Bryce Canyon – Zion – Death Valley National Parks With A Toddler

Our family celebrated New Year’s 2024 with a 8-day road trip visiting Las Vegas, Bryce, Zion, and Death Valley with our one-year-old son and our parents. We hoped to see great amphitheaters with snow caps at Bryce and Zion National Parks this time. The trip duration and pace were perfect for our family.

ITINERARY

–Las Vegas —

Day 1: Las Vegas Night

–Bryce Canyon National Park: 2.5 days —

Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park: Sunset at Sunset Point & Inspiration Point

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park: Tower Bridge And Fairyland Loop

Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park: Mossy Cave, Queens Garden Trail & Bryce Point

— Zion National Park 1.5 days —

Day 5: Cedar National Monument & Zion National Park: Watchman Trail

Day 6: Zion National Park: West Rim Trail to Scout Outlook

Day 7: Las Vegas

— Death Valley National Park: 1 day —

Day 8: Death Valley National Park

— Home —

Day 9: Home Sweet Home

LAS VEGAS

We left on a Saturday morning to Las Vegas and dined at our favorite noodle place whenever we passed by this city. After dinner, we walked along Fremont Experience Street, and my son couldn’t stop looking at the overhead LED show.

BRYCE

Day 2: Sunset at Sunset Point & Inspiration Point

The next day, we drove to Bryce Canyon National Park and arrived just in time for the sunset at Sunset Point and Inspiration Point. The view was absolutely mesmerizing; we did not want to leave.

Day 3: Tower Bridge And Fairyland Loop

After two days mainly in the car, we were so ready for the hike. Tower Bridge And Fairyland Loop was an 8-mile hike that took us 7 hours from morning to late afternoon to finish. We packed food and drinks and ate on the trail. It was so beautiful to see our toddler enjoy walking the trail and taking in the breathtaking beauty of Bryce Canyon. I must admit it was challenging, and we couldn’t have done it without four adults taking turns to pick up my son along the way. However, we would definitely do it again for our family’s fantastic experiences. These are the precious memories we will never forget.

Day 4: Mossy Cave & Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail

We planned our second day with shorter hikes to take a break if we needed any time.

Mossy Cave (1 mile out and back): I was not a fan of Mossy Cave, but it was a quick hike.
Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail (3-mile loop): I loved this one. So many beautiful views motivate you along the hike. It was challenging to see Thor’s hammer when you climbed, though.

ZION

Day 5: Cedar National Monument & Zion National Park

Cedar National Monument

We wanted to check out Cedar National Monument on our way to Zion National Park, but it was closed due to snow. After having some fun with the snow, we proceeded to Zion National Park.

Zion National Park: The Watchman Trail

The Watchman trail is so beautiful, but we didn’t capture many great pictures due to the strong afternoon sunlight. I imagined the morning view would be gorgeous.

Day 6: Zion National Park – West Rim Trail to Scout Outlook

We took a deep breath to embark on the West Rim Trail to Scout Outlook (without going to Angels Landing). It is a long trail, and we were tired on Day 6. The views were so worth it!