You really only stay near the entrance at Bryce (there are few choices other than Ruby's or camping) and at Zion - you can stay outside - but the resort is in the park and you can hike from it, easily catch the tram, etc.

"You really only stay near the entrance at Bryce"

I don't understand that statement. Bryce Lodge is directly on the amphitheater rim. We walked about 30 seconds from our cabin and enjoyed a sunrise and sunset. Plus, one morning I walked over to the horse corral and did the all day tour from there. Ruby's is at the entrance of the park. For me, I definately want to stay "in park". Ruby's isn't a bad location.

At Zion, I vote for "in park" again, unless you want a B&B experience in Springdale. Springdale is pretty much at the entrance of the park, but during peak times catching a shuttle and getting to parts of the park can eat up some time(you also have this on the return.

We have visited nearly all of the national parks in the lower 48. We ALWAYS enjoy the historical lodges. They are nearly as big a part of the experience as the parks themselves. I also really enjoy camping(I should say my daughter and wife prefer hotel or lodge vs. camping)at parks.

DO plan on hiking and doing things at the parks. Don't just drive thru and see them. Actually experience them with your kids. I would highly recommend The Narrows(don't do this hike if rain is threatening) and Angels Landing. In Bryce, I really enjoyed the horseback tour and Navajo Loop/Queens Garden. So many options @ Grand Canyon(not sure what you plan on doing there). It is a park where you can just spend a day there, just to see it. Or you can raft or hike down into the canyon. Perhaps even consider seeing it from both the North and South rims. Sounds like a great trip.

I should say that the park lodges aren't for everyone. They are sometimes more expensive, but not always. They are old properties not 5 star resorts.

Spiro - you are right. What was I thinking? Bryce Lodge would be fantastic. We camped nearby.

Thanks! I'm working on my itinerary now. Memorial Day 2014. I know I have to make my reservations May 1st, 2013. We're planning a Grand Circle trip. I've been "planning" this trip for several years now - but now we're really going to book it and go. The kids will be at great ages (10 & 11), much more cautious and responsible than when I was planning this trip a few years ago I will have more questions over the next few months, I'm sure.

If you can get in-park lodging, it is nice to walk out the door and be right in the parks, but at both parks there are good choices just outside. We stayed at Bryce View Lodge, across the street from Ruby's, at a good rate. One nice thing is we were able to use all the amenities at Ruby's, like their pool.

For Zion, you could stay in Springdale and take the shuttle or walk into the park, depending on where your hotel is located.

Lee Ann

I always prefer to stay in park. It saves on driving and gives you more time to enjoy the area.

I would always opt for staying in the parks for the reasons given above, but with kids do be sure to book some hotels/motels with a pool. In Bryce there is no water near the lodging and the water in Zion will be freezing in May, not a place to go for a dip at the end of the day.

It's obviously more convenient to stay in park, but usually more expensive. It's pretty easy to stay right outside Bryce and drive in. If you stay in Springdale it's a bit more of a pain - you have to either walk/shuttle or drive to the visitor center, then take another shuttle into the main canyon.

If you need to save money somewhere, I'd opt to stay outside the park at Bryce because it is the easiest of the 3 parks to access from the lodging outside of the park. Zion is in the middle and Grand Canyon is the biggest pain because the nearest lodging is 10-12 miles from the rim.

And while it's nice to get your reservations made right away, there are always cancellations so reserve what you can and fill in the gaps later if you have to.

Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens is my suggestion for Zion National Park

Hi spirobulldog,

I actually just saw your name as I was doing some searches about driving to Durango, CO in the winter. I recognized your name, because you likely live in the same hometown I grew up in. I'm not sure who you are, because I couldn't figure anything out from your profile, but my name is Jake Goss. And I'm not sure if you can help me with my questions about Durango or not, but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask since you seem pretty well traveled. My email address is jgoss@catalystcorp.org. If you get a chance, could you email me. My wife and I are planning to go to Durango, and I'm a little concerned about driving conditions and what may be good to do there in winter outside of skiing.

