Utah 2
#7
Join Date: Dec 2008
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You could do a loop through Valley of Fire either before or after going up to Zion. It is different from either Bryce or Zion.
Cedar Breaks is interesting, but to me it looked kind of like the rock from Bryce, only spread out. I have a couple of pictures of it at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 click albums then 2009 trip if you want to see what it looks like.
Cedar Breaks is interesting, but to me it looked kind of like the rock from Bryce, only spread out. I have a couple of pictures of it at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 click albums then 2009 trip if you want to see what it looks like.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2008
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I agree with emalloy about Cedar Breaks. If you had a week in the area then definitely stop in. But it is not a good use of your time given that you only have a few days.
Along that same line of thinking, I would not try too hard to find things to do along the way or near Zion and Bryce. Those are the two premier sights in the area and you'll want to maximize your time in each park rather than finding something else to do outside of them.
Having said that, Valley of Fire is worthy of a drive-thru if you have extra time. Also, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is interesting - it is near Kanab on your way to/from Page (I mention this because you have said you want to go to Page on another thread).
Along that same line of thinking, I would not try too hard to find things to do along the way or near Zion and Bryce. Those are the two premier sights in the area and you'll want to maximize your time in each park rather than finding something else to do outside of them.
Having said that, Valley of Fire is worthy of a drive-thru if you have extra time. Also, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is interesting - it is near Kanab on your way to/from Page (I mention this because you have said you want to go to Page on another thread).
#9
You do have lost of replies on your other thread http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...and-canyon.cfm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
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must do's at Zion.
1. Canyon overlook - just east of the tunnel
2. Narrows, even if only ~1/2 mile past the end of the paved riverside walk
3. Hike up towards Angel's landing - going as far as Scout's lookout if you are not up for going all the way to Angel's Landing
all the other hikes pale in comparison to these 3.
1. Canyon overlook - just east of the tunnel
2. Narrows, even if only ~1/2 mile past the end of the paved riverside walk
3. Hike up towards Angel's landing - going as far as Scout's lookout if you are not up for going all the way to Angel's Landing
all the other hikes pale in comparison to these 3.
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
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With your limited time I'd skip Cedar Breaks because it's just a mini-Bryce canyon and a lot of extra driving.
You will be driving though the Virgin River Gorge on your way between Las Vegas and Zion on I-15.
Between Zion and Bryce make sure you exit though the Zion tunnel on Hwy 9 so you can see the Checkerboard mesa area in the park. Before you reach Bryce on Hwy 12 you will be driving though Red Canyon.
When we go to Zion we spend a week or more so there's a lot to do in each park. A day and a half isn't a lot of time.
Utahtea
You will be driving though the Virgin River Gorge on your way between Las Vegas and Zion on I-15.
Between Zion and Bryce make sure you exit though the Zion tunnel on Hwy 9 so you can see the Checkerboard mesa area in the park. Before you reach Bryce on Hwy 12 you will be driving though Red Canyon.
When we go to Zion we spend a week or more so there's a lot to do in each park. A day and a half isn't a lot of time.
Utahtea
#14
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Mule ride at Bryce is a great way to explore areas most people don't get to on foot. Personally I prefer human powered exploration so I would recommend hiking the entire Peek-a-boo loop trail as an add-on to Queens Garden/Navajo loop. The entire loop is about 6-7mi and can take anywhere from 4-5 hrs depending on your pace.
If you don't want to do that much hiking then a mule ride will get you away from the heavily visited QG/NL trails.
On your 2nd 1/2 day head all the way to the end of the park road to Rainbow point and stop at the various lookouts along the way.
If you don't want to do that much hiking then a mule ride will get you away from the heavily visited QG/NL trails.
On your 2nd 1/2 day head all the way to the end of the park road to Rainbow point and stop at the various lookouts along the way.
#16
Sort of between LV and Zion would be Valley of Fire State Park.
Check the map and see if this makes sense for you:
Take US 93 out of Las Vegas to Hoover dam. Leaving Hoover dam turn right onto 93 and then right again on the road that goes north along the west side of Lake Meade. You come into Valley of Fire on the east side and then exit the west side to I-15. You'll go through St. George to get to Zion.
Check the map and see if this makes sense for you:
Take US 93 out of Las Vegas to Hoover dam. Leaving Hoover dam turn right onto 93 and then right again on the road that goes north along the west side of Lake Meade. You come into Valley of Fire on the east side and then exit the west side to I-15. You'll go through St. George to get to Zion.
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
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If you want to do a horse back ride IN Bryce then you have to book though the park. There are rides that you can book outside of the park and you ride outside of the park but you see Bryce. There is a 250 weight limit in the park. I know because my BIL was over and they have a scale there to check you.
The Navajo - Queen's Garden makes a great hike in Bryce. If that's to much for you I love walking along the rim between Sunrise and Sunset points.
Utahtea
The Navajo - Queen's Garden makes a great hike in Bryce. If that's to much for you I love walking along the rim between Sunrise and Sunset points.
Utahtea
#18
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Join Date: Feb 2015
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While at bryce and Zion we will be staying very close to the parks. Are there going to be supermarkets near by where we can get fruits and veggies and other staples or should we get on our way out of vegas.
Can we drink the tap wAter out there? Will it taste good? (Here in Maryland we and almost everyone else drink tap water but I know in some places they don't)
Can we drink the tap wAter out there? Will it taste good? (Here in Maryland we and almost everyone else drink tap water but I know in some places they don't)
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
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You say you are staying close to the parks - it's all relative. Where precisely are you staying?
There are two small markets in the town of Springdale, UT, just outside Zion where you can get what you need - campers use them for a full range of supplies & foods, although the selection may be limited.
There is a larger full size supermarket in the town of Hurricane where you can get more selection and better prices for any supplies you may want.
There are two small markets in the town of Springdale, UT, just outside Zion where you can get what you need - campers use them for a full range of supplies & foods, although the selection may be limited.
There is a larger full size supermarket in the town of Hurricane where you can get more selection and better prices for any supplies you may want.
#20
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Join Date: Feb 2015
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I will be in Flanigans right outside Zion. And in bryce cabins We will only need fruits veggies drunks maybe snacks since we will bring most of our food dus to special dietary needs