Grand Canyon, Moab, Bryce Zion
 

We are planning a trip for next summer, probably July. I would like to visit the grand caynon for 2 nights, Moab for 3, Bryce and Zion for 3, and 2 nights for Las Vegas. I was thinking that after we landed in Las Vegas we would immediately head to our first destination. Does it make sence to go to GC first then Moab, Bryce and Zion? Would you leave out any of the destinations and spend more time at the others? Are 3 nights enough for Zion and Bryce...which would you spend 2(I was thinking 2 Zion and 1 Bryce). Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

In July? Hmmm, could be a mite warm. I do remember suffering in the area once in the summer. We were there last March and caught a little snow. Certainly all are wonderous sites to behold. I like the Arches which is Moab (which isn't much). But I'd skip Las Vegas although many love the glitter of it all. You are leaving more than enough time to tour each, in fact plenty of time for hiking and rafting. But as we are oldsters we didn't do much other than look at formations and such.

There just isn't much to do at the Grand Canyon except gawk unless you do go down the trail. Of course it is spectacular. Grand Canyon West, however, near Peach Springs does have river rafting and a gravel road down to the Colo. R. We were there for an Elderhostel on the Hualapai Reservation.

ozarksbill
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I've visited all these places at least twice apiece, and your time budgeting is about right. As Ozarks noted, unless you hike down into the Grand Canyon (something I highly recommend), one full day should do it for viewing all of the overlooks. He also correctly noted that July will have blistering heat at all these places; most people can handle this with a little preparation and lots of fluids. Just be aware of what you're getting into.

I've been to Vegas six times, and loved it despite having not the slightest interest in gambling. Other people have absolutely despised it. However, it's a place you have to see to disbelieve.

The trip I am planning is very similar to cparris' and so I am very concerned with this thread. I have a question: how long (and hard) is the hike down to the Grand Canyon?
Thanks.

"how long (and hard) is the hike down to the Grand Canyon?"

I'm assuming you mean the hike from the rim to the river and back.

It's about 7 miles from either the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trailhead to the river. If you wish to go to Phantom Ranch, add another 2 miles if you start from the Bright Angel trailhead.

It's like hiking a mountain in reverse. The easier part is the downhill, so many unprepared people don't realize what they've gotten themselves into until it's too late and they have to hike back up to the rim. Total elevation loss from the S. Kaibab trailhead to the river is 4700 feet, and from the BA trailhead to the river is a bit over 4300 feet.

The general advice is to allow twice as long to hike up as it took to get down, and never try to go from the rim to the river and back up to the rim in one day. Especially not in summer.

As for the OP's question about routing, I don't think it really matters much which direction you do this loop. It may depend on what time your flight arrives, etc. and whether you'd like a short drive to start with or a long one.

If you want to save some driving, go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon instead of the S. Rim. If you have 2 nights budgeted for the Grand Canyon, you can spend one night at each rim. That makes more sense to me if you're not doing much hiking.

Many thanks... it must be quite hard. The most similar thing I have done is a hike at Pirineos with an elevation loss of 3000 feet.
I guess it must be quite steep... I am thinking of my husband, who is not very fond of walking at narrow trails, with huge cliffs. I am going to do some research, perhaps if I look how it is, I will be able to know whether he would endure it or not.

I agree with the reply from the Weasel. A good source of information about hiking the GC is in the National Park Service website nps.gov . Especially check out the tips for summer hiking. I hiked the GC last August with my sons (21 & 15). I statrted conditioning several months in advance & I'm glad I did. We left at 5:30 am & could see our breath. When we arrived at Phantom Ranch it was 116 in the shade & 120 in the sun. Read the recommendations about the amount of food & water to take & follow them. My younger son partially dehydrated on the way down despite our best efforts. We spent the night at the Phantom Ranch campground. (get an overnight permit well in advance) & the hiked out the next day. We had a very good meal at Phantom Ranch(advance reservations also required- unless they have a cancellation). The hike can be done in the summertime with enough preparation. We had a great time-my sons felt it was one of the best things we've ever done on vacation. Tremendous views & a great sense of accomplishment. The day after we hiked out I rode the mules into the Canyon with my 2 daughters (17 & 13)- the day trip to Plateau Point. This was also a great experience. Advance reservations are also needed for the mules although we were able to change the day once we were there. We also spent 2 days at Zion & 1 1/2 days at Bryce both of which were about right. We especially liked the hike in the Narrows at Zion & horseback riding in Red Rock Canyon near Bryce (arrangements made at Ruby's)

I have hiked to the River and back over the space of two days, and I can only repeat the advice given by those who have to rescue people who don't understand the dangers of the Canyon:

www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htm

Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year. The difference between a great adventure in Grand Canyon and a trip to the hospital (or worse) is up to YOU. DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially during the months of May to September.

