Southern Utah and GC Trip Cont.- Itinerary Help
May 9th, 2013, 04:53 AM
#21
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Our trip route has changed yet again! We have been so undecided about whether or not to start out with GC or Zion.
Decided to go ahead and get the drive from LV to GC done first and out of the way.
Since we will arrive in LV at 12 noon, we will go by Hoover for a short visit and on toward GC south rim stopping at a half way point for the night. After such a long day coming from East coast, we didn't think we wanted to drive the entire length to GC. Is Seligman, AZ a good overnight stop? If so, any lodging suggestions?
Will start out early next morning for GCSR. We have reserved a Bright Angel cabin for that night. Checked Xanterra online and there was no availability, but called and there were about three availabilities, so it does pay to call!
Will leave GC sometime next day and head to Page stopping at Cameron's of course. Will it be better if we have time to see Antelope canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the way into Page?
Will stay the night and do float trip next morning or afternoon. Haven't decided whether to stay an extra night in Page.
Decided to go ahead and get the drive from LV to GC done first and out of the way.
Since we will arrive in LV at 12 noon, we will go by Hoover for a short visit and on toward GC south rim stopping at a half way point for the night. After such a long day coming from East coast, we didn't think we wanted to drive the entire length to GC. Is Seligman, AZ a good overnight stop? If so, any lodging suggestions?
Will start out early next morning for GCSR. We have reserved a Bright Angel cabin for that night. Checked Xanterra online and there was no availability, but called and there were about three availabilities, so it does pay to call!
Will leave GC sometime next day and head to Page stopping at Cameron's of course. Will it be better if we have time to see Antelope canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the way into Page?
Will stay the night and do float trip next morning or afternoon. Haven't decided whether to stay an extra night in Page.
May 9th, 2013, 05:05 AM
#22
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Glad you've got a plan going and have reservations at Bright Angel. We've done the route you plan and stopped in Kingman, AZ on the way to GC. We just went to a motel close to the hwy as it was just for sleeping.
Upper Antelope Canyon is best seen when it is sunny. We went in the afternoon and you can some pictures we got at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 in the 2008 set. People say that noon is best, but I was very happy with the time we went and it was not quite as crowded as noon would be.
Horseshoe Bend just involves a walk over sand to the edge of the cliff and takes about a half hour. The sun will be in your face in the afternoon, so I would guess that morning would give better picture opportunities.
If you do the morning float trip you could be on your way towards Bryce that afternoon. If you need a place to stay between Page and Bryce, Kanab has lodging and in fun to walk around in. There was a lot of film activity there and are informative signs along the main street.
Upper Antelope Canyon is best seen when it is sunny. We went in the afternoon and you can some pictures we got at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 in the 2008 set. People say that noon is best, but I was very happy with the time we went and it was not quite as crowded as noon would be.
Horseshoe Bend just involves a walk over sand to the edge of the cliff and takes about a half hour. The sun will be in your face in the afternoon, so I would guess that morning would give better picture opportunities.
If you do the morning float trip you could be on your way towards Bryce that afternoon. If you need a place to stay between Page and Bryce, Kanab has lodging and in fun to walk around in. There was a lot of film activity there and are informative signs along the main street.
May 9th, 2013, 05:31 AM
#24
The Motel 6 West in Williams isn't bad. Some one said it used to be a different brand. It has interior corridors and even free wifi. Williams has a big supermarket so a good place to stock up with supplies rather than pay Grand Canyon prices. The Bright Angel private cabins have little refrigerators and coffee pots, btw.
May 9th, 2013, 07:38 AM
#25
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emalloy--love looking at all your pictures. The monument valley ones make me kick myself about planning to leave it off this trip.
Is Antelope Canyon easy to get to and do you have to have a guide?
Is Antelope Canyon easy to get to and do you have to have a guide?
May 9th, 2013, 08:57 AM
#26
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Antelope canyon is quite close to Page, south of town Just go east on 98 a very short way and it is on the right. I think the detour might take you right by it. You need a guide and they are right at the parking lot. They take you up to the entrance on their vehicles. I think it was about $20 pp when we went but I don't know what is now.
Don't worry about missing Monument Valley this time, the area is addicting and you will be back many times and be sure to hit Arches and Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Bandelier, Grand Staircase Escelante,.......
Don't worry about missing Monument Valley this time, the area is addicting and you will be back many times and be sure to hit Arches and Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Bandelier, Grand Staircase Escelante,.......
May 9th, 2013, 11:13 AM
#27
Re Antelope Canyon. Nope Nope Nope.
We were going to do it but if coming from the Grand Canyon south the detour adds at least an hour. Plus, no guarantees that you will get in during primetime without a reservation.
