Vegas/Grand Canyon/Zion
Nov 6th, 2005, 08:05 AM
#1
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Vegas/Grand Canyon/Zion
Hubby and I are in the beginning stages of planning an anniversary trip for June 2006. We thought this schedule might wotk well:
- Fri = fly to Vegas from Midwest
- Sat to Mon = experience Vegas
- Tu = check out & drive to GC, South Rim
- Tu & Wed = at GC
- Th & Fri = Zion
- Sat = fly home
I guess my questions are:
- Hotels (where are good places to stay? We are 30, young professionals. I was thinking NY hotel in LV. What about GC & Zion? We want nice places, not super pricey, but not budget either)
- Things to do in GC, Zion (We are up for rafting, hiking, horse back riding, etc.)
Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
- Fri = fly to Vegas from Midwest
- Sat to Mon = experience Vegas
- Tu = check out & drive to GC, South Rim
- Tu & Wed = at GC
- Th & Fri = Zion
- Sat = fly home
I guess my questions are:
- Hotels (where are good places to stay? We are 30, young professionals. I was thinking NY hotel in LV. What about GC & Zion? We want nice places, not super pricey, but not budget either)
- Things to do in GC, Zion (We are up for rafting, hiking, horse back riding, etc.)
Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Nov 6th, 2005, 05:37 PM
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Your plan looks good. We camp so I can't help with lodging. The shortest rafting trip on the Colorado IN the Grand Canyon is 3 days. There is a 1/2 day float trip on the Colorado River out of Page, AZ which is calm water...no rapids.
Zion has horseback rides. There is no rafting on the Virgin River in Zion. You can rent intertubes and tube down the Virgin River just outside of Zion in Springdale, Utah. The river just isn't deep enought for rafting near the park.
Utahtea
Zion has horseback rides. There is no rafting on the Virgin River in Zion. You can rent intertubes and tube down the Virgin River just outside of Zion in Springdale, Utah. The river just isn't deep enought for rafting near the park.
Utahtea
Nov 6th, 2005, 06:55 PM
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utahtea - thanks for the info.! Do you have a web address for the 1/2 day float trip out of Page? Also, do you have web addresses for the Zion activities you mentioned?
If anyone has lodging info., I'm still interested - thank you!
If anyone has lodging info., I'm still interested - thank you!
Nov 7th, 2005, 06:26 AM
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There is only one operator for the Float trip but it's on two different websites:
http://www.riveradventures.com/trips_float_trips.shtml
http://www.lakepowell.com/tours_schedule.php
Horseback riding in Zion:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/activities/HorsebackRiding.htm
Virgin River Tubing, Zion:
http://www.ziontubing.com/rivertube%20rentals.htm
Utahtea
http://www.riveradventures.com/trips_float_trips.shtml
http://www.lakepowell.com/tours_schedule.php
Horseback riding in Zion:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/activities/HorsebackRiding.htm
Virgin River Tubing, Zion:
http://www.ziontubing.com/rivertube%20rentals.htm
Utahtea
Nov 7th, 2005, 07:56 AM
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I cannot wait to get back to the Desert Pearl in Springdale, Utah! We stayed three nights there while we explored Zion in early October. It is delightful. First, there are rock formations that you can see from the balconies, so you can be in Landform Heaven while you're having coffee in the morning or wine at night. The grounds are gorgeous. On one side, there is a grassy area along the river, with a huge canyon wall beyond that, dazzling in the sunset. In the front, there is a azure pool and hot tub in the garden that we were using still in October, and another canyon wall towering above. Orange and purple are favorite flower colors. The units themselves are pristine. Couch, big TV, table and chairs, micro and frig, balcony with Adirondack chairs, nice comfy bed, large and luxurious marble, tile and slate bathroom, great colors, sophisticated and calming. The park is close by, with the shuttle stopping right at the hotel. There is a small cafe for breakfast right there, and you can walk just a block or two for lots of restaurant choices in the town. The hotel is expanding down by the river, and I heard tell that the cafe might be growing too. Springdale is a sweet small town just down the road from one of the nation's most beautiful and peaceful national parks. We're so lucky we were able to stay there, and will definitely be going back. You can see it all at desertpearl.com.