Here's some advice they give:

www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-tips.htm
www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm
www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm

My suggestion for anyone who is doing a first hike into the Canyon is to hike down the Bright Angel Trail until you START to feel tired or sore, then immediately turn around. Even if you hike down for only twenty minutes, you'll experience the Canyon in a way that 90% of its visitors choose not to do.

I reiterate: desert canyon hiking is substantially different from ANY other type of outdoor activity. It doesn't matter if you've done the Appalachian Trail and Mount Whitney; you may NOT be ready for the Canyon. Follow the advice give above, and you'll have an experience you'll remember all your life. Ignore it at your own peril.

Very valuable advice! I have write down the word PRUDENCE on my notes for this hike. I have read the links and it seems evident that the earlier you start the hike, the better.
By the way, I have just received the touristic info I requested from Utah webpage. It looks absolutely fantastic. I can hardly wait to next summer!

Filloa---the hard part of the hike is the heat and possibility of dehydration. The trail itself is wide and well-graded, not steep; although it crosses steep terrain and even cliffs, the trail itself is very safe. The stern warnings are given (and must be heeded) because it is so easy to walk down, and then find oneself unable to hike back up.

If you are a fit hiker capable of descending and then ascending 3000 feet in the heat, you could consider going as far as Indian Gardens. You must be properly clothed for sun protection (including a hat) and carry plenty of water---two liters per person is recommended, although you can refill at Indian Gardens.

It is also possible to get a permit to camp overnight at Indian Gardens, but that requires carrying all the necesary gear and food.

17 miles outside of Moab is a great hotel called SORREL RIVER RANCH. Beautifully situtated alongside the Colorado River. Loved it! Here's the link: http://www.sorrelriver.com/

An absolutely lovely B & B in Moab with great hosts, beautiful rooms and excellent breakfasts: Cali Cochita Inn

http://www.moabdreaminn.com/

We stayed their 2 nights this past September and loved it!

Hope this helps...
Debi

I second (or third) the suggestion to hike just partway down into the Grand Canyon. Many people start off down the Bright Angel Trail, but most of them go only a couple of hundred yards. You can go a mile or so and feel a wonderful sense of isolation--and also see great views at every turn in the trail. I would say to allow THREE times as much time to get back to the rim as it took you to get down.

I believe one poster suggested staying one night at the South Rim and one night at the North Rim. It's an awfully long drive around, and not very scenic, except in a barren desert way. I would suggest that you could get quite a good sense of the Grand Canyon by seeing the North Rim INSTEAD of the South, and you'd be a little closer to the parks in Utah.

Thanks for all the information. Unfortunately to take the kids...which are actually 17 and 19 we have to go in the summer. Do you think Moab is worth going to for 3 days. I thought there we could go on a raft trip (Colorado river or Westwater canyon?) and maybe do the Fiery Furnace hike in Arches. Either renting a 4x4 or going on a hummer safari or tomcar...or maybe horse back ride. I would like to do the horse tour at Bryce and hike the narrows in Zion. If we don't go to Moab, or go for 2 nights we could stop a day at Lake Powel?? or spent more time at Bryce and Zion. I actually could skip Las Vegas, but the kids want to see it. I had actually looked at both the websites for the Sorrel ranch and the Dreaminn B&B and also the Red Cliffs Lodge and Gonzo. Do you think it better to stay in the town of Moab or outside in the country. Also in Zion would you stay in town say at the Desert Pearl, or in the park?? or somewhere else. Thanks again

Hi C,

Keep Moab in your plans, it's awesome! There is so much to do and see there. Yes, it's a great place to do a raft trip. Raft trips right out of town are really float trips, very gentle. If you want something exciting, yes, do Westwater Canyon.

I always recommend staying IN Moab. It's a fun little walkable town. If you stay at one of the places (Red Cliffs Lodge or Sorrel River) you will be adding a 30 - 40 minute drive, one way, to all your other driving everytime you go to either Arches, Canyonlands or rafting, or a restaurant.

If you use 1 days for a river trip, you will still be able to get just a taste of Arches and Canyonlands. Enough to know you'll want to return.

Have fun!

What Dayle said!!

Good, I was just reading up more about the Arches and Canyonland.It does seem amazing. I will look into the in town lodging. I'm sure my daughter will want to hit the shops too. What river trip do you think has the best scenery...Where is the Westwater in relationship to the other trip. Does the one that starts in town go through Canyonlands and have any rapids?

The other thing I was wondering about is if we should stop for either one night at Lake Powel on the way to Moab or one night between moab and Bryce at Capital reef state park?

Capitol Reef is my favorite national park, along with Big Bend. You can actually drive from Bryce to Capitol Reef via Escalante and Boulder (Utah). The drive north of Escalante is one of the top three scenic drives I have ever taken (along with the Amalfi Coast of Italy and the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland). You can also spend the night in Boulder, at Boulder Mountain Lodge.

