We are flying into PHX on May 12th and out of Las Vegas on May 19th. We will spend the

night of May 12th and 13th in PHX visiting family.
May 14th drive to the Grand Canyon
May 15th drive to Vegas to see Family
May 16th Drive to Zion
17th Drive to Bryce
18th Drive to vegas
19th Home
Or
May 12th see family in PHX
May 13th 4 hours to Grand Canyon see sunset and sunrise and
Drive to Zion on the 15th 5 hours
15th and 16th at Zion
17th Head to Bryce
18th to Las vegas
Home on the 19th.

or any oother configuration?

Where to stay outside the Grand Canyon if we can't get lodging in the Canyon?

You guys always help so much. Thanks in advance.

OR do it in this order to drive the least miles and see the best scenery
Phoenix - Grand Canyon via Hwy 180 to Hwy 64 to Grand Canyon Village. Exit Grand Canyon on Hwy 64 going to Cameron then north on 89. There is a detour to Hwy 20 to reach Page, AZ. Continue on Hwy 89 to Hwy 12 to reach Bryce. Double back on Hwy 12 and south on 89 to Zion. Zion to Las Vegas is an easy 3 hour drive.

This route is approx. 760 miles and the only double backing you will do is from Mt. Carmel Jct to Bryce and back.

You will also pass by Lake Powell doing this route.

You do realize you aren't going to have much time at each park. You will basically be driving in, seeing a few overlooks and moving on.

Utahtea

For GC, if you call the park lodging rather than trying on line, you will probably be able to get lodging in the park as people do make reservations way ahead and then cancel at the last minute. In the mean time make a reservation that you can cancel in either Tusayan or at Cameron Trading Post.

The route Utahtea is most efficient if you choose option 2 and maximizes your time in the parks. Lodging should be made asap

Your second alternative is better than your first. Of your 3 destinations, Zion is the one you will want to spend more time at.

As I said on the other thread, disagree with zootsi. The Grand Canyon is only one of the three that I've wanted to go back to having spent two nites there long ago.