ccb213

Thanks to everyone in this community who has provided invaluable guidance so far on our itinerary to GC-Lake Powell-Bryce-Zion. Reservations for accommodations are set. We’re traveling in August with three kids - ages 12, 13, 13. Our family hikes somewhat but we aren't a family that does all day strenuous hikes. I know we aren’t giving each park justice – but we only have a limited time. I've got some additional questions and would appreciate feedback (and driving suggestions). Thanks!

August 18 Fly into Vegas - overnight Vegas

August 19 Drive to GC early am via Hoover Dam and old Route 66 - overnight GC/Maswick Lodge
- Where to stop on 66?

August 20 Grand Canyon
- Any specific hikes?
- Is a helicopter ride worth the splurge?

August 21 Drive to Antelope Canyon (lower) - overnight in page/Lake Powell Resort
- Do we need the morning in GC or should we drive to Antelope Canyon?
- Is there a recommended time to be in the lower canyon? People have mentioned around noon. Do we need to make prior reservations?
- Horeshoe Bend - is this ok for someone who is afraid of heights?

August 22 Lake Powell - overnight Bryce Lodge
- Suggestions for renting a boat for 1/2 day or river float or something else?
- Does it make sense to switch the order of Antelope Canyon and Boat rental/lake activity?
- Is there a scenic route to get to Bryce - preferably by sunset?

August 23 Bryce – overnight Zion ( Cliffrose Lodge or Dessert Pearl – have res. at both)
- Horseback ride for some family members in the am
- Hike Navajo loop/Queens Garden - is noon too hot? (Horeseback is from 9-11 am – should we switch to the 2:00 so as to hike in am?) If we leave around 5 for Zion – is that too late?

August 24 Zion
- Suggestions for hikes? Thinking Emerald pools. Other suggestions?
- If we do part of Narrows (not all day) - Do we need to rent poles and shoes?

August 25 Zion for most of the day – overnight LV

- Need to be in LV in time for a Cirque show (not sure which one yet)
- Any recommendations for drive back to drive through other parks scenic routes

August 26 Fly home

WhereAreWe

Can you do the Cirque show on your arrival night so you don't have to leave Zion and rush back on the 25th?

2 nights at GC is a lot for people that don't hike a lot. Get out of there in the morning to head to Page, you will not need anymore time for hiking or sightseeing. I'd try to get to Antelope Canyon that same day.

Definitely get to Bryce before sunset to avoid driving after dark. Sunset itself is not anything to write home about. Sunrise is a much better show.

I'd do the horseback ride early then hike later. If it gets hot when hiking you can stop and take breaks and find some shade. But on horseback you are stuck on top of a warm creature (they usually recommend wearing pants to avoid chafing) and there no escaping that body heat.

I'd try to get to Zion with time to do the Canyon Overlook trail near the east entrance
upon arrival. That's really the only trail on that side you'll want to so you may as well do it then instead of making a special trip over another day.

emalloy

For hiking in GC, spend some time on the rim trail from Bright Angel to Hermit's rest. You can hop on the bus when you get tired of walking and get off at the next view point. Also, go down int the canyon at least a short way, on Bright Angel trail or South Kaibab trail. There are also ranger let hikes, one looks at the fossils along the trail.

J62

A GC hike I recommend you try is the S. Kaibab trail.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Kaibab_Trail

If you can go 1.5mi to Cedar Ridge you will get great out in the GC. It is ~1200' elevation drop (and therefore ~1200' back up, or roughly the height of the Empire State building....)

You can view this hike on google maps "street view".

If that hike is too aggressive, then you can certainly have an enjoyable visit going to the various rim lookouts east and west of GC village, from Hermit's Rest to Desert View Watchtower.

At Zion, if you are only going to hike the Narrows for 1hr or less, then sneakers only are ok, but I do recommend wooden walking poles regardless. For a longer hike then I recommend water hiking shoes.

Emerald pools, weeping rock, Canyon Overlook are all good family friendly hikes. If some of the group is more ambitious, then I suggest part of the family go up to Scout's Lookout, which is on the Angel's Landing trail. The views down into the valley are amazing as you get the ~1000' up.

ccb213

Thanks for the feedback so far.
Where are we - good suggestion about seeing a cirque show the first night. I will see if we can do that.
EMalloy and J62 - thanks for the suggestions for hikes.
It's all helpful information and I really appreciate it.