The cancellation policy for GC is no fee up to 72hrs. When I was there a few years ago I was surprised to find out that there were walk-up vacancies the day I arrived mid summer. The reception agent told me there are often tour group organizers who book a block of rooms, then relinquish them closer to the actual date when they know how many they will need.

So definitely keep calling, or check online at xanterra.com (the GC concessionaire).

At Zion, I love the location of Cable Mtn lodge. Immediately outside the park so you just walk through the pedestrian entrance to catch the in-park shuttle bus. It's also right next to the small supermarket.

But there are many other hotels in town too - all are convenient. The La Quinta is brand new. You can take the free Springdale shuttle bus to the park (same pedestrian entrance), or drive and park. I believe a car pass ($25) is good for a whole week. Since you are driving through the park to Bryce anyway you'll need to buy a pass regardless.

I think a NPS unlimited 1yr pass is $80. That would be good for each of the parks you plan to visit. I forget how the individual / pedestrian pass works. I think it's about $10/person for a 7day, up to $25max per family. The challenge with that is you need to keep and show the paper receipt every time you enter. I'm not generally good at keeping track of these things so I put mine in a ziplock and kept it in my backpack that I used every day.

Very helpful tips, thank you so much! We can definitely keep up with a money saving pass :) and I will keep trying for lodging in Bryce/Zion parks. We did get the GC in-park lodging so we are good there. I'm good with staying at the Best Western though if we have to, no worries. It would just be fun to stay in the park.

If I have time tonight I am going to attempt the "name your price" on Priceline for flights. We will see how that goes!

That's great, sanibella. Have a wonderful trip and be sure to write a quick trip report when you return. I am headed out for a 13 day trip in a few weeks - can't wait! Getting in park lodging in Bryce is tricky since there are so few rooms available, but it is worth calling a few times to see if you can grab a cancellation. Being in the park at Bryce is well worth it, if possible.

We are flying nonstop on southwest from the east coast - prices are high right now but nonstop is worth it! Good luck on the airfare.

Have fun, Sharondi! I am considering southwest, but we would have to drive 2 hours to get to an airport for SW service. :( If I can get a better price that what I have right now in town I will take that. If not...we will drive for SW! have fun!

As others have said, you can keep checking for units to open. However I don't prefer to stay inside the park at Zion, Springdale for me. Last year I stayed at the newly opened La Quinta Inn (found it on Priceline Express) at a bargain rate since the pool wasn't yet done. It's one of the few Springdale hotels that includes any breakfast as part of the rate. Rooms are nicely outfitted with micro/fridge, they also have family rooms.

Hey Sharondi we may be traveling at the same time..will be in Kanab on the 14th and Bryce on the 15th then down to the North Rim where a cabin cancellation popped up!

Except I couldn't get a room inside Bryce :( Still trying but it looks like Hatch at the Hatch Station motel instead!

Yes it is worth trying, even online.we just grabbed a room at Bryce!