Canyon-Calling: Epic Day-Trip Guides to Zion, Bryce & the North Rim
- Andrea Inocencio
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Nestled in the heart of Kanab, Hitch-n-Post RV Park puts you within striking distance of three of Utah and Arizona’s most jaw-dropping parks. From your pull-through site at 196 E 300 S, it’s a quick spin to Zion (30 mi), Bryce Canyon (77 mi), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (68 mi). Pack your daypack and hit all three in a single loop, or linger where you please, using these insider guides.
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Zion National Park (30 miles | ~40 min)Top Trails
Angels Landing (5.4 mi round-trip; 1,488 ft ascent; ~4 hrs). Permits required April–October. Climb the West Rim Trail, then tackle the final, narrow ridge with chain handholds—rewards include panoramic canyon views.
Emerald Pools Trail (0.6 mi upper-pool loop; 47 ft elevation; ~1 hr). Perfect for families: paved lower and middle pools, then a short scramble to the cliff-hanging upper basin.
Bonus Quick Hike: Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mi; ~1 hr) delivers dramatic views with minimal effort—ideal if you’re short on time.
Bryce Canyon National Park (77 miles | ~1 hr 30 min)Must-Do Hike:
Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop (2.9 mi; 625 ft ascent; 2–3 hrs). Descend from Sunrise Point along Queen’s Garden, ascend the Navajo Loop’s switchbacks (Two Bridges in winter), then return via the Rim Trail. Clockwise hiking prevents “downhill slip” injuries and maximizes views of hoodoos like Thor’s Hammer.
Short & Sweet:
Mossy Cave Trail (0.8 mi; ~1 hr). Follow a creek to a waterfall-fringed grotto and draping moss—one of Bryce’s best “bang for your buck” hikes.
Grand Canyon North Rim (68 miles | ~1 hr 40 min)Scenic Strolls:
Bright Angel Point Trail (0.5 mi; paved; ~30 min). From Grand Canyon Lodge, walk the Bridle Path to a dramatic overlook of Roaring Springs and the inner canyon 3,000 ft below.
Cape Royal Trail (1 mi; paved; ~20 min). Explore Angel’s Window arch and end at Cape Royal for sweeping vistas of the Colorado River carving its path. Best May–October.
Gas-Up & GoBefore you depart Kanab, fuel up at Stage Stop Chevron (288 S 100 E)—open 24 hrs with a full lineup of unleaded and diesel pumps right next to Glazier’s Market. It’s less than a mile from Hitch-n-Post and saves you a detour mid-loop.
Travel Tips for the Ultimate Loop
Early Bird Perks: National park lots fill by 9 AM in high season—arrive at trailheads before 7 AM.
Shuttle Smart: Zion Park Shuttle runs Feb–Nov; leave your RV at the Visitor Center and hop on.
Layer Up: Desert days can hit 90 °F; nights dip below 50 °F above the rim. Pack layers and plenty of water.
Leave No Trace: Respect fragile soils and wildlife. Carry out what you carry in.
Whether you tackle all three parks in a whirlwind “canyon circuit” or savor one sunrise at a time, this loop from Hitch-n-Post RV Park promises legendary landscapes—and stories that will outlast any single camping trip.
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