re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

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Rob5TCP
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re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Rob5TCP »

You guys were great with suggestions to Boston and Arcadia National Park for my last vacations,
so I am coming back with ideas for Bryce and Zion. Since it will be us and another couple, we are looking
for nice hikes (but short/easy) as well as scenic vistas. We will have 3-4 days in Zion/Bryce and
3 days/nights in Vegas.

Are the roads "cliff hangers". Deb already is nervous that there will be 2000 foot drops on either side
of narrow roads. Is this accurate (might have to bring a blindfold, if/when we reach those).

We are leaving in mid October so the weather should be coolish to mild. Are there any good places to
stay near there or do we have to drive an hour away (I looked online and doesn't look like their are
many choices).

Thank you again guys !!!

I will do a separate post for Vegas next week - though I have tons of info on Vegas already.

For point of reference, I am more interested in the Bryce/Zion segment than I am in Vegas. Neither of us
really gambles ($100 max just to say we did).
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Igglesman
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Igglesman »

If memory serves me right, many choices in Zion or nearby...can't remember the motel/lodge we stayed in. In Bryce, it is either in the park or at Ruby's. We did the same trip a couple of years ago in February and had very mild weather and no crowds.
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Kosmo
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Kosmo »

We did that as a family trip when I was about 12 or so. I remember having a great time doing some half day hikes.

The only advice I can give is to remember sweatshirts/jackets for the evening. It gets cold when the sun goes down.

Also, if memory serves me correctly, Zion has a road through the park that is carved into the side of a mountain.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by obgraham »

At least a few years back there were a couple of nice B&B's in Tropic, Utah, just to the East of Bryce. We had a great stay there. And there are several hotels in Panguitch, to the West, but I doubt they are anything wonderful.
Similarly, there are some good B&B's just outside Zion, in Rockville UT, and Springdale.

Hiking down into Bryce is easy. Getting back up will exercise your cardiovascular system.
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Tortoise
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Tortoise »

Yes, the road out of Zion toward Bryce is a real cliff hanger. But the views are spectacular. On our last trip there, we stayed in St. George, messed around for a day in Zion, and then drove up to Bryce for camping. This was in June, so we were happy to be in the higher elevation of Bryce where it was cooler. Zion was roasting hot in June. It will probably be comfortable in October. Bryce might be kind of cold.

There are lots of good day hikes in both National Parks. In Zion, you are walking through canyons with shear vertical walls. Be careful of flash floods if there is a forecast of rain. In Bryce, you are walking among the hoodoos, which are what the red formations are called. I like the hike past Thor's Hammer called the Navajo Loop Trail that then becomes the Queen's Garden trail. It's about 3 miles long and very scenic. There is a section with a lot of switchbacks. I suggest you start at that end of the trail, which is where Thor's Hammer is, so you go down the switchbacks, and then loop around through the Queen's Garden on the way back up. http://www.everytrail.com/guide/navajo- ... rden-trail
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by mudfud »

We stayed at the Cable Mountain Lodge just outside Zion, during our visit to Zion, Bryce and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was fantastic, and perhaps our best lodging experience ever. You can read more about our trip here: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 01#p486801
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peregrine
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by peregrine »

October is not too early for snow. If you get any precipitation it probably will be snow. Be prepared. You can also get some really nice weather even if it is a little cool.

Springdale has quite a number of nice places to stay. Read the online reviews and pick something you think you will like. Bryce has fewer choices. Stay in the park if you can but it can be hard to get reservations. Bryce is likewise difficult in terms of places to eat. The main restaurant in the park is the best but also the most expensive.

The road in Bryce is away from the rim and should not make anyone nervous. The main road at Zion is through the valley. The Kolob Canyon road has a few dropoffs that might make some people nervous. The road into Zion from Bryce has a few dropoffs but that section of the road is fairly short. You can go around and come into Zion from the west if you want to avoid it.

Utah Route 12 especially between Escalante and Boulder is really spectacular but it does have some dropoffs in places.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by MoonOrb »

We stayed in the park at Zion (camped). The Angel's Landing hike at Zion was phenomenal.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by truenorth418 »

MoonOrb wrote:The Angel's Landing hike at Zion was phenomenal.
+1

Zion is a great park. I have been there twice. The drive from Vegas to Zion is quite gorgeous. It's like a moonscape in places, and I don't recall any "cliffhangers". Angel's Landing was one of the best hikes I have ever done and the view of the valley from the top is spectacular. The park has two sections, so don't miss the Kolob Canyons section in the north if you have time. It has different feel than the main part.

