42.6 mi to Zion · 39.7 mi to Bryce Canyon
Zion+Bryce
Zion+Bryce
& Near Starlit Ridge
From easy family strolls to bucket-list canyon hikes — dozens of trails within an hour's drive of Long Valley Junction, with everything from hoodoos to slot canyons to rim-top panoramas.
🔴 Zion — Big Adventure
🟠 Bryce — Scenic & Moderate
🟢 In-Between — Rest & Explore
How to Use This Guide
🔴 Zion Day
Big adventure: hike the canyons, push your limits, start early.
🟠 Bryce Day
Scenic & moderate: sunrise views, hoodoo hikes, scenic drives.
🟢 In-Between
Rest, explore local gems, stargaze, or hot-tub at basecamp.
Each day aim for: 1 main activity · 1 optional add-on · 1 evening option. Stock up on snacks before heading in — no concession stands inside either park.
Pick your trip length
Day 1
🟢 Arrive & LocalEast Ridge hike on property · Cascade Falls (17.8 mi) · Cowboy hot tub · Stargaze
Day 2
🔴 ZionThe Narrows (Riverside Walk + river) · Canyon Overlook on the way home
Day 3
🟠 BryceSunrise at the rim · Queens Garden + Navajo Loop · Scenic Drive · Depart
Day 1
🟢 Arrive & LocalEast Ridge hike on property · Strawberry Point overlook (17.7 mi) · Hot tub · Stargaze
Day 2
🔴 ZionThe Narrows · Canyon Overlook on the drive home
Day 3
🟢 In-BetweenCascade Falls (17.8 mi) · Navajo Lake Loop (19.7 mi) · Belly of the Dragon (25.1 mi)
Day 4
🟠 BryceSunrise at the rim · Queens Garden + Navajo Loop · Red Canyon (25.6 mi) on the way home · Depart
Day 1
🟢 Arrive & LocalEast Ridge on property · Cascade Falls (17.8 mi) · Cowboy hot tub · Stargaze
Day 2
🔴 ZionThe Narrows · Canyon Overlook on the drive home
Day 3
🟠 BryceSunrise at the rim · Queens Garden + Navajo Loop · Mossy Cave sunset
Day 4
🟢 In-BetweenNavajo Lake Loop (19.7 mi) · Strawberry Point (17.7 mi) · Coral Pink Sand Dunes · Hot tub
Day 5
🔴 ZionEmerald Pools · Grafton Ghost Town · Checkerboard Mesa on the way home · Depart
Day 1
🟢 Arrive & LocalEast Ridge on property · Strawberry Point (17.7 mi) · Hot tub · Stargaze
Day 2
🔴 ZionThe Narrows · Canyon Overlook on the drive home
Day 3
🟢 In-BetweenCascade Falls (17.8 mi) · Navajo Lake Loop (19.7 mi) · Belly of the Dragon (25.1 mi) · Red Canyon (25.6 mi)
Day 4
🟠 BryceSunrise at the rim · Queens Garden + Navajo Loop · Mossy Cave sunset · Old Bryce Town
Day 5
🟢 In-BetweenCoral Pink Sand Dunes · Sand Caves · Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (Kanab) · Hot tub
Day 6
🔴 ZionEmerald Pools · Grafton Ghost Town · Checkerboard Mesa · Optional Tuacahn evening · Depart
Day 1
🟢 Arrive & LocalEast Ridge on property · Cascade Falls (17.8 mi) · Cowboy hot tub · Stargaze
Day 2
🔴 ZionThe Narrows · Canyon Overlook on the drive home
Day 3
🟠 BryceSunrise at the rim · Queens Garden + Navajo Loop · Mossy Cave sunset
Day 4
🟢 In-BetweenNavajo Lake Loop (19.7 mi) · Strawberry Point (17.7 mi) · Belly of the Dragon (25.1 mi) · Sand Caves · Hot tub
Day 5
🔴 ZionEmerald Pools · Grafton Ghost Town · Checkerboard Mesa · Tuacahn Amphitheatre evening (book ahead)
Day 6
🟢 In-BetweenCoral Pink Sand Dunes · Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (Kanab) · Willis Creek Slot Canyon · Hot tub
Day 7
🟠 BryceSouthern Scenic Drive · Tower Bridge trail · Red Canyon (25.6 mi) on the way home · Depart
🔴
Zion National Park — Adventure Days
42.6 mi · ~45 min from basecamp via US-89 & UT-9
Towering red rock canyons, the Virgin River, hanging gardens, and some of the most unique hikes in the world. Take the East Entrance via the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway for switchbacks, a tunnel, and great photo stops. Stop at the Visitor Center for maps and ranger advice. Summer heat can hit 100°F — hydration is non-negotiable. 🌤️ Best time: late spring or early fall. Summer is hot and busy; winter has fewer people but possible icy conditions.
