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Zion, Bryce , Grand Canyon ,Do I Need to Make Reservations?

Zion, Bryce , Grand Canyon ,Do I Need to Make Reservations?

Old Jul 16th, 2012, 07:51 PM
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Zion, Bryce , Grand Canyon ,Do I Need to Make Reservations?

I am planing on touring through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and down to the Grand Canyon, south rim in October. Do I need to make reservations at this time of year?
Also, which towns are the ones considered to be the best ones for stop overs? Are there certain towns I should aim for when I'm driving ?

I'd appreciate any help
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 02:48 AM
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NOt only should you make reservations, but it is likely that at these places you are already to late.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 02:57 AM
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As spiro wrote, your only chance is to call several times a day for cancellations.

For Zion you can either try for inside the park or in Springdale just outside.

For Bryce inside the park as well or at Ruby's just outside.

Capitol Reef has no inpark lodging but Torrey is a few miles west of the park.

GC has a north and south rim. South is much more popular but north is a lot closer to where you'll be.

Call, call, call.

I also think you may want to read a lot of the threads on this area as there are many worthy stops that are not in the national parks that are definitely worth the effort on the way between.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 03:27 AM
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Yes, call, call call and if you can make a cancelable reservation near the park. I prefer the south rim for views, and look at Tusayan, just south of the entrance or check out Cameron Trading Post on rt 89, east of the park.

People do make reservations a year in advance and then cancel when they find they won't make the trip. Tour companies do too, so the closer to the date, the more likely you will find cancellations, but they don't usually make it to the web, you have to call. Start calling every week now, then every day as time gets close and several times a day as it gets real close. This goes for all the parks.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 05:06 AM
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Holy cow ! Perhaps I'll have to change my plans. I'll start calling. But just to be clear, I'm not really looking to stay in the parks, but looking for towns along the way that might be good places to stop. Are they all booked too?

Myer, I would like to go to the south rim, because I am circling back to Las Vegas. It might be my only time in the area, and do want to see the south rim.

I have started to read many of the posts, but sure am glad I've asked this question now.

Thanks so much. I hope all the small towns are not booked up.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 05:39 AM
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You don't have to change your plans if you weren't already planning on staying in the parks. You will find lodging somewhere. I'm sure there is something in Springdale, at Ruby's outside Bryce and in Tusayan (or Flagstaff as a very last resort). Probably you can even find a room at the South Rim for your dates, October is busy but nowhere near as bad as summer.

When you say you are looking to stop in towns along the way, are you meaning you want to stay overnight there? How many days/nights for your trip? If you are visiting any of the parks for more than a day, you'll want to stay as close as possible if not inside the park.

It's hard to start recommending towns to stop in overnight without knowing a general itinerary. Kanab, UT and Page, AZ are between the Utah parks and the Grand Canyon - but all your destinations are 1-5 hours apart so you can drive from one to another without the need to stop partway.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 05:41 AM
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By your original post it appeared you want to focus on national parks.

That's fine and there's a reason that they are parks. They are all unique and very worth the time.

In general, I would try for inpark lodging to see the parks.

Trying to stay in a location between parks just has you driving back and forth for a good part of the day.

Then I'll assume you're driving from Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce and then to the South Rim.

You haven't mentioned what your interests are.

Some people just go into a park drive along a scenic road and get out of the car at a few viewpoints. Others plan on seeing the park by doing several hikes.

It would help to know your interests as the responses you get may be very different. Without knowing that the responses will be tailored to the responder and not you.

For instance, in Zion I would try to stay in park and I could stay a day or two and do two or three hikes. Some of the popular hikes would be Canyon Overlook near the east entrance, Emerald Pools, angels Landing, Riverside Walk and the Narrows (probably too cold in Oct as a lot is in water).

In Bryce canyon I would definitely try to stay inpark as I would get up and go to Bryce Point in the dark to see a spectacular sunrise. Then after grabbing a bite for breakfast 9and maybe an hour or two more of sleep) I would hike down Navajo Loop and up Queens Garden. While not difficult (except for 8,000ft of elevation) or long going down gives you a whole other perspective.

On the way between Zion/Bryce and GC South Rim you have the twon of Page and a fewvery worthy sites. Antelope Canyon is more a novelty (spectacular) than a hike. Go when the sun is high in the sky. Horseshoe Bend is also very close. A 3/4 mile open hike to another spectacular view. Not national parks but definitely worth a few hours on the way.

You mentioned it might be your only time in the area. This may or may not be so. Five years ago I went on my trip to the Southwest - Zion, bryce, GC South Rim and Sedona). Well, I've been back to Utah two more times and could do it again.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 05:50 AM
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Whew ! Thank you . I'm just starting to really plan. I'm not a hiker .. Those days are gone .
So it's basically a driving trip to see the beautiful scenery . I have one full week , leaving from Vegas and returnin there .
I thought I would drive to Zion , on to Bryce up highway 12 to Capitol reef, over and down 95 ( white canyons) and continue down to south rim . And back to Vegas .

