Take Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the National Park Service, through the park to its west side, exiting at Grand Lake. Traveling with a dog or cat? Winter tends to be cold. There are also some other important things to keep in mind when visiting Grand Canyon. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Take it easy and enjoy the journey. But it is also a challenging hike with steep elevation changes and long descents into the canyon. Next, head to the Hopi Cultural Center. Its a stunning destination year-round for hiking, biking and river rafting as well as photography. Returning your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is a picnic area with a covered facility that includes several tables, shade giving awnings, grills, and even a pit toilet. Try searching for places within 5.5 hours of Moab. Despite the abundance of perennial springs and streams, knowledge about their water sources is not completely understood. Find the best hotels close to Grand Canyon National Park. Petrified Forest National Park This will allow you to enjoy its beauty better. Their individual audio tour highlights the spectacular landscape that juxtaposes vibrant blue waters with barren desert rock. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you prefer group travel, check out REI's 5-Day Rim-to-Rim trip. Wear comfortable shoes. This bridge offers a way for visitors to reach the canyon floor through thin air. During summer, the South Rim is among the most popular and crowded in the park. This quiet path is a nearly level dirt road that gains only 100 feet over its mile length and crosses a plateau hiking through ponderosa pine woodland. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Semi-retired from a long career in marketing, Sandi is making the most of her boomer traveling, go-go years, with a goal to visit as many places as possible. The South Rim is the area is far more popular than the quiet North Rim. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, theres more to it. Post them online using #GrandCanyonNationalPark. This restaurant pays homage to Western icons. To reach South Rim the visitors must use the Hualapai Trail, or Kolb Trail. Maximize your experience at Bryce Canyon National Park by driving to Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce viewpoints. Want to plan the trip back? The area is a haven for outdoor lovers. Hiker at Lake Odessa and Notchtop Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. This list covers all five areas of the park. Here are some of our favorite things to do while at the South Rim from biking in solitude to exploring some of the rims most historic treasures. Distance from the North Rim Visitor Center - 210 miles/338 km. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31054650', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car could be a problem. Although there are several amazing options in the area, the best place to stay is probably The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon. Avoid eating food prepared in another place. So, getting there early will help you save money. Get the reverse directions for a Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. . It is about 5 hrs to LV from Bryce so you should have the morning at least to enjoy the park and take a hike. If you live in a region with cold winters the Grand Canyon can be visited anytime. It is located at the bottom of the canyon, meaning there are no natural obstacles such as mountains or cliffs. Theyll find an overlook offering a 360-degree panorama of the Grand Canyon. However, whatever time of year you visit, you will be enchanted by the beauty of the desert. You can enjoy fresh fruit from the parks farm, such as peaches, apricots and plums, cherries, nectarines, and pears. Antelope Canyon - The most photographed slot canyon in northern Utah is located on Navajo Nation land and requires a guide to visit. There are many landmarks or milestones on the Bright Angel Trail that you can use to keep track of your progress and gauge how far you have gone. Visit the Grand Canyons less-crowded North Rim before heading back into Utah to find adrenaline-fueled adventure in Zion. There's even free private parking, so you don't have to worry about where to put your vehicle when you arrive. the best place to stay is probably The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon. Discover the secrets of the parks hidden gems. Distance from North Rim Visitor Center - 367 miles/591 km. I think I need to pick either LV or SLC - LV has the advantage of more direct flights back home and is closer to GCNP but it sounds like it is a full day's drive from Moab back to LV. You'll cover 430 miles with 7 hours and 40 minutes of driving time. Take advantage of the fitness center after your drive or stretch out in the spacious courtyards. Highlights are Oljato-Monument Valley, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater, Flagstaff, Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie National Forest and Zion National Park. It is located at latitude35deg54N and longitude 111deg01W. Additionally, in Utah, check with the BLM to see if you need a permit for your desired adventure. by calculating the distance from Moab to Grand Canyon National Park. Road Trip From Denver To Yellowstone National Park. Location: Island in the Sky. Drive to Bryce, Day 5 Bryce in the morning, drive to Torrey along hwy 12. The parks natural areas can only be explored after they have been closed to hikers. Be careful around animals. The New Salt Lake You can avoid most of the traffic by leaving your car at the main visitor center and taking the free shuttle buses. Three trains run daily by the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and South Rim. Enter a city to drive through, or find all, trips from Moab to Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon entrance is closer to your park, so it will be cheaper. The city is just a short drive from the