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03/09/2006 09:27:41 PM · #1 |
We are looking to do our Canyon trip a bit earlier than anticipated. Next spring and summer my Daughter won't be available because she'll be a graduating Senior, prepping for college, etc. So now we are thinking this August (late August). I suspect this isn't the best time for photography, but I may have to make due.
We have about 8 days to spend. Here's what we were thinking:
A.) Fly to Vegas. Arrive early, drive to Bryce Natl Park
B) Spend 'X' days there, then off to Zion Natl Park for 'Y' days, then
C) Grand Canyon for 'Z' days, then
D) back to Vegas for maybe one night (never been there).
Family likes to hike, though we've never hiked in the west so we're hoping we're not so green as to step on rattlesnakes or other potentially harmful creatures). I like to take pictures, probably could get up in the mornings to shoot, so we'd want to be as close to the photo action as possible.
I know I already asked about G.C., but:
1) What are your thoughts about these other parks.
2) What are your favorite photo spots, the best places to be in late August?
3) How long would you spend for X, Y, Z at these places for hiking, scenery, and photography mostly
4) Best places to stay close so I can get up early and take a quick trip for the morning light while family sleeps and has breakfast (we are not campers, unfortunately).
All good ideas welcome about this trip. We are just starting to plan, though we need to get our flights soon, and maybe reservations.
Thanks in advance!
Neil
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03/09/2006 09:35:54 PM · #2 |
| My wife and I are making a similar trip on April 6-11. Can't wait to see what people have to say. |
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03/09/2006 09:37:53 PM · #3 |
All three parks have GREAT photography. I have not been personally to GC and Bryce yet but they are big destinations for many regional landscape photogs.
For Grand Canyon, most convenient town is Flagstaff, AZ
For Bryce and Zion St. George is good but look into Cedar City.
I believe there is a lodge right in Zion but have never stayed there & don't know summer rates. You can always check out the Ntl. Park websites for more info.
it will be HOT HOT HOT! and also monsoon season so its a good idea NOT to hike in slot canyons after noonish, especailly if the forcast says there is any chance of T-storms....flash floods kill in those canyons! There are plenty of non-canyon hikes so you shouldn't feel too restricted. |
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03/09/2006 09:44:16 PM · #4 |
whew, that'll be one HOT trip Niel.
Can you make it to the lake Powell Area?
There a pretty cool site that shows some amazing views of Zion though, //www.zionpark.org/product_12.html
Never had the priviledge of being at either, but my in-laws back-pack around there every few years. //www.twohikers.org ... not sure if they have a backpacking review up over there right now though. |
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03/09/2006 09:50:49 PM · #5 |
Neil,
Zion and Bryce are incredible.
We stayed in Springdale which is right outside Zion's southern entrance. The hike to Angels Landing is awesome and the views from the top are spectacular. The narrows is a fun hike too. You might also consider the Kolob Canyons area as well - it's in the NW part of the park. The Lee Pass Trail is some good hiking there.
Bryce is pretty accessable by car. Sunset views are the best there. The fairyland trail was a good day hike. Can't help you with lodging as we camped there. You might want to have a red enhancing filter for Bryce.
You're prob going to be at the north rim of the GC - since the south rim is about an additional 8 hours by car. The north rim is pretty remote - there's a lodge there but not much else anywhere near there - nothing like the tourist village on the south rim. You can day hike down the North Kaibab Trail - pretty nice views for the first few miles.
You're not likely to see any rattlers much less step on one, but do be careful and don't forget you are in the back country. We were involved in a rescue of a hiker that got caught in a rockslide snapping his leg. It took us 6 hours just to get him to a place where the helicopter could land. |
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03/09/2006 10:01:08 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
4) Best places to stay close so I can get up early and take a quick trip for the morning light while family sleeps and has breakfast (we are not campers, unfortunately). |
For Bryce it would be Ruby's Inn period.
Zion, I have stayed at the Quality Inn but search hotels in Springdale, UT
Grand Canyon check here
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03/09/2006 10:03:03 PM · #7 |
Neil,
If you get a chance, head a bit further esat to Page, AZ. That's where you'll find Horseshoe Bend, the Slot Canyons and Lake Powel. It's really not that far. |
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03/09/2006 10:05:16 PM · #8 |
More days for Vegas! I spent 7 days there on my last vacation and everyday was tons of fun. You just can't get bored there. So much to see, so much to do. Buy show tickets months in advance if possible.
Nick
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03/09/2006 10:13:17 PM · #9 |
The main tourist area of Zion's NP is pretty compact. Cars are not allowed in that area during the summer, but there is a wonderful free shuttle system that works very well. I love the Weeping Rock and it's just a short trail from the shuttle stop. There are often rock climbers on the cliffs at one of the stops. At the top of the loop, the Narrows is a wonderful slot canyon that is cut by the river. It's very refreshing to hike/wade up the canyon for a distance and the canyon walls tower for hundreds of feet above you.
