Itinerary Help - Grand Canyon area
Jan 31st, 2016, 01:45 AM
#1
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Itinerary Help - Grand Canyon area
My husband and I are flying into Las Vegas from Europe. We've got 13 nights to spend around the Grand Canyon Area for hiking and seeing sites if possible.
- Grand Canyon
- Bryce
- Zion
- Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend
- Havasu Falls
- anything else we shouldn't miss?
Just in the beginning stage of the plan but we do already have a reservation at the Havasu falls lodge on the 27th. At the end of the 13 nights we head to LA for a wedding.
Just not sure how much time to allow in each area and the order in which to organize the trip. Since we will be a bit jet lagged the first full day -- thinking that first day should be a fairly easy one. We also want to allow a little time to rest as needed after the more difficult task.
I don't have a good grasp as to the distances between these points or even where to begin. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Merci!
- Grand Canyon
- Bryce
- Zion
- Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend
- Havasu Falls
- anything else we shouldn't miss?
Just in the beginning stage of the plan but we do already have a reservation at the Havasu falls lodge on the 27th. At the end of the 13 nights we head to LA for a wedding.
Just not sure how much time to allow in each area and the order in which to organize the trip. Since we will be a bit jet lagged the first full day -- thinking that first day should be a fairly easy one. We also want to allow a little time to rest as needed after the more difficult task.
I don't have a good grasp as to the distances between these points or even where to begin. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Merci!
Jan 31st, 2016, 07:18 AM
#5
Are you going down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to see Havasu Falls? http://www.havasuwaterfalls.net/tours.html
The kids will be back to school by Sept. 12 so there will be less tourists. It should be cooler in mid September than it will be in July and August.
The kids will be back to school by Sept. 12 so there will be less tourists. It should be cooler in mid September than it will be in July and August.
Jan 31st, 2016, 09:00 AM
#6
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Yes we are planning to hike down to the falls and stay one night at the lodge there.
I'm wondering if the basic order of the trip should be something like
Las Vegas
Zion
Bryce
Rainbow Bridge
Anetelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend
Grand Canyon South Rim
Off toward LA
Once I can figure out the order of the places I think I can then begin to work on how long for each spot. The only timing we need to make is the lodge at the bottom of Canyon at Havasu falls on September 27th.
Does the order seem about right?
Thanks so much!
I'm wondering if the basic order of the trip should be something like
Las Vegas
Zion
Bryce
Rainbow Bridge
Anetelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend
Grand Canyon South Rim
Off toward LA
Once I can figure out the order of the places I think I can then begin to work on how long for each spot. The only timing we need to make is the lodge at the bottom of Canyon at Havasu falls on September 27th.
Does the order seem about right?
Thanks so much!
Jan 31st, 2016, 09:35 AM
#7
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You have made some very good choices! Zion is my favorite national park, and your other choices are excellent as well. You have also chosen my favorite time of the year for these places.
Based on your choices, my guess is that you are interested mostly in long day hikes. I also assume you will rent a car in Las Vegas; the trip is not possible without a car.
If I am right, then your itinerary might be something like this:
Las Vegas (1 night). If you arrive early in the day, you could drive directly to your first destination -- but that would be a difficult first day.
Zion National Park (3 nights). Two of the best day hikes are The Narrows and Angels Landing. However, there are many more. I have at least three or four other personal favorites.
Bryce Canyon National Park (2 nights). Only one night is needed for a quick stop at the major viewpoints. With two nights, you can spend a day hiking into the "canyon" (technically, it's a series of natural amphitheaters).
Page, Arizona (1 night): Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend.
Grand Canyon South Rim (1 or 2 nights). Two nights allow for a full day hiking into the canyon. If that doesn't interest you, one night is enough.
Peach Springs (1 night). This is the closest place to stay prior to your hike to Supai -- but it's still about 70 miles from the trailhead.
Supai (2 nights if possible). See my comments below.
Peach Springs or Kingman or ??? (1 night). The hike out of Supai typically takes three to five hours. From there, it's at least an eight hour drive to Los Angeles. If you can, spend the night at a motel somewhere in between.
There are other locations as well -- especially if you decide to spend less time at the above locations. You could even spend some time in Las Vegas -- it offers many things to do aside from gambling.
**SUPAI**
When people say they're visiting Havasu Falls, they're actually traveling to the village of Supai, and then visiting several waterfalls. The most famous is Havasu Falls; the tallest is Mooney Falls. This part of the trip takes a lot of planning. It's good that you made a reservation, as that is the most difficult part of the plan. However, one night gives you very little time to see anything. Most people allow another night to drive to a hotel close to the trailhead, and you'll need a place to stay after you hike out of Supai.
