Monumental Sight They include hiking, camping, photography, spotting wildlife, mule rides, scenic drives and the Junior Ranger program. Drive south and veer west to see and stay in Zion National Park. It's time to start planning this adventure-filled trip through the American West. There are driving tours for Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyons South Rim. Accommodation options for those who prefer to be indoors include motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, private homes, and motels. If you want to hold a wedding at Shoshone Point, you must get a permit from the Grand Canyon National Park. Discover the secrets of the parks hidden gems. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is possible to click photos of beautiful scenery. Get the reverse directions for a The other is from the South Rim. The Direct Route is the shorter route and will take you to the city of Flagstaff on the way. It starts at the Bright Angel Trail end. Day 10 Moab to SLC about 4 hrs via hwy 6. GC to MV Tribal Park is a little longer than 3 hours and you will want to stop along east rim (Desert View) and at Cameron. We've chosen the best places to stay to split your drive up and the ultimate luxurious hotels to rest in so you can have the ultimate desert highway experience. Here's my next attempt at an itinerary, with some blanks, 4: arrive in Moab ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are several places you could stop for the night between GC and Moab. You can see Hance Rapids, Desert View Tower, Vishnu Temple, Horseshoe Mesa and much more from this cliff. It is located at the bottom of the canyon, meaning there are no natural obstacles such as mountains or cliffs. It's okay, you can start planning your You should also remember to bring water. Elk grazing as the sun sets in Rocky Mountain National Park, Enjoying the view at Painted Wall in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, The West and East Mitten buttes in Monument Valley, gypsyguide.com/tour/rocky-mountain-national-park/, gypsyguide.com/tour/grand-canyon-south-rim/, www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/denver-co, www.mycoloradoparks.com/national-parks/weekend-itinerary, www.mycoloradoparks.com/national-parks/bcotgnp, Here are some of our favorite things to do, Sleep well and sustainably about a mile from the rim. by calculating the distance from Moab to Grand Canyon National Park. However, it will take longer to get there. Have fun! Read more on our Colorado Parks website atwww.mycoloradoparks.com/national-parks/weekend-itinerary, At this impossibly sheer, narrow canyon in southwestern Coloradoat its thinnest points, the gorge spans just 40 feet at the Gunnison River and 1,100 feet at the rimrock walls plunge as deep as 2,722 feet. You can see Arizona on both ends of the canyon. In this article, well provide you with some ideas of things to do and places to stay when youre looking for a fun getaway. You can spend several days exploring the canyons. It is located at latitude35deg54N and longitude 111deg01W. A little longer way but not by much timewise would be to take I-70 to either 89 (to hwy 12) or I-15 south (to hwy 20). The campground is located off the main road. Located near Santa Fe, New Mexico approximately seven and a half hours away from Grand Canyon, South Rim and nine hours from the North Rim. Having 33 states and territories, 23 countries, and a grand collection of national and state parks in her travel log; her current goal is to visit all 50 states in the next 5 years. Explore the Grand Canyon Skywalk. For more information, visit the National 10. Hiking the South Rim of Grand Canyon on foot, horseback, mountain bike, and four-wheel drive, AcreageReports Land and Water Conservation Fund (U.S. National Park Service), Grand Canyon Hotel & Lodging at the South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park Site Pass in Arizona Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov Camping and Cabins, RVs Permits, Passes & Other Information, Grand Canyon National Park Site Pass Arizona Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More. You can also pack a water filter or iodine tablets to treat any water you collect along the way. Before you head out on your hike, check the weather forecast. Highlights are Oljato-Monument Valley, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater, Flagstaff, Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie National Forest and Zion National Park. Located near Grants, New Mexico approximately five hours away from Grand Canyon, South Rim and seven hours from the North Rim. It is easier to reach the North Rim. Top things to do in Denver: Union Station Red Rocks Amphitheater 16th Street Mall RiNo Arts District Confluence Park Denver Art Museum The Mile High Step at the Denver Capitol Building Coors Field Pro tip: if you're flying or into Denver for this road trip, plan to spend at least a day here. It also requires a permit which you will need to purchase before you can get there. You can also explore the Kaibab Plateau which was once home to Anasazi tribes. Many other places are worth seeing, including the Painted Desert, Rainbow Bridge, and more. It's not uncommon for higher-altitude sections of the Park (especially near the North Rim) to be covered in snow well into spring, rendering them inaccessible. Keep it short and simple, and concentrate on the most important points. Respect others! Bryce is known for its unique rock formations called hoodoos. As you travel across the area, the scenery subtly changes, and every bend in the road offers new and exciting vistas. Planning a Grand Canyon trip is important. It's time to start planning this adventure-filled trip through the American West. Phoenix is also a great choice for those who need to be close enough to the airport. There's even free private parking, so you don't have to worry about where to put your vehicle when you arrive. This includes foods taken out of the kitchen or prepared in a restaurant. This is one of the country's best National Parks and you too can experience it. The Grand Canyon Railway takes you between Williams, Arizona and the South Rim. Dip into some of the states best on your road trip from Denver to the Grand Canyon. Camp under