AboutCmdrMark Expertise National, State and Local Parks, Preserves and Forests around Las Vegas. Some "off the beaten track" information. Fossils. Petroglyphs. Ghosttowns, Primitive Camping. Minimal Las Vegas related info (ie. shows, hotels, buffets, casino, gambling, etc.)
Question We are plannning a trip to form LA to LV and then onto the Canyons in October. It would be great if you could give some advice as to the best routes and accomodation stops given that we have booked our initial accommodation at the Grand Canyon South rim for the 2 nightsany tips for here would be appreciated. We then have a further five days to get back to LV. We would like to cover Lake Powell, Bryce and Zion. Unsure whether this is achievable and whether we need to have accomodation stops in all areas our to get the most out of our trip. Understand that North rim will be closed? Many thanks for your help.
Answer > initial accommodation at the Grand Canyon South rim for the 2 nights any tips for here would be appreciated.
Grand Canyon - Go to the Canyon View Visitors Center. They will have answers for ANY questions you might have.
Depending on your health, go hiking. In great shape? Take a trail that goes into the canyon, but DO NOT go all the way to the bottom, then expect to climb back out! 250 people a year (mostly young 18-45 year olds)need to be rescued; Many get in trouble by trying to go down and back in one day. In "not so good" shape? Meander along the Rim trail. Many parts are paved and it provides a nice stroll. (You will be at 7000' elevation so you may experience some huffin' & puffin' at first. Drink LOTS of water. Carry a water bottle with you...Guzzle, don't sip. This water advice pertains to your ENTIRE TRIP!)
Dinner at El Tovar - Get a room by the windows just before dusk and watch the canyon fade to an inky black.
Sunsets and Sunrises - most anywhere. Face one way and see the canyon in silhouette, the other way and see the suns low rays turn the walls into a blaze of color.
>We then have a further five days to get back to LV. We would like to cover Lake Powell, Bryce and Zion.
I assume you'll be leaving the Grand Canyon on Rt. 64. Go north on US 89. A few miles north will be US 160 towards Tuba City. (There's "cheaper" gas at an Indian-owned gas station in Tuba City, Navajo Petro, I think.) You might be interested in the Dinosaur Tracks just off 160 (look for the homemade "Dinosaur Tracks" sign).
The North Rim closes in Mid October. Don't know if you'll just make or miss it. It's 6 1/2 hours driving from South to North Rim (just to give you an idea of distance out there)
Traveling north on 89, you can continue to Lake Powell or take Alt. 89 to Fredonia, AZ. I've not been to Lake Powell but can tell you the Alt 89 road is listed as a scenic byway justifiably. You can find lodging across the border in Kanab, Utah where 89 meets up with alt 89.
From Kanab, it's a couple or three hours to Bryce. Ruby's Inn is THE place to stay. Convenient to the park and it has about anything you'd want, from laundry to general/food store to liquor store and post office. There's a nice horse ride most likely led by a real cowboy. It covers some of the area you'd probably not see.
I'd suggest a couple of nights in Bryce. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular over the golden-hued hoodoos (rock formations).
Backtracking to 89, head west on Rt 9 to Zion. (a couple of hours from Bryce). Can't tell you anything about lodging or eating but can recommend you take the "wet-foot" hike up the Virgin river at the end of Riverside Walk! Spend a night in Zion.
From Zion, you're 2 1/2 to 3 hours from Las Vegas. I-15 has spectacular scenery.
Spend your last night in Las Vegas. Go to Valley of Fire about an hour north of the city. Beautiful sandstone from the palest pink to crimson red. Check out Red Rock Canyon. (I think Valley of Fire is WAY better!) Go see Hoover Dam - Where giants worked.
Have you has the opportunity to see my website detailing my travels?
In depth info on the parks listed above as well as helpful hints such as where to park and see a night sky that'll knock your socks off! Places to stop along the way to admire nature's handiwork.
Again, my apologies for the delay in getting this rough itinerary to you. If you have any questions or need further info, please don't hesitate to ask.
