Bryce Canyon vs. Yellowsyone
May 13th, 2013, 05:58 PM
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Bryce Canyon vs. Yellowsyone
I have never visited the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon or Yellowstone . I will be going to that region for 8 days with 2 kids, ages 12 and 15. What is a reasonable itinerary for a person visiting National parks for the first time. I want to maximize what I see with out feeling too rushed. I'd welcome suggested itineraries. Thanks.
May 13th, 2013, 06:10 PM
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Yellowstone is in a very different area than Bryce and The Grand Canyon. I have been to nearly all of the National Parks in the west and several of them mutliple times. Here is the time frame I think would work for me for the areas you mention. This depends on how much hiking, rafting, horseback riding, etc that you plan on doing
Bryce 1-2 days
Zion 2-4 days
Grand Canyon 1-2 days/ 3-6 if serious hiking/ 7-14 if rating
Yellowstone 4-8 days
It would be a shame to visit Yellowstone and not visit Grand Tetons. You would need another 2-5 days for the Tetons.
Arches and Goblin Valley State Park are not that far from Bryce, you would need 2-5 days to do that area.
You cannot go wrong with any of them. Absolutely FANTASTIC places.
Bryce 1-2 days
Zion 2-4 days
Grand Canyon 1-2 days/ 3-6 if serious hiking/ 7-14 if rating
Yellowstone 4-8 days
It would be a shame to visit Yellowstone and not visit Grand Tetons. You would need another 2-5 days for the Tetons.
Arches and Goblin Valley State Park are not that far from Bryce, you would need 2-5 days to do that area.
You cannot go wrong with any of them. Absolutely FANTASTIC places.
May 13th, 2013, 06:21 PM
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With eight days, I suggest you restrict yourself to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, and other Utah National Parks such as Arches or Canyonlands.
Alternatively, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Jackson WY, and Cody with its rodeo and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center make for a great eight-day family itinerary.
HTtY
Alternatively, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Jackson WY, and Cody with its rodeo and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center make for a great eight-day family itinerary.
HTtY
May 13th, 2013, 06:25 PM
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Will the 8 days include the days you will be traveling? If so, I would choose between the two areas.
Either do Yellowstone and the Tetons Fly into Jackson WY, spend 2or 3 days in the Tetons and 4 or 5 in Yellowstone.
or
Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon. Fly into Vegas, spend 2 -4 days in zion, 1-2 days in Bryce and 1-2 days in Grand Canyon.
or
Either do Yellowstone and the Tetons Fly into Jackson WY, spend 2or 3 days in the Tetons and 4 or 5 in Yellowstone.
or
Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon. Fly into Vegas, spend 2 -4 days in zion, 1-2 days in Bryce and 1-2 days in Grand Canyon.
or
May 14th, 2013, 03:57 AM
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You have to choose between areas.
My wife and I have done three seperate trips for these places.
1st trip: Grand Canyon Monument Valley, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest
2nd trip: Zion, Goblin, Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Arches, Canyonlands
3rd trip: Yellowstone and Tetons
Length at each place depends on what you want to do while you are there. My wife and I cram a bunch into our trips.
We walked the rim trail around Grand Canyon and then drove out the East exit towards Monument Valley to see other parts of the Canyon. We took a guided tour of Monument Valley. We drove through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest quickly because they hardly interested us at all.
We spent a couple of hours each in Zion, Goblin, Bryce, Cedar, Arches, and Canyonlands. We would get in and out of the car at viewpoints or just to take in the quiet. You can skip Cedar if you go to Bryce. We walked a trail down into Bryce. We walked in Gbolin Valley (which is cool). Your kids might really like this one, it is kind of like an alien planet. Arches was ok, I was let down by it, and it was super crowded.
We used a few days to go in and out of Yellowstone, you need it to see most of the park. We only spent a day driving through Zion and we took a ferry over to a certain area with views and waterfalls (do not recall).
Really, unless you are into harcore hiking, you can get what you want out of most places with a day trip in and around each. Some you might find are just a drive through and look at place for you.
