Thanksgiving trip to Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon
 

Hi,

My husband I are planning a road trip for 5 days during thanksgiving and visit Zion and Bryce National Parks as well as visit Lower Antelope Canyon. We will be driving from Orange County in the very early morning of the 1st day. I know the weather might not be so ideal to visit these parks especially Bryce but with not much vacation time left, this is the time that works.

My plan is: Drive to Zion on day 1 and get there by early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day checking out close attractions. Stay in Springdale.
Day 2: Explore Zion. Stay in Springdale
Day 3: Explore Zion in the morning. Drive to Bryce by early afternoon. See quick attractions. What s the best location to stay?
Day 4: Explore Bryce in the morning and drive to Page. Stop by at Horseshoe Bend. Stay in Page.
Day 5: Tour the Antelope Canyon around noon. Drive back to OC.

How much of the snow will effect our trip to Bryce? Is it worth to go there if its snowing? Also, is it worth going to the narrows at that time of the year? Will the water be cold and high?
Btw, we are young adults and pretty active, so we can keep a fast pace. Although we hike, its nothing serious - not backpackers. We usually wake up early and not come back to hotel until sunset. We like to see all the major attractions and if there are short (1-2 hrs) hikes we should do, please advise. Any comments or recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks!

The water flow in the Virgin river in November/December is typically well below 100 cubic feet per second, which is below the threshold for closing it down due to high water.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?09405500

At Zion there are plenty of 1-2 hr hikes. But if you stretch that to 3-4 hrs you'll open up a whole new world to explore.

In addition to the Narrows my favorite Zion hikes are Scouts Landing (<1hr up), and Observation Point (~1hr up) at fast pace), 1.5 to 2 for slower pace.

How about Angel's Landing? Is it worth to hike there? I'm just afraid that my husband might not feel comfortable due to heights.

Yes, if you can handle the fear of heights then conquering Angel's Landing is worth... so I hear.

I can only go as far as Scout's Landing myself. Or to be precise, about 50 yards beyond Scout's landing to the point where you are directly facing AL.

Antelope Cyn: It is short narrow slot on Navajo land ($). Thus, best photographed when the sun is directly overhead on 21 June (summer solstice). This is when the colors are most vibrant and shadows most definitive. During Thanksgiving, sun is at horizon. If not going there for photographs -OK
Also, recommend Glen Canyon Dam tour.

Zion hiking (all above is valid information) - Hiking Narrows is an overnight trip - need permit and proper shoes/walking stick. Alternative - start walking upstream from Riverside trail at your leisure. No permit required. Both can be rented from: http://www.zionadventures.com/ Watch their video before walking the river

Google: Youtube Angel landing Zion. It is very steep requiring that you to cling to their chains along the trail. People have dropped off 1,000 feet to their death. Ignoring all that - well worth the journey with spectacular views. Trail faces sun. Snow may be a PROBLEM. Confirm at visitor center.

Bryce, less options but superb sunset/sunrise views.
Where to stay: Best is Ruby's Inn - Google them. Nearby town of Panguitch has more economical rooms.

This $5.50 e-book is well worth its price for your tour
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TT5Q1M

Vaga

Do you think Bryce is worth to visit during that time of the year considering we will have to drive 1 hr each way extra and it will be out of our way (will be visiting Zion coming from Hwy 15 and Hwy 9 and will continue onto Hwy 89 East to go to Page)?

Bryce is more than worth the two hour drive out of your way, even with the colder weather and possibility of snow.

I agree - definitely worth it. I've hiked the hoodoos in early May when there were several inches of fresh snow on the ground and it was magical.

I'm used to hiking in the middle of winter, so as long as you are prepared there is no reason not to go.

The exception would be perhaps if bad weather makes travel to/from Bryce dangerous.

I wouldn't cut anything out. We went to Antelope Canyon in October one year and it was gorgeous. Do plan to get there around noon, though.

Lee Ann

Will we need 4WD or snow chains in Bryce?

If you can borrow a friend's vehicle with 4WD, sure why not? But I wouldn't go out and rent one just for this trip.

If the weather is so bad that snow chains are recommended, you should just skip it and go elsewhere.

Do keep in mind that Thanksgiving is not even winter yet (officially). The average high should be in the mid to upper 40s. And November is not even close to a snowy month there, January through April is when they get the vast majority of snowfall.

http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisi...heroutlook.htm

Thanks everyone for very helpful info!

I would not recommend visiting Zion during Thanksgiving. It is one of the most crowded weekends of the year. Shuttles are done running so traffic is a nightmare and parking impossible. No exaggeration. If you don't have reservations already, good luck. If you call I think you will see just how busy it will be. Weather at Thanksgiving is usually nice which is part of the reason it's so crowded.

Zion is within easy driving distance from LA, Las Vegas, & St. George. Everyone who doesn't want to shop or watch football heads to Zion.

I've hiked the bottom of Bruce in late December when snow was at maximum (with snow boots). Very few people to none.

Absolutely beautiful. Soft pure white deep snow contrasted against red spires/hoodoos and canyon wall was 'a moment to remember'. Photograph at sunrise, hike down mid-day and photograph at sunset. Photograph sunrise at Inspiration point; sunset at Sunset Point (of course).

Road from Zion to and into Bryce is a state/federal road that is well maintained.

Vaga

Dayle--good to know!!! DH has TDay off every other year thus we can go somewhere occasionally. Nix the idea of a trip down south at that time of year!

Zion has the shuttles running on Thanksgiving and the day after (plus every weekend in November).

http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisi...hedule2014.pdf

Thank goodness they have expanded the shuttle season! Still - be aware it will be extremely crowded so take that into consideration if it matters to you in your enjoyment of the park.

Excellent plan! I was glad we stayed in Bryce park at the lodge. Rooms are often avail last minute as people cxcl so keep checking. It was nice to wake up and walk right out to the rim to see the sunrise, then do a nice early hike w hardly anyone on the trail. Bryce overlooks are amazing and easy drive out and back. Liked Wall Street hike then up through queens garden.

Hi Hi! I know this is a couple of years too late, but did you make it on this trip? I'm hoping to do it this year.