I somewhat disagree about the water being to cold in Zion in May. I did The Narrows the last week of October once. I rented all the gear I needed from Zion Adventure Company and I was fine(wetsuit, shoes, etc-saw many people without such items). Chances are the swimming pools aren't heated either. I would be concerned about water levels at that time though. There would be a good chance that it might be to high or swift.

I always begin planning my NP trips well over a year in advance and then try to call the exact day that things become available(as you say you plan to do).
You might look at the Bright Angel Cabins in the GC and try to snag one of those on the rim(not sure about how many they hold though). Same would apply at the North Rim. You should have your pick of the bunch. Begin your calling with the South Rim. You do know that that Xanterra and Forever Lodging are two different concessionaires that operate south rim, north rim, bryce, and zion. They have slightly different policies on when things "become available".

Austin's Chuckwagon in Torrey is a decent place to stay between Bryce and Moab, btw.

There are numerous dropoffs/cliff/ledges in the area you are going to, so do be careful. I've taken my daughter and nephew there several times(both now old enough to know to be careful). Anyway, I would describe them as cautious but adventurous. We pretty much did everything, including canyoneering, and the trip you are planning is fantastic. You can be adventurous and wise at the same time and teaching your kids this is good too. Plus, your going at a good time before it gets to hot.

BTW, I've been to Arches twice over Memorial Day Weekend and didn't think it was that crowded at all.

haha, my wife would have taught you calc or algebra. I'll email you tonight.

gnomemom, as you said staying in the park for the Grand Canyon is really needed in order to get the most from your visit. But not as needed for either of the other two parks.

For what it is worth I have visited both Zion and Bryce numerous times. Sometimes we camp in the parks (my personal preference), sometimes we stay at a hotel just outside (Ruby's for Bryce and somewhere in Springdale for Zion), and sometimes we just drive through and stay somewhere else entirely. I have not stayed at the lodge in Bryce. It is one of the old historic lodges and therefore very unique in that regard. But you will get that experience at Grand Canyon so not as essential in my book. I have stayed at the lodge in Zion and for me the very nicest thing about it was that all the crowds left way earlier than I would have expected them to, and didn't show up until after I would have expected them to. And it was just very nice to enjoy the quiet of the canyon. And we didn't have TV either, had to go put puzzles together in the lobby. (I think there is a TV in at least some of the rooms now). And while it is not an original old lodge it is still built like it could have been.

So maybe it depends on what kind of experience you want for your kids, and how much they will need the modern conveniences and what kind of dining experience you want. Springdale is just so close to the park and so easy to access from there and with Watchman looking over it and providing great sunset views, that I really consider it part of the park.

I don't think you would go wrong with booking outside the parks for those two, but if you want the full "park" experience then stay in the park. BTW make sure you sign up for jr ranger programs for the kids (goes to age 12 I think), and find out if some of the ranger programs are more geared to kids and try to attend. They are a great source of insight and information.

I was like you; had been planning the trip for some time, and knew I was going. I made reservations at Bryce, Zion and at Grand Canyon North Rim as soon as I could and ended up getting a rim cabin at the North Rim and a lovely cabin on the front row just back from the rim at Bryce. Location is everything.

We prefer in-park lodging. At Zion one morning, either a Friday or Saturday, we were on a hike and could see the line of cars waiting at the entrance to get in and then, later, experienced a crowd of folks at the visitor center. Glad we weren't part of that. There are times when it feels as though you have the Parks to yourself when staying in-park. Happy trip planning!

I will join the chorus.

I will always go for inpark lodging where possible.

Arches has no inpark lodging so in/near Moab will do.

Zion has Springdale very close but still go for inpark.

Bryce has Ruby's just outside the entrance but still better inpark. Especially if you want to see a spectacular sunrise (Bryce Pt is my favorite but there are other spots).

