joanie

I have a couple of unplanned days after a trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Any suggestion on which would be better? Heading to Vegas from there.

OliveOyl

Haven't done Canyon de Chelley, but have done the other 3 you mentioned. Although we loved Monument Valley, Bryce and Zion were absolutely *spectacularly* beautiful. We spent 5 days doing both, yet I'd return for another extended visit in a minute.

Paul

Hey OliveOyl,

Love your addy, "([email protected])"
{Like minds}

Happy Trails,
Paul

Paul Rabe

Unless you're really into native American culture, I'd recommend Bryce /Zion. There's twice as much beauty at either one of these than at CdC, and access to Monument Valley is quite restricted (you're not allowed to hike more than 100 meters from the road, for instance). Bryce /Zion will give you much more "Wow!" than the other two by far.

Steve

I'd visit Bryce/Zion too. Not only for the wow factor, but for the driving and time factors. Canyon de Chelly takes you far from Las Vegas.

Not that it's not a spectacular place, but for me, CdC was a letdown. I was more amazed by the slot canyons near Page.

Polly

Haven't been to Bryce or Zion (going this Spring) but LOVED Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelley.

Dottie

We loved Bryce/Zion - spectacular! We took a trail ride horseback thru Zion and it was the highlight of our trip, crossed a little stream while riding and as a non-horseback person I was thrilled! I told them when I got my horse I did not ride so give me the oldest, slowest horse you have....They gave me a horse by the name of "Killer"....

peggi

How long a drive is it from Sedona to Bryce/Zion??

Sara

I vote for Bryce and Zion too. Although Monument Valley is pretty amazing (and we didn't make it to Canyon de Chelley), Zion and Bryce are indescribeably beautiful, and quite different from one another. You can do a variety of nice hikes in both, too, from fairly easy to streneous. Also, if you only have a couple of days, these will be much closer to Las Vegas and will cut down on your travel time, giving you more time to gawk at the scenery (and you will definitely gawk in these places).

rqf

Bryce/Zion would be the better choice.
Monument Valley and de Chelly are both worth a visit but given a choice it would be Zion/Bryce. I have been to many national parks and I rate Bryce as #1 of the parks I have visited. Also, both are convenient to Las Vegas

J T Kirk

I like both sections, and both offer a lot to visitors. Personally, though, I'd skip Canyon de Chelley, and do Monument Valley then head north. See Garden of the Gods (one of the most overlooked spots in southern Utah), Canyonlands and Moab/Arches. Bryce is indeed stunning; perhaps, the most stunning spot out there. But Zion, well other than taking the Narrows trail (following the Virgin River through the slot canyons) there's nothing there that isn't at Canyonlands. And the topography at Arches is overwhelming. Monument Valley is big and awesome (think of the scenery in the early John Wayne movies.) The downside to Monument Valley is that because it's an Indian site, you can't get out and walk it, drive it, etc without an Indian escort. But, to go horseback riding through Monument Valley is simply breathtaking. Not to be missed.

rqf

JT: Think you mean Valley of the Gods if you are talking about the place near Mexican Hat. There is a Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

J T Kirk

Yes, "Valley" of the Gods. Senility is a baaadd thing.