have microspikes for your boots to stay safe on slippery trails.
Dress in layers: The mornings and evenings can be chilly, but the afternoons often warm up, so layering is key to staying comfortable throughout the day.
Bring a warm drink: There’s nothing better than sipping hot coffee or tea while soaking in the beautiful winter scenery.

Our winter road trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon?
Absolute next level. From the neon lights of Vegas to the peaceful silence of Zion Valley at night, every moment of this journey offered us something unique. Winter is hands down the best time to explore these parks. No crowds, just pure adventure. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Just be aware that some trails in the National Parks might be closed due to icy conditions!


Info Links:

Visit Utah

Zion Lodge

Zion National Park

Dixie National Forest

Bryce Canyon

Valley of Fire