If you make it out to the Moab area, near Arches, there is a dinosaur track off one of the main roads and off a short dirt road.
My wife and I have done three seperate trips for these places.
1st trip: Grand Canyon Monument Valley, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest
2nd trip: Zion, Goblin, Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Arches, Canyonlands
3rd trip: Yellowstone and Tetons
Length at each place depends on what you want to do while you are there. My wife and I cram a bunch into our trips.
We walked the rim trail around Grand Canyon and then drove out the East exit towards Monument Valley to see other parts of the Canyon. We took a guided tour of Monument Valley. We drove through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest quickly because they hardly interested us at all.
We spent a couple of hours each in Zion, Goblin, Bryce, Cedar, Arches, and Canyonlands. We would get in and out of the car at viewpoints or just to take in the quiet. You can skip Cedar if you go to Bryce. We walked a trail down into Bryce. We walked in Gbolin Valley (which is cool). Your kids might really like this one, it is kind of like an alien planet. Arches was ok, I was let down by it, and it was super crowded.
We used a few days to go in and out of Yellowstone, you need it to see most of the park. We only spent a day driving through Zion and we took a ferry over to a certain area with views and waterfalls (do not recall).
Really, unless you are into harcore hiking, you can get what you want out of most places with a day trip in and around each. Some you might find are just a drive through and look at place for you.
If you make it out to the Moab area, near Arches, there is a dinosaur track off one of the main roads and off a short dirt road.
May 14th, 2013, 04:47 PM
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With 8 days, you can plan a great trip to Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce - you can even include a drive out Scenic Rte 12 to Boulder and back, making stops at Devil's Garden, Calf Creek or the Burr Trail thru Long Canyon.
Stop at Anasazi State Park to check out some ruins, walk along the Escalante River. There's a nice new visitors center along the way in Grand Staircase Escalante.
1-2 nights at GC, 1-2 nights at Bryce, maybe a night in Escalante or Boulder, the rest of your trip in Zion Nat'l Park. You can fly into and out of Las Vegas.
Yellowstone is too far to travel from Utah for an 8 day trip. We spent 6 nights in Yellowstone and it was barely enough time. Save Yellowstone/Tetons for another trip or Spend all 8 days there - 5-6 in Yellowstone, 2-3 in Tetons.
Stop at Anasazi State Park to check out some ruins, walk along the Escalante River. There's a nice new visitors center along the way in Grand Staircase Escalante.
1-2 nights at GC, 1-2 nights at Bryce, maybe a night in Escalante or Boulder, the rest of your trip in Zion Nat'l Park. You can fly into and out of Las Vegas.
Yellowstone is too far to travel from Utah for an 8 day trip. We spent 6 nights in Yellowstone and it was barely enough time. Save Yellowstone/Tetons for another trip or Spend all 8 days there - 5-6 in Yellowstone, 2-3 in Tetons.
May 14th, 2013, 05:05 PM
#7
Another vote for either GC/Zion/Bryce or Tetons/Yellowstone.
I didn't notice when you were going, as that could settle the question.
But, as noted by others, you can't really go wrong with either choice.
Have fun. My dad took me to these Parks when I was 12 and it was a fantastic life-changing event.
I didn't notice when you were going, as that could settle the question.
But, as noted by others, you can't really go wrong with either choice.
Have fun. My dad took me to these Parks when I was 12 and it was a fantastic life-changing event.
May 15th, 2013, 04:40 AM
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Sorry, I no longer have my info from our trips. Thought I had it around.
Forgot about Grand Escalante, that too is a nice place. Also, Capital Reef. There is a ton of stuff to see and do out West/Southwest.
When we did Utah, I do remember that our trip was: flew into Las Vegas and drove towards St. George and headed to Zion (stayed overnight). Then to Bryce (stayed overnight), then through Escalante, then Capital Reef (stayed overnight), then to Goblin Valley, then to Arches and Canyonlands (stayed overnight). Our trip concluded with a drive all the way back to Cedar City (did Cedar Breaks) and then we drove back to Las Vegas through Nevada because I wanted to see the E.T. Highway. Never found it and it was a loooong drive. Only found a sign advertising Alien Beef Jerky.