Kolob Canyon is worth visiting in Zions, also.
Take some time to drive the whole road through Zions and take some of the hikes along the roadway. They are well worth the time. I would stay at least 2 days at Zions.
I love the road from Zions to the North Rim of Grand Canyon. The lodge is run by the Park Service and is a wonderful step back in time. I loved staying there. It is much less touristy on the North Rim than the South, I hear. From the lodge, you can walk to many scenic vistas. I stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed every minute, without hiking down the canyon.
Becky |
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03/09/2006 10:17:34 PM · #10 |
Grand Canyon:
Rent a Cabin at bright angel point at the south rim of the grand canyon. Walk out your door and you are right on the rim! Keep an eye out for the huge california condors. Flagstaff is just over an hour drive from the rim, but another alternative, there is a small town called Tusayan just outside of the park with hotels and resturants. You can be on the rim in 15 minutes from there. It touristy, but the Imax there is well worth the price of admission. When i spend the night up there I stop by and see it again.
I haven't been to Bryce or Zion because when I drive up that way I never get past the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell or Escalante. But... from what I have heard you will want to spend the most time at Zion. 3-4 days.
Hiking tips:
Don't worry about snakes. I hike 100s of miles per year out here and rarely see any during the day. At night, watch where you step. My last night hike I saw 4 rattlers in less then a mile. But, they don't want to bother you. Leave them alone and your are fine.
Other then that, bring a lot of water, it's dry out here and that is the #1 killer in the summer. Salty and/or greasy snacks are best while hiking. They help you hold water in, but any snacks work. Avoid alcohol or cafeine if hiking, they both encourage dehydration.
And if you hike the Grand Canyon, remember that going up is seriously difficult and going down is super easy. But if you go down you have to go up. Everytime I've hiked it I pass tourist that wandered down the trail too far and end up having a really bad day. And two words TREKING POLES!!!
If you do want to hike the GC let me know and I'll tell you my favorite hikes there.
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03/09/2006 10:38:54 PM · #11 |
We were in Zion during my geology field camp (2 month road trip throughout the west) as an undergrad. The slot canyon (Narrows) is definitely the main attraction. We managed to do that along with some other short things (Weeping rock sounds familiar) all in one day, though I would have liked to spend more time in the slot canyon (admittedly part of our morning was occupied with geology lectures, so perhaps it can be done in one day). Bring sandals or shoes that can get wet (and clothes that can as well)...you're hiking in the stream through much of the canyon. We were in up to our waists at one point, though I think we went farther than most of the tourist crowd. It's a really fun hike with some great photo ops. Unfortunately I was on the road for 2 months sans computer so I was rationing my photos and didn't take very many that day. Here's one:
And yeah...don't stress about the snakes. During that 2 months we were travelling around the west, we only saw one rattler and I'd never seen one before that in all the time I've spent in central Oregon. If you don't bug them, they wont bug you.
I'd say one night in Vegas is probably worth it, even with kids in tow. It's fun in a crazy way...all the buildings are fun to see and there's lots to do even if you skip the gambling and drinking (most of us were underage the first time I was there...we hit rollercoasters, penny slots, the giant M&M store, buffets and a bunch of other silly stuff). |
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03/09/2006 10:39:23 PM · #12 |
| Valley Of Fire State Park, is only 30 minutes north of Las Vegas. I was there last month and was amazed. It's a well kept secret. This park is so nice, when I was there, a production company was filming a Ferrari promotion. Talk about awesome! |
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03/09/2006 10:43:48 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by TommyMoe21:
Valley Of Fire State Park, is only 30 minutes north of Las Vegas. I was there last month and was amazed. It's a well kept secret. This park is so nice, when I was there, a production company was filming a Ferrari promotion. Talk about awesome! |
Hey yeah, there are state parks too. I haven't been to Valley of Fire, but I've been to Red Rocks twice. It's close to vegas and has some nice scenery. Lots of intensely colored rock. |
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03/09/2006 10:51:38 PM · #14 |
Neil, I'm planning a similar trip for mid to late September. Have you considered Valley of Fire? It's about 45m-1h east of Vegas. I've never been out west so can't really give advice but I hear VoF is good. I'm also looking to go to the North Rim, Bryce and the other nearby parks.
I've been looking at this site and it's pretty good:
American Southwest.net
Across the top you can choose a state.
Hope you have a terrific trip!! Hope August isn't too hot for you. :-)
edit: Oh, I find this site too: The Train
Message edited by author 2006-03-09 22:52:16.
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03/09/2006 10:59:02 PM · #15 |
HA! When I was there several years ago it was a fancy Sedan commercial!