The first time I visited I stayed at a motel in St. George, which was kind of a long drive from the main section of the park. Cedar City is the town closest to the Kolob Canyon section. The next time I go I plan to camp in the park or stay at the lodge there.

I can't speak to Bryce Canyon but I will follow this thread to learn more as it has been on my list.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Atilla »

I'm all about Las Vegas. I'll be looking for that post. :sharebeer
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sometimesinvestor
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by sometimesinvestor »

The ride when you leave Zion to go to Bryce is spectacular.I found the so called easy walk at Zion moderate and the moderate ok but not such easy work(I was 45 in slightly below average shape). Some of the views on the moderate are pretty good. If the goal is to return to Vegas I would suggest a slightly out of the way but not so much trip. Leave your Motel at bryce in the morning and drive to the North rim of the Grand Canyon. Its certainly not as spectacular as the South rim (or as commercial)but you can easily drive to there in a few hours and then continue on to all the overlooks i n a small number of hours)and overlook them Then continue on to St George, stay the night and have an easy trip to Las Vegas.

The quick summary: In Zion you look up ,in Bryce you look out and down and at the North rim you look out . At Bryce even the short easy hikes are a bit vertical.

By the way there are a number of day trips from Las Vegas like Hoover Dam and the Valley of fire. You can also Fly or drive (about 5 hours) to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. None of the Zion. Bryce Canyon or trips to the North rim are a difficult challenge(You won't feel you are about to go over a cliff if someone comes in the opposite direction(but there probably won't be anyway.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by surfhb »

Ive been a long time lurker on this site but decided to post when I read this thread.

You really need to head up Hwy 12 and into Boulder. From here you need to drive along the Burr Trail.....Its quit simply the most beautiful spot on the planet. Its all paved now so no worries:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmueHDrg938

Personally I'd skip Vegas and spend more time in Southern Utah....not much of a place for a Boglehead anyway :)
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Rob5TCP »

After reviewing here, plus several online sites, I decided we are going to take 15 from Vegas to get to Bryce.
We will do 2 days in Bryce and then take 89 to 9 going into Zion. That way she only has to go through the
cliff hangers in one direction.

I WILL have a blindfold with me in case she wants to "sleep through it". But, it would be a shame to miss the sites.
Thank you for the suggestions - I have almost two months and plan to pick the nicest route one way and the
quickest/"safest" route the other way.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Rob5TCP »

surfhb wrote:Ive been a long time lurker on this site but decided to post when I read this thread.

You really need to head up Hwy 12 and into Boulder. From here you need to drive along the Burr Trail.....Its quit simply the most beautiful spot on the planet. Its all paved now so no worries:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmueHDrg938

Personally I'd skip Vegas and spend more time in Southern Utah....not much of a place for a Boglehead anyway :)
Would love to limit Vegas to 1 night, but that is not an option.
That video to Boulder is unreal. I don't know if that would stretch our time too much.
Wow . -- I assume the road on that video is for ONLY 1 way and not two way traffic.
Some stretches would freak her a bit.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by surfhb »

I don't know if that would stretch our time too much.
Yeah, it would.....its a good 3 hr drive from Zion.

Well, maybe next time....There are tons of places to see and hike in So Utah. Youd need a good 2 weeks to enjoy everything

October is the perfect time of year....might get chilly at night be days will be in the 70-80 Range
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by 123 »

If you're interested in road conditions/drop-offs/cliffs it is sometimes helpful to browse maps.google.com and go into street view mode for areas you're concerned about.

Sometimes I just go for a relaxing drive in the countryside with street view, no need to buy any gas.
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widestance
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by widestance »

Having just done this very trip, here are my thoughts.
Zion is a zoo. Not enough parking, gotta take trams to get around, which are actually a pretty decent way of getting around.
The shorter hikes have way too many people and yelling kids. Just take the tram to do the tour and save the hiking for Bryce.