I do not remember how many days we did, guess would be 7-9 days.
Great Econo Lodge in Torrey, UT (at least when we went) if you go to Capital Reef.
I would do Grand Canyon on a different trip to include (Monument Valley, Canyon De Chelly, and maybe the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest). You can also see the big meteor crater near Winslow.
so, there are really three different trips to picks from in my opinion.
Forgot about Grand Escalante, that too is a nice place. Also, Capital Reef. There is a ton of stuff to see and do out West/Southwest.
When we did Utah, I do remember that our trip was: flew into Las Vegas and drove towards St. George and headed to Zion (stayed overnight). Then to Bryce (stayed overnight), then through Escalante, then Capital Reef (stayed overnight), then to Goblin Valley, then to Arches and Canyonlands (stayed overnight). Our trip concluded with a drive all the way back to Cedar City (did Cedar Breaks) and then we drove back to Las Vegas through Nevada because I wanted to see the E.T. Highway. Never found it and it was a loooong drive. Only found a sign advertising Alien Beef Jerky.
I do not remember how many days we did, guess would be 7-9 days.
Great Econo Lodge in Torrey, UT (at least when we went) if you go to Capital Reef.
I would do Grand Canyon on a different trip to include (Monument Valley, Canyon De Chelly, and maybe the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest). You can also see the big meteor crater near Winslow.
so, there are really three different trips to picks from in my opinion.
May 15th, 2013, 06:57 AM
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I agree with choosing between the two areas, and you can't go wrong with either one.
I think the kids might find Yellowstone/Tetons a bit more interesting than the Utah parks, b/c there is a bigger variety of activities and wildlife. There is hiking, boating, rafting, wildlife tours and other programs given by the Nat'l Parks, and a good possibility of spotting bison, elk, moose, etc. along the road.
In Utah, although the parks are beautiful and the rock formations fascinating, I think the focus is more on hiking and there's not much wildlife. so that's something to consider.
As others have said, the weather at the time you are going should also be a consideration. I just got back from southern Utah and when I left the temps. were going into the 90's for the coming week. It can go into the 100's in the summer.
I think the kids might find Yellowstone/Tetons a bit more interesting than the Utah parks, b/c there is a bigger variety of activities and wildlife. There is hiking, boating, rafting, wildlife tours and other programs given by the Nat'l Parks, and a good possibility of spotting bison, elk, moose, etc. along the road.
In Utah, although the parks are beautiful and the rock formations fascinating, I think the focus is more on hiking and there's not much wildlife. so that's something to consider.
As others have said, the weather at the time you are going should also be a consideration. I just got back from southern Utah and when I left the temps. were going into the 90's for the coming week. It can go into the 100's in the summer.
May 15th, 2013, 01:13 PM
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Missing data is your starting point.
Yellowstone is a minimum 2 day driving tour by itself.
8 days will not be sufficient time from Yellowstone to Grand Canyon and Utah parks - not practical.
North Grand canyon is a two day trip because hiking is required. South Rim is a 1/2 day unless you hike down Bright Angel trail - that is a full day depending on your stamina.
Utah, there are sufficient parks to consume all eight days. Zion is driving/and mild to serious hiking, Cedar Breaks is driving, Bryce is driving, Arches, Island In the Sky is primarily driving, Capitol Reef is driving and moderate hiking, Moab is Mountain Biking (can rent bikes there), etc.
Suggest a Kindle book - Amazon.com
This is a 100 page overview of all parks
"A Guide to the State & National Parks"
This is a huge book covering all major parks
" Utah Parks Driving, Hiking and Mountain Biking "
They can be read on a PC/Mac by downloading an app from Amazon
Yellowstone is a minimum 2 day driving tour by itself.
8 days will not be sufficient time from Yellowstone to Grand Canyon and Utah parks - not practical.
