Itin help - West / Grand Canyon
 

3 adults, 2 kids (9,7) planning vacation out West to potentially include Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon. We have not traveled to this area and I am seeking advice on what sites to include/prioritize and a possible itinerary. Considering flying in/out of Vegas or Arizona and interested in limiting driving to under 3 hours/day. 6 days total, but would like 1-2 days open at the end for relaxing poolside as kids may be done with rocks and driving by that point.

Thanks in advance!

When? If this summer you are very late to the game. Try to see what lodging you can get before you spend money on airfare

When indeed! It matters in terms of where you can go as well as how long you will want to spend in the parks. As Dayle has mentioned you are late for lodging this year.

If it is a summer trip then you will find that you will not want to be "relaxing poolside" as temperatures even now are over 100 in Vegas and 120 in Phoenix. These are dangerously high for spending extended periods of time. You will find it cooler at Bryce and the North Rim of Grand Canyon.

To help with planning here is a link to a map with time/distance chart that was posted a while ago by another fodorite:

http://ohiohickstraveltips.weebly.co...-utah-map.html

If you are planning of later in the year, you need to be aware that facilities at the North Rim of Grand canyon close from October till May and maybe longer if the snow has been very early or very late in melting. I do prefer the South Rim which is open all year, but it will add a bit to the drive times.

Dates of travel: Oct 18-24

It will take more than 3 hours to drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, more like 4.5-5 without stops.