For Bryce it's quite a bit out of the way and thus far less travelers just pulling off the freeway to take in the sites (Unlike Zion).
Get to Bryce early (8-9am) and take your pick of many beautiful trails of all lengths. Also do the drive around the park and take in the scenic outlooks.
I used Cedar City as my basecamp and got out there in a couple of hours. Very pretty drive, no cliff hangers.

I personally hate Vegas so I would spend as little time as humanly possible.

Cliff Notes version:
Vegas - Bleh
Zion - Crowded
Bryce - Awesome
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by schnoodlemom »

My family of four really enjoyed our visit to Zion, staying at the Best Western just outside the park in Springdale. As it was April (spring break), it was somewhat busy, but not enough to hamper our enjoyment. With school in session in October, I think Zion would be fairly uncrowded, but am not sure. We did a number of hikes from easy to moderate including up to Scout's Lookout of the Angel's Landing trail. Gorgeous scenery, worth the climb! I don't like heights either, but managed fine. Have a great trip!!
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by enebyberg »

Both Bryce and Zion are well worth the visit. Bring plenty of water for the hike down to the bottom in Bryce. In Zion... don't miss Angel's Landing hike (scary but worth it) and don't miss hiking up in the Narrows. Your shoes will get wet when hiking up the river but the views are so worth it. Allow at least a couple of hours there. Zion Pizza and Noodle in Springdale is a good place to eat. Plenty of B&B's and hotels around. Here is a website with a few recommendations to look at.

http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/ ... nerary.htm
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Watty »

If you will have a rental car remember that most of them do not allow you to take the car off of paved roads. For a while some of them used GPS tracking to find misuse like this but I am not sure if that is still allowed. If you have an accident off the paved road then your insurance might not cover it since it was not an allowed use of the rental car.

When I am out west away from the cities one of the things I like to do is to spend some time looking at the stars since they can be so amazing. Check to see when the moonrise and moonset when you are travelling to try to find a time when there will be no moon to interfere with the stars. If you will be staying in hotels then during the day scout out a safe place away from the hotel lights where you can go to see the stars at night.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by TwoLeftFeet »

Thought I would chime in, as I have been to both Bryce and Zion many times in the past few years.

Bryce - You will feel like you are walking in a postcard the entire time. Pretty much all the day hike loops are incredible. But, it does all look the same after awhile. Two days tops in my view.

Zion - Can be crowded, but the shuttle system works very well. Pretty much every hike you can take involves a serious climb in the first mile. The crowds will largely disappear once you get a mile or so into any trail. Angel's Landing is incredible, but keep going out the west rim trail after you have done it. In just a few minutes you will have some incredible solitude and beauty. I spent a day hiking out this trail last September and didn't see another person after Angel's Landing.

The hike up the Virgin Narrows river is legendary. In my view, it is the can't miss hike in the park. Go to the Zion Adventure Company the day before and rent shoes and a hiking stick. Get to the start of the hike as early as you can in the morning to avoid the crowds. And enjoy -- it is one of the coolest hikes in the world!

The East Rim trail is also very cool. Lots of uphill to start though.

I have a fear of heights and I found the switchback road coming into Zion from Bryce to be really cool and not scary at all.

Have fun!!
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Rob5TCP »

enebyberg wrote:Both Bryce and Zion are well worth the visit. Bring plenty of water for the hike down to the bottom in Bryce. In Zion... don't miss Angel's Landing hike (scary but worth it) and don't miss hiking up in the Narrows. Your shoes will get wet when hiking up the river but the views are so worth it. Allow at least a couple of hours there. Zion Pizza and Noodle in Springdale is a good place to eat. Plenty of B&B's and hotels around. Here is a website with a few recommendations to look at.

http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/ ... nerary.htm
Being that the group is not into long hikes - these are perfect. I may do one longer hike on my own
(depending on how my knee feels). This is a great resource.

Thank you guys for suggestions. I have mapped out a preliminary plan (subject to weather and stuff).

Vegas is lower on the priority rung.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by chuckdaddy »

I've not been to Bryce/Zion, but for Vegas, I highly recommend Pink Jeep Tours' Eldorado Canyon Tour. We used a AAA discount when we went about 2 years ago. The tour takes up your morning, but you'll be back on the strip for lunch.

