I am still grieving about the horrible events of this week - I actually live 45 minutes from NYC. While its hard to think about traveling right now, I do have a business trip scheduled to Las Vegas in early November. My husband and I have never been to the Southwest before. We have 3-4 free days afterwards. Are we crazy to try to drive to the South Rim, then to Bryce, then to Zion, then back to Vegas in 4 days? I have heard at that time the North Rim will be closed.

In the time frame we have, what do you recommend? We want to do light hiking and "gazing", but not any major hiking. Also, will weather be a factor (i.e. snow, ice, rain)?

Thank you for any input you have.

Hi, we did the same loop two years ago, staying two nights at South Rim, and one each at Bryce and Zion and did some light hiking at each. We prefer to stay inside park and eat at the restaurants in the lodges. We had good luck at each. It is about half a day from LV to South Rim (including short stop at Hoover Dam). Can't remember for sure but the drive from South Rim to Bryce seemed longer, perhaps 6 or 7 plus hours. That drive got quite monotonous after a while. You will thoroughly enjoy this trip!

Mishmc, with 3-4 days, I would just do Zion/Bryce or South Rim & another part of AZ like Sedona. During Nov Bryce MIGHT have some early snow, it's at 8000 feet. The areas around Bryce will be gorgeous, with perhaps some late fall colors at the lower elevations. Zion will be cold at night, but beautiful with fall colors in the canyon. There are lots of easy hikes in both parks. The pictures don't do them justice. I live in Park City, UT at 6800 feet and the mountains above town are breaking out in wonderful fall colors all ready - gold, red, orange!

With the time frame stated consider doing only Zion and Bryce. Including the South
Rim will add about 600 miles to the trip.
When it LV check to see if the North Rim is still open. If it is then the NR can be included

With the time frame stated consider doing only Zion and Bryce. Including the South
Rim will add about 600 miles to the trip.
When in LV check to see if the North Rim is still open. If it is then the NR can be included

Thank you for your responses! I think we will just do Bryce/Zion this time, unless the NR is still open, and leave the Grand Canyon for the next trip.

Thanks again!