At the Grand Canyon, we stayed at the eastern end of the park road, at Cameron's Trading Post. This is about 30 minutes from Desert View viewing point, the last one in the park on the east side. We stayed in the park for a much shorter time than you are, did some walking. Here's what we liked about Cameron's. In no way is it a typical chain motel. Visit the site at camerontradingpost.com, and see photos. We stayed in a room that was not rectangular! It had lovely decor, and a tiny balcony that oervlooked the Little Colorado gorge (and also a set of bridges, one of which was well-used). The interior courtyard of the motel had a fabulous garden, with stone walkways and waterways, just beautiful. Then the trading post had a store, both for food and for memorabilia, and an art gallery, and a restaurant in a big room with a huge fireplace and very old wood. We had our first Navajo frybread at Cameron's. It also has a dog. Now you can think that's nothing special, but I made close friends with this dog immediately, and we had several conversations. What was unique is that I'm not a dog person, not an animal person, but this creature captivated me. The whole place captivated us. It was the highlight of our trip until we got to Zion.
What I liked about these two places is that they remain in my heart as highlights of the trip of a lifetime. Meanwhile, I barely remember most of the other places we stayed.
At the Grand Canyon, we stayed at the eastern end of the park road, at Cameron's Trading Post. This is about 30 minutes from Desert View viewing point, the last one in the park on the east side. We stayed in the park for a much shorter time than you are, did some walking. Here's what we liked about Cameron's. In no way is it a typical chain motel. Visit the site at camerontradingpost.com, and see photos. We stayed in a room that was not rectangular! It had lovely decor, and a tiny balcony that oervlooked the Little Colorado gorge (and also a set of bridges, one of which was well-used). The interior courtyard of the motel had a fabulous garden, with stone walkways and waterways, just beautiful. Then the trading post had a store, both for food and for memorabilia, and an art gallery, and a restaurant in a big room with a huge fireplace and very old wood. We had our first Navajo frybread at Cameron's. It also has a dog. Now you can think that's nothing special, but I made close friends with this dog immediately, and we had several conversations. What was unique is that I'm not a dog person, not an animal person, but this creature captivated me. The whole place captivated us. It was the highlight of our trip until we got to Zion.
What I liked about these two places is that they remain in my heart as highlights of the trip of a lifetime. Meanwhile, I barely remember most of the other places we stayed.
Nov 7th, 2005, 11:10 AM
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The Desert Pearl is really lovely, try to stay there for Zion. For the GC the hotels are run by Xanterra, check out their website. El Tovar is the best, Bright Angel is budget but atmospheric. There are several hotels at the GC. On the rim are El Tovar, Thunderbird, Kachina and Bright Angel, back in the forest but still close are Maswik and Yavapai. IMHO, it's much nicer to stay on the rim and have the beautiful canyon always right there.
Make your hotel reservations ASAP, they fill up.
At Zion and GC, hike hike hike, but beware of the heat in June and pay attention to the warnings about the GC trails.
Make your hotel reservations ASAP, they fill up.
At Zion and GC, hike hike hike, but beware of the heat in June and pay attention to the warnings about the GC trails.
Nov 7th, 2005, 08:28 PM
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Patches-
If you want a one-day Grand Canyon raft trip, I can recommend the one through Look Tours. Me and my hubby went on it this past August and loved it. A bit pricey, but we had a great time. We are 30-somethings and were afraid there wouldn't be enough rapids. (We've both been rafting before, New River nad Grand Canyon.) Maybe about a 6 1/2 (out of 10) rating on the rapids. Mostly because there aren't enough of them. The rapids are right away and other half the trip is a float. We didn't get to fly out of the canyon by helicopter becuz of bad weather, but they did reimburse us for both the cost of our flights (120 each).
