Zion or Bryce (Kanab: appointed, home, bus)

[TheSecondHalf]

Hi, I'm heading out to Utah among other places next week. I am going to spend a couple days in the Grand Canyon. I had wanted to visit both Zion and Bryce afterwards, but I don't think I have enough time in my schedule. If you had your choice of Bryce or Zion, which would you choose and why?

Your input is appreciated!

Thanks!

[Onestep4ward]

Just came back from Bryce and Zion last week. I hope the weather holds for you. I definitely was more taken with Bryce than I was with Zion. Bryce was unlike any other formation I have ever seen. At Bryce you are usually looking down onto the hoodoo formations. The colors of the rocks are beautiful and change with the clouds passing or with the time of day. Zion is also lovely but it is a bit more crowded and you are looking up at huge rock formations. Also, when we went you had to take a shuttle bus around the main parts of Zion. But by the time you go you may be allowed to drive those roads since it won't be as busy a tourist time.

I guess I just found Bryce to be more charming and breathtaking. But you can't go wrong with Zion. You will love the Grand Canyon.

[5599]

Originally Posted by TheSecondHalf

f you had your choice of Bryce or Zion, which would you choose and why?

they're both great and they're both different and you'll kick yourself if you miss either. If you use Kanab as a home base you can visit both in one day (or one long afternoon if you're really short of time)

and, if you have time to spend a night or two, check out Ruby's Inn near Bryce.

[Katzpur]

I'd say it depends on a few things. If you are really into hiking, you might want to go with Zion as there are considerably more options for hiking there. It will also likely be quite a bit warmer in Zion, since the altitude in Bryce is between 8000 and 9000 feet. There are also more choices for accomodations. On the other hand, Bryce is my personal favorite. As a matter of fact, it is one of my three favorite places in the world to visit. It is absolutely spectacular and very, very unique. Seriously, you couldn't go wrong visiting either one of them. If your time is really limited, you may have to choose between them, but they are only an hour and a half away from each other.

[Says Who?]

Go to the Grand canyon, look over the edge and then move on. Split your remaining time between Zions and Bryce. Both are great.
A lot of people find the Grand Canyon disappointing. I don't know anyone one thats ever been disappointed with Bryce and ZIon.

[irman]

Originally Posted by Says Who?

Go to the Grand canyon, look over the edge and then move on. Split your remaining time between Zions and Bryce. Both are great.
A lot of people find the Grand Canyon disappointing. I don't know anyone one thats ever been disappointed with Bryce and ZIon.

I agree. You do what is mentioned above, and you go ...
Dang, that is a big hole !!!
Then you turn around and wonder what all those people are doing here with you ???
Then you pick up any souvenir and you see the word *China* a million times !

You go to Bryce and you go ...
Whoa ... and you can not stop looking.

Zion is a pain in the neck (from looking up all the time !)

BTW, you can hike in Bryce, but make sure you are *up to it*.
Good shoes and plenty of water !!!

[markg91359]

I agree. You do what is mentioned above, and you go ...
Dang, that is a big hole !!!
Then you turn around and wonder what all those people are doing here with you ???
Then you pick up any souvenir and you see the word *China* a million times !

You go to Bryce and you go ...
Whoa ... and you can not stop looking.

Zion is a pain in the neck (from looking up all the time !)

BTW, you can hike in Bryce, but make sure you are *up to it*.
Good shoes and plenty of water !!

Most people won't properly appreciate the Grand Canyon unless they are prepared to at least a little hiking. You can do day trips that will take you a mile or two into the canyon that will show you what the GC is really all about.

I personally have hiked to the bottom at least eight times and I have hiked rim to rim 3 times.

There is a trail along the south rim of the canyon that one can walk for a bit that would be good for those who don't have the time to go to the bottom or are not physically able to do so.

If all you do is drive from lookout to lookout its not that much of a trip.

As far as Zion goes, it is a beautiful park. However, I've always felt its been a bit overrated. The weather is good because of is more southerly location. Bryce on the other hand has more stunning colors, more stunning vistas, and the trails that lead into the canyon are spectacular. The weather, though, is limiting and because of its high altitude its one of the colder and snowier places in the state and winter can last quite a long time at Bryce Canyon.