As for lunch, you can't go wrong with Tacos El Gordo...$2.25 lengua (beef tongue) tacos!!! Their fries are insane too! Gordo is on the strip..about a few blocks from Wynn.

Anyway, I know you weren't asking for Vegas recommendations until next in a separate post, but I couldn't resist after thinking about those tacos...though I'm lucky to also have access to the real-deal on Roosevelt Ave. in Queens.

http://pinkjeeptours.com/las-vegas/tour ... do-canyon/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-el-gordo-las-vegas-2
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Phineas J. Whoopee »

Rob5TCP wrote:...
For point of reference, I am more interested in the Bryce/Zion segment than I am in Vegas. Neither of us
really gambles ($100 max just to say we did).
Hi Rob,

I've been to all three, but it was so long ago I hardly remember specifics, and anyhow they've probably changed by now.

My lingering suggestions about Vegas are to wait until late in the evening, visit the casinos, observe the people playing slots, belly up to a promising slot-floor bar, ask about the best odds, and drink a couple of really cheap glasses of beer.

Then go walking on the strip, and when you feel very hungry, go to the hotel buffet of your choice. The midnight sitting is usually a nice one. An additional advantage is the only time you'll have gone outside is after dark when it's merely way too hot.

Then go home and, rather than having played into others' dishonesty by losing a c-note to them, just genuinely be dishonest yourself and tell everybody you won enough to cover your trip. You can even claim your original stake was the $100 you spoke of.

Otherwise I'd give it a miss.

PJW
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by VictoriaF »

Phineas J. Whoopee wrote:... and drink a couple of really cheap glasses of beer. Then go walking on the strip, and when you feel very hungry, go to the hotel buffet of your choice.
Are you recommending replacing gambling with gluttony?

Victoria
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Phineas J. Whoopee
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Phineas J. Whoopee »

VictoriaF wrote:
Phineas J. Whoopee wrote:... and drink a couple of really cheap glasses of beer. Then go walking on the strip, and when you feel very hungry, go to the hotel buffet of your choice.
Are you recommending replacing gambling with gluttony?

Victoria
I suspect you meant to say greed, just to keep the terms consistent.

Am I recommending it? No! I'm demanding it!!!

At least with gluttony you waddle away having received something for your benjie.

PJW
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by VictoriaF »

Phineas J. Whoopee wrote:
VictoriaF wrote:
Phineas J. Whoopee wrote:... and drink a couple of really cheap glasses of beer. Then go walking on the strip, and when you feel very hungry, go to the hotel buffet of your choice.
Are you recommending replacing gambling with gluttony?

Victoria
I suspect you meant to say greed, just to keep the terms consistent.

Am I recommending it? No! I'm demanding it!!!

At least with gluttony you waddle away having received something for your benjie.

PJW
Both gambling and gluttony have to do with greed. Greed is good {gleed smile},

Victoria
Last edited by VictoriaF on Fri Aug 16, 2013 2:06 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Phineas J. Whoopee
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Phineas J. Whoopee »

Perhaps I'd've been more clear had I suggested the word averice. It's one of the seven coequals.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by heyyou »

Near Bryce, when my wife and I were eating at Ruby's lunch buffet in 1997, we had a side view of the carving station. Just after a large beef roast was brought from the kitchen, it slide off of the carving board, onto the floor behind the counter. We watched the employee pick it up, wearing the hot mitts from carrying the roasting pan, then he resumed slicing on it!

For several years, our running joke was "Would you like seconds on the sliced beef?" "No, but you go ahead and have all you want" was the retort.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by doug91 »

When I visited Zion in October of 2010, I had the place to myself - was literally the first person to go in that morning, rode the tram solo, saw maybe a dozen people on any of the trails. It was overcast and rained a few times, but nothing that prevented me from being agape with how beautiful it was. Judging from the other replies you got, obviously not the norm, so I'll count myself lucky. I stayed at the Zion Park Motel (cheap, basic, clean) and took a free or very cheap city bus up to the entrance, no parking hassles. Just me and park employees on the bus, since I just woke up early and headed up before they opened.