How did Arches and Moab get into this? I've seen it mentioned a couple times now.

I would vote for staying on the Rim at the GC, with Rim View if possible - perhaps Bright Angel Lodge if the Cabins are full?

Thanks, Everyone! I see the vast majority of you recommend in park lodging!

I'm really excited about this trip. I'm sure I will have more questions as I iron out the details.

Arches and Moab (and Torrey that I mentioned) are usually a part of The Grand Circle Tour as the OP mentioned here and in previous posts.


Another thought was that you are probably likely to see Yellowstone and Yosemite with your kids at some point. And who knows, perhaps even places like Mount Rainier, Glacier, and Crater Lake. You would likely spend the night at those places in historic lodging, so then it would seem like you missed something at Bryce and Zion. This, of course, is all my opinion. Now as myer says Arches has no "in park" lodging. So, for me, I really don't care where I stay at in Moab. About anywhere will do.

I do agree with InSandy, at some point do try camping at one sometime. It is a very good/different experience too. When I camp at one, then I try to at least have a meal in one of the lodges, even if it is just breakfast. For me, it's just part of the entire experience. I always think scenic, wildlife, etc-the lodges usually are one of the first things I think of too. I've even stayed at some really off the wall places like Lassen and Oregon Cave Chateau

Let me be the voice of dissent especially with children. Many of my friends and I go down to Zion for Fall Break. We ALL stay in Springdale. At either the Desert Pearl or Cable Mountain Lodge. Why? Because they have a swimming pool and TV and easy access to good restaurants. Because they are really family friendly. With Cable Mountain, you park your car in the hotel parking lot and then walk across the Virgin River Bridge into the park. Hop on the shuttle and you are good to go. I don't like staying in old park lodging with young kids. I like more flexibility. Here is my trip report on Zion with kids: http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/zion-with-kids-report.cfm

As for Bryce--I like Ruby's outside the park. I think the in park lodging is too rustic. And I am a backpacker so I am used to sleeping in the sand/dirt in the Grand Canyon, not in the lodge!!

In places like Yellowstone, we stay in park because the park is so huge, it is the only option.

Thank you, StantonHyde. I've looked at all the in park lodging options, and I just know my kids want a pool. That's vacation to them If I'm going to drag them all the way around the Grand Circle, stopping to view and hike to many various rocks... There had better be swimming involved

Thanks for your honesty. I'll share more of my actual itinerary when I get it booked. Right now, I'm terrifying myself with uTube Videos of Highway 12... Cringe. It's only a couple of miles that are the really bad part, right?

Swimming for kids=cocktail hour for parents=everybody wins!!! And I am NOT interested in going out to eat at the end of a long kid-filled day. I just want to relax. That means they eat pizza in front of the TV and I eat decent take out and drink my wine in the room's kitchen area. Now THAT is a family vacation!!! (needless to say, this is why DH and I take an adults only vacation once a year ) I have threatened to just book a room at a local hotel with pool and cable and make that their vacation!!!! They have vetoed me so far

One trick for engaging the kids in the rocks--they sell a great book in local stores and probably on Amazon/Barnes and Noble--Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest. Plus a book on holes of the desert southwest. (You could also try the online bookstores for Zion or the Grand Canyon) I took my kids to Dinosaur National Monument this fall. I made them hike up to some awesome petroglyphs. They didn't like it. Then I spotted a pack rat nest. I pointed out the thousand year old pee plus the poop from the raven's nest. They were totally into that!!! (they were 10 and 7 at the time of this trip). Seriously, you can always play the poop and pee card with kids--wins every time!!

In Zion, in the fall, we saw an awesome tarantula on a rock. And while I was looking for missing members of our party, I jumped over a bull snake that was going across the path--people stopped to take pix, heck, I see these guys every day!! So expect so see some awesome critters!! Not to mention the stink beetles!

