s1a2r3

We are flying to Las Vegas for meetings on Dec. 9th. Staying at Caesar’s Palace that night and then taking off in a rental car to see sights before meetings start.

Planning to drive to south rim of Grand Canyon on Saturday the 10th (should we veer off to take old route 66 from Kingman to Seligman?). Staying over night in park at El Tovar.

Sunday 11th drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (perhaps stop at Lake Powell for lunch) and then back to Kanab to stay overnight at boutique hotel there.

Monday 12th – drive to Zion National Park and then back to Las Vegas.

Would appreciate thoughts and suggestions --- one option would be to drive from south rim on Sunday to the hotel at Kanab. Next morning, drive up to see a bit of Bryce canyon then through Zion and back to Vegas.

We are not big hikers and the weather may not be conducive to too much outdoors.

Thanks so much for any and all help with this!

emalloy

Since it sounds like you have your lodging set, the only thing you need to worry about is the weather. Either of your plans would work.

In December days are short, so I would not stop at Lake Powell but head for Bryce and if it is getting dark, stop in Kanab. If weather cooperates, get up early, visit Bryce with stops at the overlooks, then head for Zion. Zion should be warmer than Bryce so spend more time there.

Try to drive on the smaller roads (89, 89A, 9) during daylight hours as deer, elk, and antelope can be around and they do have some curves and grades that are better negotiated when you have good vision.

mlgb

It's just a quick hop off the freeway to see Seligman. I think it's worth it to go to Delgadillo's. But I wouldn't do the whole stretch from Kingman if your time is limited. Better to get to the south rim as early as you can.

Between GC and Kanab take 89A,along the base of the Vermillion cliffs... not 89. Stop at the Navajo Bridge, Lee's Ferry, and Cliff Dwellers (the motel has a very good restaurant). You will want to gas up on the AZ side (Fredonia). Kanab is cuteb but it's 90 minutes from either Bryce or Springdale. If you really plan on seeinG Bryce, you probably want to spring for the hotels there rather than Kanab.

I think I might skip Bryce and just do GC and Zion. One night GC and one night Kanab or Springdale.

s1a2r3

Thank you! Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. We will not stop at Lake Powell and I see on the map that if that is the case, we have the option of getting off 89 near Bitter Springs and take the 89A across and up to Kanab - past Jacob Lake and Fredonia. According to google maps there is just a few minutes difference in time. Which is the better route?

This trip has come up suddenly and our time there is short - I'm beginning to think we might have to forgo Bryce but it seems a shame when we are so close ... well pretty close.

I was certain that the first reply to my post is that we are crazy a-type travellers who are spending our days in the car. But given the time of year ... I do tend to get myself locked into wanting to see everything, but emalloy you are so right. Having a lodging booked in Kanab means we can decide in the morning how much we want to do on our last day..ending in Vegas.

In looking at this circle drive I have mapped .. Vegas to south rim .. staying in the park is exciting (expensive but seems to be worth it) driving through country we've never seen to get to Kanab ... maybe seeing Bryce ... and then seeing Zion and driving back to Vegas ... I am hoping that the beauty of the drive itself will be as much of a 'destination' as the points of interest we have on the map.

And I am praying for good weather! I've done enough driving through Canadian blizzards!!

mlgb

I like 89A with the stops listed.

Yes the drive itself is a destination..Ther is even a ride in Disney's California Adventure that simulates it!

I have done similar round trips from LA but in October and May.

As mentioned your daylight hours are shorter and you really do want to be at your destinations to see sunrise and sunset if possible. And not drive at night.

Re the cost..I've stayed at the less expensive Maswik Lodge and it's fine, although not "on the rim" its a short walk. I also love the historic cabins which are even closer.

Kanab is sweet.. Last time we snagged one of the cottage rooms at Best Friends..highly recommended. And probably less than a small motel room in town.

https://bestfriends.checkfront.com/reserve/

db6040

You do have an ambitious plan for your time. My suggestion would be to skip the Grand Canyon and see Bryce and Zion. I would also suggest staying in the park or Ruby's if at all possible for Bryce. You don't have a ton of daylight hours at that time of year and being as close as possible to the the rim is a huge benefit. From the cabins in the park at Bryce you can walk to the rim in just a minute or two. This allows you to check it out at sunrise which is just a great time at Bryce!

If you have to spend the first night in Vegas it looks like you really have 2 nights for this road trip, right? I think that's just not enough time for all 3 parks, even if you don't want to hike.

serendipity_usa

Do NOT skip the Grand Canyon, it's amazing. It's a solid 5 hour drive from Vegas so I would focus all of my time in the GC area, and the rest can wait. You could spend several days around the Canyon and see a million different views - it's amazing. Enjoy!

Shanti

I'd go with db6040's plan. It's enough time for Bryce and Zion but not enough to add in the Grand Canyon.

RVvagabond

Lunch in Page
Highly recommend Big John's BBQ on main street

Vaga

jlee

Saving this info for future travel. Thanks!