Flagstaff vs. Las Vegas

Flagstaff is a regional airport, but PHX as a major airport is hours closer to Flagstaff than LAS. but if you are doing a grand loop, Vegas is likely closer to the end of that tour. Maybe it makes sense to arrive and depart from different airports.

Yes, stayed at that CG but it was a lifetime ago and remember nothing about it.

We stayed at Trailer Village in GCNP this pass October. Nice CG close to the shuttles.

In our travels with in the National Parks system, seems like we meet more that rent from Las Vegas than any where else.

If you can work it into your schedule, I would add Valley of Fire State Park.. It is located just a few miles north of Vegas.

Most all of the renters (mostly foreign) I've run into rent in Vegas.

ferrelldebbie wrote:
We are flying from Ohio to rent a Class C camper to do the Grand Loop of the national parks in Utah plus the Grand Canyon. Most books and websites say to fly to Vegas which is a 5 hour drive to the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is only 90 minutes. Also, I think the RV rental place is at the airport in Vegas but somewhere else in Flagstaff. Does anyone have any experience or advice for how to start our trip? We are hoping to see Bryce, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and possibly 1-2 others. We will be traveling 10 -14 days in June. Also, has anyone stayed in Trailer Village at the Grand Canyon? Thanks!

Just a thought - usually Vegas is a Lower Cost to fly in and out of.

So have you considered coming into Vegas - getting a great deal on a Hotel and a meal in Vegas getting, your RV in the morning and then driving to Zion and the rest of Utah's Parks. Map and possible route Having done this when the Kids were in Collage this was a cheaper and fun trip for us. You can save a lot of money by flying in and out of Vegas. JMHO

Merry Christmas, and let us know what you decide.

:@

ferrelldebbie wrote:
............... We will be traveling 10 -14 days in June. ...................

You do know it's HOT IN UTAH IN JUNE!!!! If this does not involve kids - you might think about looking at the weather and the time of year you go.

Just a Thought,

Nothing would be bad about starting your trip from Vegas, except for traffic in the City.

It's a pretty drive once you get on the outskirts of Kingman area and start heading NE, on the presumption that you will be going to the Grand Canyon first. Otherwise, just head North on 15 up to Utah.

It will be very warm, so be prepared for heat.

Have a great trip

In 2011 we did something similar to what the OP proposes. I had a week-long professional conference in Vegas over the Labor Day weekend, and dragged our TT to Vegas for the conference. At the end of that, my bride flew out to Vegas, and we dragged the trailer through Kingman to the South Rim, staying for several days in Trailer Village. The way to get around on the South Rim is via the free shuttle bus system, and we made use of it to explore the South Rim.

We then dragged the TT around the east end of the Canyon and spent a couple more days enjoying the North Rim, which is a very different place. We then went west on 89 to Bryce, then to Zion, before returning to Vegas, where my bride caught another flight home. I dragged the TT back home by myself.

The journey from Vegas to the South Rim is a one-day trip. You MUST have reservations in Trailer Village, although there are campgrounds just outside the park in Tusayan where you might not need them.

We did not hit other places, except Kodachrome State Park, on our journey, which was limited to two weeks by the vacation time my wife could get. It should be noted that we like to go somewhere and explore a bit, rather than rushing from one attraction to the next as others often do. If you have only two weeks, the number of sights you will be able to take in will depend upon your travel style. Given your proposed itinerary, I think you would do well just flying into Vegas and renting there.

Do be aware that entering Zion via the eastern park entrance will take you through a tunnel with height restrictions that not all rental RVs can pass. In case yours doesn't, you have to circle around and enter the park from the west.

You will be going right past Page AZ.
Stop in and do a boat tour of the canyons.
You might want to do a trip out to see the Rainbow Bridge. This is a must see.

At least 105* staring in Vegas and possibly 100* plus for the rest of the trip. Just sayin'. You can rent an RV in Phoenix probably cheaper than Vegas. Look at craigslist and see what you think.
RichH

There's going to be road construction at Arches National Park next summer. Anyone going there should expect long delays.