Check out the www.nps.gov website. I download the Junior Ranger book before we go to the park so the kids know what to look for. Plus i look at the info for teachers--they often have cool ideas there. I have developed "bingo cards" to help car trips go more quickly. And at the ages of your kids (mine are similar) I find that kids books on tape help the driving distances go much more smoothly. Give up on the idea that they are going to appreciate the scenery

I know what you mean about Route 12. I have driven it many times--as recently as this April. Honestly, its easier in the dark because then you can't see it!! There really is only one bad part--the Hog's Back. And I just breathe, look straight ahead, and get the he!! out of there!! In actuality, I was more in danger going over Boulder Mountain--where I encounteered 3 groups of deer crossing the road. And just outside of Torrey, where I unfortunately smashed the crap out of a jack rabbit that decided to jump into my car wheels. ugh.

LOL StantonHyde: Great post and the well earned voice of experience traveling with kids, eh?

BTW - we drove Hiway 12 and absolutely loved it - great views. Guess I am used to mountain driving - but I didn't think twice about it.

Perhaps for people who get "white knuckles" on such drives - it's a bit like going to the dentist. The anticipation is worse than the actual experience?

Anyhow - pull off at some of the stops and enjoy the scenery and try to relax?.

http://tinyurl.com/co734gr

Just so you get a variety of opinions - for those two parks I think outside is just as good as inside. The parks where the entrances (and the non-park lodgings) are a good long drive from the main parts of the parks (e.g. Grand Canyon North Rim, Mesa Verde, etc) then staying in park saves lots of time - but that is not the case in either Bryce or Zion. At Bryce, Ruby's and the place across the road from it are less than a five minute drive from the Park Service Hotel. Especially with kids I would opt for Ruby's. At Zion there are a ton of hotel/motel/B&B choices along the main street of Springdale. A free shuttle bus runs to the Zion entrance, and in fact it is an easy walk from most of them. We were there mid summer and the shuttle buses were not full. Plus it's not like Zion is one place - there are many 'areas' and you HAVE to take a shuttle between them even if you stay inside the park. There are much more options in terms of amenities, price, food, etc. in Springdale than the one park hotel offers.

Just so you know, if should not diminish your overall experience to stay outside the parks in those two cases. Certainly not the case for all national parks, but it is for those two. If you are doing a lot of parks on this trip then you will likely have at least some in-park lodging experiences.

There are many trip reports on this forum full of lots of info. We used them a lot in planning our trip. Here's mine - http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/water-in-the-desert-the-great-southwest-national-parks-trip.cfm

I compare it somewhat like this. Have you ever stayed off property at Disney? Certainly still a good experience, but something about staying closer is even better/full experience. You may or may not pay more, depending on where you stay.
I understand some people wanting a pool, but we go to a waterpark if we are really wanting that experience on vacation. The Narrows are a crap shoot at any time of the year(I think they are doable more often than not). I would take a hike down them any day over a hotel swimming pool.

In many parks (e.g., your example of Grand Canyon NP), staying in the park is very important. At Bryce, it's desirable, but other choices are available that are very close, and nearly as good. Zion is an odd case; it may actually be better to stay in Springfield than within park boundaries. In Springfield, there are many choices, offering better facilities at better prices. In addition, there are lots of restaurants that might appeal to both you and your kids.

My personal choices: stay in the park at Bryce, unless price is a consideration; stay in Springfield at Zion.

Thanks, Everyone. Spiro - Yes, we've done Disney - And we're totally on-site Disney People - but we're also big pool people. I imagine tackling the NP like tackling Disney: Up early, breakfast in the room, hike/see the sites, back to the hotel to rest/swim in the afternoon/hottest part of the day. Out to do something in the evening. I can probably get my kids to hike and look at almost anything with the promise of a swim in a few hours
Stantonhyde - You totally get it! My kids are currently 8 & 9 - and they are all about poop! I will definitely get them some good books... My kids would be over the moon to see a tarantula! I've got one little girl that is a budding Entimologist

Also, Stantonhyde - I'm definitely going to look into the Jr. Ranger programs, I think my kids would enjoy that. I love the idea of printing stuff off for them to do on the way. Have you done the National Parks Passports? They might enjoy collecting stamps, too.

