Ketty22

I will be attending American Library Association Conference in Las Vegas and at the end of the Conference My husband and I would like to see the Gran Canyon. We both are sixty five and sixty three years old. We would like to find a flexible vacation Package where we dont need to worry about driving back and forth. We are interested in historic account ans sight seeing.
We would like to know if it is better to drive from Las Vegas to Gran Canyon or to Fly in from Las Vegas. What is the distance between the two sites. How is traffic?

Ketty

spirobulldog

You probably want 1 to 2 days at the GC and at least 1 or maybe 2 nights. Sunrise and Sunsets are great. I would see The South Rim. Have a meal at El Tovar. Get your room reservations ASAP, as they may already be sold out.

After you are out of Vegas, traffic I wouldn't expect any problem with traffic. You might consider seeing The Hoover Dam to or from your trip to the GC.

It's about a 4 hour drive between the two places.

You want the south rim for a first visit, in my opinion. Especially if you are interested in the history.

I would suggest staying at El Tovar or Bright Angel.
I would NOT take the train.

Tomsd

Agree with Spriodog. Try to stay on the Rim - either at the less expensive Bright Angel - or go for it at El Tovar and get/request a room with a rim view at either place. Walk along the rim - maybe go down the trail beneath the rim a bit - and take the bus trip to the West for the Sunset - in additioin to being able to hop on/off at the many spots.

Also fun to greet the sun from a spot to the east in the ealry am. At some point - view the IMAX film by the southern entrane for a good historical perspective.

If you have the time - drive over to Page and take a half day float trip down Glen Canyon - very beautiful - and safe - no rapids.

Tomsd

Actually - I could spend 3 or 4 days - at the Grand Canyon - (even longer - would love at least a 3 day float trip down the Canyon rapids) - but as a bonus - you might check out Zion on your way back - and maybe also Bryce Canyon (Southern Utah) - if you have time.

Of if you have a hankering for Cliff Dwellings - an easy trip is to drive over to the Navajo National Monument - http://www.nps.gov/nava/index.htm - under 3 hours - and then also continue on another half hour to the incredible Monument Valley -by Kayenta, AZ.

For great reports and photos - check out Sprio's many trip reports.

J62

You can't really take a 3 day float in the Grand Canyon, at least not through the National Park. The minimum float trip is 6-7 days, the time it takes to float the 86 miles from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch. From there you'd then need to hike up 5000' to the South Rim to end your float trip.

I believe there are shorter trips that you can take far downstream, below the National Park, closer to Vegas. While technically still the Grand Canyon, it's not the part that's been protected by the National Park due to the beauty.

Overall I agree with Spiro & Tom's comments, and if you have the time make a circle loop to include Bryce & Zion. There are several other hotels right at the South Rim and a room in any of those is better than any hotel 20miles away outside the park. You don't really need a rim view room as all of the rooms are minutes if not steps away from the rim. For reservations at any of the in-park hotels look at xanterra.com. They are the operator for the in-park lodging at GCNP South Rim. If you find a room that's open for your dates, book it now. You can always cancel up to 3d prior to arrival, but at least you'd have something booked.

emalloy

When are you going to be there? I generally agree with the posters who suggest that you stay on the rim and that you call now for reservations.

The most cost effective will be to rent a car in Las Vegas and do a loop so you can return it to there.

If you have time and interest in Native American history/life, you could go east from GC to Canyon de Chelley before heading back to Vegas.

A stop at Hoover Dam either going or coming would be fun.

If you have half a day free while you are in Vegas, visit Red Rock Canyon and/or Valley of Fire.

spirobulldog

J62,

You can do the last 93 miles of the Canyon on a 3 day trip. This is from Bar 10 Ranch via a helicopter to the bottom. Several companies offer it in a 3-4 day time frame. I did it with Arizona River Runners.

Tomsd

Again - prefer a room with a view if you can get it. So nice to wake up to the view and also watch the colors change as the sun rises - same at sunset if you are not out at the West end.

Canyon de Chelley is interesting but it's a few hours beyond the Navajo National monument - which also gives a good example of Cliff Dwellings.

WhereAreWe

Your initial post is somewhat confusing. You ask about a vacation package so you don't have to worry about driving back and forth....but you then ask about driving distance and traffic?

Can you clarify: are you willing to rent a car and drive yourselves to the Grand Canyon? Or are you only willing to take a tour and are looking for recommendations as to which type?