To see the easily accessible north canyon at"primetime" ie mid day (the short visit) is now about $40-$48 per person for adults depending on which company you go with. Some have Seniors discounts. The photographers tour is now about $80!
The south canyon is a bit more reasonable but requires climing ladders. Also North Canyon outside of primetime is less.
You can go to the Navajo Tribal park website for links
http://navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopetours.htm
We were going to do it but if coming from the Grand Canyon south the detour adds at least an hour. Plus, no guarantees that you will get in during primetime without a reservation.
To see the easily accessible north canyon at"primetime" ie mid day (the short visit) is now about $40-$48 per person for adults depending on which company you go with. Some have Seniors discounts. The photographers tour is now about $80!
The south canyon is a bit more reasonable but requires climing ladders. Also North Canyon outside of primetime is less.
You can go to the Navajo Tribal park website for links
http://navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopetours.htm
May 9th, 2013, 12:36 PM
#28
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Littlelamb we took this trip 2 summers ago and took the advice of several of the people commenting here. Everyone has to sort these things out for themselves but here is my trip report
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-gcnr-zion.cfm
We stayed both in the parks and out based on availabilty. We flew into LV from the eastern US and just travelled to our furthest point that day.
there are a lot of great places to eat in Springdale and we had a great experience at the Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale. I would consider the hikes you listed; there are some tough ones in there but some ones really worth doing.
The horse ride in Bryce was worth it. There is a slot canyon just outside Bryce, Willis Creek, that was not hard and very beautiful.
Though we were tempted to stay outside of LV and drive in early we were glad we went back the night before our flight. We went to Hoover Dam then. I would have prefered to stay in Zion but no one else had seen the dam before. Enjoy this beautiful area. I wish I were going back this summer.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-gcnr-zion.cfm
We stayed both in the parks and out based on availabilty. We flew into LV from the eastern US and just travelled to our furthest point that day.
there are a lot of great places to eat in Springdale and we had a great experience at the Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale. I would consider the hikes you listed; there are some tough ones in there but some ones really worth doing.
The horse ride in Bryce was worth it. There is a slot canyon just outside Bryce, Willis Creek, that was not hard and very beautiful.
Though we were tempted to stay outside of LV and drive in early we were glad we went back the night before our flight. We went to Hoover Dam then. I would have prefered to stay in Zion but no one else had seen the dam before. Enjoy this beautiful area. I wish I were going back this summer.
May 9th, 2013, 12:47 PM
#29
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We have done upper Antelope Canyon 3 times without a reservation. All 3 times, we got in within about 30 minutes. All 3 times were between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, in May and October.
If you go other than at 10AM, 11AM, or noon, the tours are $25, plus the $6 entry fee. At the prime time, it will cost you $46 per person.
If you go other than at 10AM, 11AM, or noon, the tours are $25, plus the $6 entry fee. At the prime time, it will cost you $46 per person.
May 11th, 2013, 01:10 PM
#30
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Someone on another thread mentioned Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Cannonville near Bryce. Does anyone have a comparison of this canyon to Upper Antelope? Would one be better than the other? We will be at Bryce the night after we are in Page, so we could probably get to the Willis Creek Canyon if it is not so hard to get to.
May 11th, 2013, 02:04 PM
#31
It is much easier to access per your own schedule, since it doesn't require a guide or a tour.
However you walk about 4 miles round trip, so is that too long for you? Also most of the walk is along the creek bed.
However you walk about 4 miles round trip, so is that too long for you? Also most of the walk is along the creek bed.
May 11th, 2013, 06:56 PM
#32
Please do not compare Antelope Canyon to anything else. Antelope Canyon is an attraction but it should not be missed if you are in the area.
Google it and you'll see amazing photos of the sun bouncing off the walls. Truly amazing!!!!
I've been pushing Willis Creek since I went there in 2008. The few people who do go always seem to comment that they really enjoyed it.
Willis Creek is a slot canyon (it's unfortunate that the word "Canyon" is part of Antelope Canyon as they are not the same).
If you look at a map, Cannonville is quite close to Bryce Canyon. As soon as you turn south into the town there's a visitors center. They will give you instructions on how to get there. Essentially it's a 9-10 mile drive on a dirt road.
The drive is an adventure. Some small hills, ruts in the road and a sandy covering. At times I used both sides of the road to find smooth parts. That was ok as in the two times I've been there I only saw one other car on the road.
They now have a sign at the parking lot so you know when you're there and don't have to back up when you realize you just passed it.
Once there it's an easy flat walk. The slots alternate with areas that are open on both sides. The slots get progressively taller so go thru at least 4 or 5 before turning back. You can turn back whenever you want. Google Willis Creek slot canyon and go to Images. Or you can go thru my photos of 2008 and 2010 trips.