Canyon itself so you can easily use Flagstaff as a home base while seeing the incredible area. You can do that. Monument Valley Drink lots of fluids! You can cover a lot of ground in a day. Silver State Stopover at Great Basin National Park more information on current conditions Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site. When you get there, you can take pictures and watch the beautiful colors of the rainbow. What is there to see between San Luis (Arizona) and Williston? After your hike is done, return to the parking lot to catch your ride home. With so many amazing landscapes you won't want to miss out on, be sure to read until the end for the best experience possible. Do you think this will be your only trip to the area? Use sunscreen and insect repellent. But what if you only have a day or two? Many restaurants and facilities close down during this season, making it a more nature-focused experience. In addition to fine steaks, the restaurant features a wide variety of sauces, salads, and sandwiches. There are many cities across America that can be used to plan your Grand Canyon trip. There are also options to avoid tolls and/or highways. Then head to Grand Canyon National Park via Cameron, Ariz. (see page 6-21 to learn more). They don't necessarily add a "drop off" fee, but they can charge an increased daily fee for a drop off in a different location. Once you're done exploring you can come back to a full bar. The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a sacred place for the local Native American tribes. All levels are welcome to take guided trail rides in the park. Have questions? The park is close to Flagstaff (Sedona), Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Kayenta (2 answers) Arches National Park, Canyonlands National ParkandDead Horse Point State Park are neighbors. Distance from Grand Canyon Village - 333 miles/536 km. Stay active in winter. The Grand Canyon has two rims, a North and South Rim. Whats the difference? If you had to choose, fall would probably be the slightly better pick. Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Moab? Hiking at the South Rim is a fantastic experience but you need to be physically fit and prepared for any weather conditions. Distance from Grand Canyon Village - 143 miles/230 km. These forces still cause the landscape to change and evolve. However, its less crowded during winter months than in summer. For those who prefer a more serene experience, there are several national parks nearby that allow you to hike or camp without crowds. From there, take Route 89A and cut through Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Here are four of our favorite ways to spend an active day in Zion. Navajo National Monument Saguaro National Park, Arizona 6 hours 40 minutes. Whether youre in the mood for adventure, romance, relaxation, or anything in between, youll be sure to find something to love in the area between Moab and the Grand Canyon. Check out these three heart-pounding adventures in Arches and Canyonlands national parks. That also would give you more time in the park but not take the extra night for it. You should also visit the Rainbow Bridge, Painted Desert, and many other locations. 9 hours 50 minutes. This route prioritizes exploring attractions throughout Utah and only dips into Arizona for the final stretch to the Grand Canyon. Hmm, I just did a quick pricing comparison for dropping off the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Flagstaff is a popular destination for visitors who first visit Flagstaff before moving south to the Grand Canyon. The canyon walls also get more sunlight from the snow on the canyon floor. Los Angeles and Phoenix are the top three most visited cities. Hoodoo Moab is part of the Curio chain, and it has all the qualities you'd expect from a subsidiary of Hilton. Discover Mesa Verdes Best .video-container {position: relative;padding-bottom: 56.25%;padding-top: 1px; height: 0; overflow: hidden;} .video-container iframe, .video-container object, .video-container embed {position: absolute;top: 0;LEFT: 0;width: 100%;height: 100%;}. All you need is to know where and what to see. The visitors center is located at the Springdale entrance. Be sure to take pictures as you go. Try searching for places within 5.5 hours of Grand Canyon National Park. There are two beautiful routes to choose from to get to the Grand Canyon from Moab, Utah. Take in the views and endless landscapes along the way. Distance from North Rim Visitor Center - 360 miles/579 km. Travelers to south Utah often combine a trip to Moab with their Zion excursion. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Hop around from state to state on this historic landmark. Enjoy a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner in a dining room overlooking the Colorado River. You'll be driving for 12 hours along this route. Yth to Farmington, New Mexico Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, Kanab, Utah You can loop this canyon, but you will need to squeeze sideways and scale a wall. Bring plenty of water since there is no fountain on any trail. After walking the short, easy trail through the ponderosa pine forest, you will reach a secret rock formation which has been making the Instagram rounds. Plan ahead. Why not visit another national park on your next trip? Flagstaff, Arizona, is the closest city to Grand Canyon. Spend two days exploring this canyon if time is limited. It starts at the Bright Angel Trail end. Take at least 3 days to explore the beautiful White River National Forest and Monument Valley, the gorgeous sediments of Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase - Escalante, and much more. This is especially true for long day hikes. Be there early. There are hundreds of hikes to choose from. There are many tourist activities in the park. A famed social media photoshoot area, you will see many visitors perched on the edge of the canyon seeking the ultimate death-defying selfie. Distance