We have 1.5 days free at the end of a 12 day trip...We will be heading back from North Rim of Grand Canyon to Salt Lake City and will have already seen Yellowstone and Grand Tetons for a week....

We have 3 boys aged 10-16 and we know it will be HOT. Have never been to either park and figured it would be too much to cram Zion and Bryce both into the time we have at the end of a long trip.

Which park would people recommend, and do you have any lodging suggestions for either?

Thanks.

Bryce Canyon is at a high elevation, so it might be a bit cooler there.

We stayed at the Bryce View Lodge when we visited. It's across the street from Ruby's Inn, and guests at Bryce View can use the pool and other amenities at Ruby's.
http://www.bryceviewlodge.com/

Lee Ann

Personally I prefer Zion over Bryce due to the varied hiking opportunities. I have spent a full week at Zion and could be there longer without being bored.

But for the sheer other-worldly terrain there is nothing like Bryce. 1.5d there is about perfect for a visit to Bryce.

Bryce--1.5 days is all you need and it will be cooler. I just went there this fall with the kiddos (8 and 11) and we had a blast. Stay at Rubys Inn--the pool is awesome!!!!

I agree with Bryce, especially with only 1.5 days and with young boys . They'd probably enjoy the uniqueness of Bryce over Zion.
(Altho' I loved Zion and could have stayed there forever).

Bryce for that time of year. Both of them are great places to visit.

Thanks all...I booked 2 nights at Ruby's Inn for Bryce...considering changing one night to Zion....but need to sit on it for a day or two...