Help with Grand Canyon trip in June
 

We are a family of four thinking of traveling to Grand Canyon/Bryce/Zion via Las Vegas in June. We are myself , Dh, dd15,ds 12. Fairly active, like hiking, looking at atv tours and other things for kids to do besides "looking at rocks" ��We considered an RV rental as we are campers here but think it might be better/cheaper/easier to just rent a car and stay at either a timeshare rental or various hotels. We are going in late June, as soon as I get a decent airfare..stalking it everyday. We are flying out of Hartford Ct. Any itinerary help and suggestions are appreciated.

You really need to get lodging now as that is an area that people plan a year in advance. The most cost effective for campers would be to buy an inexpensive tent with mats and sleeping bags at a discount store when you get there and donate it when you return, or rent from REI or the like. Arrange for a site in the parks now.

Otherwise try for lodging either in the parks (call for a cancellation every day), or in one of the towns near by.

As for air fare, it has been very high lately. Look for Phoenix as well as Las Vegas and also check car rental costs too. Vegas is usually best for car rental costs, but you should do the math for your group. If you're using a site like Kayak or Travelocity, be aware that Southwest does not come up on them and is often the lowest fare.

I would do a circle tour. Las Vegas, Grand Canyon South Rim, Lake Powell, Bryce, Zion and then back to Las Vegas.

Be careful about timeshares and make sure they are actually NEAR the parks. I think your best bet would be either hotels or the RV rental.

Zion and Bryce are close enough to do Bryce as a day trip from Zion but it makes for a long day and you might want to spend more time there than one day. I'd recommend staying at all three of the parks either inside the park or at nearby towns. For Grand Canyon that would be Tusayan, For Bryce it would be Bryce City and for Zion it would be Springdale.

We have an RV so we camp. Watchman campground in Zion takes reservations and there are only a few sites left for late June!

Utahtea

There are two parts of Grand Canyon. North and South separated by a huge hole in the ground. My personal choice is North Rim because it has about one million less tourists. I know, subsequent threads will disagree-but I've been to both at every-every overlook that includes Kaibab National Forest. Also, that route would save considerable driving distance.

ATV - Bryce is probably your best choice. Ruby's Inn (excellent motel, campground, everything) has ATV rentals.
http://www.rubysinn.com/

I would add Arches National Park at Moab Utah if you have time.

Near Bryce is Cedar Breaks. North View Overlook at sunset is the premium view.

My recommended family hiking book is:
Hiking from here to Wow - Utah Canyon Country
It is available at Amazon.com

Driving and touring:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00COBH45M
both e-book and print

If your want to explore back roads; 4-wd, my recommendation is
Guide to Moab, Ut Backroads and & 4 wheel drives
Also Amazon.

If you plan Moab Mountain Biking
Above and beyond slick rock by todd Campbell
Amazon.com

Information in those books is well worth the few dollars. Less than one night at a motel.


Vaga

Agree. Best bet is to stay IN or very near the parks. If your timeshare is in St.George, that is only close to Zion. Too far for any of the other parks.

Know that the Grand canyon is a huge hole in the ground and is best enjoyed from the rim. It is hotter than HELL in late June and inexperienced hikers die from the heat. I'm not insinuating, just sayin. I always recommend an evening for all of the light changes and a morning for the same and then hit the road for more sights.Sedona AZ is magical. Spend lots of money here we need it. Most of all prepare for one of the most beautiful sights in your life!

Walking in Grand Canyon.
South Rim: Bright Angel Trail;
North Rim: Kaibab Trail.
These are the most popular and are very well maintained. Suggest walking down. Rule on hiking time: 1/3 down; 2/3 up. Fireman is right - take water, water, water. A good temperature indicator is Phoenix Arizona. Temp there is the same as the bottom of the canyon.
(Fireman is right again - Sedona is expensive)
Vaga

i'd have a look at sedona, az too...sounds like a place your family might like.