We still had a great time. The raft trip was the highlight of our trip to Vegas. Warning: you will get wet, from the rapids and from the water fights between the boats. Would recommend taking a disposable waterproof camera; stay away from bringing the digitals. The guides were a riot, and the bus ride down to the river will probably scare you more than the rapids. Hope this helped!
If you want a one-day Grand Canyon raft trip, I can recommend the one through Look Tours. Me and my hubby went on it this past August and loved it. A bit pricey, but we had a great time. We are 30-somethings and were afraid there wouldn't be enough rapids. (We've both been rafting before, New River nad Grand Canyon.) Maybe about a 6 1/2 (out of 10) rating on the rapids. Mostly because there aren't enough of them. The rapids are right away and other half the trip is a float. We didn't get to fly out of the canyon by helicopter becuz of bad weather, but they did reimburse us for both the cost of our flights (120 each).
We still had a great time. The raft trip was the highlight of our trip to Vegas. Warning: you will get wet, from the rapids and from the water fights between the boats. Would recommend taking a disposable waterproof camera; stay away from bringing the digitals. The guides were a riot, and the bus ride down to the river will probably scare you more than the rapids. Hope this helped!
Nov 10th, 2005, 07:29 AM
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We did a similar trip (with kids) last summer 04. You can click on my name and search for my extensive trip report.
I would opt for one day less in LV and one more day in Zion or add a day in Bryce (our favorite spot). You'd have two nights in Vegas which is when the action is. One full day to tour. NYNY is probably fine although realize that it is at one end of the strip. Cool atmosphere though.
The horseback riding in Zion is very tame (we thought). A 2 hour horseback ride in Bryce (run by the same people) would be much more enjoyable. Hiking is really the highlight of all of the trips.
Be sure to do some hiking down into the Grand Canyon. Totally different perspective from the rim walk.
We stayed at the following (all quite good for what they were):
Flamingo (good pool for our kids)
Kachina Lodge at GC
Bryce Canyon Lodge (very rustic)
Flanigans Zion (would do this again but others love Desert Pearl--we wanted a two room suite at Flanigans with the kids)
This is a TERRIFIC trip. YOu will love it.
Also, be sure to factor in the time changes from Nevada to Utah. Would affect your flight departure.
I would opt for one day less in LV and one more day in Zion or add a day in Bryce (our favorite spot). You'd have two nights in Vegas which is when the action is. One full day to tour. NYNY is probably fine although realize that it is at one end of the strip. Cool atmosphere though.
The horseback riding in Zion is very tame (we thought). A 2 hour horseback ride in Bryce (run by the same people) would be much more enjoyable. Hiking is really the highlight of all of the trips.
Be sure to do some hiking down into the Grand Canyon. Totally different perspective from the rim walk.
We stayed at the following (all quite good for what they were):
Flamingo (good pool for our kids)
Kachina Lodge at GC
Bryce Canyon Lodge (very rustic)
Flanigans Zion (would do this again but others love Desert Pearl--we wanted a two room suite at Flanigans with the kids)
This is a TERRIFIC trip. YOu will love it.
Also, be sure to factor in the time changes from Nevada to Utah. Would affect your flight departure.
Nov 10th, 2005, 09:52 AM
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wsoxrebel: I beg to differ re
quot;that you won't find traditional nice places to spend the night and on-site facilities have a premium price compared to their value."
As others have mentioned, at the south rim we have plenty of nice lodging in the park. And not at a premium price if you book directly. At many parks, the concession contract limits the prices companies can charge. Of course if you reserve through a 2nd or 3rd party vendor, they can (and do) charge whatever they want, and you will pay premium prices. Although you can't make reservations on the NPS website directly, they list and link official concessionaires.
To clarify about GC rafting trips, Utahtea (miss you on tripadvisor btw) is correct that the shortest GC National Park whitewater trip is 3 days (limited places to put in/take out through the park). But Hobbes16 is also correct that there is a day trip in GC with whitewater--it is "Grand Canyon West" on the Hualapai Nation's part of the canyon, outside of the National Park boundaries. www.grandcanyonresort.com
There's plenty of hiking at the South Rim. Along with the info on the nps.gov website, I'd recommend www.hitthetrail.com.
