GC, Bryce, Zion route
 

I am planning a late October trip. We are meeting friends in the southern rim GC and then taking 5 or 6 days to see other sites before returning to Phoenix. With a starting point of the GC what route would you suggest that would include Bryce Canyon and Zion. Both lodges have availability at this time. How would you split the time and what other sites would you include? (I have read about Grand Staircase, Route 12, capitol reef. ) This whole region is totally foreign to me. Please help. Thanks.

Get a good map - and see how much driving you want to do. The long way to Bryce and Zion is around/up/through Route 12 - Capital Reef, etc - scenic and fun - but twice as long as I belive the the more direct is going up 89 - which is about five hours.

Again, double check a map though.

For 5 or 6 days - you might want to just hit Zion and Bryce after the GC - getting there the most direct route, but if you like sight-seeing from a car as I/we do - take the longer way.

Depends on how much hiking you do at Zion, Bryce, and GC as to how long you want to stay at each place.

Calf Creek Falls and Devils Garden were our favorite spots between Bryce and Cap Reef.

Are you sure there is lodging available? Make reservations right now if there is.

Spirobulldog, I viewed your pictures from your trip through Utah...amazingly beautiful...we are planning a trip from VA to St Lo then to Utah, AZ, Wy, NM for about 7 weeks. Do you have any suggestions for us? We will be leaving Sept 7 this fall and be back whenever....have an RV and will Rv camp...thanks and thanks for all of your wonderful detailed blog....really smart and informative..

Sounds like a great trip. I'm jealous. I hope you are doing Yellowstone area early in the trip(not sure when then start closing there.

If you like adventure. Consider doing something with www.deserthighlights.com in Moab. Really really good.

If you do Carlsbad Caverns in NM, reserve now for the Wild Cave tour. They offer 2 different tours. Each tour only allows 8 people per week to experience this. Amazing.

With that much time. I would for sure spend a night in Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley for camping. Capitol Reef has really pretty campground. Goblin Valley is really unique. Zion has a really nice campground too. I haven't camped at any of these, but do remember them being outstanding.