Crazy to Use Zion as my "Home Base"?
 

For a five day trip, would I be crazy if I wanted to stay at Zion and take day trips to Bryce, and Kanab? (Of course we'd see Zion for at least two days.) We are flying in to Las Vegas.

Thanks!

We've done it in the past. One year we had planned on a week in Zion but we were having really bad weather so we went for day trips.

A round trip to Bryce is only 210 miles round trip and Kanab is only 82 miles round trip.

Just east of Kanab is a road called Johnson Canyon. From the road you can see what use to be one of the old buildings from the "Gunsmoke" TV show. Just ask the locals.

Utahtea

Utahtea; Do you think we would be really missing out if we just really spent time exploring Zion?? Its our first time in the region and we don;t want to spend too much time in the car.
(we only have 4 nights).

Also, any recommendations on where to stay in or near Kanab? We are going to go see Best Friend Animal Sanctuary in Angel Canyon.

Thanks!

Slcunningham,

If you want a relaxing trip then by all means spend the time in Zion. It's beautiful and plenty to keep you busy. We have gone there for a week at a time and love going back!

There really isn't any other cities nearby Kanab. We always camp, but there are motels in Kanab.

Another option you might consider is spend 3 nights and 2 full days in Zion and then the day you move to Kanab make a side trip up to Bryce for a couple of hours to view a couple of overlooks. The mileage from Zion to Bryce and then Kanab is only 166 miles.

Utahtea

There are quite a few lodging selections in Kanab, including a Holiday Inn express. I stayed at the inexpensive Quail Park Lodge, clean, had a refrigerator and microwave oven although I don't know if all rooms provide these. I was surprised to find Kanab a better base for touring the area than Springdale. Kanab area even has a supermarket and a somewhat dollar store.