Zion East Entrance42.6 mi · ~45 min from basecamp
Springdale / Visitor Center~70 min from basecamp via East Entrance
Shuttle SeasonMar 7 – Nov 28, 2026 · Park shuttle first bus 7 AM · Town shuttle from Springdale 8 AM · Arrive before 8 AM
Kolob Canyons~1 hr 20 min · Quieter, separate entrance
Pro TipLots fill fast — before 8 AM recommended
⭐ The Narrows — Riverside Walk
Moderate
Up to 9.4 mi
Family Friendly
Main Pick
Shuttle to Temple of Sinawava → 2-mile paved Riverside Walk → enter the Virgin River. Towering 1,000 ft canyon walls on both sides. Toddlers and grandparents can stick with the riverwalk; adults choose how far in to go.
Choose your turnaround
Easy
0.5–1 mi in river
All levels · ankle to knee deep
Moderate
Mystery Falls
~2 mi RT · stunning side waterfall
Harder
Orderville Canyon
~6 mi RT · narrow slot section
Full Day
Big Springs
~10 mi · the full experience
⚠️ Always check flash flood risk and water flow before you go — the Narrows closes when the Virgin River exceeds 150 CFS. Below 50 CFS is ideal for families. Wear waterproof sandals or closed-toe shoes + neoprene socks. Rent walking sticks from Zion Adventures or bring a trekking pole. Pack a dry shirt — wet tops get cold on the shuttle home. No bathrooms after the trailhead.
Angels Landing ⛰️
Hard
5 mi RT · 1,630 ft gain
Permit Required
Steep climb ending with chains and sheer drop-offs. Not for young kids or fear of heights. Jaw-dropping 360° views at the top. Permit required year-round past Scout Lookout — enter the seasonal lottery on Recreation.gov well in advance, or try the day-before lottery. Only ~47% of applicants get one.
💡 Can't get a permit? Hike to Scout Lookout anyway — it's almost just as good. You still get the dramatic exposure, sweeping canyon views, and that "holy wow" moment. Many people say it's the better call with kids.
Emerald Pools Trail
Easy–Mod
1–2.6 mi
Family Friendly
1–2.6 mi triangle, paved. Walk under a misting waterfall surrounded by sheer red walls. Head to Upper Pools for the best views. Shaded sections help in heat — good for all ages.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Easy
1 mi RT
Family Friendly
Easy 1 mi with one of the best views in the park. Right on the East Entrance drive — perfect on arrival day or heading out. Parking fills fast.
More Zion Options
All Levels
Pa'rus Trail — Paved, stroller-friendly, riverside
Watchman Trail — Perfect for sunset views
Grafton Ghost Town — Free, 3-mile unpaved road from Rockville (impassable when wet)
Checkerboard Mesa — On the East Entrance drive, great photo stop
The Subway — Zion's most stunning slot canyon · Permit + technical gear required
Watchman Trail — Perfect for sunset views
Grafton Ghost Town — Free, 3-mile unpaved road from Rockville (impassable when wet)
Checkerboard Mesa — On the East Entrance drive, great photo stop
The Subway — Zion's most stunning slot canyon · Permit + technical gear required
🟠
Bryce Canyon National Park — Scenic Days
39.7 mi · ~40 min from basecamp via US-89 & UT-12
Hoodoos, sunrises that transform the landscape, and one of the great moderate hikes in the Southwest. Many people say it's even more beautiful than the Grand Canyon. Bring layers — it's 7,764 ft up here with bigger temperature swings than Zion. You can drive your own car, and parking is generally easier. 🌤️ Best time: early fall or late spring. Summer: 70s–80s°F with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Winter: snow-capped hoodoos, no crowds, but icy trails.
