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wildermelos's avatar
wildermelos
Explorer
Jun 10, 2020

Route advice needed for Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce

Headed out this weekend from Northern California for a trip we planned a year ago, have reservations everywhere along the way. Stopping in Joshua Tree, Lake Havasu,Grand Canyon South, Zion, Bryce and probably Vegas (maybe change routes after Bryce to avoid Vegas. 3 Kids in tow) We are in our 32' A class. When I compare google maps to RV Trip Wizard routes I have a few questions that pop up. I wanted to get some advice before husband and I are on the road, doing my research so we don't end up on some crazy road.

What is the best route from Trailer Village, Grand Canyon South Rim to Zion Canyon Campground at Zion? Hwy 64 leaving through the East Entrance which RV Trip Wizard doesn't recognize is closed. Do we take Hwy 64 down to Hwy 180 to 89 or 89A or 64 down to 40 to 89 all the way to 9 or take 89A to 9? Was thinking 89 to stop at Walmart in Page, also to see Horse Shoe Bend Overlook, etc.

Any advice for routes or interesting stops along the way would be greatly appreciated. We have three kids 10, 14 and 15 traveling with us.

What is the best route from Zion to Rubys Inn at Bryce Canyon, Hwy 9 to 15 to 12 or 9 to 89 to 12?
Roads and Routes
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2020
    Visit the North rim instead of the South Rim. Then getting to Utah is simple.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 10, 2020
    wildermelos wrote:
    Do you think 89 up from Zion to Bryce is RV friendly? The other way is much longer.
    Yes lots of RVs use this route. Taking 9 east from Zion is my preferred route if open and you meet the tunnel length restrictions. Otherwise the longer route is 59 389 to 89.
  • Janss's avatar
    Janss
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2020
    Yes, 89 leaving Zion northbound is fine for RVs.

    Grand Canyon east entrance is currently still closed. I assume you're looking at the Nat'l Park websites to keep up to date. Leaving GC, you can take 64 south to 180, but that dumps you right into the town streets of Flagstaff. If you don't mind driving through town, you can go that way. Alternatively, 64 south to I-40 is a simple drive.

    Along 89 northeast of Flagstaff, if you have time, you could stop at Sunset Crater/Wupatki Nat'l Monuments. You can look it up online.

    Regarding 89A or 89 closer to Page....89A takes you up a mountain about 3,000 ft to Jacob Lake (pine tree elevation), then down the other side. The other way...I've stayed a few times overnight at Page Walmart. 89 from there is an easier flatter drive. Both are scenic. Several miles north of Page, the Big Water BLM Visitor Center used to have a cool dinosaur exhibit. I haven't been there in a long time, so don't know if they still have the same display.

    I don't know if the places I mentioned are opened or closed.

    Have fun!
  • wildermelos's avatar
    wildermelos
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2020
    Do you think 89 up from Zion to Bryce is RV friendly? The other way is much longer.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 10, 2020
    See the Zion 9 tunnel restrictions for length restrictions. If it is open and you meet the restrictions then 64 40 89 9, 89A is an alternate espeially if going to N Rim. Then 9 89 12. When 9 is closed or restricted then 389 59 into Hurricane.

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