Click any day tab to jump to that day's plan. 8 days, 3 national parks, 2 airports.
You have one evening (Monday sunset) and one full morning (Tuesday hike). Here's everything you need to know.
Bryce Canyon isn't actually a canyon — it's a series of natural amphitheaters carved along the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The distinctive orange, red, and white rock formations called hoodoos are formed by frost wedging and erosion of the Claron Formation. Sitting at 8,000–9,100 feet elevation, Bryce is significantly cooler than Zion — a real advantage in June. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful Pass.
Drive the rim road and hit these three viewpoints at golden hour. They're all within 5 miles of each other and the lighting between 5–7 PM in June is extraordinary — the hoodoos glow deep orange and red as the sun drops.
Arrive at Sunset Point 45 minutes before actual sunset. The light starts getting good an hour before — don't miss it by arriving too late.
The ultimate Bryce morning. Start at Sunset Point and combine three trails for a loop that takes you deeper into the hoodoos than most visitors ever go. The Navajo Loop descends through Wall Street — Bryce's only slot canyon, with walls just 20 feet apart and ancient ponderosa pines growing from the canyon floor. Queen's Garden takes you past the Queen Victoria hoodoo (it genuinely looks like her). Peekaboo adds the final dramatic chapter — massive amphitheater walls towering overhead, horse traffic from guided rides, and formations that feel completely alien.
Start no later than 7 AM. The canyon has zero shade and temps climb fast. Bring 2L water each. The altitude at 8,000 ft will make you breathe harder than expected — take it slow on the climbs back up.
You have 2.5 days here — Tuesday afternoon arrival, Wednesday full day, Thursday full day. Here's the full breakdown of every hike and what to know.
Zion Canyon is carved by the Virgin River through 2,000-foot walls of Navajo sandstone. No personal vehicles are allowed in the main canyon during peak season — you ride the free park shuttle from Springdale. The shuttle runs every 5–10 minutes and stops at every major trailhead. Buy the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) to cover entry here and at Bryce. The park never closes.
The best easy hike in Zion with the highest payoff-to-effort ratio. Starts at the east end of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel with almost no elevation gain, weaving through potholes and slickrock to a dramatic overlook of lower Zion Canyon and the Great Arch of Zion. Perfect for a Tuesday afternoon after a long drive — gets your legs moving without destroying them before the big days ahead.
Arguably the most unique hike in America. You start on the paved Riverside Walk (1 flat mile along the Virgin River) then the trail literally disappears into the river — from here you hike upstream in the water. The canyon walls close to just 20–30 feet wide in places with swirling patterns of rust, pink, and white Navajo sandstone rising 1,000 feet above you. Water is cold but refreshing in June heat. Go as far as you want and turn back — most people do 3–5 miles total. No permit required for the bottom-up day hike.
Always check the NOAA forecast before entering. Storms 50 miles away can send a flash flood down the canyon with no warning. If any rain is forecast anywhere in the watershed — do not enter the Narrows.
One of the most famous hikes in the world. The trail climbs steeply through Refrigerator Canyon, tackles Walter's Wiggles (21 tight switchbacks), reaches Scout Lookout, then enters the legendary chain section — a half-mile ridge scramble with 1,500-foot drop-offs on both sides held together only by chains bolted into the rock. The summit view of Zion Canyon is breathtaking. Honest warning: this is genuinely exposed and not for anyone uncomfortable with heights. Permit required — enter the day-before lottery at midnight.
8 miles, 2,148 ft gain, zero permit needed. You look DOWN on Angels Landing from above — many people argue this is the better view. Genuinely spectacular and far less crowded.
A beautiful, shaded afternoon hike after the morning's big effort. The trail leads to a series of pools and small waterfalls tucked into an alcove of the canyon wall. The lower pool has a waterfall that mists you as you walk under it — very welcome in June heat. The upper pools are quieter and more serene. Start at the Zion Lodge shuttle stop.
Click any pin for details. Route shown in driving order.
June is peak season. The urgent items will sell out — don't wait.
Southern Utah in June is spectacular — and unforgiving. These make the difference between a great trip and a miserable one.