Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary: Chicago to Las Vegas and Utah's National Parks

Day 1: Fly and Drive Adventure

Las Vegas, USA

8:00 AM

Departure from Chicago

Start your journey early by heading to Chicago O'Hare International Airport to catch your flight to Las Vegas.
Flight duration is approximately 3 hours with a time change, arriving at 10:00 AM.
USD300, 3 hours

10:00 AM

Arrive in Las Vegas

Upon landing, pick up your rental car and take a moment to savor a quick coffee and pastry at the airport Starbucks.
Walk to Starbucks in Terminal 1.
USD10, 30 minutes

10:30 AM

Drive to Zion National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive of about 2.5 hours through the picturesque landscapes of Southern Utah as you head toward Zion National Park.
Take I-15 North, then follow US-9 East to Zion National Park.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Zion National Park Overview

Begin your exploration of Zion with a leisurely drive through the scenic Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at key viewpoints such as Court of the Patriarchs.
Drive along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive; shuttle service may be available seasonally.
Included in Park Fee, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at Zion Canyon Café

Fuel up at the Zion Canyon Café, where you can enjoy a fresh sandwich or salad while soaking in stunning views.
Located within Zion National Park near the visitor center.
USD25, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Continue your adventure with a scenic drive to Bryce Canyon National Park—about 1.5 hours away, where breathtaking vistas await.
Follow UT-9 East to US-89 North, then take UT-12 East to Bryce Canyon National Park.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Bryce Canyon Viewpoints

Arrive and enjoy the sunset at the Bryce Canyon rim, visiting key sites like Sunrise Point and Sunset Point that overlook the iconic hoodoos.
Drive to each viewpoint along the rim drive.
Included in Park Fee, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Indulge in dinner at the Bryce Canyon Lodge's restaurant, where hearty options like steak or seasonal dishes await you after a full day of adventure.
Located conveniently within Bryce Canyon National Park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Check-in at Lodge

Settle into your accommodations at the cozy Bryce Canyon Lodge for a restful night, with the park's silence lulling you to sleep.
Located at 1 Main St, Bryce Canyon City, UT.
USD200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability