Driving from Zion to Grand Canyon South Rim - what not to miss?

Ending the day in Las Vegas? Are you aware that Zion to the South Rim is a 5 hour drive?

If you are doing this in one long run, I'd stop in Page, perhaps visit the Best Dam View, (10 minute stop) or walk out to Horseshoe Bend overlook (half hour) or go to Antelope Canyon (probably an hour)

Enjoy the scenery along the way.

I was assuming there was an overnight at Grand Canyon, otherwise you would have a very short stay at GC.

The north rim--totally different than south rim and better views IMO.

I hope you are giving your self a few days for all of this.

Better yet--include Bryce Canyon (VERY worth a visit while you are in the area). Do the north rim and skip the south rim, then drive back to Vegas.

You'd have to be sure the north rim is open by April.

We are staying overnight at the Grand Canyon. We'd prefer the North Rim, but it will be closed.

You might enjoy the small detour to Coral Pink Sand dunes by Kanab. You could eat in Kanab at the Rocking V diner.
If you take the north 89 stop in Page for a look at the lake and dam and hike out to Horseshoe Bend about 5 miles south of town.

IF you take the south 89 loop then you could stop at Jacob's Lake or the Cliff Dwellers. Take a look at Lee's Ferry where you see the Colorado and the the Ferry buildings and ranch.

Cameron Trading Post is a must even for a short stop.

And plan a couple hours driving in from the east entrance of GC. Stop at Desert View for sure for that first look of the canyon, but the other viewpoints and Tusayan ruins are along the way as well.

How much total time do you have?

There will be snow in Bryce canyon but I imagine sunrise and a walk on the rim might be worth the drive.

If not. . .

emalloy list some great Page sights.

We have some time in Zion, but we do not want to rush our kids. We'd like to slow down and enjoy ourselves and relax a bit. We made the tough decision to not go to Bryce. Thanks for all of the great ideas!

Definitely plan on stopping in Page/Lake Powell. You'd probably end up passing through there anyway and not regret stopping. Page is about a 90 minute drive from Zion, then GC South Rim would be a further 2.5 hours. The scenery at Lake Powell is beautiful (think Grand Canyon with water) and there is a lot for families like yourselves to enjoy, such as smooth water rafting, boating on the lake (either by rental or tour boat), 4x4 tours to local slot canyons, easy but scenic hikes, just to name a few. It definitely merits consideration for at least 1 night's stay. Here's a video ->: http://youtu.be/sgA2TWxGir0

Agree with InSandy that the Cameron Trading Post is a good stop too, if not for a leg-stretch and look-see, then a meal of a Navajo Taco at the on-site restaurant.

Good luck and have fun!