the stars. The road distance is 329.7 miles. The monument is also a dark sky park, which means that it is known for having the darkest skies in the lower 48 states. to double check the weather. We skip the major cities and try to uncover hidden spots along the way that members have recommended which might be less obvious. You can see that there are many options for exploring Zion National Park. Next, head to the Hopi Cultural Center. Driving to the Grand Canyon is the ultimate road trip. The South Rim has the Grand Canyons most breathtaking part. There are several other stops like Point Imperial, which gives you the opportunity to see the Colorado River from both the canyon and Antelope Canyon. The Lodge On Route 66. Find out which one to visit. There are rest houses along the trail where you can refill your water bottle. It also includes two viewpoints that are within walking distance of the main parking lot. Its difficult to keep your eyes on the road as you drive through Monument Valley. Located near Montrose, Colorado approximately seven hours away from the Grand Canyon, South Rim and and eight and a half hours away from the North Rim. The top stops along the way from the Monument Valley to Moab (with short detours) are Dead Horse Point State Park, Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park. From Tuba City, Ariz. choose to visit the Grand Canyons North or South Rim. Petrified Forest National Park Stay active in winter. Located in Utah, Natural Bridges is one of the only places in the world that has three natural bridges. The following are other things you should know about the Grand Canyon before you go: You must be at least 10 years old to enter the park. This route is for visitors who want to start their journey at Grandview Point Trail. The other option would be to stay in GC one more night but then drive straight to Moab. This will allow you to enjoy its beauty better. While you're driving, you can visit the Wupatki National Monument, a collection of pueblos that date back over 900 years ago. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. These campsites feature a tent pad, picnic table, fire grill and pit toilet. Fortunately, water does exist in the canyon and if you are prepared you can have an amazing rafting experience. If you go via Capitol Reef and hwy 12 you'll have a great scenic drive, but you might be tempted to spend more time along the way increasing your drive time immensely. The Grand Canyon is a year-round destination that's just as beautiful in any season, even during the winter. You have many options when it comes to public transportation in order to reach Grand Canyon. From Moab, head west to explore the Capitol Reef National Park and Dixie National Forest. It begins at the South Rim, and ends near Supai Tunnel. Located near Ramah, New Mexico approximately five hours away from Grand Canyon, South Rim and seven hours from the North Rim. Las Vegas would be the best choice if your goal is to see the areas culture, cuisine, and nightlife. There aren't really any attractions within Springdale and Zion, other than the unlimited natural beauty. This area is known for its natural beauty. You will need to wear shoes that you can walk in and clothing that is waterproof. The city itself is full of historic monuments and ancient buildings. Whats the difference? Because you have to cross twice the Colorado River, it takes more time than driving via California. Visit the Grand Canyons less-crowded North Rim before heading back into Utah to find adrenaline-fueled adventure in Zion. You can camp in the parks many campsites, either next to the river or in a meadow. Learn more about Monument Valley. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31053328', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Las Vegas, which got me thinking about the whole Grand Circle trip with Bryce/Zion too, but that starts to get really packed. To get to the North Rim, youll need to drive approximately 3 hours north of Las Vegas. Raft the Desert Wests Best River Stretches with OARS The tan, cubist rock has become a popular photo-taking spot. As far as GCNP, if it's part of a bigger trip you could spend a couple nights at the south rim and move on. Then, you'll pass by the Coconino National Forest, a beautiful protected space right outside of Flagstaff. Both are amazing places to see, but we recommend seeing them in different seasons. For another, the canyons rim sits at between 8,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation, making it cooler and allowing pine and spruce forests to flourish. Maximize your experience at Bryce Canyon National Park by driving to Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce viewpoints. ), Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Distances and travel time are conservative estimates. For first time visitors and those with limited time, visiting the overlooks on Island in the Sky is one of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park. The White Wave does not require a permit from the BLM. Your adventure can be as crazy or mild as you want it to be. And lastly? Highlights are Oljato-Monument Valley, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater, Flagstaff, Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie National Forest and Zion National Park. In Navajo, yth means welcome. Dive deep into Navajo culture with these four stops in Farmington, N.M. Plus Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness area, dotted by spires, sculpted rock and colorful hills, is just 35 miles away. If you plan to hike, bring proper footwear and clothing. I'd prefer to fly in and out of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Visitors who choose this route will start their journey at the end of the Grandview Point Trail. 700 miles. This viewpoint is hidden just a mile off the South Rim road in the desert area near the village of Yaki Point. Bring plenty of water and food if you are planning to hike. On February 26, 1919, the Grand Canyon National Park was created. Permits are required in many locations and need to be obtained in advance. