Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion

[mappingmom]

Heading to Grand Canyon South rim next week for 4 nights then up to Bryce where we will do a half day horse ride and Zion. Will be in Southern Utah for 4 nights. Any tips or recommendations of things to do? Traveling with two teenage boys. Also anyone with sprint that can tell me first hand about phone service experiance?

[Opie431]

The North Rim is a very long distane from the South Rim making Zion and Bryce a long distace from the south.
When we came from Zion in late March, 89 was closed and did not look like it would be open soon.
The first time we went to southern Utah we spent 12 days, each time we have gone back we have spent more time and covered less of the state.

[tvfrfireman]

In my earlier comment in this thread I mentioned Hidden Springs as a great hike. I was wrong about the name and is "Hidden Canyon". Sorry for any confusion.

[MOREDLEG]

Hey Mappingmom, we are about 2 weeks behind you. Going to the Grand Canyon the end of June. Im hoping you post about your trip. Have a great time. Fireman, what is the length limit in the Zion Canyon Senic Road? Do you know if we can run the route from I15 up the canyon in a 55' TV/TT Combo?

[Mtrain]

Rafting is fun at Zion NP. Kids loved playing in the Virgin River, right alongside Watchman campground. Enjoy!

[tvfrfireman]

We love all the National Parks in Utah. Hidden Springs is a great hike at Zion. It is mostly switchbacks but once you reach the top it gets very interesting. While on the shuttle buses, keep alert as we saw our first pair of foxes in the wild playing in the grass along the road. I don't know the length of your rig but we entered the east entrance of Zion and were 5 inches over the fifty foot limit and had to drive 102 miles around and come in through Springdale. When we left we had to drive the long way to Bryce due to the length requirement. We drove through the area in question in our truck and can't understand why we had to waste all that fuel? The National Parks are always the high point of our Snow birding trips each year. I hope you don't miss Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. The hike to Double O arch is not to be missed at Arches,

[mappingmom]

I think we may shorten the stay at the south rim and stop in page to visit antelope canyon.

[TOOBOLD]

One of my favorite moments of Bryce Canyon was the Mossey Cave Waterfall. It is on Hwy 12 (east) pass the entrance of Bryce Canyon there is a mile marker for it. It is an easy hike and above the waterfall you can wade in the water.
Here is one of our pictures:

[rustycopperball]

I agree South rim ok, but very touristy, if you can get to North Rim, road is out but you can get around. IMHO Zion is the the place to go if you can reserve a spot do it you won't wanna leave truly beautiful their is a lot to see.and remember it takes hours to get anywhere out here in the west. SR to Bryce pulling rig 5-6 hours

[vermilye]

Might be too far out of your way, but a night at Goblin Valley State Park near Hanksville, UT is an interesting stop. Goblin Valley State Park

[mappingmom]

any light to moderate hikes that are a must? how about swimming holes?

[Dick_B]

I'd spend 1/2 day at the South Rim and use the rest of the time to get to the North Rim; unless you plan to do some hiking at the South Rim. The Ranger talks at the North Rim are informative.

[Desert_Captain]

89 up through Page is not an option. The section just north of 89A is closed indefinitely due to a landslide. The good news is that 89A up to Jacob Lake is a spectacular road and the USFS CG at jacob lake is very nice. Zion is is an easy 2 hour drive from there. if going to Zion get a reservation at the Watchman CG that is actually inside of Zion. Very nice CG right n the Virgin River, $18 a night gets you 30 amp service and a nice dump station, flush toilets etc.. :C

[campersuzid]

Before you get to Bryce NP, on Rt 12, there is a campground called Red Canyon (Dixie) which is one of my favorites out of the 2,400 we've been to. Why? Besides the amazing scenery all around, the hiking trails are super (Golden Wall trail would be challenge for you teenage boys while Buckhorn is great for an after dinner hike). FYI: Red Canyon cg has hot showers and a dump station and is in the heart of Butch Cassidy's stomping grounds. A visit center to the Dixie National Forest is also suggested (on the left before the cgs).

I assume from the South Rim you'll be taking Rt. 89. Have you considered taking Rt 89A rather than staying on Rt 89 going through Page, AZ? It is a breath-taking drive. Make a stop at the Trading Post at Cameron, AZ (on RT 89) than pause at one of the Native American run roadside stands. Interesting contrast.

If they don't have them already, you might consider getting your boys their own cameras. It would be a good way to keep them interested and provide a way for the whole family to remember this trip.

In my opinion, Zion NP is way better than Bryce. That opinion is based on the hiking trails. Zion is where I learned about the effects of elevation on cooking . Took almost a half-an-hour to prepare canned hash and eggs for dinner - good memories. And you'll have a bunch from your travels too. Enjoy and if you want details about Red Canyon cg check forestcamping.com.