San Diego to Zion to Antelope Canyon

[luforia]

Planning on going to Antelope Canyon/Lake Powell, hoping to visit Grand Staircase, Bryce, Zion and a few other big ones in Utah as well.

Need your recs on other places to see, I have about 7days, coming from Southern Cal. We've been to Zion before and can substitute with different National Park.

Here's my rough road trip plan:

From San Diego to Lake Mead 1day, Lake Mead to Zion 1day, Zion to Bryce 1day, then to Page/Lake Powell/Antelope Canyon x2days, back to Lake Mead 1day, then to San Diego.

Please offer suggestions on alternative route, places to see. Thank you.

[mojo]

Sounds like a driving and sleeping vacation...

[luforia]

Originally Posted by mojo

Sounds like a driving and sleeping vacation...

Too ambitious I guess?

Limited time since it's kids' springbreak for 1wk, trying to squeeze variety into the trip.

[Lumatic]

There are some great hikes and drives near Paria Canyon. There is an outfitter there named Steve. He took me in to a place called Coyote Buttes and White Pocket. There is a world famous sandstone formation called The Wave, access is by lottery out of the BLM office in Kanab.

[jtwind]

That is a lot for just 7 days. You could spend that in Zion alone. Antelope slot canyons are certainly nice, but very, very busy! I went to Horseshoe Bend slot canyon and it was a much more enjoyable, relaxed visit, especially if you want to take photos.

[luforia]

Originally Posted by jtwind

That is a lot for just 7 days. You could spend that in Zion alone. Antelope slot canyons are certainly nice, but very, very busy! I went to Horseshoe Bend slot canyon and it was a much more enjoyable, relaxed visit, especially if you want to take photos.

Thanks. Which guide company did you go with for the Horseshoe Bend slot canyon tour?

[Pat Pierce]

Too bad you can't have more time on your trip - so much to do and see. The Antelope Canyon has many native vendor guides needed to access the Canyon, which is quite small but worth every bit of time and money to see it.

We stayed in town at a nice rv park, I can't think of the name, but it had low adobe walls between some sites. We enjoyed it.

Another fascinating thing we did was take the dam tour one morning. Reading the book documenting the near disaster the almost destroyed the dam -then seeing the impressive dam itself was one of the many highlights of our trip.

Kodachrome Basin SP was a really nice place if you are looking for a place near Bryce and Escalante area.

Enjoy!

[luforia]

Originally Posted by Pat Pierce

Too bad you can't have more time on your trip - so much to do and see. The Antelope Canyon has many native vendor guides needed to access the Canyon, which is quite small but worth every bit of time and money to see it.



We stayed in town at a nice rv park, I can't think of the name, but it had low adobe walls between some sites. We enjoyed it.



Another fascinating thing we did was take the dam tour one morning. Reading the book documenting the near disaster the almost destroyed the dam -then seeing the impressive dam itself was one of the many highlights of our trip.



Kodachrome Basin SP was a really nice place if you are looking for a place near Bryce and Escalante area.



Enjoy!

Thanks for the recommendations!

[jaydthompson]

435-275-4594

horsebendtours.com

We have taken the WBCCI SW Adventure caravan there twice . A great tour and uncrowded! Antelope canyon way too many people.

[Robere]

Your route and destinations demand reservations. Do not delay.

[luforia]

Originally Posted by jaydthompson

435-275-4594

horsebendtours.com

We have taken the WBCCI SW Adventure caravan there twice . A great tour and uncrowded! Antelope canyon way too many people.

Just booked it with them, thanks for the rec. Looks awesome. I do like it that they are the only ones there.

[luforia]

Originally Posted by Robere

Your route and destinations demand reservations. Do not delay.

Thanks for push. Got all the sites and tours booked. Zion Canyon Campground was full though, have to be a bit further out with Zion Rivers Resort.

[luforia]

Originally Posted by Robere

Your route and destinations demand reservations. Do not delay.

Thanks for push. Got all the sites and tours booked. Zion Canyon Campground was full though, have to be a bit further out with Zion Rivers Resort.

[Len n Jeanne]

Just realize that Zion NP is really, really popular and busy. Oftentimes there are long waits for the mandatory shuttle buses to take you into Zion Canyon. Would suggest starting your visit very early in the day to minimize crowds.

If you enjoy hiking, a nice one that starts just outside the park not far from Virgin, UT is Coalpits Wash.

[luforia]

Originally Posted by Len n Jeanne

Just realize that Zion NP is really, really popular and busy. Oftentimes there are long waits for the mandatory shuttle buses to take you into Zion Canyon. Would suggest starting your visit very early in the day to minimize crowds.

If you enjoy hiking, a nice one that starts just outside the park not far from Virgin, UT is Coalpits Wash.

Thanks for the recs on Coalpits Wash, I’ll check it out.

[luforia]

Trip summary, in case it helps other’s planning: we were able to fit Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Arches NP in 8 days. Stayed at Zion River Resort for Zion and Bryce, stayed at Wahweap RV Park for Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend, drove to Monument Valley and did the 17mile loop then headed to Moab at Spanish Trail RV Park. Stayed at Oasis RV Resort in Vegas at beginning and end of trip. Very doable considering the mileage total.