PHOENIX TO VEGAS
 

I am planning a trip to the southwest next spring. I have planned the first week to include Phoenix, Sedona and the South Rim. I will be ending the trip with a couple of nights in Las Vegas. That leaves me from Tuesday morning until Thursday afternoon to get from the South Rim to Las Vegas. I had thought of either driving up and through southern Utah (Bryce and Zion, one night each place) or just maybe staying in Arizona and seeing some other sights there (Petrified Forrest? Canyon de Chelley? Monument Valley? Hoover Dam?). Any suggestions? Considering the amount of time I have, what do I really have time to do?

I did the entire South Rim & then drove around the North side of the Canyon thru Hurricane, UT & then down to Vegas. It took about 8 hours driving time from the furthest point East on the South Rim to get to Vegas. I am not sure how far out of the way you would need to go to see Bryce & Zion, but you could use that as kind of a marker as to how long your driving might be. Hoover is only about 45 minutes from Vegas, as is the Valley of Fire. You could catch them in a day trip from Vegas.

If you have time to waste then visit Colorado City, north west of the canyon. Polygamous society who aren't too kenn on young, single men wandering about. Look out for numerous children staying in one house and expect to be followed by the local cops.

Dear Ginny,<BR><BR>We took a similar trip several years ago, and we loved it. Our kids, who were then about 11 and 9, have asked several times if we could do the same thing again. <BR><BR>After we left the South Rim, we drove up to Bryce Canyon and stayed one night at Ruby's Inn (National Park lodging wasn't available there). We then drove to Zion and spent one night there in the lodge. And from there to Vegas.<BR><BR>On the way to Bryce, be sure to stop in Kanab, Utah, and eat at "The Junction." It's a drive-through place--but we loved it. Great cheap sandwiches and shakes, brought to your window. You sit there in your car and eat. <BR><BR>I was afraid three canyons would be too much, but they're quite different. The grand one is so grand that nothing compares. Bryce isn't really a canyon but rock formations, and the "hoodoos" are quite enchanting. At Zion, you actually drive to the bottom of the canyon. <BR><BR>We also stopped at Montezuma National Monument in Arizona on the way north. It has nothing to do w/Montezuma himself, but it was interesting and pretty, and a good place to stretch.<BR><BR>Hope this helps!

I vote for the trip through southrn Utah. Although your time will be short, I think anytime spent in the area will be a plus to your vacation.