We are thinking about planning a trip out west with the kids (21, 18 and 16). We'd fly from Atlanta to Las Vegas for one night, then drive to Grand Canyon for a night. From there, we'd drive up to Zion (maybe stay at Desert Pearl Inn for 2 to 3 nights). I have a couple of questions. Should we go to the North or South rim of Grand Canyon? How many hours to each from LV, and then how many hours from each to Zion National Park? Also, we were thinking of staying at the JW Marriott for the last 3 nights or so, using that as our base to see Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and maybe once going down to the strip. Is this is a good base for the last few days of our trip? We are wanting a nice pool/nice hotel. Does anyone know how late the JW's pools are open?

Also, one more question. We would be traveling the first half of June, so I'm assuming the crowds will be low; is this correct?

Thanks.

Its about 5 hours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon south rim. We loved it there (went in early Aug) with our two daughters (13 and 11) and highly recommend it, but you'll get rave reviews from others about the north rim as well. My brother and his wife went there and loved it because it was less crowded than the south rim. I can't answer as to crowds in June. I assume based on what I've read that tourism at Grand Canyon is pretty heavy throughout the summer months.

If you do go to the south rim, don't miss the eastern viewpoints like Grandview, Lipan Point and Desert View. We felt those were the most stunning panoramic overlooks in the park!

I prefer the South Rim because I think you get a better idea of how huge this canyon really is. The North Rim is beautiful but it's just not the same feel as the S. Rim IMHO.

From Las Vegas to the S. Rim, to Zion, back to Las Vegas is about 700 miles and will take about 13 total driving hours. None of which you will be back tracking on. This route will also take you by Glen Canyon National Recreational Area (Lake Powell) and thought some of the Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument.

Las Vegas to the North Rim, to Zion National Park and back to Las Vegas is only 550 miles BUT you will be back tracking on 480 of those miles! Also this route will take anywhere from 12 to 13 hours to drive because the roads into the N. Rim are slower, windy roads and if you get stuck behind a motorhome it can take the 13 hours.

Either rim, I would plan on two nights at the Grand Canyon. Driving to and after you leave will be 5 hour drives and you will want to spend some time at either rim.

I highly recommend 2 - 3 nights at Zion. It's a beautiful area. We were just there for 4 nights. So relaxing!!!

Utahtea

Thanks for the info. So it's about 5 hours to the North Rim from LV and also the South Rim? And then another five hours or so from the South Rim to Zion? And then about 3 hours from Zion to LV? You're right about staying 2 nights in Grand Canyon. What do you think about the idea of the last 3 nights at the JW Marriott?

Your time division is about right. Sorry, I can't help with lodging...we stay in our motorhome

Utahtea

I am leaving Wednesday to do this trip (but in reverse) so I cant offer much help in advance. My reason for going to Zion first as opposed to the GC is that our flight gets in around 11 am and the drive to Zion is quick enought. Even though we arrive at 11 am, its really 2 pm to us and we will have been travelling for 8 hours already. The drive to GC just seemed too long to make the first day. So we will pick up the rental and get to Zion in time to see a few things and have a nice dinner. I guess part of it depends on what time your flight arrives.
We are staying at the JW Marriott for 4-5 nights at the end of our tour and I was informed by the hotel that the pool is open until 8pm, at this time of the year anyway. I am assuming it would be the same in June. We originally were going to LV mainly to stay at the JW and relax before a few days on the Strip. Almost all reviews I have read on the hotel are good. I am excited, only two days to go!

Sherry, Thanks so much for your information. That might be a good idea, to start at Zion. Please post a trip report when you return.
Thanks,
Sherry (another one!)

From one Sherry to another:
We chose the South Rim simply to be able to do a loop so to speak. I felt that going from Zion to the North Rim (or vice versa) and then back again to Vegas felt like a lot of backtracking (driving) along the same routes and we wanted to see more of the area if we could. (Not that the drive along highway 40 from the South Rim back to Las Vegas looks too intersting.) But this way it does allow us to then add on Sedona as well.
I am certainly no expert in the area as I have never been; just giving you my thoughts on why we chose the route we did. We initially thought of doing the Grand Canyon first but as I mentioned in my post above the timing felt so long for the first days arrival or it felt almost as if we were wasting a night in Vegas, to get up early and head to the GC, so we opted for the shorter drive to Zion immediately upon our arrival. We figure we will be in Zion by 2-3 pm at the latest. I will be sure to post a trip report upon my return. As I said, initially this was to be a week long trip to Vegas just to rest and relax and now I am so thrilled to be going on more of a "driving" holiday and seeing the parks and GC as well! I felt adding a few nights more on was well worth it! We are doing a whirlwind tour I know, but thats okay with us, it will give us a taste of the area and help me plan a more extended trip for my return I'm sure!
One last thought if you are going to spend a night in Vegas before leaving for the Grand Canyon: when I had looked at that option I was considering the Hyatt or Ritz out in Henderson simply because they appear to be closer to where I wanted to start my trip to the GC. Nice hotels it seems, but on the opposite side of Vegas from the JW I think. Unless of course you want to spend a night on the strip before heading out! Hope your trip planning goes well.
Sherry

To Sherry,

Are you also stopping at either Glen Canyon National Recreational Area (Lake Powell) and/or Bryce Canyon National Park along with the Grand Canyon and Zion? If you are it will save you money to by the Natinal Park Pass for $50.

BTW, I think you're doing the smart thing in doing a circle trip. I much prefer the S. Rim and the crowds shouldn't be to bad this time of the year.

Utahtea

Utahtea, we are stopping at Lake Powell on our way down, so I was planning on getting an annual pass. As to Bryce, it got left off my list as I just didnt have the time to get there. BUT!! Now I am thinking that if I decided that I didnt want to do the two days on the strip at the end of our JW stay, we just might drive back to Zion for 2 more nights and do a day trip to Bryce from there. That is of course if I dont decide to extend my stay in Sedona
As you can see, my extra 2 nights are now up in the air, depending on what appeals to us at the time. But I like travelling that way. This is the first trip I have eveything booked in advance, just due to the nature of the places we are going. It makes me nervous to have it all so mapped out, so I am grateful that the last two nights may end up anywhere! It was a lot of you postings that helped me plan my trip at the last minute so thank you!

Sherry

Correction: it was a lot of YOUR postings that helped me plan my trip at the last minute so thank you!

And that deserves repeating!! You have helped so much in all of your previous postings, I didnt feel the need to ask as many questions.
Lots of excellent trip reports on here as well, one in particular, wish I could remember her name, she just did a whirlwind tour as well, and it gave me faith in what I was attempting to do! So not just to Utahtea, but to all, thanks for the insight/ideas!