24 Years, Two Parks, One Epic Adventure

Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks – A Bucket List Dream Come True

After 24 years of marriage, we finally crossed off a big bucket list trip: Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah! Four days, early December, perfect weather, and hardly any crowds—just the way we love it.

Day 1: Arrival & First Hike

We flew from Nashville to Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove to Springdale, Utah. The drive was gorgeous (Radiator Springs vibes!) and reading old emails from when we started dating made it even more fun.

Our stay at Springhill Suites by Marriott was amazing—great views and the best breakfast (oatmeal/yogurt topping bar and a holiday hot chocolate bar!).Dinner at Onyx Wood Fire Pizza was a win—don’t skip the salads!

Before calling it a night, we grabbed rental gear from Zion Guru for hiking the Narrows.Pro tip: Rent everything they recommend—waterproof backpack, hiking stick, neoprene socks. Worth every penny!

We squeezed in the Canyon Overlook Trail for sunset views. Stunning.

Day 2: Hiking the Narrows

Big breakfast, then off to the Narrows. Driving the scenic road in our own car was a treat. We stopped at Weeping Rock before hitting the water.

Layering is key:

• Waterproof chest-down

• Wool socks under neoprene

• Warm layers up top

  
  

It was 40°F when we started, but we stayed warm and dry. Hiking through the river was surreal—majestic canyon walls everywhere.

Packing Essentials

• Warm gloves

• Lip balm (Correct-X)

• OnGuard Sanitizing Spray

• Recharge Electrolytes

• Extra t-shirt & sweatshirt

• Snacks (protein bars, trail mix, apples + PB packets)

• Camera (trust me, you’ll want one!)

  
  

Tips:

• Start early for parking

• Stop and look up often—it’s breathtaking

• Take the fork to the right about 2 hours in—don’t miss it!

• Head back before you’re exhausted; the return is harder

  
  

We hiked about 5 hours, had lunch by Falling Rock, and ended the day at Wild Thyme (Pistachio Chicken = amazing!). Fun twist: we ran into the couple we helped earlier—they sent dessert as thanks!

Day 3: Bryce Canyon

Two-hour drive to Bryce Canyon, and we practically had the park to ourselves. The 18-mile scenic drive was magical, with snowy viewpoints. We hiked the Queens Garden/Navajo Loop—challenging but worth every step.

We packed snacks from the day before and afterwards headed back to Zion for one last sunset drive. We even laid on sandstone rocks to soak it all in.

Day 4: Heading Home

A little shopping in Springdale, then back to Vegas with hearts full and cameras loaded.Being present in nature with someone you love? Best gift ever.

Our Must-Have Wellness & Gear

Traveling in cold weather and hiking in water takes preparation! Here’s what kept us healthy and energized:

• Foundational Wellness Supplements: VMG+, EO Omega+, PB Restore

• Deep Blue Products: Lotion, Stick, Polyphenols for soreness

👉 https://link.doterra.com/DCKwAj

Why Early December?

• Fewer crowds

• Cooler temps for hiking

• Freedom to drive the scenic roads without shuttles

This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If Zion and Bryce Canyon aren’t on your bucket list yet, add them now!

My amazing husband is a photographer. The photos you're seeing are his work from the trip. If you'd like to see some more, check out the gallery below!