mtaerie wrote:
>Message: We will be traveling to SW Utah from March 26th until April
>4th. We have never been to this area and want to see the wonders, do
>some amature photography, relax, hike, horse back ride, and golf. Does
>it seem reasonable to spend 3 days in the Bryce Canyon area and 6 days
>in the Zion area to accomplish our goals?
Sounds like a reasonable split of time between the two parks. Bryce is
higher in elevation and will be colder. There's only so much to see
there unless you are into hiking or exploring the Escalante River
drainage downhill to the east. Zion Canyon will be much warmer and has
a nice town at the entrance -- Springdale. Starting on April 1st you
will only be able to access Upper Zion Canyon by shuttle bus.
>What places/sights would you
>recommend as priorities? Is a 4 wheel drive a good idea?
You certainly won't need one at Zion, and likely wouldn't need 4WD at
Bryce unless you go exploring elsewhere in the region. All roads
within the parks are paved and maintained in case of bad weather. The
road between Bryce and Zion can get icy that time of year, but 4WD
wouldn't help you much then. The state keeps the road clear.
>We are
>thinking of staying at the Stone Canyon Inn in Bryce and the Canyon
>Vista B&B in Zion-any opinions about these choices? The Desert Pearl
>Inn was recommended and it looks fabulous but it is a little pricier
>than we want to spend on this trip. Any information or ideas you could
>share with me would be appreciated.
Don't know about the lodges; we always camp when we go there. There is
lots of good hiking in both parks, but you didn't mention any interest
in that. But at least do the short walk on a good trail into the
outlet of Zion Narrows. For a more adventurous hike I recommend
Angel's Landing. You'll never forget it.
Caveat
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