lbob

My husband and I have 8 to 10 days to hike and bike in Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon starting on August 28(from Vegas) . Would also live to see Havasu falls, but we don't own camping gear and won't be purchasing any before this trip. The only reservation we have for lodging is September 1-3 at Bryce, but this can be changed. I've checked lodges at all locations and all have limited availability on the exact same days, so we will be staying outside the park in most places.

I'd love some advice on the following:
1. Any reasonably cost effective ways to see Havasu falls.
2. How many days to spend in each place, particularly Zion and Bryce.
3. North or south rim of Grand Canyon, or both, in terms of hiking options? (I realize they have different strong points; i am looking for good old personal opinions)
4. Good cycling routes.

Thanks!

WhereAreWe

Keep checking for lodging. It's a long way out and people always cancel, just keep calling and you will get the dates you want inside the parks. Do not stay outside the park for the Grand Canyon.

North Rim will be cooler. If you plan on hiking below the rim at the Grand Canyon just remember it will be hot, so plan accordingly.

mlgb

I really liked the little town of Kanab, UTAH if you can't get lodging at the north rim. Stayed at a nice little renovated motel, the Canyons Lodge.

Two days of hiking in Bryce is plenty. You could do two or three days in Zion. Probably one in the GC is enough. I'd go with the north rim for convenience.

I'd rather do Rte 12 and Capitol Reef than the South Rim, personally.

emalloy

Of the parks you mention, I can't remember seeing people on bicycles. Plenty of them in Arches and Canyonlands, but that would be a different trip.

All the parks have wonderful places to hike.

If you have never been to the Grand Canyon, go to the south rim. The north is lovely, but IMHO not nearly as spectacular as the south. The crowds really thin out in the late afternoon and early evening. Do call, call, call for in park lodging.

If you do loop around through Page you could do the half day smooth water raft trip on the Colorado River and get an idea of what it looks like from below. You also could stop at Hoover Dam on your way back to Vegas.

spirobulldog

You can rent camping gear at REI and other places

mlgb

Lots of cyclists on the Pa'rus Trail at Zion as well as the park roads (it's a good way around the shuttle nonsense). There is also biking up on Gooseberry Mesa outside of town.

http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/biking.htm

lgott

I'm planning a trip to see Havasu Falls next year, and have spent a lot of time researching, and asking questions. Here's my take:

Supai (where Havasu Falls is located) requires a real commitment of time, effort, and in many cases money. If you're starting from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, it's about a four hour drive, followed by an eight mile hike (to the Lodge; it's ten miles to the campground). A typical visit will require one day to hike in, one day to look around, and another day to hike out.

The only options are the campground and a 24 room lodge. Am I correct in interpreting your post to mean that the Havasupai Lodge is full? If so, camping is your only option (assuming you are able to get a reservation -- no walkups allowed). Could you rent gear?

It's worth noting that it will be very hot in Supai around September 1. The average high is about 94 degrees, with a record of 105. To deal with the heat, some people drive to the trailhead, sleep in their car that night, then start hiking before sunrise. Of course, this adds another day to the schedule.

This post has gone on long enough. If you want more info, just holler!

lbob

Thanks, all, for the comments. We are skipping Havasu Falls and going to the north rim.
Any hotel recommendations near Zion if I can't get into the lodge?

lbob

Nevermind, I got into Zion Lodge!

J62

Biking at Zion.

Road or mountain? There is no mtn biking allowed in the park, so you have to go outside.

I'm going to do the JEM trail near Hurricane on Saturday & will report back.

For road biking, these are routes I've checked out:

In-park road biking is great. There are no cars, just the shuttle buses. The loop from visitor center to end of the canyon, then switchbacks up to the tunnel and back is a 24mi loop. Bikes are not allowed to ride through the tunnel.

Earlier today I did two loops then hitchhiked a ride through the tunnel in a pickup truck, then did another 10mi on the east side of the park. Fantastic ride. Nothing too strenous, and you can go as fast or slow as you want. I can give you a mapmyride link if you want. There are cars on the 3.5mi up to the switchback and back down. I wish I'd left some space in front of me coming back down - rode my brakes the whole way on a car's bumper. Would have been a lot more fun opening up on the downhill...

At Zion I actually prefer to stay outside the park in Springdale. You can walk to shops, restaurants, etc, and with a bike you can be in the park in no time.

Outside the park the route people here recommend is the ride up to Kolob reservoir. It's a 35mi 5000' climb, then fun downhill all the way back. So it's a 70mi round trip. Haven't done that ride.

I'm planning to rent a road bike again in a few days. tbd if I do another 2 or 3 laps in the valley, or if I ride up to Kolob.

J62

Re # of days - I am planning 6 nights at Zion and I think that'll be just about right. Will bike 3 days (2 road/1 mtn), hike the narrows one day, Angels landing/West rim another, and find out how I can squeeze in East rim/Observation point after biking one morning.

After that I'm headed to Bryce for 2nights.

mlgb

J62, you CAN ride your bike on the Pa'rus Trail. Not sure where you are getting your info from.

J62

You are correct - you can ride your bike on the Parus trail. It's a 2mi paved path.

Southern Utah is well known for great mtn bike terrain.
I don't think that classifies as real mountain bikiing...

mlgb

That I would agree with!

Have you been up to Gooseberry Mesa?

sharondi

With 8-10 days, I would suggest you take a few days to head out Route 12 through Escalante to see some of the most scenic areas in southern Utah. If you spend a few nights in GC, Bryce and Zion, you'd have plenty of time to explore the Escalante River and route 12. There are so many off-the-beaten-path places to check out. And some excellent hiking too.

lbob

J62: I meant road biking, and the 35mi route sounds great (to my husband; I may regret it). The mapmyride link would be also be helpful- thank you. Where have you rented bikes? It's not worth it to pay to fly our bikes, so we will be renting. This is making me want to add at least one more night at Zion. Thanks for all the suggestions!

mlgb

Zion Cycles is right on the main drag in Springdale. Have fun!

J62

here you go

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/194028198

You can cut out the switchbacks up to the tunnel and it's about 17mi out and back, but the climb to the tunnel isn't too tough, and the ride down is fun!

I rented from Zion cycles. $40 for a full day. Nice Trek Madone 2.1 bike. Call them up to see if they have your pedals, or BYO with your shoes. Helmet and repair kit come with the rental.

I know they have 54cm, 56cm, and 60cm frames. Not sure if they have anything smaller.

J62

And here's the 70mi route up to the Kolob Reservoir.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/193920320

I haven't done that route but may give it a go in a few days.

lbob

Thanks for the routes! Have you ridden at Bryce?