Bryce Canyon and Zion

[WYRon]

Originally Posted by DebbieMH

Is Hwy 12 doable for a 45 ft motorhome plus a toad? For someone who hasn't driven "real mountains"? And would you think spending more time in Bryce would be better than more time at Zion? Thanks, Lynn

Bryce is a real favorite of mine, but no, Zion deserves more time. Hwy 12 is not a problem for you, but Hwy 9 through Zion would. When we were there last fall we stayed midway between the parks in Glendale.

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

If you're a hiker, definitely do a trail below the rim at Bryce. It's like a fairy wonderland down there and you just can't appreciate it from standing on the top.

I second that, and third it too. The trails are simply magical. There is one that only takes about an hour to do at a leisurely pace and should be on your must do list. You can get information on all the trails at the visitor center.

[MRUSA14]

We stayed at both Zion River and Watchman. Much preferred Watchman. Zion River is very deluxe, but somewhat remote and removed from the "action", whereas Watchman is right where everything happens. It is in a beautiful valley adjacent to the Visitor's Center and the park trams, and only a mile from downtown Springdale where there are loads of nice restaurants and shops. Zion River is 12 miles from Springdale and about 15 miles from the National Park, whereas Watchman is right there. We had water and electric but no sewer at Watchman, but there is a dump station.

Highway 12 from Bryce to Torrey is a "ten" on a scale of 1 to 10 in beauty. It has some steep hills but not a difficult drive and one you will never forget. In Torrey I recommend you stay at Wonderland Campground. This is a great base from which to explore Capitol Reef NP.

[Alan_Barb]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

I second that, and third it too. The trails are simply magical. There is one that only takes about an hour to do at a leisurely pace and should be on your must do list. You can get information on all the trails at the visitor center.

Fourth and fifth....

[DebbieMH]

Ok ... thanks to this thread I am rethinking our reservations. We have reservations at Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village and then going to Zion River RV in Virgin, UT. We are scheduled to be at Zion for a week. I'm thinking of changing that to 4 days at Zion and moving over to Cannonville/Bryce Valley KOA for 3 days. Then we head to Mountain Valley RV in Heber, UT. Thoughts?

[twogypsies]

To get to Zion River from Grand Canyon this is the route:

Take 64 east out of Grand Canyon which will put you on Hwy 89 north. Take Alt 89 west to Fredonia and pick up 389 west toward Colorado City. In Utah 389 becomes 59 to Virgin. On this route you will have an winding steep uphill toward Jacob Lake. Many RVers do it but I thought I'd warn you.

An alternative would be 89N to Page, AZ then continue on 89 to Kanab, UT then south a little way to Fredonia and 389 west. No big climb this route.

Leaving Zion River, take Hwy 9 west to I-15 north and east on Hwy 20 to 89. Go south on 89 through Panguitch and then east on Hwy 12 to Bryce. Hwy 20 is the best crossing from I-15 with a RV.

[DebbieMH]

Thank you!!!!! I took a picture of this and saved it.

[gazingm42]

We go there several times a year to RV.

Bryce we stay a Ruby inn and RV.
Zion stay in Virgin, UT at the Zion River Resort

[McGarrett50]

After considering Zion River and Watchman, we decided on the latter for end of July/early August. Was also surprised to see that Loops A/B only had three 50AMP sites left. If you're thinking of Watchman this summer, might want to get on it.

[Big Bear Local]

We liked Ruby's very much. Was there at end of season.

[DebbieMH]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

To get to Zion River from Grand Canyon this is the route:

Take 64 east out of Grand Canyon which will put you on Hwy 89 north. Take Alt 89 west to Fredonia and pick up 389 west toward Colorado City. In Utah 389 becomes 59 to Virgin. On this route you will have an winding steep uphill toward Jacob Lake. Many RVers do it but I thought I'd warn you.

An alternative would be 89N to Page, AZ then continue on 89 to Kanab, UT then south a little way to Fredonia and 389 west. No big climb this route.

Leaving Zion River, take Hwy 9 west to I-15 north and east on Hwy 20 to 89. Go south on 89 through Panguitch and then east on Hwy 12 to Bryce. Hwy 20 is the best crossing from I-15 with a RV.

You were absolutely correct, the winding uphill at Jacobs Lake was something. Beautiful, but I didn't get to enjoy it much as I was just trying to stay in my lane (no shoulder and a drop off without a guard rail at one point!) Thanks so much for the heads up. I did buy the Mountain Directory West and that too has been quite helpful. Next adventure is tomorrow (Monday) from Zion River Resort to Ruby's at Bryce Canyon. I see there is a 8% grade on Hwy 20 ... should be interesting ..... It will be nice to get out of this heat at Zion ... over 100 each day with very little breeze.

[twogypsies]

Hwy 20 isn't nearly as bad as what you just drove! You're a 'pro' now.

[HavingABlast]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Hwy 20 isn't nearly as bad as what you just drove! You're a 'pro' now.

We drove the 20 from I-15 both to Bryce and from Bryce last week (as suggested by Twogypsies). Other than the highway work currently going on, it was a great drive.

We took the toad for a day trip from Bryce to Capitol Reef via the 12 on the "million Dollar highway" up and over Boulder mountain (9,600 foot summit). I was in our Wrangler following an Allegro Bus. The driver of the rig handled the drive beautifully and did not impede the flow of traffic the least bit.

[DebbieMH]

We made it to Bryce and it was a good, easy trip. Red Canyon is just beautiful. Heading to the national park tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice. Greatly appreciated!