In the two times I've been there we only saw a couple of groups of people. Very peaceful and worth the effort going there.
From Cannonville the whole thing including driving should be about 2 or 2 1/2 hours.
Back to Antelope Canyon. I was there at the very start of June in 2007 and maybe things have changed. I didn't make reservations or went with a guided tour.
I drove into the parking lot (I believe $6 to park the car) and paid about $20 dollars to have a guide / driver take us on an open truck to the Canyon. It was quite dusty and I had a plastic bag to hold my camera.
I waited about 15 minutes for the next guide / driver. Our driver was a Navajo student. He did point out some of the more interesting views to photograph. Since most people had point-and-shoot cameras in those days he catered to them. He told most people to jack up the ISO, etc. I brought with a tripod and had no problems.
That was 2007 and it's very possible the place has gotten more popular and thing may have changed.
Google it and you'll see amazing photos of the sun bouncing off the walls. Truly amazing!!!!
I've been pushing Willis Creek since I went there in 2008. The few people who do go always seem to comment that they really enjoyed it.
Willis Creek is a slot canyon (it's unfortunate that the word "Canyon" is part of Antelope Canyon as they are not the same).
If you look at a map, Cannonville is quite close to Bryce Canyon. As soon as you turn south into the town there's a visitors center. They will give you instructions on how to get there. Essentially it's a 9-10 mile drive on a dirt road.
The drive is an adventure. Some small hills, ruts in the road and a sandy covering. At times I used both sides of the road to find smooth parts. That was ok as in the two times I've been there I only saw one other car on the road.
They now have a sign at the parking lot so you know when you're there and don't have to back up when you realize you just passed it.
Once there it's an easy flat walk. The slots alternate with areas that are open on both sides. The slots get progressively taller so go thru at least 4 or 5 before turning back. You can turn back whenever you want. Google Willis Creek slot canyon and go to Images. Or you can go thru my photos of 2008 and 2010 trips.
In the two times I've been there we only saw a couple of groups of people. Very peaceful and worth the effort going there.
From Cannonville the whole thing including driving should be about 2 or 2 1/2 hours.
Back to Antelope Canyon. I was there at the very start of June in 2007 and maybe things have changed. I didn't make reservations or went with a guided tour.
I drove into the parking lot (I believe $6 to park the car) and paid about $20 dollars to have a guide / driver take us on an open truck to the Canyon. It was quite dusty and I had a plastic bag to hold my camera.
I waited about 15 minutes for the next guide / driver. Our driver was a Navajo student. He did point out some of the more interesting views to photograph. Since most people had point-and-shoot cameras in those days he catered to them. He told most people to jack up the ISO, etc. I brought with a tripod and had no problems.
That was 2007 and it's very possible the place has gotten more popular and thing may have changed.
May 12th, 2013, 05:11 AM
#33
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Am a big fan of Monument Valley - and the bonus you have about 20 miles before you get to Kayenta - is the 10 mile drive north to the Navajo National Monument - where you can easily view the ancient Cliff Dwellings. You could leave page by late morning - check out the Cliff Dwellings on the way and be in Monument Valley in time for a drive around tour and also see the wonderful sunset.
If you check Utah or Arizona - I posted about a year ago our driving/trip report.
If you check Utah or Arizona - I posted about a year ago our driving/trip report.
May 12th, 2013, 07:17 AM
#35
Yes Meyer, things have changed at Antelope Canyon North since you last visited. Not so much at south.
Re Valley of Fire: It can be done as a detour between Zion and Las Vegas. Instead of continuing on I-15 you turn on to Route 169, coming from Zion. In about 20 miles you reach the turn off to Valley of Fire. Coming from Las Vegas it's about 15 miles to the south park entrance. In and back from one end of the park, to White domes, to the other end, about 20 miles (about an hour with brief stops).
If you don't go to White domes it will be less time but it's worthwhile to drive to the end.
Here is a map:
http://parks.nv.gov/wp-content/uploa...losure-map.pdf
Re Valley of Fire, if it's hot, you won't be getting out of the car much, but the drive to White domes and back is worthwhile.
http://parks.nv.gov/wp-content/uploa...losure-map.pdf
Re Valley of Fire: It can be done as a detour between Zion and Las Vegas. Instead of continuing on I-15 you turn on to Route 169, coming from Zion. In about 20 miles you reach the turn off to Valley of Fire. Coming from Las Vegas it's about 15 miles to the south park entrance. In and back from one end of the park, to White domes, to the other end, about 20 miles (about an hour with brief stops).
If you don't go to White domes it will be less time but it's worthwhile to drive to the end.
