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Started By
Message
Vegas/Grand Canyon/Southern Utah
Posted on 1/8/20 at 9:02 am
Posted on 1/8/20 at 9:02 am
Thinking about making a trip out west in May (first or second week) and need some advice/input from the folks on the board.
My BIL is in Vegas, and we are wanting to go see him. Also want to use Vegas as a base to do the Grand Canyon and either Bryce or Zion.
We will be flying into Vegas and renting a car and then driving to the parks. I am thinking we will spend a couple of days in Vegas, then set out for the parks on a loop and then back to Vegas for a day before flying out.
My biggest question is which way should we make the loop? My first thought was leave Vegas on 93, maybe stop at Hoover Dam, and then head to Grand Canyon, possibly staying in Williams. After that, take 89 through Grand Staircase to either Zion or Bryce, and then back to 15 to go back to Vegas.
Is that the better direction, or would going to Utah first make better sense? Or does it really matter?
For places to stay, I've been to Bryce before, so I know about Ruby's Inn, as well as stayed in Williams for grand. If we go to Zion, I would assume best place to stay would be Springdale? Other locations/options that are better?
For that time of year, are there any weather issues we should be concerned about?
My BIL is in Vegas, and we are wanting to go see him. Also want to use Vegas as a base to do the Grand Canyon and either Bryce or Zion.
We will be flying into Vegas and renting a car and then driving to the parks. I am thinking we will spend a couple of days in Vegas, then set out for the parks on a loop and then back to Vegas for a day before flying out.
My biggest question is which way should we make the loop? My first thought was leave Vegas on 93, maybe stop at Hoover Dam, and then head to Grand Canyon, possibly staying in Williams. After that, take 89 through Grand Staircase to either Zion or Bryce, and then back to 15 to go back to Vegas.
Is that the better direction, or would going to Utah first make better sense? Or does it really matter?
For places to stay, I've been to Bryce before, so I know about Ruby's Inn, as well as stayed in Williams for grand. If we go to Zion, I would assume best place to stay would be Springdale? Other locations/options that are better?
For that time of year, are there any weather issues we should be concerned about?
5
Posted on 1/8/20 at 9:32 am to PJinAtl
quote:
If we go to Zion, I would assume best place to stay would be Springdale? Other locations/options that are better?
no idea about "best", but we stayed at zion mountain ranch and it was awesome
Posted on 1/8/20 at 9:44 am to PJinAtl
For a small group I can't recommend a BETTER option than this place for visiting Zion. If you're able to rent a Jeep or something with some off road capabilities this place has direct access to these amazing dirt roads that take you through some incredible countryside:
LINK
LINK
Posted on 1/8/20 at 10:07 am to PJinAtl
I made this same trip. I say that the direction doesn’t really matter as long as you make sure you go through the east entrance of GC at least once to see the Watchtower. It’s very beautiful out there and less crowded than the Visitor center.
May is one of the best times to go. The weather should be pretty fantastic.
For my money, Zion is better than Bryce. But both are pretty amazing. The hikes in Zion are definitely better, but Bryce is a bit less crowded.
I also recommend seeing Sedona and Flagstaff if yall haven’t already been. I’d stay in either of those over Williams. Or stay in the park at one of the lodges
May is one of the best times to go. The weather should be pretty fantastic.
For my money, Zion is better than Bryce. But both are pretty amazing. The hikes in Zion are definitely better, but Bryce is a bit less crowded.
I also recommend seeing Sedona and Flagstaff if yall haven’t already been. I’d stay in either of those over Williams. Or stay in the park at one of the lodges
This post was edited on 1/8/20 at 12:27 pm
Posted on 1/8/20 at 12:42 pm to PJinAtl
If I were you I’d skip those parks and head west through Death Valley toward Mt Whitney. I would take 395 north as far as your vacation would allow, whether that’s Mammoth or Lake Tahoe...if you could rent a capable SUV there are literally countless miles of amazing trails off of that road.
I bought two guide books to cover that stretch, and we just vrbo/airbnb places. Shockingly awesome places to explore.
Eat at Still Life Cafe in Independence. Buy this Imus map of the area...it’s amazing.
I bought two guide books to cover that stretch, and we just vrbo/airbnb places. Shockingly awesome places to explore.
Eat at Still Life Cafe in Independence. Buy this Imus map of the area...it’s amazing.
This post was edited on 1/8/20 at 12:43 pm
Posted on 1/8/20 at 2:49 pm to Gaston
quote:That sounds awesome, especially since I have seen Bryce and Grand already.
If I were you I’d skip those parks and head west through Death Valley toward Mt Whitney. I would take 395 north as far as your vacation would allow, whether that’s Mammoth or Lake Tahoe
But, the better half has never done anything in the SW and really wants to see Grand and southern Utah.
Posted on 1/8/20 at 6:38 pm to PJinAtl
I did the mighty 5 in October. Zion was my least favorite of them all. I affectionately called it the Walmart of utah national parks. Paved hiking trails for large portions of the bigger trails, where oweos could roam. I also couldn't figure out why so many people rented hiking sticks. Least steep trails out of all of the parks.
100% would still do it again, if I hadn't already. Personally I like beer with alcohol... and marijuana. Flying into vegas was instrumental in acquiring both items. Utah has upped their beer % slightly since October, but still not enough for my taste.
100% would still do it again, if I hadn't already. Personally I like beer with alcohol... and marijuana. Flying into vegas was instrumental in acquiring both items. Utah has upped their beer % slightly since October, but still not enough for my taste.
Posted on 1/8/20 at 8:23 pm to MoarKilometers
We did Vegas, Zion, Bryce, east entrance of GC down through William's, cornville and Jerome (family there), and flew out of Phoenix. Would absolutely do that trip again in a heartbeat!!
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