North Grand canyon is a two day trip because hiking is required. South Rim is a 1/2 day unless you hike down Bright Angel trail - that is a full day depending on your stamina.
Utah, there are sufficient parks to consume all eight days. Zion is driving/and mild to serious hiking, Cedar Breaks is driving, Bryce is driving, Arches, Island In the Sky is primarily driving, Capitol Reef is driving and moderate hiking, Moab is Mountain Biking (can rent bikes there), etc.
Suggest a Kindle book - Amazon.com
This is a 100 page overview of all parks
"A Guide to the State & National Parks"
This is a huge book covering all major parks
" Utah Parks Driving, Hiking and Mountain Biking "
They can be read on a PC/Mac by downloading an app from Amazon
May 15th, 2013, 05:36 PM
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Thanks for all these replies. They are very helpful. For the people who think I am biting off too much, if I eliminate the Grand Canyon, is Bryce, Moab and Yellowstone do-able in 8 days?
May 15th, 2013, 06:14 PM
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If you are going in the hot summer months--July or August, then I would go to Yellowstone.
If you are talking spring or fall, then Utah.
I grew up next to Yellowstone and worked there for a summer. Now Iive in Utah, so I know both places well. I would NOT combine these trips. No way. You would waste so much time driving from Utah to Yellowstone--Zion to West Yellowstone is easily a 12 hour drive (especially when you figure in summer road construction).
One other decider--there are awesome mountain places like Yellowstone all over the Rockies. Redrock country is only in the 4 corners area and there is nothing else like it in the world. So I would leave toward Utah. But not in August!!
If you are talking spring or fall, then Utah.
I grew up next to Yellowstone and worked there for a summer. Now Iive in Utah, so I know both places well. I would NOT combine these trips. No way. You would waste so much time driving from Utah to Yellowstone--Zion to West Yellowstone is easily a 12 hour drive (especially when you figure in summer road construction).
One other decider--there are awesome mountain places like Yellowstone all over the Rockies. Redrock country is only in the 4 corners area and there is nothing else like it in the world. So I would leave toward Utah. But not in August!!
May 15th, 2013, 06:41 PM
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I also agree with everyone else... go ahead and plan on two trips unless you want to devote more time to this trip.
Sounds like you really want to do Utah. Here were my "do not miss" list items for Utah national/state parks.
Zion - hike the narrows, rent a hiking stick and some shoes and just bite the bullet. hands down my favorite hike in this entire area. (there are suppose to be some backcountry areas that are just as cool but if time is a factor this is a wow hike that is actually super accessible) do it early - take the first shuttle in the am. the solitude on even part of this hike is worth it!
Bryce - go watch sunrise over the amphitheater. they might bitch and whine but its so amazing!
goblin valley state park - go at sunset... it gets really creepy and teenagers will eat it up! it really does feel like you are on another planet! if we had more people I would have loved to play flashlight tag!
Arches - Delicate arch - the real hike not just the view point. I was just ok with arches until I took this awful hike to the most jaw dropping arch ever! the pictures really don't do this thing justice! You HAVE to see it!
I just love this area and can't wait until my kid is about your kid's age to take her here! Have so much fun!
Sounds like you really want to do Utah. Here were my "do not miss" list items for Utah national/state parks.
Zion - hike the narrows, rent a hiking stick and some shoes and just bite the bullet. hands down my favorite hike in this entire area. (there are suppose to be some backcountry areas that are just as cool but if time is a factor this is a wow hike that is actually super accessible) do it early - take the first shuttle in the am. the solitude on even part of this hike is worth it!
Bryce - go watch sunrise over the amphitheater. they might bitch and whine but its so amazing!
goblin valley state park - go at sunset... it gets really creepy and teenagers will eat it up! it really does feel like you are on another planet! if we had more people I would have loved to play flashlight tag!
Arches - Delicate arch - the real hike not just the view point. I was just ok with arches until I took this awful hike to the most jaw dropping arch ever! the pictures really don't do this thing justice! You HAVE to see it!
I just love this area and can't wait until my kid is about your kid's age to take her here! Have so much fun!
