chocaholic

Hello Fodorites,

I am planning to go mid August. Yes I know it will be hot, but I like the heat.

I need help with planning my itinerary for 10 days. So far I have picked the spots I like to go BUT would like which route etc is best and how many days I need to stay where.

I would like to do some day hikes.

1) Fly in to Las Vegas (Perhaps stay 2 night or leave next morning)
2) Bryce Canyon
3) Grand Staircase Escalante
4) Capitol Reef
5) North Rim Grand Canyon
5) Return to Las Vegas and stay 2 nights.

Thanks.

PaulRabe

Is there a reason you're skipping Zion?

Bryce -- one day if you only want to see the views from the rim. And an extra day if you want to hike down into the amphitheater (yes, that's what it is, NOT a canyon).
Capitol Reef -- one day if you don't want to leave your car. One or two extra days if you enjoy hiking. Note that hiking in August in Capitol Reef can be VERY dangerous without proper planning and preparation -- this is NOT a forgiving place.
North Rim Grand Canyon -- two days maximum, unless you want to do some MAJOR hiking (not recommended in August).

If the "ten days" you refer to is included in each of your two nights in Vegas, both coming and going, then you'll have six days total for these sights. Not a lot of time for anything but gazing from overlooks at parking lots. Not a BAD way to spend six days, but I'd give these sights over Vegas any time.

emalloy

I agree with Paul, no Zion? Perfectly doable. You might consider taking a look at Cedar Breaks on your way to Bryce, the drive between them is very beautiful. If you don't have accommodations yet, you might want to get on it, that is a busy time of year in the parks.

Sounds like a nice loop.

chocaholic

I've done Zion before.

I wanted to stay in Vegas for 2 nights on the way back to relax before heading back to work. I see no point in rushing around.

I am willing to forgo anything that doesn't seem to be doable during my vacation period. I am not the type of person that needs to see everything. There is no need to rush. I always go on a notion that I may go back again in the near future.

I don't have accommodations for anything yet! Plan everything in the last minute!! hehe But I feel lucky!!!

utahtea

The Escalante Grand Staircase is a big national monument. Where exactly were you planning on going and doing?

If you have never been to Zion National Park, I'd highly recommend at least driving though the park on the way to Bryce.

Utahtea

DebInTN

If I was going to skip Zion I would add Arches. Good luck in the heat.