What I would do: reserve in park lodging at the Grand Canyon, and reserve in park and something outside the park at Zion and Bryce, then closer to your date cancel whichever you don't want. That gives you flexibility to adjust your plans without having to worry about finding lodging.

Who knows what your kids will want to do 1.5 years from now? Right now they might want that pool, but in May '14 they might have shifted to where they want to be out in nature instead. Better to leave yourself a couple options at this point.

Couple thoughts on your general idea of how a day would go: Bryce will not be hot in the afternoon, it's too high of an elevation to really worry about that. Also, one big advantage to staying in park is being right there for sunrise and seeing the park in one of the quiet times of the day, so you'd want to get out and do something right off the bat rather than wake up and fuss around making breakfast. For sure you'd want to get outside and watch the sunrise at Bryce, then eat and get ready for the day.

Where it's best to stay also depends on exactly which days you'll be at each park. Zion was ridiculously busy over Memorial Day weekend when I was there, Bryce less so. If your itinerary puts you in Zion right on Memorial Day weekend, I'd vote for in park lodging because the entrance lines to the park and lines for the shuttles were crazy. Staying inside the park partway up the main canyon gets you way ahead of everyone else. During the week it shouldn't be such a big deal.

I like WhereAreWe ideas.

What we usually do for meals while in the parks--
Just eat a light breakfast like yogurt, coffee, cereal. Sometimes right in our room. We often have a picnic or two along the way. I would think you would want to do this a few times during the trip. Then we typically eat somewhere nicer in the evening

Two suggestions-
Either buy something in Springdale at grocery store or deli or you can buy a burger at the cafe area(not main dining) @ the lodge. Sit out under the big tree right in front of the lodge. Many many people do this each day and its a pretty neat experience. Wild turkeys and deer are frequent in this area.

Have pie at The Gifford House in Capitol Reef for breakfast(they run out of pies by noon usually). Buy your pie and eat it in the picnic area right next door in the orchard picnic area. Deer are almost guaranteed there each morning.

Links below to a few of my trips to UT the past few years.


Oct 2009
link to our zion photos
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IatW7FqybsWh0

May 2008
pics of Arches/Canyonlands/Canyoneering
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IatW7FqybsWiL

May 2011
pics of Bryce, Cap Reef, Arches, Kolob section of Zion, Goblin Valley, Cap Reef, Calf Creek Falls
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IatW7FqybsWia

Oct 2010
Cap Reef, Goblin Valley, Little Wildhorse Canyon, Horsehoe Canyon/detached section of Canyonlands
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IatW7FqybsWip

Thanks WhereAreWe - Great tips!!! I will know more as it gets a little closer (where exactly we will be for Memorial Day) - and I admit that Bryce is the park I'm most looking forward to - so being right there at sunrise is definitely appealing.

Spiro - I think I've read all of your trip reports and looked at all the photos. I will check all of these links - Thank you so much! (I love reading trip reports and seeing pictures).

As a lurker, I always value what spiro and WhereWeAre have to say on these threads. But I have to question booking two places to stay. If everyone did that then the joints would be sold out when they were, in fact, only half full.

This means that people who are being smart and booking well in advance might get shut out, especially for limited in-park lodging. Seems wrong somehow. You should just book the rooms you are planning to use. Maybe I'm missing something.

My $0.02 on the subject: In the summer of '62, when I was 12, my dad took us on a big road trip out west to many National Parks. We stayed in-park, camping in most cases. It was a fantastic life-changing event. Stay in the parks.