I'd like to do shorter walks , short detours and hope this isn't rushing it all too much .
But I have no idea which small towns have motels .
At this point I don't really know where to stop overnight only that I'd like 2 overnights neat the south rim .

I'm feeling rather overwhelmed with the amount of information out there .
Perhaps I should make 2 night stops with day trips from each place I stay .
But I was looking more for ideas on where to stop overnight if I continue on with my circle trip .
I was hoping to play it by ear but I guess not .
I've got to decide and get booming places .

Thanks everyone . I'll get cracking
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 07:03 AM
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"Those days are gone". Maybe, maybe not. I'm getting older as well and won't give in yet.

You did mention shorter walks.

In Zion there are a few very good ones. Riverside Walk has spectacular scenery, Weeping Rock, Pa'rus trail and Lower Emerald Pools are all short and easy.

In Bryce I would walk about 100 yards down at Navajo Loop. Just enough to have some of the rock formations above you.

I'm not sure what you'll get out of Capitol Reef. Then again, it's not among my favorite places so others might help.

Even though you won't be spending a lot of time in each park, it's still good to try for lodging inpark.

Near Capitol Reef there's Torrey. There are several motels there.

In Bolder, UT there are several motels as well as the famous Bolder Mountain Lodge.

Just outside of Zion Springdale had quite a few motels.

For Bryce you have less choices. Inpark or Ruby's right outside. Everything else is a drive.


I was thinking. Have you checked inpark. I would think October is fine.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 07:04 AM
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If you can go early enough, I'd do the North Rim of the Grand Canyon over the South Rim to cut several hundred driving miles off your trip. With just a week (and an intention to see Capitol Reef, too), I think the South Rim is way too much driving. But the North Rim usually closes by late October, which is also a consideration.

But you are definitely not too late to plan this trip, but since lodging is limited, you do need reservations. You might not get your first choice if you don't book at least a month out, and now isn't too early. As everyone else has said, these are all small places with limited lodging choices.

Frankly, it's possible to do both Bryce and the Grand Canyon North Rim as day-trips from Zion. It's a lot of driving, but I did that a couple of years ago, and it's fine if you aren't a hiker. You get to spend a few hours in each place and see the scenery and move on. But Capitol Reef is too far as a day-trip from Zion.

Perhaps stay a couple of nights in Springdale then 3 nights at Bryce, doing Capitol Reef and the Grand Canyon North Rim as day-trips from there. That might be a better alternative. Then a night in Las Vegas on the way back. Or just do a circuit, spending a night or two in each place along the way. Lodging is most difficult at the Grand Canyon North Rim. But if you do the South Rim, you shouldn't have any problems and can probably stay in the park easily, which is what I'd recommend. But it's a long drive there from Bryce.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 07:41 AM
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Thank you so so much.. I really appreciate it. Myer, perhaps you are right. Perhaps I still have some hikes left in me !

My only reason for aiming for Capitol Reef is that I've heard Highway 12 is spectacular. But it seems the whole area is spectacular.

If I visit the north rim instead of the south rim, will I really save that many miles to get back to Las Vegas?

You've given me some direction on where I can stay . It's so difficult to decide on a route, with so many beautiful areas to see. I have a full week, and staying in Vegas at the end of the week.

(Sorry for all the previous typos. typing on my phone is not the best idea )
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 11:58 AM
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Just last night I watched Motion, a program on Live Well network, on driving scenic highway 12. I am in the midst of planning my trip and now I have some thinking to do. I will be posting my questions shortly.

You can watch episodes from this program online at -
http://livewellnetwork.com/Motion/7624634

This morning I watched the one on Capitol Reef, Byrce and Zion.

It just got me way more excited for my trip.
KathyH
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 01:45 PM
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Thanks for the link KathyH...we love Highway 12. Our last trip was all about it!

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr

We're going to Utah again this year. We want to focus on Moab and the eastern side of the state down to Mexican Hat (Puebloan ruins and pictographs) so we wanted to fly into Denver.

Turns out we got some great deals on flights and rental SUV in Vegas. The deals were significant enough that we decided the longer drive is worth it. The only reason it is worth it is because we have NO problem driving Hwy 12 again...both directions too! Staying in Springdale, Torrey as well as Escalante during different legs...I actually get homesick for these places

We're doing some camping to economize so our stay at Boulder Mountain Lodge will be especially savored (after 3 straight nights of tent camping) this time around.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 02:19 PM
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kodi, October is prime hiking season at teh Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion, as the heat of summer has passed and the fall colors are gorgeous. That is why it is so popular.

You probably can get lodging in Springdale, right at the Zion Park entry, as there are lots of options and it is a nice little town. We enjoyed staying there as much as we enjoyed staying inside the park.

Going to the North Rim would indeed cut a lot of driving time. It is 2.5 hours from Zion, which itself is 2.5 hours from LV. If you go to the South Rim, add 5 hours to get there and then 5 hours to drive to LV.

I like the North Rim as it is quieter and the canyon colors seem more intense, but you are not seeing as broad a sweep of the whole canyon. More of an intimate view, say. There are some nice walks along the rim and out to Bright Angel Point which has fantastic views.