Hi again C,

Capitol Reef is wonderful, but you don't have time to add it unless you are willing to give up a night in Vegas.

I am one of those people who really cannot stand Vegas, so I would say get out of there as fast as you can and spend your valuable time enjoying the natural beauty of our parks.

Hi CP..We have done several road trips to Utah, including one with the "2 big teens" in summer, to this past May flying into Vegas with my 9o yr old mother in law. We are now returning this coming spring and still in the planning stages. We LOVE Vegas, even though we don't gamble, and stayed our first night there. Next day we left for Zion, stopping at Snow Canyon Park on the way and then 3 nights at Desert Pearl. Actually,after hiking all day, this place is just so nice & relaxing I could stay a week here! Fabulous pool/hot tub area. Did lots of hikes & explored the region including Coral Pink Sands & Kanab..then back to Vegas for 2 days but stopping to see Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. This upcoming trip will again include my mother in law. We land in Vegas & overnight. We already booked 2 nights at Desert Pearl and will see more Zion & day trip to Bryce. We had visions of either then returning to Capital Reef & Moab,(stay in town if you are going to be out all day and about) or should we head directly to Lake Powell (where we have previously rented houseboats 2 summers in a row, but not on this section of Lake). We really want to see this area & Antelope Canyon. We may also rent a power boat half day. From here we head to Grand Canyon S. Rim. We had also pondered which direction to do first. We are leaning toward Zion first because at this point I could only get Grand Canyon Rim rooms later in the week..and after lots of "re-thinking" we are prbly giving Reef & Moab up, because its a ton of driving and we only have a week..My days of killer road trips are at an end. Moab was lots of fun. Arches is great, hike Delicate Arch..a must..my boys rented bikes in town and rode Moabs famous SlickRock Trail. We hiked about. Beautiful landscape! Canyonlands was lots of drivng, wished we could have 4X4 the White Rim trail..we always say "next time". Capital Reef is great as is Boulder Mtn Lodge and the ride down Hells Backbone..Calf Creek Recreation Area is worth the stop also. Are you doing the North or South Rim? We did the N. Rim with the teens, though only one night. In the end that was good, cuz forest fires were causing lots of haze & road closures. If you land early I would head to Grand Canyon first and save the short ride back from Zion if you are spending time in Vegas. I would suggest maybe skipping Lake P? and one night at the Canyon if you are not hiking down.If you go to N rim then you could do Powell, but make your reservations now. 2 nights at Zion, one at Bryce is good. Moab you could get away with 2 days also. If your kids like hiking better than driving about, head towards doing that, more so than trying to cram all the parks in! We loved the Delicate Arch hike so much we stopped again on our way out of Utah at the end of the trip to hike it again. As much as we LOVE the Parks, we LOVE Vegas & plan to spend the very last day there, hopefully see a show & enjoy a stoll past the Fountains!

My friend suggested that we fly into Salt lake city, then go to Moab, bryce, North Rim, Zion and fly out of Las Vegas. The mileage seems better because the day driving from the south rim to Moab was very far. What do you think?

Your friend is right..that sounds like a great idea! You may have to pay a premium on the rental car though for not returning to original pick up place..maybe..

Moab is about 4 1/2 hours from SLC - and yes I'd also elect to stay near or in the town - it is funky and fun! A brief river trip would be in order. The Desert Pearl is a wonderful accomodation for around Zion, recommended by lots of my friends, Utah locals. Capitol Reef is an amazing Park, and you might check out the Pine Shadows Cabins nearby in the tiny town of Teasdale. Yes it can be very hot in summer depending on altitude.

If you want to stop between Capitol Reef and Bryce, stay in Torrey and eat at the Diablo Cafe. Ambitious food in a down-home setting. Quite good.

Well, I think I have an itinerary. We will fly into Salt Lake and drive to Moab. The dreamkeeper inn was closed the week we are there in July so I booked the Sunflower inn for 2 nights. Then we are going on a three day pack trip in the Fish Lake Forest and white mts. After that we go to Bryce for one night staying at Ruby's. Then the Grand Canyon Lodge for 1 night. Next to Zion staying at the Desert Pearl for 2 nights and finally to Las Vegas staying 2 nights at the Mirage(I read their pool is very nice). For some reason this was a difficult trip to play. Probably because there are so many places to see. I know we will be a bit rushed...particularily in Moab where there seems to be so much to do and see. The kids are going to want some time to relax by a pool and just hang out too. I have a tendency to want to do alot of things.

If you can possibly get rooms in Bryce park, stay there instead of Ruby's. It's so fabulous to be able to walk from your room to the edge of the canyon in a matter of minutes and see the amazing scenery. We also spent a night at the North Rim of the GC and liked it better than the South Rim--a little less hectic, although still plenty of buses and folks.