Gnomemom--the southwest is a great place for bug lovers. We have some cool insects. Velvet ants, Jerusalem crickets, stink bugs, pepsis wasps, ant lions, box elder bugs, lots of different ants. You can look up insects on the NPS page. My kids aren't as into the passport program--I think its really cool though. We have collected stamped pennies from every park.

The bottom line is that adults and kids like different things. And if it is a family vacation, then I am going to cater to the kids so I can enjoy myself. (But we have been to Disney twice and there was no way in heck I was paying to stay on site ) So far I have taken my kids to the places where I have been as an adult so its not like I am missing out on hiking something I wanted to hike. I would either plan to come back without kids at some point or DH and I would trade off. I enjoy seeing the parks through my kids' eyes. I would never would have noticed so many bugs and animal tracks and poop if they weren't with me.

My goals is to make sure my kids like hiking. I was force marched all over this country as a kid I did turn into an avid backpacker eventually. But it could have been a lot more fun during the process!!!

Stanton, you really know your insects. I always just say, wonder what that weird bug is.
I do wish that I had a Passport or collected stamps when we started doing all the parks/monuments a few years back.
Having stayed on and off property(both twice) at Disney. There is absolutely no comparison. We even stayed at the Grand Hyatt just at the park entrance and it is highly rated. We didn't like it nearly as much. Frankly, staying on property with the monorail is the only way to go, IMOP.


Nelson,
I do get your point. I am guilty of booking at the National Parks in advance and canceling later. It's just impossible to get reservations otherwise. If you want to stay at Yellowstone, Yosemite, or certain lodges in Grand Canyon you are out of luck if you don't. Places like Phantom Ranch or permit to hike Halfdome are impossible even if you call at 7:00AM on the first day they become available. They sell out within the first 5 minutes. I have never canceled at the last minute, always 3 or 4 months, this still gives plenty of time for someone to have the space. Most places allow this, so I take advantage of it. There are lots of cancellations at these places. Some of the places don't allow it or charge you $15 a night to cancel or change(Glacier National Park comes to mind).
It does seem a bit shady on the moral and ethical side of it. Perhaps your right. I don't think I saw it that way until now. Thanks

spiro, Thanks for explanation. Sure, it makes especially given "Most places allow this, so I take advantage of it"

Why not indeed?

In fact I was forced to cancel a reservation once about two weeks out and was surprised I didn't have a penalty, especially considering I had booked 6-8 months before that.

Just one of hose things I guess, knowledgeable folks understand how to use the system!

Regards

About double booking: normally not a big fan of it. But for someone asking about a trip 1.5 years in advance, I'm comfortable recommending it. OP is such a minority in that regard that I think it's a non-issue. So many people wait and wait, I just don't have a problem with a few super early planners double booking. As long as they finalize and cancel a few months in advance.....

To gnomemom: the thing about Bryce at sunrise is you might want to be at one of the viewpoints that is NOT right by the Lodge, so you'd wind up driving to see sunrise anyway. If that's the case, little advantage to staying in park as you'd maybe save 5 minutes or so of driving compared to Ruby's. Of course if you want to walk outside after dark and look at the stars, then in park is best. At least you have plenty of time to consider your options.

For sunrise at Bryce (or anywhere actually) you need to get there BEFORE sunrise, i.e. when it is still dark out. If I remember correctly, the lodge was not right at Sunrise Point so you'd need to walk a distance, in the dark. I stayed at Ruby's so the five minute drive to the parking area of Sunrise Point was very easy. It was still dark out when I got there and there were already a good number of people there. Watching the canyon get light was amazing. It changed about a million colors. Very worthwhile. Within about a half hour of it getting light out the 'show' was over and everyone went back to where ever they were staying for breakfast. I highly recommend you get up to see it but staying inside the park is not necessary for it. Also the Grand Canyon Sunrise was almost as good (and for that one you do need to stay inside the park).