There is much more to say about Supai, but my message is already too long. I've written up a long (20 page) document about planning for Supai; let me know if you're interested.
Based on your choices, my guess is that you are interested mostly in long day hikes. I also assume you will rent a car in Las Vegas; the trip is not possible without a car.
If I am right, then your itinerary might be something like this:
Las Vegas (1 night). If you arrive early in the day, you could drive directly to your first destination -- but that would be a difficult first day.
Zion National Park (3 nights). Two of the best day hikes are The Narrows and Angels Landing. However, there are many more. I have at least three or four other personal favorites.
Bryce Canyon National Park (2 nights). Only one night is needed for a quick stop at the major viewpoints. With two nights, you can spend a day hiking into the "canyon" (technically, it's a series of natural amphitheaters).
Page, Arizona (1 night): Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend.
Grand Canyon South Rim (1 or 2 nights). Two nights allow for a full day hiking into the canyon. If that doesn't interest you, one night is enough.
Peach Springs (1 night). This is the closest place to stay prior to your hike to Supai -- but it's still about 70 miles from the trailhead.
Supai (2 nights if possible). See my comments below.
Peach Springs or Kingman or ??? (1 night). The hike out of Supai typically takes three to five hours. From there, it's at least an eight hour drive to Los Angeles. If you can, spend the night at a motel somewhere in between.
There are other locations as well -- especially if you decide to spend less time at the above locations. You could even spend some time in Las Vegas -- it offers many things to do aside from gambling.
**SUPAI**
When people say they're visiting Havasu Falls, they're actually traveling to the village of Supai, and then visiting several waterfalls. The most famous is Havasu Falls; the tallest is Mooney Falls. This part of the trip takes a lot of planning. It's good that you made a reservation, as that is the most difficult part of the plan. However, one night gives you very little time to see anything. Most people allow another night to drive to a hotel close to the trailhead, and you'll need a place to stay after you hike out of Supai.
There is much more to say about Supai, but my message is already too long. I've written up a long (20 page) document about planning for Supai; let me know if you're interested.
Jan 31st, 2016, 10:59 AM
#9
If you have a couple extra days, spend them in eastern Utah at Arches and Canyonlands. Save LA for another trip.
If you rent a car in Las Vegas return it there and fly to LAX if you must see it.
If you rent a car in Las Vegas return it there and fly to LAX if you must see it.
Jan 31st, 2016, 05:16 PM
#11
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RE - Igott - Quote:
"The Narrows and Angels Landing. However, there are many more. "
Angels Landing is a strenuous hike uphill 455 meters elevation change. 4 km one way. It is on an excellent maintained trail. Narrows: There are two entries: 1) From Chamberlain Ranch that starts at the top and through the canyon down the river. Two days - permits are required and scarce. The other is to walk up the river from the park itself at Riverside. Then just walk up (in) the river. Good shoes and a walking stick is suggest. Stick can be rented at a local sports shop.
Havasu Falls - Tradition is to send yourself a post card from there. It is the only place in the US where mail is delivered by mule. Rather than waste time walking, why not hire a mule or if you can afford it, fly in on a helicopter.
Vaga
"The Narrows and Angels Landing. However, there are many more. "
Angels Landing is a strenuous hike uphill 455 meters elevation change. 4 km one way. It is on an excellent maintained trail. Narrows: There are two entries: 1) From Chamberlain Ranch that starts at the top and through the canyon down the river. Two days - permits are required and scarce. The other is to walk up the river from the park itself at Riverside. Then just walk up (in) the river. Good shoes and a walking stick is suggest. Stick can be rented at a local sports shop.
Havasu Falls - Tradition is to send yourself a post card from there. It is the only place in the US where mail is delivered by mule. Rather than waste time walking, why not hire a mule or if you can afford it, fly in on a helicopter.
Vaga
Feb 1st, 2016, 11:15 AM
#13
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You are all terrific in your help thank you! Just found out the LA wedding date has changed so we're off the hook on that leg. This means we have a full 21 days in the area if we want. Our reservation at Supai lodge was only available for one night and we don't have the gear to camp. One thought was to sleep in the car in the parking lot and hit the trail down at the crack of dawn. That should give us some time at the bottom to see as much as we can, then head out the next day.
