We are planning a family trip this summer to include
Zion - 1
Lake Powell - 1
Mesa Verde - 2 Nights
Grand Canyon - 2 nights
Las Vegas - 2 Nights

We want to do the 1/2 day River trip from Page that I have seen recommended here. I think we are going to stay in-park at Zion and definitely at the south rim of the GC. I don't think that one day each at Zion and LP is enought and need to add an extra day. Trying to choose between Zion (stay at the Desert Pearl instead?) or at Lake Powell, in order to take the river trip. Seems silly to go back to Page for the river trip once we are at the GC.

Any advice?

You can do it one of two ways. Spend two nights in Zion and get up very early the next morning and do the afternoon float trip out of Page. And of course you could always give up a night in Vegas and spend two nights at each place!

OR spend just one night in Zion but most of the day exploring before heading to Page for two nights. Just try not to drive after dark....you don't want to miss the scenery!

Either on the way to Mesa Verde or on the way back, you should make the short side trip to Monument Valley just 25 miles north of Kayenta, AZ.


Utahtea

I am so glad you replied. You seem to really know and love the state. We are planning to include Monument Valley on the way from Lake Powell. We are going via 40 through Winslow on the way to the GC in order to see the Petrified Forest, etc.

I am thinking we should do the 2 days at Zion, since we will just have arrived. I like the early start idea after the 2nd night. What do you (or others) think of The Desert Pearl vs. the Zion in park motel?

I agree to two nights in Zion.

Don't know about the lodging.

People on this forum seem to love the Desert Pearl (you might do a search to read their reviews.) We stayed at the lodge in the park and were very happy. It's not deluxe, but clean and comfortable with beautiful views. I have to say, however, that Springdale looked delightful and the drive into the park from there is very short (there is also a tram.) I don't think you can go wrong either way so you might make your decision based upon price and availability. Have a great trip!

Hi,

We did a similar trip last summer but the other way around (started in Las Vegas, then GC, then Lake Powell, then Zion then back to LV.

We loved Zion National Park! Lake Powell was also beautiful but MUCH TO HOT in July... We were staying in Springdale, cute little town right outside of the park with lots of restaurants and shops. The Desert Pearl Inn looked really nice but we stayed at the Quality Inn (cheaper) which was perfect for us. We rented tubes and had a great time on the Virgin river!

If I had to pick 2 days I would choose Zion over Lake Powell. But that's my personnal choice since I like mountains and trees. Make sure you take walk in the Narrows, it's a must (bring water shoes)!

Mist

If you are planning on traveling from Mesa Verde to the Grand Canyon via the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, then that is going to be ONE LONG DAY! Your looking at driving about 400 - 450 miles and that alone will take about 7 - 8 hours of driving. Unless you have a night to spend out on the road, then I would skip this and spend the time at the Grand Canyon.

If you have the extra night to spend on the road, then I would say go for it and you could also stop at Canyon de Chelly National Monument on Hwy 191 for a quick peak.

Utahtea

spend the extra time at zion, i would also suggest staying in springdale, better values - in the summer there is the tram/bus to get you in as they limit traffic in the park. but you have more choices in accomodations, inexpensive (relatively) to $$$$. you have shops and cafes you can walk to in town.... have fun

I vote for Zion over Paige. Also, Springfield is right outside the entrance to the Park, so there's no problem staying there. I love Zion, the contrast of the red hills against the very emerald green Virgin River is beautiful. It is fun to tube on the river, but watch out for the rocks.

Thanks for everyone's input. We have decided to narrow the trip a bit to Zion, Lake Powell and GC (and Vegas). We will do 3 days at Zion and 2 at GC adn in Page. I think this will be a better fit for the kids, and more relaxing for the parents.... REALLY looking forward to it! Mesa Verde will have to be another trip!

Tripplanner,

That sounds very good. You could even make a day trip to Bryce from Zion on one of the three days there.

Utahtea