Originally posted by TommyMoe21:
Valley Of Fire State Park, is only 30 minutes north of Las Vegas. I was there last month and was amazed. It's a well kept secret. This park is so nice, when I was there, a production company was filming a Ferrari promotion. Talk about awesome! |
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03/09/2006 11:06:29 PM · #16 |
| I wouldn't do any hiking down into the canyon in August. The rim isn't bad in the summer (90's), but the temp.s are about 20 degrees warmer down in the canyon. As someone else mentioned, it is monsoon season. The thunderstorms usually hit every day late afternoon. Nice for lighning shots. |
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03/09/2006 11:18:23 PM · #17 |
i like to call this area home. visit for some inspiration.
live here for life.
//groups.msn.com/deepfrogphoto |
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03/09/2006 11:37:18 PM · #18 |
| I know the best time I had when I was in this area, was when we flew over the canyon in helicopter. It was a bit pricey for me, but what a rush. |
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03/09/2006 11:47:13 PM · #19 |
Havasupai falls
is AMAZING! It is the Home of the Havasupai Tribe. I spent 4 days down there(not enough)and it's beautiful! It feels like the land time forgot. |
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03/10/2006 12:33:27 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by ButterflySis:
Neil, I'm planning a similar trip for mid to late September. Have you considered Valley of Fire? It's about 45m-1h east of Vegas. I've never been out west so can't really give advice but I hear VoF is good. I'm also looking to go to the North Rim, Bryce and the other nearby parks.
I've been looking at this site and it's pretty good:
American Southwest.net
Across the top you can choose a state.
Hope you have a terrific trip!! Hope August isn't too hot for you. :-)
edit: Oh, I find this site too: The Train |
Late Sept. is when you should be in the rockies. ;o)
Late october for Grand Canyon.
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03/10/2006 12:33:29 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by ButterflySis:
Neil, I'm planning a similar trip for mid to late September. Have you considered Valley of Fire? It's about 45m-1h east of Vegas. I've never been out west so can't really give advice but I hear VoF is good. I'm also looking to go to the North Rim, Bryce and the other nearby parks.
I've been looking at this site and it's pretty good:
American Southwest.net
Across the top you can choose a state.
Hope you have a terrific trip!! Hope August isn't too hot for you. :-)
edit: Oh, I find this site too: The Train |
Late Sept. is when you should be in the rockies. ;o)
Late october for Grand Canyon.
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03/10/2006 12:37:19 AM · #22 |
I was in that neck of the woods last week, Grand canyon, south rim, petrified forest, Zuni pueblo, Acoma pueblo, Chaco Culture canyon, Mesa Verde, Vermillion mountains, the slot canyons, Brice and home through Vegas. Now i have a huge backlog of editing to do, but it was a great trip, partially because of the waether right now, cool and clear. I don't think I could survive that same route in August. If you have a day and don't mind the walk, Havasupia falls is a gem.
 , the only 2 I've posted up, got to get to work. |
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03/10/2006 09:51:52 AM · #23 |
Thank you! I'll be following up on all the suggestions this weekend. I have a lot to lookup on the web now.
I was worried that this wouldn't be a good time of year to go, but it sounds like it will be ok. Now to figure out the details!
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03/15/2006 10:45:49 AM · #24 |
Having lived and hunted country in and around Utah I would offer the following from experience.
1. Stay together and avoid snags, snarls and inaccesable places
2. Given that you will be drawn to the above take flares, a first aid kit and a weeks worth of snickers bars to allow you the best shot of surviving the inevitable snag that won't let you go.
3. Be prepared to gnaw your leg off if you have to.
4. Take lots of water.
5. Plan for sun protection. At higher elevations it can get cold overnight.. see item 2.
6. Good topographical maps with hiking trails.
7. Dry canyons can become wet ones very quickly, be aware of weather in the distance.
8. Vistas are fantastic, every year the helicopter crews get to enjoy them as they crate folks out. Be cautious (item 2 again).
9. Rest often, high elevations can cause embolisms if you are not used to it.
10. If you already know all this stuff, so do the scouts that ignore it every year and invariably lose troop members. Stay alert and enjoy the land. |
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03/15/2006 11:01:52 AM · #25 |
You should have a lot of fun planning and enjoying this trip, as a local I can say you are heading for some amazing country. Bryce and Zion probably won't be as hot as the Grand Canyon area in August, just look for shade.
A note about the Grand Canyon Railway; we booked an adventure through AAA that included hotel, meals, train fare, etc. on the South rim. Not so impressed, the hotel was very nice (in Williams, AZ) but the Chuck-a-rama style meals were worse than school lunch. Our train broke down on the approx. 2 hour journey to GC (25 miles an hour with no air conditioning and that's the normal operating procedure) so it actually took 3 hours and put us behind schedule. You then are at the mercy of the bus drivers ..."get out, look for 2 minutes, get back on the bus". Bottom line, drive your own car out to the rim and it should be a much better/relaxing trip ... oh, and pack your own lunch lol !!
Message edited by author 2006-03-15 11:03:36. |
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