One thing that I did in between Vegas and Zion was to detour through Valley of Fire State Park. https://plus.google.com/115752615101612 ... l=us&hl=en . If you've seen a lot of desert landscapes, might not be all that impressive to you, but as a flatlander East Coaster, I was mighty impressed.

I didn't make time for Bryce Canyon on that trip - was in Vegas for a conference - but have been aching to go back to that area ever since.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by trackermike »

My wife and I went to Zion (among other parks) on our honey moon. Desert Pearl Inn right in Springdale was a wonderful hotel. We had a room that faced the virgin river. It was so peaceful. We were 5 mins from the park. Bonus was the Imax theater right in town - tickets were $8. We love Zion!
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by MoonOrb »

Oh hey, maybe this is premature since it sort of involves Vegas, but rather than spending an entire day in Vegas, consider driving to Death Valley NP. I was there in January and thought it was absolutely beautiful. I was quite taken by it and had not expected to like it so much. It's about a 2.5-3hr drive from Vegas (very easy drive), so it makes for a long day, but it's completely possible, and you can get a very good sense of the park just from a day there. Although the park is massive, so it's a lot of driving. But it's a park that holds up fairly well to seeing it mainly from the car. (But there is in fact a speed limit there, so watch your speed in the park. Want to guess how I know this?).

I mention this because Vegas is overwhelming and spectacular for about the first 4 hours and then rapidly becomes less and less interesting. But spending the day in the Park and the night in Vegas would make for a really great time.

Also seconding the endorsement of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon if you can swing that. It's pretty, super accessible, and won't be crowded when you go. You'll be able to park within a 5 minute walk of the rim.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Rob5TCP »

Thanks again guys - just bought Lonely Planets and will be going over trails (easy to moderate) for both Zion and Bryce.
Death Valley, looks great, but is in the opposite direction. I am somewhat nudged about NOT reducing to 1/2 the number
of days in Vegas (much as I would like to).

Since we both saw the Grand Canyon at least once, we ruled that one out.
Unlike our hiking 3-4 years ago, I have to recognize injuries that will limit my
hiking until I get surgery (probably next year or two). So 2-3 miles is about the limit.
So the guides will be closely examined before we begin.

We will definitely do a stretch of the Navajo Loop (but only 1 mile in or so).

I am spending time on YouTube looking at roads at hikes for ideas.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Padlin »

We stayed at the Red Rock Inn B&B, close to the Zion entrance, and Red Stone Cabins in Kodachrome Basin State Park for Bryce, about 30 minutes away. The 1st was top notch in the center of town, the 2nd is in the middle of nowhere and pretty basic, the nearest and only restaurant was 15 or so minutes away. Enjoyed both.
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by White Coat Investor »

TwoLeftFeet wrote:
The hike up the Virgin Narrows river is legendary. In my view, it is the can't miss hike in the park. Go to the Zion Adventure Company the day before and rent shoes and a hiking stick. Get to the start of the hike as early as you can in the morning to avoid the crowds. And enjoy -- it is one of the coolest hikes in the world!
All the best "hikes" in Zion END when you get to the Narrows. :) Here's the one I did last month (and a nice shot of what hiking the Narrows is like in the background):

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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Red-y »

If you are doing Bryce first then entering Zion at the east entrance, here's a suggestion for lodging, about 5 miles before the park entrance on Hwy 9: Zion Mountain Ranch http://www.zmr.com

The lodging choices are pretty thin between Bryce and Zion along Highway 89...the little towns of Hatch, Orderville, Glendale, Mt. Carmel etc. are of the "don't sneeze or you'll blow it off the map" variety.

I've stayed in the little cabins at ZMR several times in the past 10 years and always found them clean and comfortable. The staff is helpful and there is a good restaurant that serves lots of fresh, in-season produce from their organic gardens and bison burgers from the on-site bison herd. Just a neat little place, nothing la-de-dah about it, and reasonably priced (not cheap, reasonable).

The main canyon in Zion is spectacularly beautiful, but I find the east part of the park (before you go through the tunnel and head down to the main canyon) is just stunning and feels closer. The juxtaposition of rocks, trees and vegetation is colorful beyond belief. Take time to savor it before you hit the main attraction.
texasmd09
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by texasmd09 »

Have been to zion probably 7-8 times in the past 15 years. Desert Pearl is pretty much our favorite hotel ANYWHERE. Love that you can just walk to lots of dining options in Springdale. October likely will not be crowded.

