Three high school friends and I are planning a reunion trip in late Sept. or early Oct. We get together every year and have for the past 12! We saw the Beatles together in S.F. many moons ago, and have used that event as an excuse to reunite. This year we want to see the Beatles Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas, staying one night only. From there we'd like to see Zion and Bryce. I've read that the Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale is nice and that the location is a good one. Do you think a day trip from there to Bryce would work? We don't want to spend a lot of time driving. Our interests include moderate hiking, massage, good food, and a place where our laughter won't bother people! Would it be better to stay near Bryce? Is the St. George area too far away? Also, any tips for a one-night stay in Vegas, or getting the Beatles' show tickets? Any and all ideas welcome! Thank you!

We had a wonderful time visiting Zion a few years ago. It was a short trip with a stop in Vegas to shorten the drive from the west coast. We stayed at the Desert Pearl and thought it was great. There was also a terrific pizza place in Springdale and I enjoyed one of the best mexican meals ever in town (sorry I don't recall the name of either restaurant). We did a day trip to Bryce. I would go to Bryce again but not as a daytrip. We arrived for Sunset which was lovely but the drive home was downright dangerous. It was very dark with lots of deer grazing by the road. At one point a small herd ran out into the road. Not good.

You can get Love tickets from the Mirage website, or by calling. I have seen the show twice and I recommend NOT sitting too close. This is one show where the more expensive seats should be the ones further from the stage

If you are going to only be there one night and seeing Love too then I think if I were you I'd just stay at the Mirage, it makes it more convenient.

I forgot to add that I saw the show from 4 rows back and then from way up high ... way up high was much better.

peanutbutter
I have had good luck with http://www.slowtrav.com/
Be sure to try them. Would a house from vrbo be better for you so that the four of you would not have to worry about making so much noise in the hotel with all of the laughter that will transpire?

Hi peanut,

I would recommend
1 nt Vegas for the show
1 nt Bryce
3 nights Zion for a short return drive to Vegas for flight

This way you will be able to see sunset and sunrise at Bryce. Do as many viewpoints and hiking as you want.
Plus, as P says you don't have to drive back in the dark. This area is loaded with deer and you really don't want them ending up in the front seat with you!

The good pizza place is Zion Pizza and Noodle in Springdale. The Bit n' Spur used to be great Mexican, but had reportedly gone far downhill in recent years. I have not eaten there in a long time. Tried the Spotted Dog at Flannigan's on the last trip, but had such bad service that I left without ordering (after sitting there ignored for 45 minutes).

Your group should have a blast. It will still be quite warm at the end of Sept, but take a warm jacket for Bryce - it's at 8,000 ft. and will be cold at night.

Have fun!

I agree with Dayle's time schedule. That would be the best.

St. George is to far from Zion to make it a relaxing trip. Just ask my son & DIL who stayed there a few nights.

If you stay in Springdale, you can just pick up the free shuttle buses at your motel to take you to Zion. Besides the scenery in Springdale is beautiful because you are at the gateway to the park.

A day trip to Bryce is do-able, but I also highly recommend a night there so you can do the sunsets, sunrises and more hiking.

Utahtea

Thanks to all of you! Very helpful! jrecm, I will look into the house idea. Does anyone have a suggestion for accommodations in or near Bryce?

I'm with Lori. I saw LOVE up close, and was disappointed. I am a Beatles fan, and still wasn't impressed. I did not see it a second time from up higher, so I can't comment on that. I also saw "O" from up close, 4th row, and was totally impressed. If you do see "O" from up close, there is a "wet section" so either go a little further up, or to the side if you want to stay dry.

So just to give you contradicting information (sorry). I stayed in St. George and did day trips to Zion and Bryce and found the travel not a big deal. AND by staying in St. George, I got to stay at the Red Mountain Spa: Absolutely loved it I highly recommend it for a mix of healthy atmosphere, exercise and pampering. They also do hikes in the mountains, day trips to Zion with sponsored hikes and set up other cool activies for groups. I even did horseback riding one day to these ancient Native American grounds nearby - very cool. The group trips to Bryce and Zion are on certain days and I missed the one to Bryce so I just drove out myself with an unlimited car rental. Half the beauty of it, for me was seeing the scenery on the drive out.

http://www.redmountainspa.com/