Of course, take advantage of the free Ranger programs in the parks. You might also want to check out the courses/hikes offered by the GC field institute, part of the GC Assoc. www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute.
And whether or not you stay at the Cameron Trading Post, you have to stop there for lunch or dinner and have their Navajo Taco !
Re: NYNY, a coworker just got back from a stay there and really enjoyed it.
Have a great trip!
quot;that you won't find traditional nice places to spend the night and on-site facilities have a premium price compared to their value." As others have mentioned, at the south rim we have plenty of nice lodging in the park. And not at a premium price if you book directly. At many parks, the concession contract limits the prices companies can charge. Of course if you reserve through a 2nd or 3rd party vendor, they can (and do) charge whatever they want, and you will pay premium prices. Although you can't make reservations on the NPS website directly, they list and link official concessionaires.
To clarify about GC rafting trips, Utahtea (miss you on tripadvisor btw) is correct that the shortest GC National Park whitewater trip is 3 days (limited places to put in/take out through the park). But Hobbes16 is also correct that there is a day trip in GC with whitewater--it is "Grand Canyon West" on the Hualapai Nation's part of the canyon, outside of the National Park boundaries. www.grandcanyonresort.com
There's plenty of hiking at the South Rim. Along with the info on the nps.gov website, I'd recommend www.hitthetrail.com.
Of course, take advantage of the free Ranger programs in the parks. You might also want to check out the courses/hikes offered by the GC field institute, part of the GC Assoc. www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute.
And whether or not you stay at the Cameron Trading Post, you have to stop there for lunch or dinner and have their Navajo Taco !
Re: NYNY, a coworker just got back from a stay there and really enjoyed it.
Have a great trip!
Nov 16th, 2005, 10:04 AM
#13
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I wanted to thank everyone who has responded to my initial requests. Please keep the info coming!
We have decided to exand our trip to the North Rim of GC and Bryce NP too.
Any lodging recommendations?
What restaurant recommendations does anyone have for North Rim, Bryce, and Zion? We like to stay away from chains.
Thanks in advance!
We have decided to exand our trip to the North Rim of GC and Bryce NP too.
Any lodging recommendations?
What restaurant recommendations does anyone have for North Rim, Bryce, and Zion? We like to stay away from chains.
Thanks in advance!
Nov 16th, 2005, 11:22 AM
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I'm guessing that Utahtea and others will tell you to forego the North Rim if you've already done the South...but I didn't do both.
As for restaurants, you will do fine in the National Park lodges (El Tovar, Arizona Room, Bryce Canyon Lodge) if you don't have truly fine dining expectations. The food is quite good but not gourmet. And the service is spotty--sometimes great and sometimes inattentive and slow. But you're on vacation so a bit of a leisurely meal is o.k.
We liked Spotted Dog in Springdale, UT. Wasn't crazy about the Bit 'n Spur which used to get rave reviews. I wish we had tried the steak house in the Best Western but didn't know to do so.
As for restaurants, you will do fine in the National Park lodges (El Tovar, Arizona Room, Bryce Canyon Lodge) if you don't have truly fine dining expectations. The food is quite good but not gourmet. And the service is spotty--sometimes great and sometimes inattentive and slow. But you're on vacation so a bit of a leisurely meal is o.k.
We liked Spotted Dog in Springdale, UT. Wasn't crazy about the Bit 'n Spur which used to get rave reviews. I wish we had tried the steak house in the Best Western but didn't know to do so.
Nov 16th, 2005, 12:06 PM
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If at all possible, I would suggest staying inside Bryce NP and Zion as well.
While we were at Bryce, we went horseback riding in Red Canyon. The scenery was breathtaking!!
Glad to see you've added Bryce to your itinerary. Drive to all of the look-outs. You won't be disappointed, the views are spectacular!
While we were at Bryce, we went horseback riding in Red Canyon. The scenery was breathtaking!!
