My wife and I are planning a trip for January 1-5. I am wondering since the North Rim is closed if 5 days might be too much at the grand canyon? My wife and I love to hike (but not camp). We were also thinking of going to Zion for a couple days. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Based on what you say, I think 5 days will be too long. Spend a couple of nights there and then move on to one of the other parks for more hiking options.

I love the Grand Canyon, especially in the winter, but five days would be too long for me.

Five days is definitely too long in Jan. Days will be short so your time outside will be limited. It will be cold, so your time outside will be limited. The elevation of the South rim is about 7,000, so imagine yourselves on top of a 7,000 mtn in the middle of the winter. The average daily high is about 40-45 degrees, and the lows below 20. Any trails you hike are may very well be snow covered.

Zion is about 4000 ft, so daytime highs will be 10 degrees warmer.

I can't speak to Zion, but Sedona would be a nice add-on for a couple of days. Do you ski? There's skiing in Flagstaff.

I think 5 days is too long no matter the season, unless you are hiking to the bottom and spending a day or more down there. And since you're not, I'd spend maybe 2 days at the South RIm and go elsewhere after that.

If you're flying into/out of Las Vegas, Zion would work. In/out of Phoenix, Sedona or anywhere in southern AZ is more logical.