Our family (children 10 and 7) will be flying into Las Vegas the last week of May 2007, on to Zion for two days then Bryce Canyon for two days. We were thinking about spending the next two nights at the Grand Canyon-North Rim. Is this too much time there? Is it still very cold the last week of May?

Also, what to you think about staying at the Zion Lodge in the Park vs. Desert Pearl
Inn?

We stayed 2 nights at the North Rim last Aug and it was awesome. The "compound" itself seemed to be very conducive to families - lots of space to run around and be active without being afraid someone was going over the edge. Some of the larger cabins even had small porches with rocking chairs. The food wasn't great but that's not why you are there. There was a grill with subs and ice cream (not a po' boy; they have fried seafood or roast beef on them ) and the proper dining room wasn't too bad - esp b'fast or lunch. The pace, overall, at the North Rim seemed to be much slower...not a bad thing in my opinion, but others would disagree. Get a copy of Marguerite Henry's book "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" for the kids to read before they go.
We stayed at the Desert Pearl - would go back there in a heartbeat but the grounds of the Zion Lodge were lovely and I wouldn't hestitate to stay there either. We spent several lovely hours just sitting in the shade on the large outside porch upstairs at the lodge people-watching. Saw an Italian family that could have been lifted from the movies - dashing son, loving mother, imperious father, beautiful girlfriend...you will have a great trip!

CLRtravel,
I agree with the earlier post, you will love the North Rim. South Rim always reminds me of Disney for hikers, but I love it too, it's just that much more crowded! The NR will have just been reopened for the summer, they open it mid-May and it will be cool due to the higher elevation than the SR. We went in late June once and then again in late July and never missed the AC at all! You will need warm clothes for the mornings and evenings. I was at the SR this May and it was less than 40 degrees with a stiff wind in the evenings and of course sunrise! You will not have TV or radio up there either but the kids won't miss it and neither will you! Nothing beats the quiet of the Lodge's terrace as you sit and listen to nature, I envy you already! I too recommend Brighty, it is a wonderful tale, but read it TO the kids and enjoy it yourselves. Then when you see the statue of Brighty in the NR Lodge, it will mean so much more to you. I have tons of pictures of my babies standing next to the statue or hiking or having quiet run ins with deer and now my youngest is 17! I will never forget those vacations to the Canyon and neither will you. I think you won't want to leave after 2 days! As for the food, there is also a little store a short hike from the cabins, used by the RV folks, and it carries lots of general store foods. We would take a short hike and stop there for an ice-cream treat and then hike back! Also, sign up the kids for Ranger activities, they'll love it! Make those reservations soon though! We always decide on the Canyon at least one year in advance to make sure we get what we want! Enjoy!

The last time we were at the NR was last week of May. The weather was great--cool and clear. We LOVE the NR. Walk around at night, there'll be deer all along the sidewalks. It's beautiful, and sitting on the deck (where everyone often whispers)is wonderful. Make sure to do the drives in the park . . . some awesome scenery and views of the river from very short hikes.

Thanks so much for the information, especially about the book. "Brighty" sounds great and so does the North Rim. Thanks again!