When H, D1 and D2 went to Zion, they stayed in this bed an breakfast and loved it.
We are running into trouble finding lodging. Will make calls and see if we can land some reservations.
I am not expecting 4 star. Still, I do not relax if my surroundings are not “nice enough”.
I love all of the suggestions! Also, thanks for the info that one can hike the Narrows without true hiking boots.
I am a nearly year round Teva hiker but am good with an athletic shoe. I have purchased and returned dozens of hiking boots–my foot is just too narrow and quircky and I hate the feeling of them. Rentals would never work out. H uses sticks and I was given a set and they are still in their package, we can take them along.
ihs, I wass wondering about Bryce and like your suggestions.
Thanks everyone, I had no idea how popular this area is–but I love the personal information!.
Not hiking boots. You will be in water up to your thighs or higher. They rent water shoes with good traction.
We just wore our Tevas. The velcro needs to be sturdy though because your feet will slip and slide around on the rocks in the water.
Bryce and Zion are so different! Bryce feels like something out of a fantasy novel; Zion is heavy like the wrath of God. I am glad I saw both, but I enjoyed my time in Bryce more. The Narrows is a ton of fun, though, and Angel’s Landing a trip.
One argument for spending more than a couple days at Bryce is that its elevation is a lot higher than Zion. On the canyon rim at Bryce, you are near 8,000 feet (iirc). The canyon floor at Zion is 3-4,000 feet lower. I had a day of altitude sickness at Bryce, but then I was fine.
At Bryce, we stayed at the lodge inside the park, but at Zion we stayed just outside the park entrance in Springdale – I think at the Best Western – and we actually enjoyed Springdale a lot, including its antique shops. The food was sure better than what was available in the park. We also got out of the canyon, and did some hiking in the back country around Kolob, which was a nice break from all the sheer rock faces.
We have decided to go in early Oct. as we have more time then. We will fly into Las Vegas and out of Salt Lake (with 2 nights and one day there) or the other way around --depends on the rental car prices.
JHS, we hike on Mt. Hood around that elevation at times and it does take getting use to. Glad it did not ruin your trip.
The Hampton in Springdale has opening and looks good but high prices for a Hampton.
I know we will pack many layers in case the weather changes. Thinking Oct 4th-10th for parks and then drive to the city and stay 2 nights and fly home the 12th. All just ideas right now. Cannot wait to see the stars.
^I think the Best Western is the Canyon Ranch Motel, affordable, no frills and conveniently located. We actually like it alot. Close to the park and several dining options.
Update! We leave in a few days. Bryce for 4 night and Zion for 3.
Mostly looking forward to the stars! We normally walk or hike 5-6 miles (hilly!)( 500 ft elevation gain in a mile to go to the coffee shop) 2-3 times a week but know that the
elevation at Bryce will take some adjusting to be comfortable.
Reread all of your great posts and will update when we return.
Thanks!
For the narrows, the kiddos all wore tevas or tennis shoes. For my DH and my 50 something body, who range in poor to miderate shape, water hiking boots are nice because you don’t even have to try to look where you out your feet. Just stomp all over the uneven terrain with good traction and good ankle support. I have an extremely wide foot and rentals worked great for me.
Have fun!
Hope you have a great trip. Looking forward to your report when you get back.
Thanks!
:(( It is suppose to rain in Bryce :((
We were in Bryce and Zion in early October last year. If you do the Narrows – rent all the equipment. We rented boots, a dry suit and poles. The water is cold enough this time of year that it is worth doing it.
Best stuff: Loved the Fairyland and Peekaboo hikes in Bryce, and rented a bike in Zion and biked from the Narrows trailhead to the entrance.
Way late update!
We hit terrible weather and so had long underwear on at Bryce one day. Rain and more rain so no hiking at Bryce and one day at Zion only to be drenched.
Still, everyday had a brief period of fog lifting and views.
I loved Bryce and H loved Zion.
Very different experiences!
Could not do the Narrows, though some groups were, but did not want to as there was no sun at all and the water was muddy and not pretty.
We stayed at Stone Canyon Inn in a cabin the first 4 nights. Staying less than 15 minutes from Bryce was genius as most days when we went up to Bryce it was in fog but lower there was sun.
Enjoyed Kodacrome the day we had a few hours of sun and was able to take 3 baby mile hike.
Stone Canyon Grill was really good but the prices high. We shared the second night and took our own bottle of wine and paid a corking fee (as my B had gifted us a $$$ bottle :).
In Springdale we stayed at the Desert Pearl Inn. It would be difficult to say how lovely!
CLEAN! Every need met. Just loved it. As well as laundry on site.
Loved our lunch and dinner at the Whiptail Grill–gads, a converted gas station with ok wine and amazing food.
Loved our lunch from Café Soleil --H did Angel’s Pass and I basked in the 4 ours of sun by the pool and he brought me the BEST sandwich ever.
(after that he convinced me to go on a hike–I said it would rain–and we were drenched! but not cold so OK).
Dinner at Bit and Spur and lunch at Oscar’s Café and coffee at Spotted Dog. All OK. Not great.
Our weather was awful but there were some great highlights.
I was also the only trip H and I have taken where we did not argue–so figure that!
Also, folks at Zion told us that November is clearer than Oct…
The Desert Pearl Inn is a treasure.
Another vote for the Desert Pearl!!