Bryce Canyon39.7 mi · ~40 min from basecamp
Mossy Cave~35 min · Best sunset spot · Before the main entrance
Shuttle SeasonApr 3 – Oct 18, 2026 · 8 AM–8 PM peak · Amphitheater only — Scenic Drive requires your own car
Elevation7,764 ft · Much cooler than Zion · Bring layers
🌅 Sunrise at the Rim
Start Here
Sunrise · Sunset · Bryce Point
Watch the light transform the hoodoos — easily one of the best sunrises anywhere. The orange and pink tones on the rock formations at first light are genuinely something else. Arrive early — cold but incredible lighting.
⭐ Queens Garden + Navajo Loop
Moderate
~3–4 miles · 550–800 ft ascent
Best Hike
Start at Sunset Point. Descend via Navajo Loop through Wall Street — dense towering hoodoos like skyscrapers with steep switchbacks. Connect to Queens Garden Trail (descends 320 ft past Queen Victoria, Queen's Castle, and Gulliver's Castle). Climb back out.
Southern Scenic Drive
Car-Friendly
18 miles · Allow 2–3 hrs
Drive to the southern end first, then stop at viewpoints on the way back — avoids left turns across oncoming traffic. Shuttle doesn't reach here; you need your own car.
🌉 Natural Bridge — most popular stop
🌲 Rainbow Point + 1-mile Bristlecone Pine Trail
🏜️ Ponderosa Canyon — red hoodoos + pine trees
🐇 Agua Canyon — White Rabbit & Hunter formations
More Bryce Options
All Levels
Tower Bridge — 3.4 mi RT, moderate. Ends at a striking natural rock bridge.
Rim Trail — Easy 0.5-mi paved section (wheelchair accessible). Full trail = 5.5 mi.
Mossy Cave — Best sunset spot · West-facing wall with waterfall and mossy overhang.
Fairyland Loop — 8 mi, strenuous. Far fewer crowds than the main amphitheater.
Old Bryce Town — Ice cream, candy shop, rock shop, jail photo ops. Great for kids.
Rim Trail — Easy 0.5-mi paved section (wheelchair accessible). Full trail = 5.5 mi.
Mossy Cave — Best sunset spot · West-facing wall with waterfall and mossy overhang.
Fairyland Loop — 8 mi, strenuous. Far fewer crowds than the main amphitheater.
Old Bryce Town — Ice cream, candy shop, rock shop, jail photo ops. Great for kids.
🟢
Recovery, Hidden Gems, or Keep Going!
Easy adventures close to Starlit Ridge — don't skip these days
Don't underestimate the in-between days — some of the most memorable moments happen here. Mix easy local trails with rest, hot tub time, and dark sky stargazing.
Explore the Property — 33 Acres
EasyFamily FriendlyOn Property
Wander 33 acres of high-altitude terrain right on site at ~8,000 ft elevation. Great views are on site!
See all on-property activities →
East Ridge Hike
EasyFamily FriendlyOn Property
Hike up to the east ridge of the property for the best panoramic views on site — sweeping canyon country vistas in every direction. Follow the ravine behind the cabins up to East Ridge or take N Oak Ridge Road.
Open in Google Maps →
Cascade Falls Trail
Easy1.4 mi RT · 17.8 miFamily Friendly
A short, paved trail near Duck Creek leading to a stunning waterfall at the edge of a lava cliff. One of the most accessible wow moments in the area.
Navajo Lake Loop
Easy4.5 mi · 19.7 miFamily Friendly
Gentle loop around a beautiful lake at 9,000 ft. Great for wildlife spotting, fishing, and fall foliage. Very low effort, very high reward.
Strawberry Point
Scenic17.7 mi
A narrow promontory with thousand-foot drop-offs and views stretching all the way to Zion. One of the most dramatic overlooks in southern Utah — and almost nobody goes here.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
EasyFamily Friendly
~1 hr drive. Unique pink sand dunes — great for kids to run, roll, and sandboard. Surprisingly fun for all ages.
Red Canyon
Easy0.6–4 mi · 25.6 miFamily Friendly
Brilliant red hoodoos right off the highway — and it's on the road to Bryce, so zero detour. Less crowded, equally dramatic.
Belly of the Dragon
Easy0.5 mi · 25.1 miFamily Friendly
Walk through a dramatic natural tunnel carved under US-89. Short, unique, and memorable for all ages.
Sand Caves
Easy~1 mi · ~25 miFamily Friendly
A short scramble to wind-carved sandstone caves near Kanab. Kids love exploring the hollowed chambers — quick, free, and memorable on a drive day.