from North Rim Visitor Center 553 miles/890 km. See what makes the Grand Canyon so special. You can get a close-up view of some of the parks most famous geological features. Take plenty of water if you plan on hiking. Elk grazing as the sun sets in Rocky Mountain National Park, Enjoying the view at Painted Wall in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, The West and East Mitten buttes in Monument Valley, gypsyguide.com/tour/rocky-mountain-national-park/, gypsyguide.com/tour/grand-canyon-south-rim/, www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/denver-co, www.mycoloradoparks.com/national-parks/weekend-itinerary, www.mycoloradoparks.com/national-parks/bcotgnp, Here are some of our favorite things to do, Sleep well and sustainably about a mile from the rim. Whether youre looking for a fun-filled staycation in Moab, Utah or a vacation in Grand Canyon, there are a variety of hotel and B&B options. Water is also important for re-hydrating your body after hiking through the dry, warm air in the canyon. The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum will give you a glimpse of Navajo history and modern life. Discover an eclectic ecosystem that involves unique coffee houses, artisan cocktails and a short hike that gives you fantastic views of the city. Download the Gypsy Guide App You can camp in the parks many campsites, either next to the river or in a meadow. Each is jam-packed with wonderful stops, viewpoints, parks, and cultural sights. Monumental Sight It's more interesting and efficient than visiting north rim. One of the best times to see the Grand Canyon is at sunset. Adrenaline-Fueled Zion Adventures 48 Hours in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon Other trails lead away from the rim towards the North Rim. Watch wildlife while hiking among the ancient petrified trees scattered throughout the park. Phantom Ranch offers a 360-degree view of North Rim. The Grand Canyon sees seasonal activities year-round. 7 Top Things to Do in Zion National Park This is where the views are spectacular. Once you have reached the rock, you can walk out to the edge of the rim and enjoy the view. Another advantage is that you can walk directly across the canyon floor with no need to leave the ground. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31065989', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car in SLC vs LV and it was $500 more! You can go horseback riding. Other visitors prefer to peer into the chasm from a network of trails lining the north and south rims. The monument is also a dark sky park, which means that it is known for having the darkest skies in the lower 48 states. This will give you a glimpse of the lives and times of Native Americans who lived here hundreds of years ago. However, you can take a very gentle in-and-out hike that goes for a mile or so and experience the amazing slot canyon. Before going on any hike, check the park website. Well start off this Utah national parks road trip with two parks in the southeastern part of the state. Perhaps you might consider taking a photo of yourself in the Grand Canyon. The Escalante Canyons section is a hikers paradise with waterfalls, slot canyons, and spectacular backcountry views. About two-thirds of the way on the National Parks Route is Zion National Park and the small town of Springdale. It is where you will find the Grand Canyons greatest beauty and attract the most tourists. Take at least 3 days to explore the beautiful White River National Forest and Monument Valley, the gorgeous sediments of Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase - Escalante, and . This is where you should go if adventure is your thing! For GC maybe try http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com or http://www.tusayanhotels.com No other lodging nearby. Passing through lush forests and scenic deserts alike, this itinerary is bound to leave you breathless. It is located at the bottom of the canyon, meaning there are no natural obstacles such as mountains or cliffs. One of Americas most beloved tourist attractions, the Grand Canyon. It takes you north from Los Angeles to Phoenix (Arizona), and then turns west into Utah. White Pocket vs. Finally, head north towards Torrey, Utah to check Capitol Reef, the final of Utahs national parks, off your bucket list. You have many options when it comes to public transportation in order to reach Grand Canyon. Take a train ride. There's even a hot tub that's really popular after hiking the trails. There are several places you could stop for the night between GC and Moab. This is especially true when hiking in a hot, dry place like the Grand Canyon. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Once you finally reach Grand Canyon, you'll want to cap off the experience with a great hotel stay. Other options include camping, hiking trails and horseback riding. The Grand Canyon has many perennial water sources (springs, streams and seeps) associated with specific geologic layers in the park. Stay Out of the Park You will find plenty of RV parks and hotels outside the park boundary. Take an Experience Hopi Day Tour The process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of your request. Here are ten great ways to see Grand Canyon, without spending a cent. Mesa Verde National Park A few others are Flagstaff (in Arizona), Albuquerque(New Mexico), or Denver (Colorado). You can also drive to the parks attractions. Do not waste time on details that arent important. Spend two days exploring this Canyon if time is limited are ten great ways to an! Will see many visitors perched on the complexity of your request and crowded in the is. Exploring you can also compare the travel time if you had to choose fall... Rv parks and things to do between grand canyon and moab outside the Park Visitor Center - 210 miles/338.... Moab, Utah to check Capitol Reef, the final of Utahs National parks adventures 48 hours in the.. 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