Zion & Bryce Canyon

IMHO the best part of Zion is the two areas outside the main canyon. No traffic, no people.

We stayed in Zion in April a couple of years ago, campground is close to entrance and Visitors Center. Nothing special, just a NP campground. Stayed at Ruby's a few days before Zion, they were nice and plowed about six sited so they were free of snow. Big bus loads of HS kids staying in the hotel and they were rude and noisy. Over ran the pool and squeezed our grandkids out. The parks are nice and we have always loved Bryce, took our kids there in the early 70's.

We also far prefer Bryce over Zion - got a heckuva sore neck looking up from the bus at Zion! Best part of it is the drive from the tunnel. We do not do the tunnel; stay in Springdale and do it with the TV.

BillMFl wrote:

Zion is great but Bryce is one of my favorites. If you are physically able, hike down into the canyon and do the loop trail.

We just spent last week in Bryce, it's our favorite as well. If you're not physically able to to hike into the canyon, by all means, do a mule trip from the lodge within the park. It was great, and the only way we could've got to the botton and back with our 7 year old. Enjoy your trip.

We stayed at Bauer's when we went to Zion, but stayed in Panguitch for visiting Bryce. We stayed at the Hitch-N-Post and liked it. WiFi wasn't that great, but the owners are working hard to make improvements. Lots of people recommend Ruby's at the entrance to Bryce.

The KOA is no more, gone. I am at Bauers right now. Nice little park with great WIFI. It is about 50 miles to Bryce and 35 to Zion. Leave some time for Red Canyon which is shortly after turning onto to Rt 12 heading to Bryce. The loop trail at Bryce starting at sunset point and ending at sunrise point (or vice versa) is really cool. We did the Riverwalk and the three emerald pools at Zion as well. Whatever you do don't take 14 from cedar city to 89. Goes up 4000 feet in one fell swoop. We are going to Vegas tomorrow via the Fredonia route.

BillMFl wrote:
Zion is great but Bryce is one of my favorites. If you are physically able, hike down into the canyon and do the loop trail.

Concur wholeheartedly about Bryce. It is terrific.

Zion is great but Bryce is one of my favorites. If you are physically able, hike down into the canyon and do the loop trail.

First, you're not too big to use the tunnel - 50' for a combo is the limit. If over, disconnect the toad and drive separately. Also, they don't really 'escort' you, they just hold up other vehicles and let you travel down the middle of the highway. It's done constantly by others - very easy.

Zion Tunnel

Secondly, why don't you stay near each park? It saves a lot of time, driving and you'll be more refreshed seeing the parks. There are plenty of RV parks just outside of each park or...you would even fit in the park's campgrouds.

Zion - if not staying in the park, stay in Springdale, one block outside of the park.
Bryce - Ruby's is at the park entrance

From Zion - if you don't want to use the tunnel, take 59/389 to Fredonia and 89 north to Bryce - a very easy scenic drive.

I stayed at KOA about half way between them and used the toad to visit.
bumpy