GDC wrote:
...X3, definitely, do not pass up Zion, even if you only have 1 day. The place is beautiful and trust me, you'll be planning a trip back....
This is what I keep hearing and the reason for the day trip. If I have to drop a location from my itinerary, Zion will be it though. My thinking on the day trip is that I can trade driving time in the toad for an longer driving time and additional camp setup and tear down with the motorhome (isn't this one reason why we bring toads?).
The heat is another reason we were thinking of staying close to Bryce. Published average annual temperatures in the Bryce Canyon area are 10-15 degrees cooler than those for Zion.
Thank you all for the Campground recomendations.
The general impression I am getting is that if I can't stay in or near one of these parks I should not go. Unfortunately We are not able to this.
I think I phrased my second question poorly so I will try again. Due to the heat issue, additional outside constraints, and the fact that for this trip, Bryce Canyon is a designated "must see" and Zion is a "nice to see since we are in the area" we will be staying in the Bryce canyon area and utilize the investment we made in a toad to do a day trip to Zion. This is not negotiable, it is what it is.
Can anyone comment on road / driving conditions between say Panguitch, UT and Zion NP or Cannonville, UT and Zion NP?
Also is the route 12 scenic byway appropriate to use on the drive back to Moab with a 31ft motorhome towing a Chevy Tracker?
Thanks for the input
Greg
I certainly understand your dilemma, you've got a certain amount of time and you want to make the best of what you've got. If you can't make Zion, you won't be disappointed with Bryce, its beautiful too. Very surreal place. As far as temperatures go, I think Bryce is typically cooler because its a bit higher in elevation. Plus the majority of Zion is actually down in the canyon, which probably affects the temps too. But even if you can make a day trip with the toad, definitely do that.
If you can't stay in or near the park, then stay where you want, and still go enjoy the park. You'll still enjoy the scenery during the commute. Good luck, wish we were going with you!
