As you might know, if you follow our blog, this Wanderer loves a road trip.  Recently, I was getting my haircut and my stylist mentioned that she was planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and asked for some tips.  I immediately jumped on that by suggesting that she turn her original idea into a grander experience, which includes 2 additional National Parks that are the lower steps on America’s Grand Staircase.  This trip will encompass 8 days, however, you can add a couple more on to either end since we’ve chosen Las Vegas as the starting and end point.  Viva la Grand Canyon!

Day 1 – Hit the Road

Las Vegas is a great starting point for this trip. Whether you get there by car or plane, you’ll already have started your adventure!  Head north to Zion National Park which is about a 2:45-minute drive.  Check into the Zion Lodge and pre-book one of the cabins.  Get settled in, pop open a bottle of champagne, sit on the porch and then take a sunset walk up to the Emerald Pools

Day 2 – Hike Zion 

Zion from Angels Landing

Hike to Angels Landing.  This a not a hike for the faint of heart but it just may be one of the best in your life.  If that is too much for you, then definitely take in all of the shorter hikes in the valley,  like the Riverwalk, and Weeping Rock.  If the weather is good then you should definitely consider a hike up the Narrows – but check with the Rangers at the Visitor Center first – this hike can be dangerous due to flash floods that often occur on the Virgin River.

Day 3 – Drive to Byrce

Enjoy a nice breakfast and then head out through the Mt Carmel tunnel on your 1:30-minute drive to Bryce.  The scenery on this drive is beautiful. Once there, you’ll want to book one of their cabins. They are steeped in history and provide a bit more privacy than the lodge.  The dining room (as we recall it anyway) is great.  If the sky is clear, you will have the best star spectacular ever!

Day 4 – Hike the Hoodoos

Night falls on the Grand Staircase

Talk to a Ranger and pinpoint the best hikes for you, and when you’re back, relax and take in the magnificence of the hoo-doos and canyons.

Day 5 – Drive to the Grand Canyon

This is going to be the driving day, however, it will be amazing.  Bryce to the North Rim is about 150 miles and then there are another 150 miles after that until you reach your final destination of El Tovar at the South Rim.  If you want to cut that time (and add a day), and you are traveling in season, there is a lodge at the North Rim.  I’ve never stayed there so I can’t recommend it, but it is on our list of places to stay.  Try for one of the canyon view suites at the El Tovar on the South Rim- you will not regret it!  Arizona doesn’t switch to daylight-savings-time so remember that as you are looking at the clock – one trip it really had us sideways!

Day 6 – The Big Hike

Jaw-dropping beauty

The hike.  We’ve only done one hike here and that was down to Panorama Point via the Bright Angel Trail. I highly recommend this hike but allow yourself a day for this.  It’s the same path that the burro’s use so occasionally you may need to step aside for them to pass by – which is cool – and I was thinking just how happy I was to NOT be on one of them! This hike will change your way of thinking about hiking forever.  Take plenty of water and make sure that you stop and rest along your trek.  They say to allow twice as much time to get out of the canyon as you do getting down, so watch your time and be safe!

Day 7 – Recuperation Time

Recuperation from day 6!  Spend this day driving around the south rim, taking in the historic spots and vista points that are filled with interesting facts about the area and the native people that made the Grand Canyon their home.

Day 8 – Head Home

Head home with a full heart and a happy mind! 

Taking a destination and reimagining how you get there can add some incredible extras to your vacation, and don’t forget the memories that will last a lifetime.  Be Forever Wandering But Not Lost!

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