This is my second attempt in coming up with a doable itinerary for a first family road trip for 4 adults. We are from the tropical island of Singapore. This will be the first time for us to drive continuously for more than 2 hours, to drive in USA and to drive in winter. We are interested in scenery, photography, food, are not likely to hike for more than 2 hours and prefer leisurely drives.

Please help me with my itinerary – I have not made room reservations anywhere.

20th Dec – arrival in Las Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas

21st Dec - drive to South Rim Grand Canyon National Park (4.5 hrs). Stopover at Hoover Dam. Overnight GCNP. Question: Any other good spots to stopover to break the journey?

22nd Dec – Grand Canyon. Overnight GCNP

23rd Dec – drive to Page (2.5 hrs). Places of interests: Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell. Overnight Page.

24th Dec – Drive to Bryce (2.5 hrs) or somewhere else (but where?) especially in case of bad weather. Not sure about this day because we are not accustomed to driving in snow/ice. Plus its Xmas eve and we would like to have a dinner at a decent restaurant somewhere. Or should we just stay in Page and skip Bryce? Any help and suggestions for this day?

25th Dec – Drive to Zion (1.5 hrs). Spend 3 nights in Zion (Is this too much time? )

28th Dec – Drive to Las Vegas (2.45hrs). Overnight Las Vegas

29th Dec – Depart Las Vegas

Many thanks!

Mei

A good snowstorm (not unheard of in that part of the country at that time of year) could completely dismantle all of your plans.

If you do decide to drive in winter, make sure that your wills are up to date, and that you have adequate survival gear and equipment. Here in the Northeast USA, we do that as a matter of course.

The less experience you have driving in winter, the more likely you are to have serious problems.

Your plan can be done, IF the weather cooperates. We've always been lucky at that time of year, no snow or ice, but you always need a plan B.

I would stop at Hoover Dam and then head for Grand Canyon. On the way out of GC, do stop at the great viewpoints to the east of Grand Canyon Village if you haven't already done so.

I would not need 3 nights in Zion, especially since you do not plan to hike a lot. Perhaps you could look to visiting some of the parks nearer Las Vegas like Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon or Death Valley. A night in Death Valley might be nice.

I'm sorry - but you can have snow or ice anywhere on this trip - Grand Canyon often has substantial snow. If you have never driven in snow/ice before I wouldn't want to try it for the first time in a foreign country. And is this on the wrong side of the road for you?

If you decide to do this you must be sure the car is winterized and that you are carrying a snow shovel, snow brush for windows and be sure you have food and water in the car and that the gas tank is always at least half full.

Do realize that even Las Vegas has a winter (high in the 50s but low in the 30s - farenheit) and the "scenery" you will have is mostly dessert with winter temps.

And if you plan on hiking you will need real winter clothing and some sort of boots with non-skid soles on snow or ice.

If it were me I would look to do this trip in March or April for better weather altogether.

I'm curious why you are visiting in winter?

We have decided against this trip based on the reponses we have received. Thanks to all for concern and advice.

Hello friendship

This would be an easy trip during the optimal seasons. Either spring or fall. Summer is fine but very hot and for you it would seem very dry. I hope you will have another chance to visit.