Expert: CmdrMark - 5/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: What are the absolute can't miss/don't miss sites/attractions for a family group in Bryce Canyon and Zion Natl ?

ANSWER: Thank you for your question....So I may give you a more personalized response, let me ask if you'll be traveling to these parks from Las Vegas or from another direction? Also, how long do you anticipate being in Zion? In Bryce? Will you be doing additional traveling in the area? There are some fine sights nearby but if your time visiting is limited, I don't want to waste your time including them.

What ages are the children? (Some areas appropriate for older children and teens might be a bit too strenuous for younger children.)

Finally, will you be camping (tent/RV) or staying at in-park accommodations or near-park accommodations?

Regards,
CmdrMark - http://www.cmdrmark.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry I was so vague. Yes, we will be driving from Las Vegas. Our initial plan is to spend apprx. 2 days at Zion and 3 days at Bryce or vice-versa if the sites warrant.
The boys are 14 & 16 and are hearty and adventurous. We will be staying at hotel/motel facilities.

Thanks again for you advice.

RAB

Answer
I did Zion ( http://cmdrmark.com/zio96.html ) back in '96 on my way to Bryce for the evening. I-15 is a beautiful highway as it traverses the northwest section of Arizona from Las Vegas. At Zion: The Narrows Trail is GREAT! It is a "wet foot" where you are hiking IN the Virgin River and is a LOT of fun, especially if it's hot out! Bring sneakers you don't mind getting wet and you'll see sights you'll never forget. Canyon walls soar HIGH above you turning the sky into a ribbon of blue, I also enjoyed the Emerald Pools Trail ( http://www.nps.gov/archive/zion/TeacherCorner/TeacherMaterialsSelfGuided.htm ) but you can't swim in the pools anymore. I look forward to returning to Zion in the future to do this park at a much more leisurely pace.

Just before you get to Bryce, You'll pass through Red Canyon ( http://www.cmdrmark.com/RedCanyon.html ). I've always regretted not stopping at this cute little state park to poke around the colorful rocks. (Don't make the same mistake - it'll be a nice intro to the sights that await you at Bryce.)

Bryce is a BEAUTIFUL place. I did it in '96 after doing Zion ( http://cmdrmark.com/bry96.html ) in the morning and again in 2003 ( http://cmdrmark.com/200310.html ). The Under the Rim Trail is nice for a leisurely hike, not at all strenuous. Checking out Sunrise and Sunset points at the appropriate times should provide you with some stunning sights as the sun and shadows make the hoodoos seemingly come alive, weather permitting. A visit to Mossy Cave ( http://www.cmdrmark.com/MossyWaterfall.html ) is also a nice hike along side a creek (manmade) which brings water to the town of Topic allowing the existence of local farms. There's even a waterfall (a rarity in this desert climate). Locals used to have a holiday celebrating "The Day the Water Came" - Not sure if they do anymore. The trailhead for Mossy cave is east of the park entrance on Rt12. There are MANY trails at Bryce ranging from easy (Under the Rim) to Iron Man endurance hikes (Peek-a-Boo Loop) ( http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/hiking.htm ).

One of the highpoints of my trip to Bryce is recounted in my original '96 trip: You may never see a night-time sky like you will at Bryce. If you get the chance, once it gets dark, drive out of the park (route 63), cross route 12 and travel about five miles. On the right will be a graveyard. Pull into the driveway (the cemetery is about 50 yards off the road), kill the lights and engine, let your eyes get used to the dark and prepare for a celestial sight. (Note: Night vision follows the rule of 3's - you get 1/3 after 3 minutes of being in the dark, another 1/3 after 30 minutes and the final 1/3 after 3 hours. I've always found 2/3rds to be quite sufficient!) Ever seen the Milky Way? You will! You'll also see meteors, a satellite or two zipping across the sky and about a bazillion stars! Even though you've seen the night sky at your home or elsewhere, I venture to say that it'll be NOTHING compared to what you'll see here. No bright lights (in fact the only light is likely to be the ghostly flickering of candles on some graves) ensure that you'll see a celestial display you'll remember always!

Ruby's Inn ( http://www.rubysinn.com/ ) is at Bryce and is a full-service destination with laundromat, liquor store, grocery store, restaurant, campgrounds, ATM, etc. There are events available during the season ranging from dances and barbecues to horse rides (a lot of fun!), ATV tours and helicopter tours.

Depending on your time, you can backtrack past Zion to Las Vegas or you can sidetrack and see the Coral Pink Sand Dunes ( http://cmdrmark.com/kod96.html ). Kodachrome Canyon and Grosvenor arch mentioned in the noted web page, while nice, it might be a bit much for those on a limited time schedule. From the dunes, you can travel on a well graded dirt road to Rt 389 in Arizona, eventually to Rt 9 and then I-15 back to Sin City.

A map of my '96 travels is here ( http://www.cmdrmark.com/MapWest1996.html ). Ignore the travels going southwest from Las Vegas into the Mojave Desert! Definitely get maps from AAA or other Car Clubs before you go to assist in pre-planning your route. The AAA in Las Vegas MAY have more detailed maps of both Bryce and Zion. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't!

And now, the CmdrMark Safety Warning:
Many of the roads I traveled are designated Scenic Byways. They are so designated because of their unique or outstanding scenery. Some are also isolated, being off the beaten track. Since you are traveling in the high desert, always carry one gallon of water per person, and 3 gallons of water for your car should the unexpected occur. I bring TWO cans of Fix-A-Flat whenever I travel - They've saved me from my stupidity a number of times! Also, clothing for both hot and cold temperatures (the desert gets unbelievably cold at night), some munchies and most importantly, leave your itinerary with someone who can notify authorities should you not return on schedule. - Please take this warning seriously, it comes from a guy who had a flat on a dirt and gravel road in Death Valley during the summer! ( http://cmdrmark.com/dv94.html )


Let me know if you need any additional information.

Enjoy your travels.

Regards,
CmdrMark - http://www.cmdrmark.com