Hi,

I will be visiting the parks at the start of May with a friend. We are spending 2 nights at Grand Canyon (arriving late first night, with 1 full day in Park), then travelling upto Bryce for 2 nights (so will have 1 full day in Park), then 2 nights in Zion, leaving late the last day to travel back down to Vegas. What trails are recommended for people who enjoy walking but not too long strenuous walks. Which are the "must-do" trails?! Obviously we'd like to see the best main views of the parks whilst we're there! Thanks.

Last May at the GC we hiked a little ways (about 45 min.) down the S. Kaibab trail, enjoyed the view a while, then hiked back up. You can go as far as you want. Just remember it will take you 2-3 times as long to hike back up!

My asthma was flaring then thanks to last year's overabundance of rain and grass and I had to take it slow on the way back, but it wasn't too bad. It was fun to hike even a short way down into the canyon.

Another nice little hike was out to Shoshone point. We arrived to see a wedding- what fun. The view from there was amazing and after the wedding party left we were alone.

You can also walk along the rim trail, but there were so many people. It was nice to get away from all the commotion.

Be sure to attend a condor talk! I never expected in my lifetime to see a condor flying freely; we saw 5! Bring binoculars.

With only one full day, you could do a hike in the morning, then spend the afternoon following along the view drive either by car or by bus. Checking out the lookout points and the various houses will easily fill the afternoon. I think the condor talk was at 3pm. The rangers offer some guided walks too. The details are in the daily schedule that's available at the visitor's centers.

I hope you enjoy your trip.

In Bryce do the combination Navajo and Queen's garden trail.Paul

Thanks for those replies - any recommendations for the final park of Zion, much appreciated??

For Zion perhaps;Lower emerald pool ;one hour and the riverside walk of the temple of Sinawava; 1 hour and a half. Paul