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I am going to Las Vegas for a few days and since I don't gamble, I was thinking of getting a car and hitting Zion and Grand Canyon North Rim. I have never been to either and wanted to see if anyone had some tips of things that I just have to do and see when I am there.
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Tue, July 31, 2007 - 3:30 PMZion is incredible. Kolob Canyon should not be missed, even if it is a different park entrance. At Springdale (the main park entrance) are a variety of hikes, all with different skill levels and distances. We really enjoyed Hidden Canyon (or was it hidden valley) trail, don't let the switchbacks put you off. Or if you hate the switchbacks, try the Narrows. The water level has been too high each time I've been to the park to really experience it, but apparently it is fantastic. Just remember to take lots of water anywhere you go.
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Tue, July 31, 2007 - 8:02 PMFor the best views of Zion Canyon, don't miss Angel's Landing. It's up and up, with a lot of people, but I think it's worth it (see my pics). The canyon rim is cool, with much less people, but I think Angel's has the best views from the top-all directions. -
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Wed, August 1, 2007 - 12:00 AMI've have also heard Angel's Landing is great, but I understand it's not for anyone with a fear of heights. I hiked Emerald Pools and the Narrows, which are easier going and offer the oppotunity for a swim. But, if heights don't bother you, definitely do Angel's Landing. I watched the sun come up from the south rim of the Grand Canyon and that was great. Don't know much about the North Rim. I also enjoyed hiking Bryce which is about two hours from Zion.
My Photos
picasaweb.google.com/oldguyn...ntureBus
This how I saw it
www.adventurebus.com/ap_home/index.asp -
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Wed, August 1, 2007 - 10:44 AMWhere are you able to swim? I thought that it was forbidden to go into the emerald pools. But I would definetely love to hike up to a secluded swimming hole -
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Wed, August 1, 2007 - 11:49 AMNo one told me I couldn't and there were no signs forbidding it, so I did. You might check with the park first. -
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Wed, August 1, 2007 - 3:58 PMcool, thanks for the tips!!
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Sat, August 4, 2007 - 4:48 PMwow that's a really amazing view!
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Wed, August 1, 2007 - 8:40 AMI really enjoyed bat watching at dusk. They were everywhere in Zion. Zion and Bryce Canyon are my two favorite NPs ever. I recommend spending as much time there as humanly possible. Can't really imagine doing the wrong thing there. Just like any other big park, the further you go from parking, the fewer other folks you'll see. Honestly, I really think you can't go wrong...except by touching down for 30 minutes and then bolting. That would be sad. BUT better than nothing!
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Sat, August 4, 2007 - 4:56 PMis it worth it to hike down to the bottom of the grand canyon? I only have 3 days for both zion and grand canyon so I was thinking of doing:
day 1 = zion
day 2 = GC, hike down
day 3 = GC, hike up
though with the amazing pics I am seeing from you guys, it seems like it might be better to do 2 days for Zion and 1 for grand canyon, doing just short hikes and driving to different viewpoints.
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Sun, August 5, 2007 - 12:37 AMI think unless you're going to hike to the bottom, the view won't change much. Three of our group hiked down into the canyon for a couple of hours and then muscled it back up. They said the view didn't change much, more just of a physical challenge. Of course, we were on the south rim and there were great views from the area of the lodge. Our sunrise views were from Bright Angel point, a short walk from the lodge. There is a dining room that sits right on the edge of the canyon, and an outdoor viewing area with chairs where you can sit back and just enjoy your mocha. Donkeys are another way to go as long as you are within the 200 lb weight limit. I think a hike across Bryce Canyon is worth a day. www.nps.gov/brca/
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Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking
Fri, August 10, 2007 - 7:51 PMI just went to both Zion and the Grand Canyon. I recommend the north rim very highly (that's where I stayed, it's way less crowded and more forested), and I hope you get a chance to do the hike through the canyon. It's a hard trip, especially in August, but it looks completely fantastic. It's got it's own weather down there, like a different universe, seeming with its own water system, plant and animal ecosystems, like this beautiful land from Journey to the Center of the Earth, except with sunshine..
Zion is just amazing. Red and gold and shining. If you can, travel through the Navajo Nation. It's one of the most beautiful places on earth.