Road Trip: Zion National Park or Grand Canyon?

[ninhja]

I am planning a a roadtrip in August and wonder which would be more fun/photographically rewarding place to go. Going to both is STILL an option, but if you had to choose one, which would it be? Also if you know of great stops along the way, let me know! ( I know there's Las Vegas )

Seeing, as I've never been to both, what are some nice spots for photographs as well as activities? I know a bunch of you POTN'ers have been to these places

I will be going from Los Angeles or San Diego.

[pudgy_groundhog]

How long do you have? If you have a week, do the loop of the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce. It's going to be extremely hot and the north rim and Bryce will give a little relief since they are at higher elevations.

While the Grand Canyon is impressive, I actually prefer Zion (and this is just for overall experience, not just for photos). If you don't hike, I don't think you need that much time at the GC.

[Robert Zurfluh]

Zion all the way

[ninhja]

Planning to go for 4-5 days.

My friends and I are open to hiking. The loop sounds enticing. Thanks for the tip!

[chen5108]

Definitely Zion, plenty of interesting sites to see and photograph. Make sure you hike Angels Landing and if you do, don't stop at "chicken out point" =) have fun and post your shots when you get back.

[pudgy_groundhog]

btw, this website is useful for listing all the parks and a handy table with driving distances:

http://www.americansouthwest.net/

If you have to choose between the two, I would choose Zion. But you could probably still swing the loop (especially if it's really hot during the day - you can do sunrise, drive when it's hot, then hike/photos in early evening/sunset).

[spotz04]

If you go to Zion then it could be worth your extra time to hit Bryce Canyon National Park too. Since I'll be in Vegas for a week at the end of Aug I'm planning day trips out to Zion and Bryce, and also the Valley of Fire (NV). Possibly, if time allows, then another day trip out to Red Rock Canyon.

The last time I did a day trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon the day was extremely hazy since Monsoon storms were in and around the area most of the day.

[Win]

Zion will give you much more for your money. Like others said, you can also see Bryce for a day, it's only about 90 minutes from Zion. You'll pass through
Red Canyon and a hour spent there is well worth it.

Zion really has 4 areas, you'll want to see some of each. Main Canyon has the shuttle and many trails. East Side is outside the tunnel and doesn't have any real trails but you can hike many of the washes. Kolob Terrace Rd area is well worth a trip, especially in the evening. Last is the Kolob Fingers, a bit of a ride up I-15, about 35 miles from the main park entrance.

Win

[Boo-Man]

Zion I liked much more, Coming from florida i liked them both but zion your in the canyon and in the grand canyon your on top and there are way to many people at the south rim of the GC. If your going to go to the canyon go to the north rim, so much better.

[Echoherbie]

I will be in Las Vegas in mid to late December. I have the same question. If i do a day trip, where should i go? Zion/Bryce or GC in late December.

Thanks in advance for all advices.

[Echoherbie]

Originally Posted by Echoherbie

I will be in Las Vegas in mid to late December. I have the same question. If i do a day trip, where should i go? Zion/Bryce or GC in late December.

Thanks in advance for all advices.

I know the poll shows that most people suggested Zion. But is the weather in December going to make any difference to the decision.

Thanks.

[Win]

Zion is three hours from Las Vegas, I'm not sure how far the South Rim of the GC is. If you're staying overnight, you could see some of Zion and Bryce in one day. Weather could be an issue at Bryce in December. How about going to Red Rock, Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire, all in the Vegas area?

Win

[Geonerd]

Zion gets bloody hot in August. Highs around 100, with monsoonal humidity likely. Personally, I'd aim for North Rim, Bryce, or maybe Cedar Breaks. Subtracting two travel days leaves you only 2~3 days to shoot. IMO: Pick one of the above and stay put; hike some trails, take your time, and make some nice pictures.

With your limited time, I'd suggest you just blast up from LA/SD to wherever you are going. The desert along I-15 holds little of interest this time of year. Vegas? What for??

Are you camping or getting a room?

[Echoherbie]

Originally Posted by Win

Zion is three hours from Las Vegas, I'm not sure how far the South Rim of the GC is. If you're staying overnight, you could see some of Zion and Bryce in one day. Weather could be an issue at Bryce in December. How about going to Red Rock, Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire, all in the Vegas area?

Win

Hi Win,

I agree with you. After reading up further, i think the weather is going to be an issue for Bryce. I will stick to South Rim of GC this time (its about 4 hours from LV). Will visit Zion and Bryce in my next trip at a better time. Really appreciate your feedback.

[Geonerd]

Originally Posted by Echoherbie

I will be in Las Vegas in mid to late December. I have the same question. If i do a day trip, where should i go? Zion/Bryce or GC in late December.

Thanks in advance for all advices.

If you're on a genuine (1) day trip, Zion is MUCH closer. GC (south rim) is around 5 hours away - you'll spend the whole day in the dumb car, and will probably miss sunrise and sunset. Zion is about 2 1/2 hours up the road. Don't try to visit Zion AND Bryce in one day - again, you'll spend the whole day driving and will return with little more than pot-shot images.

If you can stay a night, the Big Gulch, or a Zion+Bryce combo becomes more practical.

In terms of scenery, I don't think there's much to choose between them; all three parks are stupendously beautiful in the winter. Zion does have the greatest variety of scenery.