Stop at the a Valley of the Fire. It's cool.
If you are going to Zion, you might as well add Bryce to it. Nothing much near Bryce though. Alot of driving.
Check to see if you still need to reserve a pass to visit these national parks. Limited government workers at the national parks so have patience. Lines are long even before the limited workforce. I'm talking about waking up at 7am to stand in line at Zion. They have a campground and lots of hotels right at the visitor center so all those people get up early to stand in line.

Many Utah's state parks are awesome as well.

I live in Utah. Zion and Bryce are amazing but be prepared for lines and crowds even though it is April. Trump fired a bunch of national park rangers, and the lines have been long.

https://ksltv.com/local-news/springdale-faces-traffic-woes/740833/

I hope you have a great time. The nationals parks in UT are really breathtaking.

Some of this is outdated at this point - but we had a good trip in April 2019. See a lot of info here.
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/771088.page

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure including Vegas as a visit/night stay? If so, you could weasel in a little day trip to Death Valley NP and/or Valley of Fire SP.

I’d stay in Springdale the whole time. Much nicer accommodations than Bryce area. From Springdale you can do day trips to Bryce, Kolob Canyon (Zion West) and if you wanted to push it you could hit Page AZ and Antelope Canyon. You’ll have plenty of time to see area. It’s stunning. Have a great trip!

We did DV as a day trip from Vegas last April and enjoyed it. Also did Bryce/Zion after. I don't know if we were spoiled with the weather. I read prior that it might still be cold but last year was perfect.

Agree with PP, state parks in Utah and Nevada are both incredible. Time at red rock canyon or valley of fire will not be disappointing.

Joshua tree is way too far away in the opposite direction. If you want to add a park either do Grand Canyon or one of the other Utah parks, most likely capital reef. Under any circumstances that will be a lot of driving.

Zion will be busy so arrive early. Bryce can be very cold still in April so pack accordingly. Utah also has many beautiful state parks if you prefer car touring.

Oh…to add…I vote for Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale. You can walk into park from the hotel.

Are you sure including Vegas as a visit/night stay? If so, you could weasel in a little day trip to Death Valley NP and/or Valley of Fire SP.

I’d stay in Springdale the whole time. Much nicer accommodations than Bryce area. From Springdale you can do day trips to Bryce, Kolob Canyon (Zion West) and if you wanted to push it you could hit Page AZ and Antelope Canyon. You’ll have plenty of time to see area. It’s stunning. Have a great trip!

Zion is very busy.

If you do both these parks, consider the annual America the Beautiful pass then you can use the pass other places for the rest of the year.

We are flying into Vegas on a Tuesday and leaving on Sunday. Thinking we can do Zion and Bryce. Or should we look at other parks (Joshua Tree?) Any recommendations for a 5 day itinerary and places to stay (would you stay in just Springdale Tue-Sat or split between Springdale and Bryce?)