The problem with the North Rim is there is only one lodge there. their on-line booking system shows they are completely sold out for October (they actually close Oct. 15 and they are sold out before that). But it is worth checking with a phone call. or you could call kaibab Lodge, which is a couple of miles outside the park gate, still in a nice area and an easy short drive into the park.

If you can't find lodging there, that may resolve the North Rim---South Rim question for you.

It is really well worth staying inside the park at the South Rim. Check www.grandcanyonlodges.com for vacancies, or call Xanterra at the number listed. (297-2757 but I forget the prefix!) Bright Angel Lodge has inexpensive rooms that are just steps from the rim.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 02:20 PM
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Go for it - you will be fine. We just did this trip last month - with spur of the moment the first two nights - and camped at Bryce and later over by Monument Valley - at the Navajo National Monument.

I would consider staying at the very cute Kiva lodge - just outside of Escalante (under two hours from Bryce Canyon)- if I were driving this again.

Depending on how many days you have - I would recommend a night - or even two at Zion (you could drive the morning of the 2nd day to Bryce and explore that and find a place there - or stay at Kiva cafe/lodge - whatever) and then on to the Grand Canyon through Capital Reef - which would be a long but very pretty day.

And for one's first time - think the South Rim has much more to offer - including free - hop on-hop off buses along the rim.

See: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mvgcsedona.cfm
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 02:22 PM
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Amazing videos Kathy. I just wish they had done it in spring instead of winter.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 02:25 PM
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It's about 5 hours to Vegas from either the North Rim or South Rim. So the big difference in mileage would be getting to the South Rim from Utah. That would add something like 3 hours of driving to your trip as compared to going to the North Rim.

Lodging at the North Rim closes October 15th. The road will close whenever weather conditions force it to close, but it's open at least through the 15th.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 02:25 PM
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And here is the info on Kiva Lodge - and Kodi - if you tried to email me in the last couple days - I have had computer issues - so do try again if you have some Q's.

"Not only does this center have a cute little display of native animals/plants (including a Rocky Mountain Ram) - they also gave us a great tip about where to stop for coffee. This was at Kiva - a round/built into the side of the hill/marvelous find - where the coffee was very good and the view was terrific. http://www.kivakoffeehouse.com/ "
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 04:40 PM
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Kathy, thank you so much. I'm so glad I'm including Highway 12 . I can't wait to see more on that site.

As for north rim/south rim, I'm not trying to save driving time. I have a full week.

Tom I believe it's because of your report that I want to go up 12 through Capitol Reef and back down through Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon south rim.

I do think I have enough time.. my problem is where to stop for the night.. Trying to plan it now is difficult for me. I'm used to stopping when I get tired when I'm on a road trip. Having to book ahead is stressing me.

Thanks to all who have given me great ideas on where to stop for the night..

So..I have a week.. Leave Vegas, up to Zion, Bryce, up 12 to Capitol Reef, down through White Canyon to Monument Valley, on to Grand Canyon and back to Vegas.
One night in each, and 2 in Grand Canyon ..

According to mapquest no day is more than 4 hours, giving me time to pull over and do any detours that might be suggested.

Tom, I did try to email you.. I'll resend it.. thanks.

I really appreciate everyone's help. I've dreamed of doing this trip for many many years. I have fodor notes from 10 years ago in a file.
I'm finally going.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 05:45 PM
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I'd skip Monument Valley and do Arches instead.

Really with just a week, not sure I wouldn't just do Zion, Bryce, Cap Reef, Grand Canyon and then back to Vegas.

I went to Arches the first time about 6 years ago. I've been back to Utah 6 or 7 times since then. And to think I thought that would be my one and only visit. I do a lot(well for most folks standards anyway) hiking and really see the areas that I am in though.

You really can't go wrong with any of them. I will say do give them ample time.

A couple of hikes that I would for sure do if I were you.

The Narrows in Zion. I would say Angels Landing, but it is pretty darn tough and a bit scary. Look for deer and wild turkeys in Zion.

Navajo Loop/Queens Garden in Bryce. Perhaps ride a horse at Peek a Boo Loop. Fairylands trail is another option for hiking. Look fro Prarie Dogs in Bryce.

Calf Creek Falls is nice in Escalante. I would drive to Devils Garden in Escalante. This isn't really hiking, but just walking around the formations.

Be sure and get pie at The Gifford House and eat it in the orchard/picnic area next door. Deer are almost always present there. You might be at the right time to pick apples in the orchard in Cap Reef. The orchards are really pretty cool to see.

Facilities at the North Rim Grand Canyon close on Oct 15. You could see it, but the visitor center and lodge would be closed. South Rim is always open.

If you do Monument Valley, the only real way to see it, in my opinion is with an indian guide.

I would book a night or two in Zion, Bryce, and Torrey Utah.
You could add on Moab or Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

If you can't get "in park", then you can find something in Springdale for Zion and at Ruby's for Bryce. Torrey has several options, but I would try Austin's Chuckwagon first.

Oh, just an hour or so north of Cap Reef is Goblin Valley Park. Really an amazing place to me
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