We are planning a trip for 12 nights August 9-20. Thinking of starting in Las Vegas (seeing friends) then going to Zion and Bryce (for 5 nights combined? Hopefully going by Page and Antelope Canyon) then spending two nights in the Grand Canyon, then 3 nights in Sedona, then flyin out of Phoenix.

Does this sound reasonable? Will Zion and Bryce and Antelope Canyon be reasonable places to go in August???

Suggestions on where to stay and adjustments to out itneriary would be appreciated!

Thanks

LCP

LCP,

What do you mean by "reasonable"? Hot? Zion and your other destinations will be HOT! Probably over 100. Bryce will be very pleasant, as it's at higher altitude (8,000 ft.) and probably in the low 80's. August will have afternoon summer thunderstorms.

I did almost the same trip tho somewhat shorter at the start of June in 2007.

If you can find my report there's a lot of detail.

You can see my photos at:

www.travelwalks.com

Beautiful photos --thank you!

I just want you to know that we took our kids to the camp ground in Zion when it was VERY hot and what a joy it made floating in our inner tubes down the virgin river - do a yahoo search of "inner tube floating, virgin river, zion" this will bring up a lot of different links to the area.

Yes, it will be very hot in Zion and Bryce, but it is easy to adjust so you can enjoy yourselves. Plan on early hiking, more restful activities mid-day, early dinner, then early evening hikes. 5 nights should be about right for these two canyons - we love them both, even in the heat of summer.

August is one of the hottest months so if your plans could change to early May or September/October it would help beat the heat.

That said, we swore once our kids were grown and we no longer had to come to this area during the summer we would avoid it at all cost...lol..best laid plans..well we came in August for two years in a row because we came with family members and it was the only time we could come. It can be hot, but it's really not that bad.

As other have said, do your hiking in the early morning or late afternoon. Cool off in the Virgin River in Zion. Bryce will be cooler because of the elevation. Unless you hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the rim will be cooler.

I'd recommend a nite or two of your time at Page/Lake Powell. Besides the Antelope Slots canyon you should consider the day float trip on the Colorado River or the Boat Tour on Lake Powell to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Utahtea