Grand Canyon lodging at the North Rim closes on October 15th every year. Based on the order of your itinerary starting on October 11th and going to Zion, Bryce and Page before the North Rim, I think you will get to the North Rim after lodging has closed up for the season.

You will have to adjust the order of your destinations if you wish to stay overnight at the North Rim, and I think all of us would definitely recommend that you stay at least one night there if you go.

Personally, I would start your trip by going to the South Rim, then Page, then North Rim (if desired), Bryce and finish with Zion. You're not adding a lot of drive time by going to both rims. You would get to the North Rim before it closes for the season and it would make for a nice contrast to the South Rim. Not sure how rafting in Page will be in mid-October.

I would also suggest going to the South Rim if it's your first time seeing the Grand Canyon, particularly if you're going in mid-Oct. With only 8 days, I wouldn't suggest seeing both rims. We always fly in and out of Las Vegas because its easy and rental cars are cheap and abundant. Best of all, its only 2 1/2 hrs to Zion!

Depending on when your flight arrives in LV, you may want to start at the South Rim if you get in early enough. It's a 5 hr drive. 2 nights at the S Rim would be great. From there, head over to Page for your float trip. I'd suggest just 1 night for Lake Powell. Head up to Bryce for 2 nights - there is some great hiking at Bryce. Queens Garden/Navajo Loop and Fairyland Trail are both outstanding. Walking the rim is also an incredible treat, but getting down into the canyon among the hoodoos is the best way to experience Bryce.

Some of the most incredible scenery can be found along Route 12 between Bryce and Boulder, Utah. The drive is one of the most scenic in the country and there are lots of sights to see along the way. My husband and I spent one of our 9 day trips just exploring the area between Bryce and Capitol Reef National Park. Here is a link to the trip report:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr

If you decide to take a drive out Route 12, you could spend a day enjoying the scenery and spend the night at the Boulder Mtn Lodge or go over Boulder mtn (the foliage will be gorgeous in Oct) to Capitol Reef NP for the night. Head back on Rte 12, past Bryce and into Zion via the east entrance. Spend a few days in Zion. When you leave for LV, it's only a short 2.5 hr drive plus you gain an hour leaving Utah into Nevada. Let us know if you have any questions about lodging or hiking, etc.

We are headed out for a 12 day trip in early Oct. We'll be sure to post a trip report when we return. Here is a link to last year's adventure: http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_2012_trip_report

Enjoy the planning!

That is so helpful. I am hoping to arrive not too late in Las Vegas so we can head out to the Grand Canyon. It makes sense to go to the South Rim and then we won't worry about the weather.