Here is a map:
http://parks.nv.gov/wp-content/uploa...losure-map.pdf
Re Valley of Fire, if it's hot, you won't be getting out of the car much, but the drive to White domes and back is worthwhile.
http://parks.nv.gov/wp-content/uploa...losure-map.pdf
May 16th, 2013, 04:54 AM
#36
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We were thinking of taking some time to drive the Hwy. 12 to Boulder area after our Bryce visit. If we stayed a night there, where is a good place to stay? I have looked at Boulder Mountain Lodge and Boulder Mtn. Guest Ranch. Does anyone have thoughts on these places?
May 16th, 2013, 09:21 AM
#37
We stayed at Boulder Mtn Lodge.
Restaurant is famous but I thought it was ok and over-priced.
There are several very worthy sights betweeb Bryce and Boulder:
Willis Creek slot canyon - the drive is an adventure but the walk is an easy walk in the park
Devil's Garden Escalante - 10 miles down a very flat dirt road and a very easy hour or so walk around.
Lower Calf Creek Falls - trailhead is right off Rt 12. This is a bit of a hike. Flat but with sand on the trail so you'll have to lift feet when walking. I don't remember time but about an hour each way I think. The falls are beautiful.
Restaurant is famous but I thought it was ok and over-priced.
There are several very worthy sights betweeb Bryce and Boulder:
Willis Creek slot canyon - the drive is an adventure but the walk is an easy walk in the park
Devil's Garden Escalante - 10 miles down a very flat dirt road and a very easy hour or so walk around.
Lower Calf Creek Falls - trailhead is right off Rt 12. This is a bit of a hike. Flat but with sand on the trail so you'll have to lift feet when walking. I don't remember time but about an hour each way I think. The falls are beautiful.
May 18th, 2013, 09:57 PM
#38
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Read many comments on Willis Creek Slot.
It is not a classic slot canyon and quite short.
If you are seeking a real slot, continue another 1.8 miles to Bull Valley (dirt over slot canyon) Bridge where there is a serious slot canyon. Park there and walk to right - take a rope to drop down.
Both are on road to Johnson Canyon
From Cannonville, drive south 2.8 miles to Skutumpah road. Turn right for for 6.4 miles to Willis Creek.
When you complete your iteneary, you may want to post for final review - far to busy.
It is not a classic slot canyon and quite short.
If you are seeking a real slot, continue another 1.8 miles to Bull Valley (dirt over slot canyon) Bridge where there is a serious slot canyon. Park there and walk to right - take a rope to drop down.
Both are on road to Johnson Canyon
From Cannonville, drive south 2.8 miles to Skutumpah road. Turn right for for 6.4 miles to Willis Creek.
When you complete your iteneary, you may want to post for final review - far to busy.
May 19th, 2013, 05:34 PM
#39
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Boulder Mtn Lodge is a beautiful inn that we've stayed at several times. Hells Backbone Grille is the on-site restaurant - great place with excellent food, all locally sourced and grown. We make a point of stopping in Boulder for a special meal at Hells Backbone on every trip to southern Utah.
May 19th, 2013, 05:35 PM
#40
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Appears you are going to Antelope Canyon. It was free the first time I went there; then someone told the Navajo to charge money -
Do not go if there is a change of rain -
Best time is 21 June, high noon, of course - solestice thing. May be crowded.
IF your intent is to take photographs:
- in 35 mm world - at LEAST 28 mm lens
- A sturdy tripod
- Be exceptionally aware of your light zones.
Keep within 4 zones
- Bottom is dark - top is bright.
- Suggest a light meter.
Tour of the dam is worth the time. Or at least go in at look at their pictures. Water level is exceptionally low.
Raft trips available from bottom of Dam to historic Lee's Ferry. good trip.
Page is not an exciting town.
Seligman value is that it was on historic Route 66 - I would not stay there. Continue to Williams - Beware GAS price is criminal in Williams - fill up in Kingman and Flagstaff.
Do not go if there is a change of rain -
Best time is 21 June, high noon, of course - solestice thing. May be crowded.
IF your intent is to take photographs:
- in 35 mm world - at LEAST 28 mm lens
- A sturdy tripod
- Be exceptionally aware of your light zones.
Keep within 4 zones
- Bottom is dark - top is bright.
- Suggest a light meter.
Tour of the dam is worth the time. Or at least go in at look at their pictures. Water level is exceptionally low.
Raft trips available from bottom of Dam to historic Lee's Ferry. good trip.
Page is not an exciting town.
Seligman value is that it was on historic Route 66 - I would not stay there. Continue to Williams - Beware GAS price is criminal in Williams - fill up in Kingman and Flagstaff.
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