Expert: CmdrMark - 3/31/2009

Question
My family and I are staying at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch for 4 days.  We are using this as our base and taking day trips. We are there next week and found out that the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed.  How far a drive is it to the South Rim?  We don't want to have come all this way and not see the Grand Canyon.  We are also planning on seeing Bryce Canyon, Zion any other places we should go?

Answer
Quick Answers:

>How far a drive is it to the South Rim?

From the North Rim to the South Rim is about 11 miles...If you flew.
When I drove it, it was 215 miles with a couple of short side trips on the way. mapquest.com indicates that from Zion to the South Rim is 254 miles...one way. With a travel time of 4 1/2 hours.

>We don't want to have come all this way and not see the Grand Canyon.

There are a few interesting things to see on the way to one of the truly awe inspiring sights in America. But it is 254 miles so the choice is your to make. As a suggestion, I might book a room at one of the Grand Canyon lodges for a night - That way I wouldn't feel rushed and have the benefit of seeing a sunset and sunrise that's often spectacular.

We are also planning on seeing Bryce Canyon, Zion any other places we should go?

Bryce - Excellent choice.
Zion - nice but in a different way.
Red Canyon - small but beautiful park just before you get to Bryce
Mossy Cave - a little past Bryce on the right. Interesting because it's there.

I'll be sending a fuller answer tomorrow including sights (and sites) to see if you decide to go to the South Rim.