Again - a ton of wonderful advice and tips here. Thanks WhereAreWe and Isabel (one of my girls is named Isabelle ).

The lodge IS right at Sunrise and Sunset points. You might have to walk 1-2 minutes from you cabin. Some people like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Paria Point better. I thought Sunrise Point actually was the better of the two views at sunset(when the sun was actually setting). But maybe that was just me, or perhaps I confused the two points.

The lodge/cabins basically sits right between Sunrise and Sunset points. I actually just walked between the two areas during Sunrise and Sunset. The shadows cast by the hoodoos are pretty cool to see at dawn and dusk.

And yes, do allow at least 30 minutes before the sun actually rises or sets.

http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/upload/Bryce_Amp_summer-web.pdf

Link to map. The walk between Sunrise and Sunset points takes about 10 minutes.

Sorry for the multi posts. Some people consider Thor's Hammer to be in their photos at Sunset/Sunrise, so if you want that then be at Sunset Point. My favorite hoodoo is the one with the alligator.

Ahhhh! An Alligator Hoodoo??? I LOVE Alligators I had to immediately Google a picture of it! Love it!

(I think Bryce is going to be my favorite park, I've felt that way for a long time - I can't wait to get there!).

My son's favorite bedtime reading as a 3 yo was the Audobon Society's Junior Guide to Bugs. I have learned more about bugs than I ever want to know!!! But I really like kids naturalist guides. They have interesting facts, are easy to understand and get through and find facts later etc. I have plenty of the fold out guides that identify the animals, birds, plants. But I like the books that provide more info on the animals.

Some of the books I like are:
Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest
Holes of the Desert Southwest (because you see holes all over the place and you want to know who lived there)
Who Pooped on the Colorado Plateau?
Canyon Country Naturalist Guide (I have seen this at Arches. This is the go-to book for all animals and plants plus geology. I never go anywhere without it!)
Also at Arches, they have a great spiral bound book on all sorts of animals and plants etc--I will go look for it on my shelves.
And Roadside Geology of Utah is a great book--it goes on every road trip with us.
And some book with a title like Yuck in the Desert or Yucky facts about the desert. Awesome kids book.

Spiro - I can't see any of your pictures None of the links will open for me (well, they open, but Shutterfly won't open the albums at all)...

Isabel, I'm reading your trip report now - but I saw your pictures and they are incredible!!! Thank you for sharing them! Now that I've seen your pictures of the Narrows - I TOTALLY want to do this - my kids would love it!

spiro,
I believe Glacier gives you one change per reservation then charges a service charge.

I'm going back there next sdummer with a friend. I made reservations a couple of days too long with the intention of dropping a couple of days when we know how many.

As it turns out he booked his flight a day early both coming and going. Something about using air miles. I then had to scramble and book an extra night. Unfortunately I had to book a different type of room so unless I get a cancellation eventually, we'll have to change rooms after the first night.

Being with kids creates a different situation. That pool could be an issue. Something to think about.

In Bryce. The inpark lodging is between Sunset & Sunrise points. Not much of a walk.

However, my favortie view of a spectacular sunrise is at Bryce Point.

As somebody wrote you have to get there in the dark. Be careful as the more you drive in the dark the more chance you could hit something.

Bryce point has a build-out observation deck. It gets cold and windy there so wear appropriate clothing.

I was amused when I saw a full tour bus pull into the Bryce Point parking lot as all the early risers were on their way to their cars. They got up early but not early enough to see the sunrise. They might as well have slept a bit longer.

You can see my photos at:

www.travelwalks.com

I don't guess I know what you mean. They seem to open for me.

Oh! Spiro, I got them to work. Your pictures are amazing! I'm more excited about Zion than ever! I really can't wait for this trip, now. Only 5 months until I can book, an 17 months until we travel (LOL). I should probably be doing Christmas stuff right now, instead of planning a trip that is 17 months away

Look at Myers photos too. He captures thing differently and he has some really nice pics. He and I seem to always be taking nearly identical trips-at least to the same places a lot.

