"Toller" wrote:
>I am going to Las Vegas in July with my son. We have 1.5 days free at the
>end and I was planning on going to the Grand Canyon; but I didn't realize
>how far it was.
You are apparently talking about the South Rim of Grand Canyon
National Park. As Chris has pointed out, the North Rim is an
alternative -- much less congested (getting to, and once there) and at
8,000 feet is quite pleasant in July . But lodging is limited there.
>Zion is much closer. Is Zion sufficiently spectacular that I won't feel bad
>about skipping the Grand Canyon?
Zion is spectacular, but quite different from the Grand Canyon. From
Springdale at Zion you start at the bottom of a much smaller canyon
with a flowing stream (which you can visit much of via the free
shuttle buses in a limited time). The Angel's Landing hike is highly
recommended.
At the Grand Canyon you will be on a rim far above the Colorado River
in a vastly larger canyon with only limited opportunities to explore
in your time availability. There are some shorter hikes along the rim
which I can recommend if you wish, or you might want to hike down the
North Kaibab Trail a bit (don't go too far!).
>I saw the Grand Canyon 40 years ago, and hopefully he will be back some day;
>but still....
A lifetime isn't enough time to thoroughly explore the Grand Canyon
(both inside and outside the National Park), although I have been
trying more than a half century.
>On a similar subject; we have a half day free at the beginning. I was
>planning on going out to Red Rocks. Any alternatives that can be done in
>half a day?
Red Rocks is impressive, but unless you are a rock climber the options
are limited. Also, in July it will be quite hot at all lower
elevations throughout the Southwest. If you want a cooler option, you
could drive up into the Spring Valley National Recreation Area just NW
of Las Vegas. A lot depends on your interests on these trips.
http://www.worldfromtheweb.com/Parks/Toiyabe/Toiyabe.html
Caveat
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