Grand Canyon in late October?!?
 

We are considering going to the Grand Canyon over my kids Fall break(Oct.28th). We have a place to stay in Mesquite but I wonder if four days is enough in this area since we have never been. Also what will the weather be like? Would love to camp but my husband is not real keen in getting our stuff out there. Can someone please tell me if this is a good time to go, is this enough time to see the area (hoping we could see Bryce,Zion, GC) or should condsider this when we have more time? Have seen many threads mentioning Page and Cameron. They look far considering our short stay.

First keep in mind that the North Rim closes late fall, depending on snowfall. The road into the North Rim (Highway 67) is closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May.

Did you plan on staying in Mesquite and visiting the parks as day trips? If so, then you will be in the vehicle about 8 - 10 hours going and coming to the N. Rim. It's only 370 miles round trip to the N. Rim but it's slow driving.

Zion isn't as bad at 155 miles and approx 3 hours driving time round trip.

Bryce will be another long day in the car from Mesquite. Depending on the route it can be 365 miles and 6 1/2 hours driving time.

Now, if you are not using Mesquite as your base, you would be much better off.

The North Rim and Bryce could have snow by late Oct. Zion should be nice.

Utahtea

Thanks Utahea. We can stay around the park area once we get there. What if we entered the GC from the South rim? It sounded like many mentioned the North rim. Should we go when we have more time?

I've been in early October and the weather was fantastic at the South Rim, Lake Powell and Zion. I don't know about the end of October - early November.

Four days is not a lot of time to do the S. Rim, drive past Lake Powell, Bryce and Zion, but it could be done if you want to get a peak of what is there. I'd spend two nights at the S. Rim (crowds will be very low this time of the year), one at Bryce and one at Zion. If you only have 3 nights, then I think I'd just do the Grand Canyon OR Bryce and Zion.

Utahtea

Thanks again Utahea. I will keep you posted on the Fall adventure.

I love trip reports!

;)

Utahtea