We are flying into vegas and doing the Grand canyon the first week of April. i know we won't be able to do the north rim but what should we do while in this area. We are using a free place to stay in Mesquite. This can be "base camp". We have two kids (9-13). both love to hike,etc. Any ideas

Valley of Fire State Park, NV is about 60 miles to the west off of I-15. Great day trip.

Snow Canyon State Park, Utah is about 50 miles to the east off of I-15 just above St. George, Utah. Great for hiking and playing in a sand dune.

The best place will be Zion National Park at 78 miles away. If you spent one night here you could also do Bryce Canyon National Park which is another 86 miles from Zion. Zion has so many great hiking trails. You won't be able to hike in Bryce because it's at a higher elevation and I've read the trails are still covered in snow in April.

Utahtea

BTW, the S. Rim Grand Canyon is 360 miles and approx. 6 hours drive from Mesquite.

Utahtea

Thanks Utahtea. A couple of questions.
Would it be worth the drive to Bryce considering we wouldn't be able to hike? If you were planning this trip, where would you go first and where would you spend a night. Do we stay a couple nights, one at one place and one at another and then head back to Mesquite? Also what about the south rim of the Grand Canyon? We do appreciate places off the beaten path. So any of you info is much appreciated.

On another related topic, and I know there have been GC posts before, what does anyone recommend as to sightseeing the Grand Canyon? Is it better to take a guided bus tour or drive around at the south rim? Likely, we will soon book accomodations...any suggestions about moderate priced cabins/lodges?
Utahtea...I realize you really know the area...more questions later...or do you have email? And would you check out my post on "Little cabin in the woods?"

This GC sightseeing is in conjunction with a class reunion in Tucson and an Elderhostel program over on the western Hualapai area early March. Thanks!

ozarksbill

lisariley,

I'm not sure how many nights you want to spend on the road.

I think I would drive to the Grand Canyon and spend two nights. With one full day you could spend it hiking along the rim or even down into the canyon a little ways.

Instead of doubling back all the way to Mesquite, I would instead exit the Grand Canyon S. Rim towards Cameron, AZ. Stopping along the way at the different scenic overlooks. Head north on Hwy 89 to Page, AZ. Here to break up the driving take the 1 1/2 hour Upper Antelope Slots tour and maybe even squeeze in the short 3/4 mile Horseshoe Bend hike...just outside of town. There are also boat tours on Lake Powell and 1/2 day float trips on the Colorado River if you want to spend more nights here.

Continue on to Bryce Canyon. Spend one night if you are coming from the Grand Canyon or if you spend a night or 2 in Page, then you see some overlooks and move on to Zion National Park. Spend one or two nights either at the lodge in Zion or just outside the park in Springdale, Utah. There will be plenty of hiking to do.

Then head to Mequite.

IMHO, Zion is more impressive than Valley of Fire and Snow Canyon state parks.

Utahtea

Utahea, thanks for all the info.I have to admit that I already made reservations on the South Rim at Yavapai Lodge. I beilive we are on the East side. Please tell me if this place is ok? Or what you know about it?