A week in Utah, coming from Las Vegas
 

My husband won a trip to Vegas in May, and we plan to stay an extra week to go on a road trip from there. We had considered California, but we've been there several times, so we've been tossing around the idea of spending that week in Utah. Could you please make some suggestions for what to see? I've read about Bryce and Zion parks, but I would love to hear your input as well. Also What about Salt Lake City? Thanks in advance.

Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon National Park are both excellent choices for seeing some of our beautiful national parks. I'm not a city-type-person so I haven't spent much time in Salt Lake City. I will warn you that it is 420 miles and 6 hours of driving time from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City and all in all, it's not the most exciting scenic route on I-15

A week will give you plenty of time to see Zion, Bryce and even drive scenic Hwy 12 thought the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument and over the Boulder Mountains to Torrey, Utah and see Capitol Reef National Park...a hidden jewel in the National Park system.

May should be a good time to visit these parks.

Utahtea

we left vegas on a trip last summer and spent 4 nights at the best western Zion park inn, which is about 15 minute drive from Zion national park in a small town called springdale. We had a lovely time there. Very quiet and peaceful after the excesses of Vegas! Considerably cheaper than staying in the park itself. Lovely lodge and nice pool area. good restaurant, although a little pricey. Springdale itself is a tiny place with a couple of restarants and pizzeria. we drove to the shuttle bus service taking us too several different parts of the park for some beautiful walks. Zion is stunning! We took a day trip to Bryce whilst there. A long drive, but through some gorgeous scenery, and Bryce is definitely worth a visit, but a day is enough. We then headed down for 3 nights at the grand Canyon. Had a wonderful time in all.

P_M

By all means go to Zion.

We went two years' ago May. We loved the park - it was awesome (no autos inside park, propane-powered buses every 10 minutes all day; you can park at the entrance or pick up a bus in Springdale to get to the park).

The town of Springdale is very small, but it is right at the park entrance and there are numerous accommodations and good, varied places to eat. People come from all over the world to hike there, and sightsee...we saw lots of young people there and some of the restaurants cater to their tastes, so you wouldn't be confined to diner food.

Do not stay in the town of George, which advertises rooms for Zion...as it is really at least 30 min. away and seems uninteresting.

We stayed at the Desert Pearl and liked it very much - altho I don't believe they had an inhouse laundry room, which I find irritating.

The Best Western nearby looked newish and lovely and I would expect cost less.

Both these places are on the river side of the road (which is desirable).

With a week, you should be able to see Bryce, Zion, Capital Reef and still have some time for Moab where you can see Arches, and a stop by Dead Horse State Park. All very different and fantastic.

Thanks so much to all who replied. I can always count on Fodorites for help!!