Willis Creek Slot Canyon
Moderate~45 min drive
A gorgeous slot canyon you can wade through. Different vibe from Zion — far fewer people, equally stunning.
Highway 14 & Duck Creek
Scenic Drive
Scenic drive toward Cedar Breaks with less-crowded slot canyons. Short viewpoint pull-offs or the 2.6-mile South Fork Trail.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Unique~45 min to Kanab
The largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the US. Tours available — a surprisingly moving afternoon that kids and adults love.
Kolob Canyons
Moderate~1 hr 20 min · Separate Entrance
A quieter section of Zion NP with striking finger canyons. Far fewer crowds. Short viewpoint drive or the 2.6-mile South Fork Trail.
North Rim — Grand Canyon
Big Add-On
2.5 hrs from Zion or 1.5 hrs from Bryce. Far quieter than the South Rim, with spectacular views. Worth it if you have a free day.
🎰 The Wave — Coyote Buttes North
Daily Lottery
Glendale ~13 mi · ~17 min south
Strenuous · 6.4 mi RT
One of the most photographed geological formations on earth — swirling red and gold sandstone, only 64 people allowed in per day. Glendale, UT is just ~13 miles south (~17 min) from Long Valley Junction on US-89, and it's inside the geofence. If you're a gambler, it's worth the drive. Apply on the Recreation.gov app (mobile only, location required) 2 days before you want to hike. Results by 7:15 PM same day.
It's a long day trip from Starlit Ridge if you're a winner — but a short drive to test your luck.
Can't make the drive? Enter the Advanced Lottery on Recreation.gov well in advance from anywhere — same odds, no geofence required.
It's a long day trip from Starlit Ridge if you're a winner — but a short drive to test your luck.
Can't make the drive? Enter the Advanced Lottery on Recreation.gov well in advance from anywhere — same odds, no geofence required.
📷
Photography & Scenic Overlooks
Golden hour, dark skies, and panoramic canyon views
Southern Utah is a photographer's dream. From Starlit Ridge's ~8,000 ft elevation, the region offers dramatic light at golden hour, ink-black skies for astrophotography, and sweeping vistas at every turn. 📷 For GPS coordinates, current trail conditions, and seasonal tips, ask us before you head out — we know these trails.
Sunrise Point – Bryce Canyon
Viewpoint39.7 mi
The most popular sunrise viewpoint in Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos glow pink and amber in the early morning light — arrive early for the best shots.
Strawberry Point
Viewpoint17.7 mi
One of the most dramatic overlooks in southern Utah — a narrow promontory with thousand-foot drop-offs and views stretching to Zion and beyond.
Canyon Overlook – Zion
Viewpoint42.6 mi
A short hike with a massive payoff — sweeping views of Zion Canyon and the Great Arch. Best at sunset with the canyon walls lit in gold.
Starlit Ridge Property
Dark SkyOn-site
Our ~8,000 ft elevation and zero nearby light pollution make the property itself a world-class astrophotography spot. Milky Way visible most clear nights.
Stargazing guide →
🎒
Packing Checklist
Before you head out
Essentials
- Water bottles
- Electrolytes
- Snacks & lunches
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses & hat
Footwear
- Hiking shoes
- Water shoes / sandals
- Neoprene socks (for Narrows)
- Extra socks
Clothing
- Light breathable layers
- Warm layers (for Bryce)
- Rain jacket
- Dry change of clothes
Gear
- Backpack
- Waterproof phone bag
- Headlamp / flashlight
- Trekking pole
- Phone & charger
Family
- Extra snacks
- Towels
- Slip-on shoes for littles
- Cooler
- Picnic blanket
Optional Extras
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Star map app
- Tuacahn tickets (pre-book!)
⭐
The Golden Rules
Final strategy
1 · Alternate hard & easy days
Your body will thank you. Never do Zion and Bryce back to back.
2 · Start early
Before 8 AM at the parks whenever possible. Lots fill, shuttles crowd, trails heat up.
3 · Stay flexible
Weather, conditions, and energy change plans. That's fine — this region rewards improvisation.
4 · Don't try to do everything
Pick your highlights and own them. One great hike beats three rushed ones.
5 · Know where to eat
Good food after a big day matters. Check our restaurant guide for the best spots near Bryce Canyon and Zion.
Ready to Explore?
Book Your Basecamp
Every trail, park, and in-between adventure is within easy reach of Starlit Ridge. Lace up, step out, and explore. Book direct for the best rate.