Vegas/Zion/Bryce/GC Spring Break Trip
 

For years we've always vacationed over Spring Break (this year Mar 28 thru Apr 7) at a Beach in Florida, Mexico, or the Caribbean... with only a couple Spring Breaks left before the kids are gone, I'm thinking I'm doing the family a disservice if I don't get them out West to at least experience some of those great parks (I've been to many places but nobody else has).

So I'm wondering... would the Vegas - Zion - Bryce- South Rim Grand Canyon - Hoover Dam - Vegas loop work that time of year... I'm guessing we might run into some snow, but are the parks all at least open? We will be able to see everything, enjoy everything, do some hiking, etc. If the parks are open, do they get busy during Spring Break?

And then, if the trip is possible then, I'd really appreciate any other tips, day trips, lodging tips, etc anyone would want to offer. Since we could have up to 9 or 10 days, and I doubt I need more than a couple at any one place (my wife and I will be traveling with our 3 high school daughters, whose big main concern will be getting back to the hotel so they can get to the pool and their iPhones... and will complain every day about not having sun and sand... sad as that is these days (but they will thank me some day maybe 20 or 30 years from now when they are forcing their own kids to go)), I could have a couple extra days open for other adventures... ie, are there any 1 day Colorado River rafting trips going then, or anything similar that would be fun to do or check out?

Sorry for being lazy, but I trust peoples opinions here better than what I'd find on Google...

snowy. Certainly, the other two could be as well. Bryce Lodge is not open in March(I think).

To me two of the very best hikes in all of the national parks is at Zion. Angels Landing and The Narrows. Angels Landing would be very risky with any snow or ice. I would imagine that it might even be close. The Narrows would likely be going to fast/high and would be super super cold, even with a wetsuit. Both of these hikes are a bit adventurous and not for everyone, but most older teens would love them.

All this said, snow can add to the experience and Bryce and Zion wouldn't be that busy during that period. So, you certainly could consider going. I would think about going to Big Bend, Death Valley, or Guadalupe/Carlsbad National Parks. We've been to all of those at spring break/winter and enjoyed them. I will admit, these aren't as nice as Zion and Bryce, but we did really enjoy them. This spring break we are going to Saguaro/Tucson.

I guess my 19 year old daughter is different. She likes to get away from the technology for a few days. I would strongly suggest staying at Zion Lodge, Bryce Lodge, and one of the lodges at Grand Canyon. A lot of these fill up 12 months in advance. None of these have a pool and I don't think they even have a TV.

If your kids have never been to Yellowstone or Yosemite, then try to take them in the next year or two. Those are easily my two favorites. I think the Grand Canyon is certainly something everyone should see and it is truly amazing. However, it wouldn't even make it in to my top 10 National Parks I've visited.

Yes, this is doable. There might be some snow, but it will just enhance what you see. :-)

Lee Ann

My concern is that your children enjoy warm weather and sand, they will be very disappointed with cold and snow as Sprio cautions.

Death Valley has natural hot springs and other parts are always warm. I've been at every place at DV (minus 1 remote location). It is a huge park. There are three hotels, one of which is 4 star with a golf course. Scotty's Castle is excellent. I doubt Teenagers would appreciate its beauty.

While tad expensive, Sedona, Az is very scenic with many tours, activities, restaurants, etc. http://www.asunsetchateau.com/

So, South Rim Grand Canyon where there are many hotels. El Tovar best $$$ on the rim - http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/el-tovar-409.html) for 2 full day and then off to Sedona

I assure you, everyone will be happy.

Vaga

Forgot important schedule for South Rim GC
Day 1 - Tour the rim and short hikes like Hermit trail
Day 2 Mule ride down Bright Angel Trail as time permits. I've done the full trip to Phantom Ranch and back up- 2 days.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/mule_trips.htm
RESERVATIONs are a PRIORITY - now.

Also done the rafting - if you do that in the future, opt for the ride/hike option from Lee's Ferry to Diamond Creek. 16 days in small rafts hiking various canyons.

Vaga

Spring break has always been my favorite time of year to visit the southern Utah Parks. That is where we went every year I was growing up. We would have done the same with my kids, but they always had baseball tournaments that took us elsewhere. The trip is definitely possible and all the parks will be open, along with most of the normal trails a first time visitor and casual hiker would take.

All the Lodges would be open (Bryce opens April 1 next year), but if they are booked there are plenty of rooms in the gateway towns. Cancellations do happen as well if you are persistent about calling.

Early March usually still has snow, but by the end of March, unless there is a late storm, the snow will be gone. I would definitely not expect it into April- though always a possibility. Nights will still be cold, but daytime temps usually warm up nicely. If you want snow then there may be some in the mountains by the ski resorts.

You will have more visitors during Spring Break, but since that is not just one week- even the schools in Utah all seem to have staggered breaks- it will never be as busy as it is in the summer time.

So going with your stated route, which would work just fine, plan 3 nights at Zion/Springdale, 1 or 2 nights at Bryce, 2 nights in Page, and 2 in Grand Canyon leaving a couple for Las Vegas. If you can handle 1 night in LV then do 2 in Bryce.

3 nights in Zion would give you two days to explore. You'll want one day for all the easy trails- Emerald Pools, Kayenta Trail, Weeping Rock, Hidden Canyon, Riverside trail. Then one day for West rim trail at least to Scout's Lookout. Or if you think they would enjoy it get the gear for the Narrows Hike. That is one they will not soon forget.

On the way out Canyon Overlook trail is nice as well.

Stop at Red Canyon on the way to Bryce for the Pink Ledges trail. In Bryce you can do the main amphitheater and Navajo to Queen's Garden Loop in a day. Add in the scenic drive to Rainbow Point being sure to stop at Natural Bridge.

In Page take the tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. See the Glen Canyon dam. Take the short hike to Horseshoe Bend Overlook. There is a half day raft trip through the Glen Canyon just below the dam which is really a great way to explore it. http://raftthecanyon.com/

Then your day or so in Grand Canyon enjoy the viewpoints on the east rim on the way in. Take the Hermits shuttle -maybe walking along the rim between the shuttle stops.

Cell service is limited in these places....better warn them.

On our last visit, the last week of May 2011, there was still plenty of snow at Bryce and even very cold. Cedar Breaks was still closed, due to the snow.

Always possible to have late snow, but winter of 2011 was a most unusual one.