Bryce & Zion, UT - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

02/23/2007 08:35:20 PM · #1

My boyfriend and I are spending a week at my timeshare in Sedona, then heading up to Bryce Canyon on May 25th, camping at a KOA just outside of Bryce.

On Saturday morning, we are going to explore Bryce for the first time ever. We only have ONE day there! Then, we need a hotel somewhere close to Zion NP since, on Sunday, we are going to spend ONE day there. Then, after a day of hiking in Zion, we must drive back to LA (probably hitting up a Motel 8 or campground on the way back).

So, if you had just ONE day to spend in Bryce Canyon and one day to spend in Zion National Park, where would you go and what would you do? What are your favorite hikes, places to photograph, etc. If you only had one day in each park...

Also, where would you recommend staying on Saturday night (before hiking and wandering around Zion)? We can drive the 1.5 hour trip from Bryce on Saturday evening, and we would like a hotel (not campsite) for Saturday night. Something not too expensive <$100. If you don't know hotels, maybe someone can tell me what area is good (at the entrance to Zion from the Bryce side)... what cities are there coming from that direction?

Thanks a million,
Arie

Baxter

Nikon D500

02/23/2007 08:41:06 PM · #2

If you can walk the narrows in Zion. Depending on the weather you may not be able to walk upstream. If it is raining or there is to much snow melt at higher elvations the water will be to deep. Bring along a pair of waterproof boots and a walking stick. Check here for some photos of what to expect.

//www.zionnational-park.com/images/albums/index15.htm

photodude

02/23/2007 08:44:25 PM · #3

Its been a number of years since I made that trip but here's my recollection:

In Zion you can stay in Springdale - tons of cheap motels. The south entrance is right there. I would say walk the narrows and climb to Angels Landing if you have one day.

Bryce is very car accessable. You can see alot without having to hike very far. There is also a KOA style campsite inside the park if I recall. Bryce is really stunning at sunset.

02/23/2007 08:45:51 PM · #4

My boots are suede with coating. I don't think they are water PROOF, but they are water resistant. What type of boots are water proof? How much do they cost?

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

02/23/2007 08:46:25 PM · #5

Originally posted by photodude:

Springdale! Thanks!

photodude

02/23/2007 08:50:43 PM · #6

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

My boots are suede with coating. I don't think they are water PROOF, but they are water resistant. What type of boots are water proof? How much do they cost?

The water in the narrows will be between your calfs and chest so waterproof boots are worthless. I used an old pair of my basketball hitops that I then discarded when I was done.

Baxter

Nikon D500

02/23/2007 09:39:10 PM · #7

Been to Zion 4 times, walked the narrows twice. The first time the water was 8 inches max and I wore a pair of cheap rubber boots, feet stayed dry but not very good footing. The next time I borrowed a pair of fly fishing boots, They come up to just above the ankle and have a felt bottom, great footing, but feet got wet in the deeper water. The water can be very cold so if you are going to use old running shoes as suggested by photodude be prepared for cold feet.

Blackbox

Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+

Canon TC-DC58B 1.5x Tele Converter

02/23/2007 09:46:07 PM · #8

I can tell you it cost about $20 bucks just to drive on the road that goes thru Zion - even if your not stopping. There is a cool town near Bryce called 'Panquitch' - it's very small but quaint.

Blackbox

Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+

Canon TC-DC58B 1.5x Tele Converter

02/23/2007 09:57:57 PM · #9

For what it's worth...I took these two photos with an old 'automatic' film camera year's ago...they're of Bryce Canyon.

DJWoodward

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/23/2007 10:07:49 PM · #10

Here are some from Zion, November/06

There are more in my portfolio as well.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

02/24/2007 12:02:26 PM · #11

Sky, DJ, those are some AMAZING photos!!! I really can't wait!

roadtripjunkie

Nikon D80

02/25/2007 01:57:07 PM · #12

We love Zion. Coming from Bryce, you'll be entering Zion via Hwy 89 to Hwy 9. Along Hwy 9 as you near the entrance you might see some buffalo on your left. After you enter the park, the landscape is different than anything you've seen. This is a beautiful and somewhat unappreciated portion of the park. You'll pass thru a very long tunnel and then down into the canyon. The Narrows seems to be the place to hike. We find plenty of things to photograph, pratically from the front seat of the car. It's one of our favorite places to photograph.

You might want to consider a National Parks pass. They are $80 for one year. Your entrance fees to Bryce ($25) and Zion ($20) and the Grand Canyon ($25, thought you might be considering since you will be so close in Sedona) almost total the $80 and if you will visit any other National park or monument, it's paid for itself. Obviously we use ours all the time and love it!

Hope you have a great time!