The original plan was to arrive in Las Vegas on Sept 20th but it seems if we head to Zion first we probably wouldn't make it to Havasupai falls on time for our reservation on the 27th. We could reverse the order and land in Las Vegas a few days later. lgot you mentioned there might be some interesting things to do in Vegas for a few days?
If we reverse the order we would then have plenty of time at the end maybe to explore some of eastern utah as you suggested tom.
So ... to sum it up my questions now are
- Any problems reversing the order?
- Anything to do in / around Las Vegas?
- How much extra time to allow for eastern Utah
and I would me most interested in the learning more about planning for Supai (lgot)
And a heartfelt thank to everyone who has contributed. I have a spreadsheet started ;-))
Cheers!
The original plan was to arrive in Las Vegas on Sept 20th but it seems if we head to Zion first we probably wouldn't make it to Havasupai falls on time for our reservation on the 27th. We could reverse the order and land in Las Vegas a few days later. lgot you mentioned there might be some interesting things to do in Vegas for a few days?
If we reverse the order we would then have plenty of time at the end maybe to explore some of eastern utah as you suggested tom.
So ... to sum it up my questions now are
- Any problems reversing the order?
- Anything to do in / around Las Vegas?
- How much extra time to allow for eastern Utah
and I would me most interested in the learning more about planning for Supai (lgot)
And a heartfelt thank to everyone who has contributed. I have a spreadsheet started ;-))
Cheers!
Feb 1st, 2016, 12:17 PM
#14
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"interested in the learning more about planning for Supai"
(1) Your idea of sleeping in the parking lot is a good one. Get to the parking lot before dark, as the road is narrow, unlit, and frequented by large wild life as well as cows. If you're used to hikes with large elevation changes, this hike isn't too bad. Otherwise, it might be a very long day (8 miles to Supai, then another 6 or 7 miles to see the major waterfalls, including small amounts of scrambling).
(2) I created a large how-to document (well...really just an extensive set of travel plans in PDF format) for Supai. My web ISP shut down its web hosting, so I've moved the document to https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy . I *think* it's visible to anyone; if not, let me know.
"Anything to do in / around Las Vegas?"
There's a lot to do around Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has great rock climbing, and also great rock scrambling routes. The Mt. Charleston area has good alpine hiking. If money is no object, some of the best restaurants in the country are in Las Vegas, e.g. Joel Robuchon (after chef Robuchon came out of retirement, he created an informal restaurant in France, then opened this formal restaurant in Las Vegas. When Michelin was still rating restaurants in Las Vegas, Joel Robuchon received three stars). If you're young and into clubbing, Las Vegas has some of the hottest clubs around (so I'm told). Even some of the touristy things are worthwhile, e.g.: walking the Las Vegas Strip at night; the Neon Museum (a museum/graveyard of signs from the heyday of neon); National Atomic Testing Museum (bizarre...scary...but interesting. Where else could you buy a "Miss Atomic Bomb of 1957" refrigerator magnet, or an Albert Einstein action figure doll?); the Mob Museum (a paean to the era of organized crime). The list goes on and on.
(1) Your idea of sleeping in the parking lot is a good one. Get to the parking lot before dark, as the road is narrow, unlit, and frequented by large wild life as well as cows. If you're used to hikes with large elevation changes, this hike isn't too bad. Otherwise, it might be a very long day (8 miles to Supai, then another 6 or 7 miles to see the major waterfalls, including small amounts of scrambling).
(2) I created a large how-to document (well...really just an extensive set of travel plans in PDF format) for Supai. My web ISP shut down its web hosting, so I've moved the document to https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy . I *think* it's visible to anyone; if not, let me know.
"Anything to do in / around Las Vegas?"
There's a lot to do around Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has great rock climbing, and also great rock scrambling routes. The Mt. Charleston area has good alpine hiking. If money is no object, some of the best restaurants in the country are in Las Vegas, e.g. Joel Robuchon (after chef Robuchon came out of retirement, he created an informal restaurant in France, then opened this formal restaurant in Las Vegas. When Michelin was still rating restaurants in Las Vegas, Joel Robuchon received three stars). If you're young and into clubbing, Las Vegas has some of the hottest clubs around (so I'm told). Even some of the touristy things are worthwhile, e.g.: walking the Las Vegas Strip at night; the Neon Museum (a museum/graveyard of signs from the heyday of neon); National Atomic Testing Museum (bizarre...scary...but interesting. Where else could you buy a "Miss Atomic Bomb of 1957" refrigerator magnet, or an Albert Einstein action figure doll?); the Mob Museum (a paean to the era of organized crime). The list goes on and on.
