If you do much at all between Bryce and Moab(which we enjoyed very much) you will definately want to spend the night somewhere along the way. I've stayed twice at Austin's Chuckwagon just outside Cap Reef.

mmmmmm still thinking. Now I'm thinking about taking your advise and making in two different trips. problem is i have reserved inside the park at ZION a sunday thru thrusday so when to go to north rim and when to go to Bryce. Openings don't look so good at North rim /grand canyon lodge right now. any advice? thanks to all.

Keep calling for reservations at the north rim. People make reservations a year in advance and as time gets close they cancel. These often do not make it to the web page, but if you call every week or so and more often as time gets closer, you will probably score a reservation.

Make reservations at Bryce on either side of Zion. Keep checking on North Rim and then cancel the ones at Bryce when you know when you can get in to NorthRIm. People pick up cancellations all the time but you do need to be diligent.

I couldn't quite understand the plan.

I would always try for inpark lodging. However, Springdale is very close and in my opinion second best. Nothing like walking right of your cabin and starting your day.

In Bryce, to see the spectacular Bryce Point sunrise you'll be driving in the dark. This is always an issue in that part of the country as you don't want to hit anything on the road.

I would book one night inpark at Bryce. Yes, Ruby's is close but still a drive in the dark.

Bookmarking - great info. Thanks.

in sandy you send the drive from las Vegas to North Rim is not a great idea because of the dark. What about las vegas to Bryce. Trying to figure it all out. thanks

stoweflake, the drive to Bryce may be slightly better, but you would still be driving in fairly rural areas that are very dark (one of the reasons why Bryce is a great place to see the stars there is little light pollution, but it makes the nights very dark to drive in). So trying to avoid those deer can be tricky. Plus the roads to both parks are more narrow and winding than interstates. I drive at night in those areas without ever even thinking twice, but I know there are risks and I know the roads. It is about 5 hours from LV to either of them. And dusk is usually when the deer are out and about.

Just wanted to get back to you all and tell you what we have planned. We now are flying in later on a saturday and will have to find a place to sleep on the way to the North Rim. We plan to take our time driving to the North Rim the next day AND I have an in park room. yea! no reservations for the next night but I am thinking of Kaibab lodge for one night. I have the next four nights at Zion in park. Yea again! I also have a double booking for Bryce on the last night but that will be a further drive to LV for a Saturday afternoon flight. Probably just stay at Zion. I thought we might take a day trip to Bryce from Zion. Now I'll plan something special activities in addition to some hiking. any favorites? thanks all for your help

I do have a questions hopefully you can help with. Now that I am looking at the itinerary, I'm thinking it is best to end up in Zion for the last night so that the trip to Vegas won't be as long.
If we stay at the North Rim that one night take a mule ride in the morning, and stay somewhere along the way to Bryce the next night.

We could stay one night in Bryce (if I get in park lodging) and the next three nights in Zion.
Does that sound like too much driving and can you recommend a place to stay along the way to Bryce?
perhaps Fredonia? thanks for you help in advance.

Kanab, UT is between GC and Bryce and has plenty of places to stay.

My favorite hikes
Zion-The Narrows and Angels Landing
Bryce-Navajo/Queens Garden Loop(a combo of the two trail)
I did a horse ride on Peek a Boo and it was nice, so you could hike or horseback/mule ride it.
The Moss Cave is ok, the waterfall there is more of an attraction than the cave,IMOP.

Zion-other good hikes at Zion are Emerald Pools and Canyon Overlook.

If you like adventure, consider doing som canyoneering with Zion Adventure CO.

thanks emallo and spirobulldog. I'll look into Kanab and check out activities suggestions

or me the Navajo loop / Queens Garden hike is only one of the great Bryce Canyon attractions.

The other is the spectacular sunrise at Bryce Point. To see that you've got to be staying very close, preferably inpark and get up well before sunrise.

It's worth it!!!!

Then you can have a bite for breakfast (maybe even a short nap) and go on the hike.