seeitall

We are a late 40s couple wishing to see it all in a short period. We are awed by nature. I'm wondering if this schedule is do-able? What are the driving times between locations? What are the must-see/do highlights? Best places to stay/eat? Hikes are fine but due to time constraints, I realize they'll need to be short. I've read & read lots of books & comments & now I'm second guessing myself so I thought I'd seek advice from others who've been there.

Friday, April 20 depart Las Vegas at noon
Spend night on South Rim of Grand Canyon (currently have inside-the-park reservations for 2 nights but am considering cancelling the 2nd night) Do not feel a need to see Hoover Dam.
Saturday, drive to Bryce & stay in vicinity.
Sunday, drive to Zion & stay in vicinity until Tuesday morning.
Tuesday, 11:30am flight out of Las Vegas.

We would prefer to keep with this itinerary, but if need be we could add one & possibly 2 more nights.

Would you recommend a horseback ride in either Bryce or Zion, keeping in mind our brief amount of time? Is the helicopter trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon a "must-do"? It sounds like most people are more impressed with Bryce & Zion than the Grand Canyon.

stevecat

This plan isn't a very good idea. The problem is your destination of the south rim - it's on the wrong side of easy access to the Bryce/Zion area. With this plan, you'll be spending the majority of your time driving in the car. While that may be tolerable as the driver, I pity the passenger as they'll be bored beyond belief. If you went to the North rim then it would be do-able in the timeframe you have. Unfortunately, the North rim doesn't open until May, so that's out.

My suggestion is to stick with Bryce and Zion and plan the GC for another time.

Indeed, many are more fond of Bryce and Zion because there is much more to do in the way of short hikes and such. GC is just a big hole in the ground so unless you hike to the bottom (restricted to only the best in shape), there's not much else in the way of short hikes, aside from hiking in the forested areas (boring).

utahtea

I have to disagree with stevecat. I think your trip is do-able and I would keep the 2 nights at the S. Rim so you have time to enjoy the Grand Canyon. The drive from Las Vegas to the S. Rim will be the most boring drive, but still I think it's scenic. It's 280 miles and about 5 hours.

S. Rim Village to Bryce is 290 miles and about 6 hour drive. You will drive right by beautiful Lake Powell.

I think the trails in Bryce will be snowed in at this time of the year. I've read you can get snow shoes but hiking and horseback riding will probably be out.

You will be spending a lot of time in the vehicle but it will be scenic.

Utahtea

sharondi

I think it sounds fine but I'd definitely consider adding a day or two to Zion. And I'd keep the 2 nights in GCanyon South Rim. It is not much further to the South Rim from LV than it is to the North Rim. They are both wonderful but views at the South Rim are far more dramatic. Bryce is so gorgeous - it will be worth it even if you can only view it from the top - well worth a night. If you can get a room in the park, do it. There are plenty of great places to stay in Springdale unless you can get a room inside the park. Either way, don't miss Zion. And add a day or two if you can. You will be so glad that you did.

gail

We did a similar loop with a little more time a few years ago. Although there is a lot of driving, the scenery is great - not your usual boring interstate drive.

It is very possible to see a little of below-the-rim GC on a short hike - there is a trail at South Rim near Bright Angel cabins that has marked points for short distances - something like 1/2, 1 and 2 miles. Even the shortest distance is a whole different view.

Try to do your driving during daylight hours - you see more and the roads are winding and would scare me at night.

Only part I am not sure of is time/distance from Zion to LV airport - I usually dislike the rush-to-the-airport feeling, but depending on distance, it still might work.

elnap29

It's about 2 1/2 hrs or 3 hrs Zion to LV airport. Allow a lot of extra time, though - we've done this numerous times and have been caught in horrible traffic jams a couple times due to accidents and/or construction. Also need to allow time for car rental drop-off, and this is determined by which company you use. Alamo can be more hassle (longer).
We love Zion. You will have many awesome walking/strolling/hiking opportunities. I recommend staying at Zion Lodge to get the most out of your visit. Skip horseback riding in Zion. If it's available in Bryce, do it there.
South Rim Grand Canyon is a place everyone should see. It is really GRAND, and, of course, one of the 7 wonders of the world.

dwooddon

I agree this is a doable trip but I would make a minor change. Instead of driving to LV on the morning of your flight, I'd do it the evening before. You can never predict the traffic conditions in LV. In addition, a bad accident can cut off access between St George and LV with no useful alternative.

We had a horrendous accident on I-15 on Thursday morning last week and traffic southbound on I-15 experienced significant delays. We established a bypass of the accident but it still added at least 30 minutes to the drive and lasted for almost 90 minutes.

As others have said, you also may need a lot of time to turn in your car and get through security at LAS. I've caught planes where I made it from the ticket counter to the gate in 20 minutes or less. I've also had it take over two hours. You'll be a lot less stressed if you make the trip the evening before your flight.