We are planning a family trip for May 2007 flying in and out of Las Vegas and Phoenix with a tenative schedule including Zion (2 nights), Bryce (2 nights), North Rim Grand Canyon (1 night), Page (1 night), South Rim Grand Canyon (2 nights), Sedona (1 night). I have read numerous posts advising people to plan the loop ending with Zion and flying out of Las Vegas. The problem for us is that we will be starting our trip on May 24 and if we start in Phoenix we will be at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during Memorial Day Weekend. I thought that was probably not a good idea since it tends to be busy without a holiday. Is it early enough in the summer season for that not to be a problem or is it going to be terribly busy that weekend? Otherwise, we will be in Zion that weekend. Any better as far as the crowds?

topping

I went on a bus tour from Phoenix to GC the sunday/monday of Memorial Day weekend a couple of years ago. Our tour group was left off at Bright Angel Lodge before lunch, maybe 10am and it wasn't crowded at all. We noticed more and more people arriving as the day progressed. It never got too crowded but as we were leaving the park there was a long line at the gate.

A few years ago we were at Lake Powell and decided to skip the Grand Canyon because we would have been there over the Memorial Day weekend. We went in October instead that year. In October we were the only people on a shuttle bus and we asked the driver how it was on Memorial Day weekend that year...he said it was crazy with standing room only. He said we did good by not coming over the Memorial Day weekend.

The thing is, all the places you plan to be will be very crowded on the Memorial Day weekend. You do NOT want to be anywhere near Lake Powell on that holiday weekend!!!! We were driving out as all the crazies were driving in! I think I'd just grin and bear the Grand Canyon and then you can relax and enjoy Zion as your last stop.

Utahtea

I would agree that it's going to be crowded either place on Memorial Day weekend. Have you checked on availability of lodging over that weekend? Based on your arrival dates and tentative itinerary, I'm assuming you'd be staying in Sedona on either the 24th or 25th, and the S. Rim either the 25th-26th or 26th-27th. I just looked at lodging in the park, and it's booked solid for that weekend, except for some availability on the 25th. I hope you have something reserved at both locations - if not, I think you'll have some difficulty finding something now.

Thank you so much for the information. I posted the question so long ago that I had lost hope of any response. What a great surprise.

Yes, we already do have reservations in the parks. I made them last May or June and very glad because I know they would be super hard to get now.

Utahtea, will the crowds make Zion intolerable that weekend?

Thanks for your help,
CLR

I take it you've decided to do Zion first. Zion is smaller so you will probably be more affected by the larger numbers....but sometimes we just have to grin and bear it because there's so much beauty in the area. The shuttle buses will be crowded and some of easier hikes will be crowded.

We avoid the parks on the holidays when ever possible.

Utahtea

Well, the problem is that we don't have reservations at the South Rim for Memorial Day Weekend. At this late date, I doubt we could get anything there. I know you are right about holidays--not the best time to visit anywhere. I'll keep working on it.