Is Driving Through Arizona A Bad Thing?
 

I've noticed several posters who were trying to see several sights throughout Arizona and the Grand Canyon area with responces that say "well that's fine, if you don't mind driving 8 hours a day." I myself am planning my first trip to the southwest. It started as a trip to the Grand Canyon, but as I have found out more and more about the area, I have tried to fit more and more in. Being from the east, I don't know when I might find my way back again to this area. I have since added to a trip that starts in Phoenix and ends in Vegas, stays in Sedona and the Grand Canyon and would love to try and fit in Zion and Bryce on the way to Vegas. I know that it would make the trip a couple of hundred miles longer and that I would only probably have several hours in each place. I know that this is probably enough time to really get to see these places, but kind of look at it like doing a cruise (you get a chance to get a general look at the place and if you really like it, you can always go back). My question is whether this drive from the south rim , up to Bryce, then through Zion over to Vegas, is that bad of a drive for the small amount of time that I will have in each place. How long do I need at each place to get good overview of each park?

Phx too Sedona - less than two hour drive<BR>Sedona to Gr. Canyon - 2 to less than 3 hour drive<BR>Gr. Canyon to Bryce - 300 miles, six or so hour drive<BR>Bryce to Zion - less than two hours<BR>Zion to LV - around three hours. <BR>Roads are just fine.

Just be sure to obey the speed limits when you are in the Indian territories.

The roads are fine, and the scenery along the way is great too, its just that distances are long. It can be tough in a limited amount of time to fit in visits to Phoenix/Sedona/Flagstaff and the SOuth Rim of the Grand Canyon; and then drive around to southern Utah to Bryce/Zion and the North Rim. In my opinion, a much more compact and efficient trip can be set up if you go to the North Rim, and then Bryce and Zion (and Arches/Canyonlands). This cuts out huge amounts of driving and lets you spend more time in the places themselves.

Assuming you're from a 'fully developed' part of the east coast, the biggest impression is hundreds of miles of open vistas; much of it sparce on vegetation/trees. You know what to expect from seeing movies and such.<BR>Roads are good; I-40 is excellent; much of Arizona along I-40 has a 75 MPH speed limit.<BR>Do listen to Polly's advice; when on Indian Land, do not exceed the posted speed limits..speeding tickets generate a significant source of income.<BR>First and second hand comments from European relatives and friends always include complete awe of the southwest states in general. They just can't imagine all that land with so few people.<BR>Have a great trip, Don!<BR>

It's fine. Have fun!