Myer, Are you going to be in Glacier the last weekend in July?

spiro,

No, not in July. I was supposed to be leaving Aug 5 but a friend that I'm meeting in Calgary booked his flight a day earlier to get reasonable air mile flights so I scrambled with lodging and book a day earlier as well.

I believe I'm overlapping with Erik at Rising Sun. Hopefully get together with them.

How long will you be in Glacier and what is your current plan?

Just 4.5 days and 4 nights. Staying the entire time at Many Glacier. I will probably do one major hike. Trying to decide between the Highline Trail, Grinnell Gracier, and Iceberg Lake. I think we will most likely do Iceberg-probably a ranger-led hike. I really wanted to hike Highline/spend the night at Granite Chalet/then continue on hiking over the pass back to Many Glacier. I couldn't talk my wife into that much mileage over two days.
I plan on doing 3 or 4 of the boat lake tours, the afternoon tea @ Waterton. Will probably hike Hidden Lake Trail. Will have a meal at most of the lodges.

We stopped in Waterton for a few hours. Hiked Bears Hump. Quite short, very steep and many stairs made of railroad ties. The toughest hike of the trip.

I would try for Highline, Grinnell Lacier and Iceberg.

I think boat rides take a lot of time and don't do much.

We took the two boat shuttles to start Grinnell Glacier. Couldn't complete the hike due to a snow field. We went ranger-led.

For Iceberg we left an hour after the ranger-led hike and caught up to them. They make a lot of stopsfor explanations.

It might even be possible to do Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake on the same day.

The scenery is spectacular.

Fishercap Lake is very close. Fifteen minute walk from the end of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot.

We went there 3-4 times. Always wildlife late in the day.

spiro,
I think if you skip the boat rides (except for one), which don't really add much to your trip, you can get a lot done in 4.5 days.

Your interests may be different from mine but scenery and wildlife are there.

This is a plan that might satisfy you.

I'm not sure if you're close to sea level so I would start with Iceberg Lake since it's easier (longer but only slightly steep near the start).

On the second day take the 8:30 shuttle from the Many Glacier Hotel. This is a shuttle that goes on two lakes with a short hike between. From there do the Grinnell Glacier hike.

On each day I would add the following to the above. Day 1 hike along the Swiftcurrent Pass trail as far as you feel like going. You can stop at Redrock Falls and then on the way back (quite close to the trailhead) veer to Fishercap Lake. There alwways seems to be moose and or deer there.

Keep your eyes open in the area as there could be bears around.

On Day 2 after the main hike drive over to the Apikuni Falls trailhead for a relatively short but fairly steep (that's why I put this in day 2) hike. After this you may have to for a quick walk over to Fishercap Lake for more wildlife.

For Day 3 I would get up pretty early and drive over to Logan Pass. You want to get there 9:00 - 9:30 to make sure you get parking.

You can do Hidden Lake and as much of Highline as you want. While nobody would consider Hidden Lake difficult, I found the many wooden stairs a bit of a surprise. We do get older.

We stopped after a mile or so of Highline and went over to St May and Virginia Falls. We could have gone further on Highline.

I'm not sure what else you have planned but on Day 4 you could either spend some time on GTTS Road and go to Two Medicine for part of the day before going to Waterton Lakes. Or skip Two Medicine. You could go to Waterton Lakes earlier and hikes Bear's Hump. I would be interested in your opinion.

gnomemom, for 3+ years I travelled throughout the Southwest while I was working in Phoenix. The Navajo Trail in Bryce was one of my favourites. The park has a good list of the trails and how long they are at the head of them from what I can remember (it's been 8 years). I was 56 at the time so I think the Navajo Trail is very doable with children.
Btw, I don't remember Hwy 12 being that scary. Have fun!