A nice moderate hike near the visitors center is the "watchman trail" - mild ascent, nice views. Angels landing is a must do, but my husband is somewhat scared of heights so we don't every go out on the last steep part. Last trip we did a nice hike on the other side of the tunnel to Jolley gulch and back.

Haven't had time to add on a trip to Bryce in 10 years, so can't comment on that part!
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JMacDonald
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by JMacDonald »

You will be traveling through Cedar City. If you have an interest in theater, I recommend that you give this a try: http://www.bard.org/index.html
The plays will still be going on until the middle of October. I saw the summer plays, and I intend to return to see the fall plays.
"Peter and the Starcatcher" is a real fun romp.
Best Wishes, | Joe
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widestance
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by widestance »

Rob5TCP wrote:Thanks again guys - just bought Lonely Planets and will be going over trails (easy to moderate) for both Zion and Bryce.
Death Valley, looks great, but is in the opposite direction. I am somewhat nudged about NOT reducing to 1/2 the number
of days in Vegas (much as I would like to).

Since we both saw the Grand Canyon at least once, we ruled that one out.
Unlike our hiking 3-4 years ago, I have to recognize injuries that will limit my
hiking until I get surgery (probably next year or two). So 2-3 miles is about the limit.
So the guides will be closely examined before we begin.

We will definitely do a stretch of the Navajo Loop (but only 1 mile in or so).

I am spending time on YouTube looking at roads at hikes for ideas.
Eight weeks from yesterday, we begin.
One other side trip you might be interested in is the Valley of Fire State Park about 45 minutes or so outside of Vegas and on your way Utah.
There's a nice driving loop all through it and if it isn't too hot, a number of short hikes. VERY pretty and worth the detour.
http://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire-state-park/
Everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the face - Mike Tyson
jlawrence01
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by jlawrence01 »

MoonOrb wrote:Oh hey, maybe this is premature since it sort of involves Vegas, but rather than spending an entire day in Vegas, consider driving to Death Valley NP. I was there in January and thought it was absolutely beautiful. I was quite taken by it and had not expected to like it so much. It's about a 2.5-3hr drive from Vegas (very easy drive), so it makes for a long day, but it's completely possible, and you can get a very good sense of the park just from a day there. Although the park is massive, so it's a lot of driving. But it's a park that holds up fairly well to seeing it mainly from the car. (But there is in fact a speed limit there, so watch your speed in the park. Want to guess how I know this?).

I mention this because Vegas is overwhelming and spectacular for about the first 4 hours and then rapidly becomes less and less interesting. But spending the day in the Park and the night in Vegas would make for a really great time.

And if you want a good hike in the vicinity, stop in Tecopa Hot Springs, CA which is just south of the southern entrance of the Death Valley NP. The China Date Ranch has a number of great hiking trails, most of which are easy to moderate.

http://www.chinaranch.com/category_s/27.htm

In addition, if you are there during harvest season, they will bring you along to watch. That is a unique experience.
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HomerJ
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by HomerJ »

Hoover Dam is pretty cool too, and you can do a float trip down the river (Black Canyon Adventures I believe is the tour company we used)
Dave_M
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Dave_M »

Something no one has mentioned is that if you stay in Springdale, you can catch the shuttle right in town (several convenient stops).

And I concur about Angel's landing and the Watchman trails; but remember - what goes up must come down. If you aren't used to hiking steep downhills, you may find that tougher on your knees than total distance(s) or any amount of uphills.

Just at Zion last week - it was crowded, but there was always room on the shuttles, and crowds disappeared at about the 1 mile mark on all the hikes.

Dave
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Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Post by Professor Emeritus »

Zion is impressive but Bryce is absolutely unique on the planet. We were in both a few weeks ago
We were first there on our honeymoon in 1975. At Zion I was signing into a motel with my very Irish name. The man read it out and we heard it repeated by a booming female voice right out of County Mayo in Ireland. She looked at my brand new wife and immediately gave us a 50% discount.
Only place we ever stayed that had a discount for being Irish.
You can't beat Ruby's Inn at Bryce.
Forget Vegas , it violates everything Bogleheads hold dear
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