Las Vegas to Zion Natl Park to Grand Canyon to Painted Deser

Planning a 6 day trip to Las Vegas in mid May. 2 night Sun %26amp; Mon) at MGM, Tues. rent a car driving to Zion Natl Park then to South Rim of Grand Canyon then drive to Painted Desert then back at Laughlin Tropicana or Ceasars?? on Friday evening. Sat morning drive to Las Vegas Airport for flight in the afternoon.. Does this seem like a good plan??? We only have reservations for Sun, Mon %26amp; Fri. Just hope for the best the other 3 night. Been to Las Vegas but not to other places. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated..

Las Vegas to Zion Natl Park to Grand Canyon to Painted Deser

You%26#39;re attempting too much. I would (with regret) save Zion for another trip. South Rim and Painted Desert should work in three days from Vegas.

Las Vegas to Zion Natl Park to Grand Canyon to Painted Deser

Agreeing with Blagger. You%26#39;ll be spending all your time on the road and no meaningful time at the destinations. The Painted Desert is the region to the east of the GCNP South Rim. Although there is a park that uses the name about 80 miles further east off I-40, you don%26#39;t need to go there to see enough of the painted desert on your own. Plan your trip to the GCNP and spend 2 or 3 nights there. On one of your full days drive out the east gate and down to Cameron. Then go south on 89 to Wupatki/Sunset Crater and tour the ruins and geological site there. You will be in the Painted Desert. Then continue down to Flagstaff and back up to the GCNP via 180 or 64 from Williams. It%26#39;s a good day trip loop from the GCNP.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I think we will take your advise and not do Zion this trip. We had thought about going to Petrified Forest National PK, would that be too far for a day trip from the Canyon?? Also, what about camping 2 nights at the Mather campground? We like the outdoors stuff. We did a canoe trip in the Boundry Waters last year and had a blast. Although we are ';seniors'; we still can rough it a couple of nights. What do you think? Thanks again, this is our lst experience to AZ.

Glad im not travviln with you.

Have you ';';GLANCED';'; at a map.

As an alternative a trip I have done a few times is Vegas to Zion to Bryce. Personally I love Bryce more than the grand canyon. The North Rim is within a drive from Zion BUT usually opens around mid may. Again I personally like the North Rim because there are fewer people.

If staying at Zion and bryce I would book ahead, in my experience they fill up.

I would not leave the GCNP for a day trip to Petrified Forest NP. Spend the time at the GCNP and if you insist on leaving the park, follow the loop plan that I offered. Going all the way to PF NP is just not worth it IMO.

We went to LV, Zion, The Arches, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, LV several weeks ago. Also the Royal Gourge in Colorado. I have to say the Utah parks were breathtaking. The Grand Canyon was also. The trip made me want to retire and buy a camper!!

Really, you should try and do the Utah parks on a separate trip - and take your time going through them. Believe me, they are worthy of a trip of their own!!

We spent two nights at the Grand Canyon - we stayed at a hotel inside the park which was wonderful. We got there at dark and the next morning woke up to a magnificent view!!

We spent about 2 weeks on the road. Don%26#39;t know how much time you have - but everyone of the places are a sight to behold, so try not to rush!!

PS - I have to agree with Red Rox - it isn%26#39;t worth losing time at GC to see the Petrified Forest. Although, I really enjoyed the PF - don%26#39;t take time away from GC. Also, at the Grand Canyon, be sure and go to the Watchtower.

Thanks for all your help. We are open for any more suggestions. Thanks again

The first thing you should do is try to get reservations inside the park for any or all of those nights. At this late date, availability of lodging could have a huge affect on your plans.

www.grandcanyonlodges.com