zion/grand canyon camping and hiking

topic posted Tue, July 31, 2007 - 1:38 PM by  Gish
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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.
posted by:
Gish
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  • Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking

    Tue, July 31, 2007 - 3:30 PM
    Zion 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.
  • Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking

    Wed, August 1, 2007 - 8:40 AM
    I 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!
  • Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking

    Sat, August 4, 2007 - 4:56 PM
    is 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.
    • Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking

      Sun, August 5, 2007 - 12:37 AM
      I 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/
  • Re: zion/grand canyon camping and hiking

    Fri, August 10, 2007 - 7:51 PM
    I 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.

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