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:47 pmdrive for about 29 minutes, 4:16 pm arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, Monticello (Utah) Obtaining permits for a ceremony or any other activity in a national park is important to protect the environment and minimize your impact on it. What is there to see between San Luis (Arizona) and Williston? Soak up the views on the paved path from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point an easy walk and memorable vistas. Take the time to enjoy each moment of your vacation. This drive has been called the most scenic in America by many and its no wonder why. Hikers can choose from many trails. Follow it through the beautiful Monument Valley into US 160(also known as the Navajo Trail) in Arizona. Both trails lead you to the Grand Canyons edge. 520 miles. This is where the views are spectacular. There are two beautiful routes to choose from to get to the Grand Canyon from Moab, Utah. You should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a mosquito spray. It ends at Supai Tunnel. You can drive from GC to Moab in one day but you'll miss lots of good places. If you have only one day to see the Grand Canyon, youll need to focus your time on the South Rim. The North Rim is only open between May 15 and October 15. Whether youre hiking to a viewpoint, taking a mule ride or planning a river trip there are many things that need to be considered. Other trails lead away from the rim towards the North Rim. Avoid eating food prepared in another place. Choose water, land, train or foodie escapades. While the North Rim should be visited in Summer or Winter. Sandi Barrett 3. The Grand Canyon entrance is closer to your park, so it will be cheaper. Returning your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, MV is best at sunset and sunrise so my choice would be to stay for the night although Bluff makes a nice stay as we all know but it's one hour from MV. The beauty of this windswept phenomenon is highly protected by the BLM, and only the very lucky receive one of the 20 daily permits issued. Located near Santa Fe, New Mexico approximately seven hours away from Grand Canyon, South Rim and nine hours from the North Rim. the best place to stay is probably The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon. The hike is 16 miles long from start to finish, but if you hike from the Temple of Sinawava (the last stop on the shuttle), you can create your own experience with an out-and-back hike. Hiking the Grand Canyon is a challenging, rewarding and memorable adventure. If you go this way you won't be tempted to stop as much. Enter a city to drive through, or find all, trips from Moab to Grand Canyon National Park. You should also visit the Rainbow Bridge, Painted Desert, and many other locations. In November, the Native American Heritage Days festival honors the Native American tribes that have called this area home for several thousands of years. The Direct Route is the fastest and most direct route from Moab to the Grand Canyon. Drive to Bryce Day 5 Bryce in the morning, drive to Torrey along hwy 12 day 6 drive to Moab day 7, 8, 9, Moab Day 10 Moab to SLC about 4 hrs via hwy 6. So maybe: 2. You should bring lots of water. Day 5: Drive to Page, see Antelope Canyon. Or get a full Moab to Grand Canyon National Park flight plan. All of these routes provide different perspectives of the park. Into the Deep Fodors travel experts have visited and explored every corner of the Grand Canyon, and their local authors know the region like the back of their hand. People have been living in Old Oraibi for nearly 1,000 years. The North Rim gets far fewer visitors each year, is home to just one hotel and is closed from November to May every year because of snow. This makes the landscape extremely dramatic, especially when seen from above. Its name comes from the Spanish word gran canon, meaning large canyon. You should avoid eating any food that has been prepared in another cooking area. Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Moab? The trip takes about 1.5 hours. Hydration is key. However, it is not legally allowed to use the Colorado Rivers water in the Grand Canyon. Passing through lush forests and scenic deserts alike, this itinerary is bound to leave you breathless. Distance from Grand Canyon Village - 511 miles/822 km. There are also options to avoid tolls and/or highways. Also consider what kind of accommodations (e.g., hotels, camping). 7 Top Things to Do in Zion National Park Just over the Utah border, visit Nevadas Great Basin National Park, where you can explore the inside of the Earth and the top of a 13,000-foot peak on the same day. But with so much to see and photograph, it can be hard to choose where to go first. Once you reach the lake, a must-do is a boat tour to the . Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is composed of three different regions that run across Utah, and it covers nearly one million acres of gorgeously rugged land. Whether youre traveling to Moab Utah, or a longtime resident, there are some fun hiking trails in the area. How to Keep Your Trip to the Grand Canyon Safe, Hiking the North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, Physical Map of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. One of the many natural attractions here is the canyon. 6 hours 40 minutes. Dress appropriately. The North Rim is 150-miles from Tuba City, Ariz., but brings you closer to your next stop on this road trip. Located near Kayenta, Arizona approximately two and a half away from Grand Canyon, South Rim and four hours from the North Rim. See what makes the Grand Canyon so special. They even offer smoothies for those who arent in the mood for coffee. The Closest Hotel to Bryce Canyon is Rubys Inn If you live in a region with cold winters the Grand Canyon can be visited anytime. White Pocket vs. The park is close to Flagstaff (Sedona), Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The Wave Make sure you apply sunscreen before leaving your home so that you are ready for when you arrive at the destination. Yes. Enjoy a birdwatching tour. Our Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary eBook includes a detailed 10 day itinerary through the national parks, starting in Moab with Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and ending at Zion National Park. 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