Judy

My husband and I are planning our first trip to the southwestern part of the country next April. We had thought about flying into Las Vegas, spending a couple of nights there. Then a night apiece at Zion, Bryce Canyon and the south rim of the Grand Canyon before spending two nights in Sedona and three nights in the Phoenix area (relatives). Does this sound like a good plan? Or does it sound like we are trying to crowd too much in? I would love to see all of these areas, but I'm not a real outdoors type of person (the scenery and maybe a few short hikes would probably be enough for me), which is also the reason that I am throwing Las Vegas and Phoenix into the mix. One other question, we are wondering whether it would be better to fly into Las Vegas and out of Phoenix or vice versa.

Duane

Great trip. A few years ago we flew into Vegas, spent 5 days in my favorite city in the world, drove to the Grand Canyon and spent a night (got there early enough to enjoy a day and a half. Left the next afternoon and went to Sedona for 2 nights then spent a week in Phoenix (parents live there).

This was an awesome vacation! You are adding a few extra canyons, and are really packing it in. I have never been to Brice or Zion but have heard wonderful things about each.

Personally I would skip them and just do Vegas, Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Phoenix. Leaves a little more time in each place.
Have a great time!
Duane

sandy

Judy,
Zion and Bryce Canyon are definitely worth seeing and, especially in the case of Zion, don't require a lot of hiking. Also, if you're going to those two national parks, you'll be a lot closer to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where the views are simply amazing. Sunset from Cape Royal and sunrise from Bright Angel are not to be missed. Be aware, however, that there's a lot of driving involved in your proposed itinerary. But the desert is beautiful in the spring. If you're lucky, all the cactus will be in bloom. Gorgeous.

Sara

Sounds like a pretty good plan to me. Yes, you'll be moving around a lot and doing lots of packing and unpacking, but if this is your only chance to visit these places for awhile, you really shouldn't miss Bryce and Zion, they are spectacular. You'll only wish that you had more time to spend at each place. And while the North Rim is closer to those places, according to the NPS Grand Canyon web site, North Rim facilities don't open until mid May, and I understand that you may not even be able to drive to the North Rim until about then because of heavy snowfall, so going there in April sounds iffy. Besides, you need to head to the south side of the canyon to get to Sedona anyway, so I think that you're better off planning to go to the South Rim.

jangels

I just posted a trip report you may be interested in called "Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion". I also think that GC North Rim and Bryce close for winter so check before booking your flight.

rqf

I would do this trip out of Las Vegas and plan sounds fine. You certainly can do it in the time frame outlined. If you feel something has to be cut out don't eliminate Bryce - cut down on time spent in Sedona or Phoenix. Bryce is a scenic wonder and should not be missed.

kam

Granted, I'm one of those people who doesn't like Las Vegas, but I would fly into there and spend just a few days (2?), rent a car and drive through Zion, then the Grand Canyon south rim and on to Sedona. I realize you have relatives in Phoenix, but I would try to limit my time there as well. The beauty of the Southwest is not in the cities but in the nature. Sedona is in the lucky position of having both. Could still be quite cold in Zion, Bryce and the GG. Snow possible in the upper altitudes of Sedona.

Laura

I just visited the Grand Canyon and Sedona. If you're looking for somwhere to stay in between, we stopped in Flagstaff and stayed at the Days Inn on Rt. 66. Would defnitely recommend it.

Laura

Dawn

Sounds like a great trip. I've travelled all over that area. I personally found the Grand Canyon to be **nice and stunning** but not amazing like I thought. I am a hiker and spent time in the canyon - it is indeed beautiful but very large in size and expansive. Most people just drive the rim, get out at the photo stops and look around. If this is what you want to do, then go for it. It doesn't sound like you are the type to do a lot of hiking. After travelling from the Grand Canyon, our next stop was Sedona. NOW this place REALLY took my breath away. The red rocks in the canyon were spectacular, the hiking in my opinion was better (there are beginner trails) and it was more intimate than the grand canyon. They have a cute little town with galleries and shops as well. I would spend more time here than anywhere else. Phoenix is a beautiful city that I enjoy but it is a city with all that that entails. Just my thoughts. I personally would skip Vegas and spend more time in Phoenix. It's a nice city with a lot to do.