Bryce or Zion first? Which has less to walk?
I injured my back and can't walk without pain right now. I will probably be a bit better tomorrow and much better in 2 days. Which of Bryce and Zion will require less walking?
Forum Discussion
I find this thread interesting as - although been to both more than once - we have preferred Bryce over Zion and gone there more.
Let me see if I can answer tragusa3 - give a comparison of the two from our perspective.
Keep in mind I am a serious / professional photographer (did not do it for a living but now people want to buy canvas and print pictures, I am published and do one person gallery exhibits) so I might look at things differently. But Barbara, my wife and chief critic, is in full agreement with this assessment.
Zion ...... the drive up and down on Hwy 9 to the tunnel is the best part of the whole thing. Also like the northern, Kolob, section.
Yes, if you are into pretty serious hiking (we used to be and did some there) you are limited.
Once you park near the V C (if you can find a spot) you ride shuttle bus up and back looking high up at canyon walls. You can get out and wait for the next one. And look up at high canyon walls. It is a pain in the neck - literally. How many canyon walls can you look up at? They are all about the same. There is a nice park near the beginning but you really don't see much. At the end of the shuttle ride where it turns around and comes back, there is a walk which is pretty and gets to an area where you can slosh up the canyon in high priced rental equipment (not there, arrange ahead of time back someplace). We have seen a lot of national parks and give it about a 6 on a comparison scale. And limited RV places in the area...would avoid Zion River (ethics issues) and use the one in Springdale.
Bryce ... here you are looking down, not up, many varied configurations. First thing is you get full light over what you see; not shadow'd in by walls. As a photographer I always like the early morning and late afternoon lighting for color and shadows (not completely satisfied with my pictures to date want to get back there - was to be there for a shoot last fall by mechanical issues with truck / 5er meant cancellation. On the agenda, God willing, is Bryce for Fall 2015).
We have also hiked down and that can be as tough as you want to make it. Have also done mule rides. Give it a 9 on the scale. Several places to stay in the area and we prefer Ruby's Inn.
Hey, this is just MHO. Each has their own concepts and desires.
In any case, enjoy!
Let me see if I can answer tragusa3 - give a comparison of the two from our perspective.
Keep in mind I am a serious / professional photographer (did not do it for a living but now people want to buy canvas and print pictures, I am published and do one person gallery exhibits) so I might look at things differently. But Barbara, my wife and chief critic, is in full agreement with this assessment.
Zion ...... the drive up and down on Hwy 9 to the tunnel is the best part of the whole thing. Also like the northern, Kolob, section.
Yes, if you are into pretty serious hiking (we used to be and did some there) you are limited.
Once you park near the V C (if you can find a spot) you ride shuttle bus up and back looking high up at canyon walls. You can get out and wait for the next one. And look up at high canyon walls. It is a pain in the neck - literally. How many canyon walls can you look up at? They are all about the same. There is a nice park near the beginning but you really don't see much. At the end of the shuttle ride where it turns around and comes back, there is a walk which is pretty and gets to an area where you can slosh up the canyon in high priced rental equipment (not there, arrange ahead of time back someplace). We have seen a lot of national parks and give it about a 6 on a comparison scale. And limited RV places in the area...would avoid Zion River (ethics issues) and use the one in Springdale.
Bryce ... here you are looking down, not up, many varied configurations. First thing is you get full light over what you see; not shadow'd in by walls. As a photographer I always like the early morning and late afternoon lighting for color and shadows (not completely satisfied with my pictures to date want to get back there - was to be there for a shoot last fall by mechanical issues with truck / 5er meant cancellation. On the agenda, God willing, is Bryce for Fall 2015).
We have also hiked down and that can be as tough as you want to make it. Have also done mule rides. Give it a 9 on the scale. Several places to stay in the area and we prefer Ruby's Inn.
Hey, this is just MHO. Each has their own concepts and desires.
In any case, enjoy!
