MB12

we are traveling from Salt Lake City and only have 5 days. We thought we should hitBryce and Zion and then the north rim. We've not been to the GC before and have heard we should go to the south rim. Is there a big difference between the north and south rims? Would we enjoy the south rim more and we should skip Bryce and Zion? Any help would be appreciated since we have no idea what to expect.

KarenInFla

We haven't been to the north rim so I can't comment on that but we did visit Zion, Bryce and GC south rim last spring break with our kids (14 and 17). Please DON'T skip Zion and Bryce. They are amazing and totally different from each other and the GC. However, with only 5 days you're going to have limited time. Not sure what driving time between SLC and any of the canyons is but Zion to Bryce took us about 2 hours and Bryce to south rim was about 5 hours. From what I've read, the north rim has lots of scenery to offer so maybe you can go there and avoid some driving but still get in all three canyons.

Wellvis

The south rim is far, far more photogenic and has the better views. It's worth the extra time to drive to the south rim.

GrannyJoan

The North Rim is pretty as well and may be less congested and very convenient to the area of Zion and Bryce Parks. You may also want to drive to Page Arizona, that area along Glen Canyon, Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon are also gorgeous.

Bill_H

North rim is more isolated, with only one lodge and thus fewer people. It's about a thousand foot higher and has more forests. You have more variety of views on the south rim though.

Coming from SLC and visiting Bryce and Zion it probably makes more sense to concentrate on the north rim this trip. It's all good ...

It's only a four hour drive from the north rim to the south rim, if you decide you really want to see both.

Bill

enzian

Your choice may be determined by availability of lodging. The North Rim has only one lodge and many people book it a year in advance. Of course there are cancellations, but getting one for the right time takes some luck.

To inquire about North Rim lodging, check the website and call:

http://www.grandcanyonlodgenorth.com/

If there is nothing available, there are a couple of lodges at Jacob Lake, 45 miles away.

For the South Rim, try:

www.grandcanyonlodges.com

If nothing shows up on their website, call them---they too often have cancellations. There are six lodges inside the park at the South Rim, so your chances of finding a room are better there.

As to which is better, that is a matter of personal choice. My first visit, many years ago, was to the North Rim, and I was thoroughly captivated by the peace and quiet, as well as the beauty. The past 2 years we have been to the South Rim, and I find the crowds there pretty dismaying. Is it more scenic? I can't say now, but in September we will be hiking from one rim to the other so I'll have a good chance to compare. I'll let you know then.

brookwood

I have been to both rims and have enjoyed both. My preference is for the south rim because the north rim does not have as many viewpoints as the south rim, but the ones it does have give a good perspective.

The south rim with its longer network of roads and more viewpoints offers the visitor a greater variety.

The problem is that from the north rim to the south rim is a long drive.

The trip is about 4 and a half hours.

For a first time visitor I recommend the south rim. Lodging at both rims is very hard to find on short notice.

Given the short amount of time you have I suggest this plan:
Visit Zion first.
Visit Bryce second
Visit Capital Reef National Park third and on your way back to Salt Lake City.

The drive from Bryce to Capital Reef can be made over Utah route 12. It is one of the most scenic drives you will make in that area.

MB12

Thanks for the help I do have a cabin reserved for 2 nights on the north rim but have heard it's prettier on the other side. Will we get to see enough of the GC with only 2 nights?

Enzian enjoy your trip in September however we will be there mid July but I would still like to hear how your trip goes.

MB12

I do want to add that we are flying out of Las Vegas so hopefully that helps with time.

utahtea

I'd suggest doing Bryce, North Rim and Zion with only 5 days. While I prefer the S. Rim, the North Rim is spectaular to.

