Seeking an Approach - S Utah, N Arizona
 

We are not really hikers or campers. On European trips we spent hours walking each day with no problem.

I've seen beautiful photos of Southern Utah and Northen Arizona (Sedona area, Bryce Canyon, Arches, etc). I'd like to try a visit to one/both of these area.

We'd like to spend a few days (3 days?) in Las vegas (shows, etc) and then 4-5 days seeing the scenery.

What would you suggest that is doable without going in-depth or repetitive?

Thanks.

Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Beautiful. Do searches for these and you'll find lots of advice and info.

You did not say when you planned to be in the area, but you should check to see when the Grand Canyon's North Rim is open. The road south from Jacob Lake is closed at certain times of the year because of snow.

Suggestion: 2 days LV-drive Valley of fire- Zion 2 days-Bryce can.2days-via Lake Powell to S.rim GC 2 days-via Flagstaff-Sedona back to LV.Paul

We live in the US (S. Florida) so we can plan whenever. We usually travel when the days are longest but before schools are out.

I guess that's pretty much the first half of June. For a trip like this we'd be flexible.

you can see Zion and Bryce without any hiking. I would however take a couple of short ones - Emerald pool in Zion is a nice one - you can go to either 1,2, or 3 of the pools depending on your desire.

Sedona you can see everything from the road. Again a short hike would be interesting. South rim of the Grand canyon also is seen from the road lookouts.

Sedona, Bryce and Arches are in three areas that are not really near each other. If you only are planning on 4 days of seeing scenery then I'd forget Arches because it's 450 miles from Las Vegas and will take 2 days of just driving going and coming back.

I would do either Sedona and South Rim Grand Canyon OR Bryce and Zion in the time you have planned.

Utahtea

thanks. This gives me some structure to work with.

I've read about bryce Canyon N.P. Is Zion as impressive?

Any other ideas?

I am planning a similar trip, although I want it to be longer than yours. I received invaluable advice at Fodors (and expecting to ask for more, when the trip time will approach!). Fodorites suggested me to request info and Utah has sent me a beautiful guide which could give you a good idea (it has a lot of pictures) about if you would like Bryce, Zion or Arches.

Utah
(800) 200-1160
www.utah.com

They sent it to Spain in about 6 weeks, so I guess you will have it home sooner than a month.

Thanks. Great idea. Done!!!

Yes, Zion is very impressive. Everyone has their favorite when it comes to Bryce and Zion because they are SO different. It's impossible to tell which one of the two someone will like best but rest assure they are both totally awsome!

Utahtea

I've travelled around the area alot. The time you spend should really depend on what you really want to do while you are there. Is this just for scenic siteseeing, or do you want to shop, visit museums and try some imteresting restaurants? What are you planning to do while you are there?

We just moved to Arizona and have been enjoying exploring the National Parks. While Sedona is wonderful, you don't have time to do the parks and Sedona but might be able to squeeze in at least two, if not three of the parks. I would save either the parks or Sedona for another time. You don't have time for Arches. This summer we drove to the North Rim of Grand Canyon - spent an overnight; then an overnight at Zion and an overnight at Bryce visting Cedar Breaks on the way. That might be doable for you or at least Bryce, Zion, Cedar Breaks. Bryce has a mule ride to the bottom of the canyon which is really interesting and many areas along the rim that are easy hikes for non hikers. The hike to the bottom is really difficult due to the altitude which makes the mule ride worthwhile. Zion is spectacular to view and the approach through the tunnel is amazing. They have a shuttle bus that goes through the entire park with stops at all the best viewing points. We also enjoyed the North Rim very much - maybe better than the South Rim. You have to remember all these parks are at high altitudes so even if you are in good shape, the change can impact how long you can hike. Bryce goes to over 7000 ft, North Rim over 6000 and Zion over 4000. An interesting stop between Bryce and Zion is Cedar Breaks National Monument - it is a miniature Bryce at 10000 ft elevation. If you go to the National parks site you might be able to get reservations in the parks which is nice because you get up and just walk out; can take a walk with a ranger etc.-just saves time. Bryce also does astronomy at night with telescopes set up for viewing the skies.
Remember that because of the altitudes these park are really cool at night and can be cool during the day as well even in summer - so dress in layers. We were there in August and used jackets and sweatshirsts at Bryce. Also, drink plenty of water - the dry temperatures and altitudes take their toll with headaches and fatigue.