Alright, I have done my research, booked my flight, hotel, car and planned out our trip. And then....there is this heat wave that has descended on the southwest! 118 degrees today in LV. We are leaving for Las Vegas Sunday morning. My DH and I will be in Bryce this coming Wed and Zion Thurs day and night. Is it going to be bearable outside of sunrise to do day hikes?? Anything fun to do to cool off?? What is a tourist to do??

Yes, summmer is HOT in Zion. Do your hiking very early morning and late evening. Go play in the Virgin River during the hot part of the day. There is also the IMAX theater so you could cool off in there for a couple of hours during the heat of the day.

We have been there the last two August and had 100+ days and still didn't mind hiking in the heat.

Utahtea

Isn't this when someone says 'but it's a dry heat'

So's my oven.

Enjoy your trip. I'd plan on napping (siesta) most afternoons.

Thanks Utahtea, we are staying at the Desert Inn. How far is it to the Virgin River from there?? Are there any organized raft trips that you can recommend, or should we just go and "play in the water" as you suggested. Thanks. I am assuming Bryce will be more comfortable due to the elevation. Your familiarness with this area and willingness to answer questions has made this trip more feasible. Thanks!

The Virgin River is outside of Las Vegas. You will pass parts of it on your way to Zion. Zion is about a 3 hour drive from Vegas. Yes, Zion is very hot this time of year. You can do some hiking there, there are some nice trees for shade, just take lots of water with you. Also, Panguitch Lake is nearby, it is a nice lake to rent a boat, kayak or jet ski, but it too will be warm. I was just there over 4th of July. As far as hiking in the Vegas area...not suggested this time of year, come back Oct.-May to hike Red Rock Canyon or Mt. Charleston. As far as tourist things to do in Vegas, the opportunities are endless. We have some of the best restaurants in the world, shopping galore, MUST see the fountains at the Bellagio (sit outside for dinner at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris for a great view of the fountains & great meal), if renting a car, drive out to Lake Las Vegas. You'll have fun!!

Do you mean the Desert Pearl Inn? If so, they have a pool and the river runs right by the property. When we visited Zion, we experienced 100 degree temps. Even though we are used to extreme heat, we found it too hot to hike in the heat of the day. Do your hikes in the morning and late afternoon and you will be fine.

mommybryant,

I've never done a rafting trip on the Virgin River, but I know they do them....but it might be to late in the year....but then again this isn't a normal year so I really don't know.

The tube rental place is right across from the Virgin River access. You just walk down there with your tubes and go down the river at our own pace for several miles and then the tube company picks you up. I've never done it, but my DS and DIL have. We have our own tubes

http://www.zionpark.com/Tubing.htm

According to the Desert Pearl website, they have rooms that back up to the Virgin River.

When hiking when it's hot and dry, I love my Misty-Mate Personal Air Cooling system! I have the 16 oz one and got two for $29 at Costco a few years ago. Wal mart also has them cheaper than the website.

http://www.safetycentral.com/16ozmismatpu.html

Utahtea

Yes, we are staying at Desert Pearl. So good to know Virgin River nearby. I had wanted to do lots of hikes over the day and half will be there, but may have to settle for less. Hope to get up early to hike Angels Landing, if we can. The water mister looks great and I had not thought of that. Thanks for the suggestion. I also looked up the website you provided about the tubing. Not a bad price and the return transportation will be worth it. I had thought about taking our own tubes, but now that I think about it, might be a long walk back.

I appreciate your knowledge and suggestions. I had just realized today that my lofty plans will not work in the high heat of 116 degrees. I had also planned to take a float trip to Willow Beach at Hoover Dam, but decided it is too hot to do that as well. But this is the only time we could come as we have someone to watch our children so we can go off for the first time! Yea! So we are excited and will be at Zion next Wed. Thanks for all your suggestions!