Hellooo!! I'm planning my first solo trip to the Red Mountain Spa in Utah. Based on research and postings from this site, it seems like the perfect "retreat" to pull myself together! Need some advice from you guys on my plan though.
I'm planning to fly into Las Vegas, rent a car and drive upto Red Mountain where I will stay for 5 nights (Spa package). I will then have 3 days to do whatever before heading back to LV for a morning flight.
Being a little ambitious, I want to see Bryce NP, Zion NP and the Grand Canyon....as I said I'm being a little ambitious.
First ,I'm trying to decide between Zion and Bryce. Which one is more worthwhile? Ideally I want to go to both but I do realise that time is short. I would be fine with a short hike or even just a drive-through.
Second, any idea on how long the drive is from St.George (Utah) to the Grand Canyon? Which Rim is better?
I know this is a lotta questions, but I would really appreciate any help since this I'm not familiar with the Southwest at all.
Thanks a lot guys! Have a good one!

The South Rim is definitely much more dramatic - bigger views, more colorful. The North Rim is way more intimate a location - quiet, no crowds. Very different; both wonderful. Not much difference in travel time from St George. Seeing all 3 parks though in 3 short days is too much. I'd skip the GC and just see Zion & Bryce. They are very different and both amazing.

Use mapquest to find the distance from St George to the GC-I'm not sure exactly how far it is, but it's not close. I agree, do Bryce and Zion. Neither one is more "worthwhile"-they are both different and fantastic.

You're going to pull yourself together at the retreat and then undo all the relaxing in last three days!

St. George, Utah to Zion is 40 miles and about an hours drive. During your stay at Red Mountain maybe you can take a day trip to Zion and do a little hiking. Also near St. George is Snow Canyon State park which is also scenic and has some hiking trails.

If you have already visited Zion, then with your three days you could just drive though Zion and go right to Bryce for one night.

I prefer the South Rim for the same reasons as Sharondi. Allin all it's just an hours more driving to S. Rim than the N. Rim. Miles are longer but the drive to the N. Rim is slower. An added bonus of going to the South Rim is you can see Lake Powell near Page, AZ.

Other mileages:

St. George to Bryce via Zion 125 miles and a little over 3 hour drive.

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Bryce to S. Rim Grand Canyon 290 miles and about 6 hour drive via Lake Powell.

S.Rim to Las Vegas is 280 miles and approx 5 hours driving time.

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Bryce to N. Rim 160 miles and between 4 & 5 hours drive...depending on if you get stuck behind slow moving RV's.

N. Rim to Las Vegas is 265 miles and about 5 to 6 hour drive...again depending on RV's.

If you want a slower pace, I'd just spend the the whole time in Zion and make a day trip to Bryce.

As for which park is better, everyone has their favorites so it's hard to say what someone else will like.

Utahtea

If I had to choose between Bryce and Zion, it would be very difficult. Zion is big, majestic, and a relaxing place to be. Bryce is somewhat like a mini Grand canyon but very unworldly looking. Of the two I would probably pick Zion. Realize that the GC South Rim is a long drive to either Bryce or Zion.

Hi,
Just wanted to say that my friends and I did Red Mountain spa and included a day trip to Bryce thru the spa. It was nice it included a nice lunch

Hi,guys!! Thanks so much for all the helpful and PROMPT advice!! Much appreciated. I've actually decided to do a day trip to Zion (offered by Red Mountain Spa) and then spend a day in Bryce and then head off to the Grand Canyon. I think this would be doable for me since I do love to drive! The question now is, does anyone know know if anyone offers bungee jumping at the GC? Thanks!!

I really doubt you can do this in the Grand Canyon but I did find where you can do it in Marble Canyon which is between Page, AZ and the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon.

http://www.bungee-expeditions.com/Br...PricesPage.htm