I'd say you're better off seeing the three parks vs just the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

I'd suggest this route which can be done in reverse too:

Day 1 Salt Lake to Zion (306 miles)
Day 2 Zion
Day 3 N. Rim (122 miles but if you can't stay at the N. Rim try Kanab and add 78 miles)
Day 4 Drive to Bryce (158 miles from N. Rim or 78 miles from Kanab)
Day 5 The quickest way back to Salt Lake City is 266 miles, but if you want the most scenic drive, then take Hwy 12 with a quick detour to Capitol Reef before returning to Salt Lake City 354 (332 without Captiol Reef)

Utahtea

Bill_H

I do have a cabin reserved for 2 nights on the north rim but have heard it's prettier on the other side

Since you already have the cabin booked I'd advise staying on the north side and combining it with Zion and Bryce ... it's especially nice early and late on the NR when most of the day-trippers are gone, much more relaxing than the south rim. And dining at the formal dining area is very pleasant compared to the south rim options. It's 'pretty' enough on the north rim

Bill

Bill_H

but in September we will be hiking from one rim to the other

Hey enzian, are you doing this as a day-hike or do you have camping permits so you can make it a multi-day trip? Be sure to stop at Ribbon Falls, about a mile south of Cottonwood Campground. Really nice little alcove with a beautiful mossy waterfall.

When I was 15 years younger and minus a knee surgery we used to hike across on a Saturday, wolf down a big meal at the lodge, spend the night in a cabin, and hike back the next day, then drive home. We would do this in late May when it first opened and the 3rd weekend in Oct just before the lodge closed. The good ole days ... too old for that now but I still remember!

Bill

brookwood

I think the north rim is far nicer than the south rim because it gets a little more precipitation.

The north rim in places is 1,000 feet higher and catches the clouds.

As you drive south to the north rim cabin area, you pass through a beautiful forest of ponderosa pines and aspen. I think that much of the pleasure we have derived from the north rim is directly lined to the fine groves of trees that cover much of that part of the plateau.

I think you will enjoy your visits to these parks. I just hope they come to mean as much to you as they do to me.

Bryce is really a favorite.

MB12

Thanks everyone that helps a lot. I think we will keep our north rim reservations just so we can keep Bryce and Zion in our plans. We are so excited about the trip and wish we could see it all!!!We live in Florida so this is a real treat for us. Thanks again.

Myer

It's difficult to tell if you have 5 full days plus the day you fly in and out or not.

Two weeks ago I drove from Bryce Canyon to Salt Lake City and it took exactly 4 hours taking Rt 15. A very smooth drive.

If you do have 5 full days you may have a bit more time than you're counting on.

An optional add-on you can do is go to Willis Creek.

It's very close to Bryce. It's about a 25 mile drive. About 10 miles south of Cannonville. The dirt road from Cannonville to the trailhead is somewhat steep and sandy but Willis Creek was a great surprise.

A very easy hike along and thru a 2 inch stream in a real slot canyon.

you can see my photos at:

www.travelwalks.com

There's a 2007 trip that included Bryce Canyon and Zion and a 2008 trip (two weeks ago) that went from Moacb to Bryce Canyon.

enzian

Wow, Bill H---you went rim to rim in a day, and then back the next day? That's incredible (and did you see the trip report on TA where the guy encountered trail runners who were going over and back on the SAME day??????)

I am nowhere near that kind of athlete----we're spending a night at Phantom Ranch. And I'm looking forward to seeing Ribbon Falls---I've never been down the North Kaibab trail before.

MB12---I think you'll enjoy your stay at the North Rim. It should be very pleasaant there in mid-July; a nice respite from the heat. With a full day there you can drive to several viewpoints, and maybe walk a short way down the North Kaibab trail.

MichelleY

We just got back last Friday from a similar trip. With your time of 5 days, I would stick to Bryce, N. Rim, Zion, LV. In that order. You will not be disappointed with the Grand Canyon, or any of these parks for that matter. I thought the cabins at the NR were cool, and appropriate for the setting. They were built in 1928 or so. The lodge is also beautiful. Save the S. Rim for another trip.

I will be writing my report soon.

MY

Vttraveler

Re rim to rim hikes, my husband and sons hiked down to Phantom Ranch in 2006 and heard about this 80 year old hiker:
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/152357.php