Glad to see you've added Bryce to your itinerary. Drive to all of the look-outs. You won't be disappointed, the views are spectacular!
Nov 16th, 2005, 04:13 PM
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As ccrosner, pointed out, I would not do both the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon. IMHO, for the first timer to the area...I think the S. Rim has more bang for the buck.
Your extra days could be better spent either spending more time in the places you are visiting or driving out scenic Hwy 12 to Boulder, Utah or even Torrey, Uath and add Capitol Reef to your list. Bryce is an excellent add!
Utahtea
Your extra days could be better spent either spending more time in the places you are visiting or driving out scenic Hwy 12 to Boulder, Utah or even Torrey, Uath and add Capitol Reef to your list. Bryce is an excellent add!
Utahtea
Nov 20th, 2005, 09:16 AM
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Well, I just wanted to thank everyone for their help so far. We've fianlized our dates, (most)locations, and some of our lodging.
Day 1 = fly from MI to Las Vegas
Day 2 = LV
Day 3 = LV
Day 4 = leave LV, drive to GC, South Rim, stay at El Tovar
Day 5 = GC, El Tovar
Day 6 = Leave GC drive to Moab?
Day 7 = Moab
Day 8 = leave Moab, drive to Bryce
Day 9 = Bryce
Day 10 = leave Bryce, to Zion, stay at Desert Pearl
Day 11 = Zion, Desert Pearl
Day 12 = Bryce, Desert Pearl
Day 13 = leave
Day 1 = fly from MI to Las Vegas
Day 2 = LV
Day 3 = LV
Day 4 = leave LV, drive to GC, South Rim, stay at El Tovar
Day 5 = GC, El Tovar
Day 6 = Leave GC drive to Moab?
Day 7 = Moab
Day 8 = leave Moab, drive to Bryce
Day 9 = Bryce
Day 10 = leave Bryce, to Zion, stay at Desert Pearl
Day 11 = Zion, Desert Pearl
Day 12 = Bryce, Desert Pearl
Day 13 = leave
Nov 20th, 2005, 09:22 AM
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Well, I just wanted to thank everyone for their help so far. We've fianlized our dates, (most)locations, and some of our lodging.
Day 1 = fly from MI to Las Vegas
Day 2 = LV
Day 3 = LV
Day 4 = leave LV, drive to GC, South Rim, stay at El Tovar
Day 5 = GC, El Tovar
Day 6 = Leave GC drive to ?Moab?
Day 7 = ?Moab?
Day 8 = leave ?Moab?, drive to Bryce
Day 9 = Bryce
Day 10 = leave Bryce, to Zion, stay at Desert Pearl
Day 11 = Zion, Desert Pearl
Day 12 = Zion, Desert Pearl
Day 13 = leave Zion, drive to LV for flight back to MI
- Is Moab a good destination for the two days in between GC and Bryce? I've heard from postings on this board that it's a nice place to visit. Might there be a better place to spend those two days?
- Any recommendations for lodging in Bryce and Moab (or alternate place?)
- Alibop - where were you able to find that price for the Bellagio?
Thanks!
Day 1 = fly from MI to Las Vegas
Day 2 = LV
Day 3 = LV
Day 4 = leave LV, drive to GC, South Rim, stay at El Tovar
Day 5 = GC, El Tovar
Day 6 = Leave GC drive to ?Moab?
Day 7 = ?Moab?
Day 8 = leave ?Moab?, drive to Bryce
Day 9 = Bryce
Day 10 = leave Bryce, to Zion, stay at Desert Pearl
Day 11 = Zion, Desert Pearl
Day 12 = Zion, Desert Pearl
Day 13 = leave Zion, drive to LV for flight back to MI
- Is Moab a good destination for the two days in between GC and Bryce? I've heard from postings on this board that it's a nice place to visit. Might there be a better place to spend those two days?
- Any recommendations for lodging in Bryce and Moab (or alternate place?)
- Alibop - where were you able to find that price for the Bellagio?
Thanks!
