Southern UT parks,and Grand Canyon?

[caroled]

We've decided its time to go back to Zion & Bryce..our last trip was 9 years ago! Last time we stayed at Zion River Resort,and Ruby's Inn. Have not been to Grand Canyon..was thinking of doing the RV/Train package at Williams, but have read various posts on that regarding the advantages/disadvantages of that. This time we'd also like to see Monument Valley, and maybe Capitol Reef. Saw Arches/Moab 9 years ago too, but will probably stay further south this time.
Thinking of July......do we need reservations at any of these places, or would it be safe to be spontaneous? Last time we had reservations at Zion/Bryce, so had no problems.
If we don't stay at the Williams site for the RV/Train, would Trailer Village at GC accomodate our 38 ft 5th wheel?
THANKS!
Carol

[Ray,IN]

I would make reservations during the out-of-school months for visiting the popular national parks. Size limits for the NPS campgrounds
differ. A free phone call will answer all your questions.

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by caroled We've decided its time to go back to Zion & Bryce..our last trip was 9 years ago! Last time we stayed at Zion River Resort,and Ruby's Inn. Have not been to Grand Canyon..was thinking of doing the RV/Train package at Williams, but have read various posts on that regarding the advantages/disadvantages of that. This time we'd also like to see Monument Valley, and maybe Capitol Reef. Saw Arches/Moab 9 years ago too, but will probably stay further south this time. Thinking of July......do we need reservations at any of these places, or would it be safe to be spontaneous? Last time we had reservations at Zion/Bryce, so had no problems. If we don't stay at the Williams site for the RV/Train, would Trailer Village at GC accomodate our 38 ft 5th wheel? THANKS! Carol

We stayed at Trailer Village in a 42 ft. MH. It was a little tight but you should have no problem. I highly recommend staying there due to convenience of early morning sunrises and sunsets being close to "home". Also, there is a shuttle at the RV park to take you to the Rim.

We also stayed at Bauer's RV park in Glendale, UT. Very good little park with friendly owners. It was a good base for Zion, Bryce and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. When we left there we went east through Monument Valley and into Cortez, CO. Good trip. Would like to do it again.

Have fun.

Don

[paz]

We took the train from Williams the first time we went to the Grand Canyon. The train was definitely nice, but the layover at the canyon wasn't enough time for us. We also drove up to the canyon for a second day. But if you don't have much time to spend at the canyon, or if you don't want to spend much time at the canyon, the train is a good way to go.

The second time we went, we stayed in Trailer Village for about 5 days. That gave us time to really experience the canyon - we went to the rim for sunsets, we hiked part way down Bright Angel Trail (you could also take a mule trip), we hiked along the rim, and we went to Desert View.

[Bob and Inga]

"The second time we went, we stayed in Trailer Village for about 5 days. That gave us time to really experience the canyon - we went to the rim for sunsets, we hiked part way down Bright Angel Trail (you could also take a mule trip), we hiked along the rim, and we went to Desert View."

I would also recommend trying for Trailer Village. Thank God the mules have a 200 lb. limit. DW wanted to do it and someone else was not so crazy about the idea. We did hike part way down though.

Bring OLD shoes for this. It was funny seeing all the "tourists" with their nice white sneakers hiking the trail with all the mule droppings on it.

Bob

[caroled]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I got on here yesterday and made reservations for all the places we're staying and it was VERY easy and quick to do! I've done it many times before, but was hesitant to figure it all out ahead of time, since I usually like to be spontaneous..but something told me that I better get reservations for these popular spots.
Staying 3 nights at Zion River Resort, then 4 nights at Ruby's Inn at Bryce Canyon, 2 nights at Thousand Lakes RV park in Torrey (next to Capitol Reef), and 3 nights at Goulding's in Monument Valley. Still need to make reservations at Trailer Village in Grand Canyon, but I don't think there will be a problem, according to the availibility showing on their website. Probably will stay 3 nights there, then head down to Flagstaff to visit a friend, and last night in Laughlin before heading home in So.Cal.
Excited!
Carol

[Seajay]

We dry camped in Zion for a week and loved it. Almost no one there and we had the park and all the animals to ourselves. We sat out at night and watched God light the stars in a pristine night sky. We heard the coyote ''sing song'' and watched the pack rats in the evenings. Really loved it and it is cheap camping especially if you got the golden age pass thingie ......

Thank a vet for your freedom....

[coffeeman]

We were heading to the Grand Canyon in the middle of July from here in South Carolina. However it appears the end of August or beginning of September will be cooler than July. Just curious the best time to visit. Txs to all

[Pogo]

The train at Williams was fun and relaxing, and 3 hours or so was plenty of time for us. The train got "robbed by outlaws", but the Sheriff on board got them.