ZION and BRYCE, ONE HOTEL, which one centrally located?
 

Hi,

We have 5 days to spend in ZION and BRYCE and would like to try to pick ONE "decent" hotel in nice area thats centrally located to both parks so we are not lugging luggage twice. Any suggestions? Looking at Best Western Thunderbird Lodge in East Zion, but have no idea how far that is from Bryce? Is it better to just stay 2 nights in Zion and 2 in Bryce? First time to Utah so clueless how far these parks are spread out.

Thanks!

I think it is better to spend your nights in the parks or just outside. Being there at sunrise or sunset is part of the experience and shouldn't be wasted on the road.

The "east Zion" location still would make it a trek to Bryce, about 2 hours. And you would be about 30 minutes from the most beautiful part of Zion.

The western US is very spread out and distances are much further than it seems. The roads between the two are good, but two land.

Two nights in each place would be good. Be sure to pack light:)

I think you are better off "lugging luggage twice" than trying to visit both parks from this one location. It is almost 60 miles up to Bryce, and although it is fairly close to the eastern entrance to Zion, most visitors focus on Zion Canyon which is close to the western entrance---and will involve transiting the tunnel over and back each time you go. There can be long waits at the tunnel.

Besides, Springdale (at the western entrance to Zion) is a much more charming town than Mt. Carmel Junction, and there is a nice variety of inns, B&B's, and motels from which to choose. Or stay inside the park at Zion Lodge, unless you require a swimming pool.

So I would say 2 nights each, or 3 at Zion (Springdale or inside the park) and one at Bryce (Bryce Canyon Lodge) if you can get it.

I hate moving around, too, but MichelleY and enzian are right. It will be easier to move one extra time than to have long drives twice a day.

Add me to the list.

Call Xanterra and start booking in-park lodging.

You "lug" your luggage once but save driving at the start and end of each day.

And what time do you have to get up to be at Bryce Point for sunrise.

For us, part of the charm of National Parks is the Historic Lodges. 2 or 3 nights in each place would be great. I would go for the cabins in both locations if they are available.

Since this is your first trip, you could drive one day a little North of Bryce on HWY 12 and maybe see part of Escalante. At the same time, you might want to spend an extra day in Zion, as there is a ton of great hiking and other adventures there. Make lodging reservations ASAP!!

We stayed at that Best Western (fine big motel room, not great but ok food, worst waitress in memory) in between spending time in Bryce and Zion. The Mt. Carmel drive is INCREDIBLY lovely, steep, wiggly and time-consuming. It's a drive that shouldn't be missed--once or twice. I wouldn't suggest navigating it every day. I agree with above that trying to find one place to stay for both is not very practical. Stay near or in one of them for a couple days, then maybe Mt. Carmel, then go to the other one. I think lugging luggage a couple extra times is much better than spending all day driving to and from a Park.

I will agree with the others... and I'd hassel the packing and unpacking...trust us...it' worth it!

If you want one place, then stay in Zion at the Lodge or just outside of Zion in Springdale because the views from both places are unbelieveable! If you stay in the park or Springdale then the days you spend in Zion will be easy to do. You just catch the free shuttle buses and don't have to worry about parking. You can then make one or two trips to Bryce.

I would not recommend staying at the east entrance because that means traveling for both parks and the views are nothing compared to Springdale or in the park.

Utahtea

My choice would be two hotels: one in Springdale for Zion and Best Western Ruby Inn at Bryce Canyon, UT.

I feel the need to mention that the drive on Highway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Torrey is one of the most beautiful in the country.

HTTY

100% unanimous (which is fairly rare on Fodors) - pick two places and pack/move. It is the only practical way to visit both parks.

Hi free,

I completely agree with everyone above. Plus, let me gently suggest that you live up to your Fodor's screen name and pack light! It's only 5 days. How much stuff you really need?

Shorts, tee shirts, swim suit, hiking boots, sandals and a wide brim hat. If you own one, bring a Camelbac for hiking. That's it.

So Dayle, maybe I don't want to hike with you. You must go Comando Style?? You left out socks and underwear. LOL.

The OP did not mention what time of year they plan to visit. Shorts and a T-shirt may not be adequate if they are travelling next week.

in a previous post, this trip was for May.

Ok, so I left off a couple details. You guys are tough! :-)

Schlep the luggage.

"Alles Gut!"

Dayle,

You know I am one of your biggest fans, but just a warning that it can be cold at the end of May. Yah....this was back in 1975 but they had a freak snow storm on Memorial Day weekend. As we left Bryce it started to snow and we had planned on going to Cedar Breaks but it was snowing so hard we had we couldn't get very far on Hwy 14 and head to Zion early instead. There was some snow in Zion too...good thing we had coats! Best thing is to check Weather.com just before you leave to get an idea of what weather to expect....something we didn't have back in the day! ;)

Utahtea

utahtea, you are exactly right! Layers, layers, layers. Great to see you here, it's been a long while.

Thanks for all the posts and recommends! Looks like the 2 nights I want in BRYCE, the Best Western Ruby Inn and the Best Western Grand Hotel Bryce only has availability for the first night, so booked the one night and will stay 3 nights in Zion. It was the best I could do since Bryce really doesn't offer too many lodging options.

Which is better? The Best Western Ruby Inn OR Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel (just opened in 2009)? I can only get 1 night in either.

Thanks!

When are you going? I would snag whatever I could, but still try at Bryce for the in park cabins or rooms.