pdm

We are 2 couples in our 60's who are planning a Grand Canyon trip mid August. We are all in good physical shape, but do not want to do really strenuous hiking.

Originally, we were going to go on the train, but after reading posts, we have nixed that idea. We are flying in and out of Las Vegas and have approx. 8 or 9 days including overnite in Las Vegas as we are flying from Boston and back. Our thought is to go to Grand Canyon South rim, Zion and Bryce. We also thought about Lake Powell but not sure we have enough time. We are confused as to how many days to stay at each place the best order and the best route to get back to LV at the end.

We do have tentative reservations inside South rim (Kachina Lodge), Brice and Zion inside parks, but no sure how many nites to stay at each place and if we have the reservations in the correct order. I would really appreciate any input, travel tips and suggestions.

spirobulldog

I would consider doing the North Rim over the South. I probably wouldn't nomrally do this, but in August North would be much much better and you would be closer to Zion, Bryce, Page, Lake Powell. If you don't plan on doing much hiking probably 2 nights in each would be fine.

pdm

Thanks for your advice. Do you think we will miss a lot by skipping South Rim and just going to North? Also, what order should we go to the various places flying in and out of LV? If we can only stay 1 nite in one of the places which would it be? Do you have suggestions on where to stay in Page and Lake Powell?

spirobulldog

You can get by with just 1 night at the GC(unless your doing some serious hiking). Your probably going to have to choose the order based on when you can get lodging. Lodging fills up a year in advance, so may be tough to get. I would suggest. North Rim Lodge, Zion Lodge and Bryce Lodge. All of these are right in the parks and IMOP is where I would stay at. You do have some other choices at Bryce and Zion that likely aren't full, but North Rim Lodge would be your only choice there really.
You can stay a day or two at Lake Powell/Page or week. It just depends on what you want to do at each place.

The viewpoints are somewhat different on the the south vs the north. Only 10 percent see the north. It is longer/harder to get to(but not when you factor in that you are going to Bryce/Zion). The north has more trees and is greener. It is far far less crowded. Some people like the north more than the south. Some people feel like you should see the south, just because that's where 90 percent of the folks see it. It's like driving a Ford or a Chevy, you'll have to decide for yourself really.
I think you would be fine just doing the north. Look at both on youtube and you'll get a feel for it.

pdm

thanks so much for your advice!

MichelleY

Even if you cannot find a reservation, check EVERY day for cancellations. The closer to the trip, the more will open up. Good luck and have a great trip.

emalloy

Since you have lodging in Kachina (on the south rim), I would go to the south rim and plan the rest of the trip around that unless you can get in park lodging at the north rim. I prefer the south rim and the beauty of staying in the parks is that the day trippers are not there in the early morning or late afternoon. In any case, the crowds thin out as soon as you hike a bit from the village area.

If you decide to go to the north rim and can't get lodging in the park, then look in Kanab, about an hour or so drive to the rim, if you don't get stuck in traffic.

Do go to http://www.udot.utah.gov/kanab89/ to check road conditions before you travel to Page and also check conditions on 89 in Arizona if you plan to go back to Vegas that way.

emalloy

There is a link for email updates on construction at the utah dot site to find out about construction along the route when you will be actually going there.

WhereAreWe

Just do both rims, with 8 days and no strenuous hiking you have time. It only adds about 5 hours of driving to the trip.

Go to the South Rim right away for a night, then drive out the east entrance and spend a day/night in Page. (Not sure what the allure is for Lake Powell but I wouldn't spend a lot of time there). Then a couple nights at the North Rim, one night at Bryce and 3 nights in Zion.

Of the 3 national parks, I think Zion has the most variety of easy/moderate hikes so it gets my vote for the most nights. At the Grand Canyon and Bryce you are either hiking down into the canyon and back up or just walking along the rim, so either moderately strenuous or easy hikes there.

I would highly recommend you get up early and hike partway down the South Kaibab trail at the Grand Canyon South Rim - there are excellent views within a mile or so. Keep the distance short and take it easy on the way back up - but definitely start early (by sunrise if not before) to avoid the heat as there is virtually no shade on that trail.

North Rim is higher altitude and will be cooler so that's why I'd stay 2 nights there and one at the South Rim - it will be more pleasant and you can relax a bit.

peterboy

WhereWeAre is right...do both rims. North and South are very different. South has the big vistas...North Rim overlooks a side canyon but is quieter and more forested...both are amazing. I'd skip Page. You can linger at Bryce until mid-day since the drive to Zion is only a couple of hours or so.

1 night Vegas
2 nights South Rim
1 night North Rim
2 nights Bryce (so you can enjoy the drive there from North Rim without rushing)
2 nights Zion

If you have another night, add it to the North Rim

WhereAreWe

I would look at lodging for the North Rim ASAP. Right now it looks like there is availability in mid-August. Since the North Rim is only open for 5 months and it's a long drive to the nearest lodging outside the park, it tends to book up quicker and not have as many cancellations as the South Rim.

http://grandcanyonforever.com/lodging/

So if you know you're dates already, lock down a couple nights at the North Rim and go from there. You can always cancel if you decide to change your itinerary.

And for everywhere else, it's well known that there are last minute cancellations so reserve what you can and keep calling until you get everything else that you want.

RVvagabond

North Rim CG
I'm a north rim believer, ....long story why - mainly few people.
Above touring recommendation are valid, but I'd like to add some hotel options.
IF NRGC lodge is closed try these:
Near and most rustic/humble is Kaibab
Phone (928) 638-643-2389.
http://kaibablodge.com/

About 50 miles from NRGC is Jacob's motel/cabins
There is a restaurant, general store, propane and gas station with basic maintenance capability. Restaurant phone: (928) 643-7232.
http://www.jacoblake.com/

Hint - Imperial Point AT sunset.

Vaga