Hanno
OBS Chief
If a visit were to be planned for Bryce and Zion National Parks, which train would be best and also which stations? Has anyone made this trip that would have any recommendations?
I was in Green River this summer and I doubt they have rental cars there. They may but it was a very small town w/ nothing open other than gas stations b/c we were there on a Sunday. There was one grocery store...Closed.Flagstaff via the SWC definately seems closer than SLC, but Green River and Provo, UT appear to be closer than either of the two (if you can find a car rental place). Both look to be about the same driving distance. Provo is straight down I-15, while from Green River you'd merge onto I-15 via US-50. If you plan on going straight to Bryce Canyon first, then Green River looks to be the spot, since it's an easy connection to US-88 from US-50, which heads right down into Bryce.
After all the excellent suggestions and research here is what I'm considering. CL from WAS to CHI, SWC from CHI to FLG. Rent a van (there are eight of us) and drive to Bryce and Zion (2 nights at each place) then drive to Sedona with a stop at the North Rim. Spend 5 nights in Sedona, drive to Pheonix and fly home.My recommendation would depend on how much time you had for the trip. I recommend staying two nights minimum at both Zion and Bryce so you have at least one full day in each. Given that you are taking the train (presumably from Chicago or someplace farther east), some of your vacation days are already spent in liesurely transit.
If you only have time for Zion and Bryce, I'd concur that Provo is probably a good on/off point from the California Zephyr. If you can't avoid the dog days of summer, a hike/wade up the Virgin River in Zion is a good way to beat the heat.
If you have a few extra days, extend either south to North/South Grand Canyon and return via Southwest Chief from Flagstaff, OR depart the California Zephyr at Grand Junction and visit Capitol Reef/Canyonlands/Arches before Bryce/Zion (There are some scenic drives along UT 128 to Moab and UT 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce).
If you've got weeks, do the whole enchilada!
Good suggestion! I like the idea of using Vegas because it is less driving and was thinking of SWC to Flagstaff, Sedon, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and then Vegas. Makes sense to me. But of course there is a problem and it is renting a van. I didn't make a phone call but using the web it seems as though one cannot take a large van out of state. I've checked both Hertz and Avis.How about Flying to Vegas, renting car, doing the 2 nites each in Zion & Bryce, hitting the Grand Canyon on the North and/or South Rim, Take in Cameron Trading Post (Navajo) the Volcano Crater, Meteor Crater, Flagstaff, Sedonna, Jerrome, Montizuma's Castle on & on!!! There's alot to see in that area. Then going home on the SWC? This sounds like a nice trip, which ever way ya go!!!!
There are MANY good suggestions so far. About 15 years ago I flew into Vegas, ( September )rented a car and drove to St George ( got into Vegas at night ). In the morning I went into Zion. Personally, the drive through Zion was enough for me with 2 short trails. If I remember, Zion is the hot spot for "high trail" folks but beautiful just the same.If a visit were to be planned for Bryce and Zion National Parks, which train would be best and also which stations? Has anyone made this trip that would have any recommendations?
I did not mean for my comment to sound that bad. Like I said, it's like a scenic spot out of a disney movie and yes, just like out of the 20's or 30's. I should have used the word "quaint" to describe it, I was trying to prepare the person that the map gives the impression it's a town and when I got there I was surprized. At the same time it's an oasis in the wilderness. ( I didn't realize it was cabins, I thought it was more like a dorm because I saw a sign that advertised a "bed" price per night)I'm the Grand canyon tour bus driver on the South Rim. Watch your speed driving - I have acculmulated two BS speeding tickets in the past few months - west of Jacob Lake and Fredonia on Highway 389 ( stopped by the Paiute Indian cop ) and last week on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff - to fast in a construction zone. Yes, I was in the wrong, but these revenue producing machines make me crazy. 9 I was driving my own car, not the bus. )Anyway, jacob Lake Inn is not a flop house. I have stayed in their charming 1923 cabins twice this year and they have modern motel units. The food in their dining room is quite good. but, yes, Jacob Lake is not a town, by any stretch of the imagination. Also, if headed to or from North Rim, try Cliff Dwellers Lodge nine miles west of Marble Canyon. Motel rooms OK - restaurant looks like an ordinary coffee shop, but has very good food.
I would approve of the idea of leaving from Flagstaff and driving to Salk LAke City or Grand Junction.
N rim is only open limited amount of time. I have camped there in mid June and seen some snow on the ground. I am not sure when it opens. I think it closes in October. Well, you can still drive out there if the lodge is closed and no services if the road is clear I believe. N Rim is gorgeous..I hope you enjoy it. Ilike the big trees, cooler weather and peacefulness there. I don't know if you'd experience that much if you are there for a short time. I hope you can.After all the excellent suggestions and research here is what I'm considering. CL from WAS to CHI, SWC from CHI to FLG. Rent a van (there are eight of us) and drive to Bryce and Zion (2 nights at each place) then drive to Sedona with a stop at the North Rim. Spend 5 nights in Sedona, drive to Phoenix and fly home.
Based on the input of those who have been there does this make sense? I value your input!
Mapquest tells me that it is 213 miles Jacob Lake to Monument Valley Tribal Park. The facilities at North Rim are open May 15 to October 15, with limited visitor services ( ranger information and campground ) open for a time after that. I learned the other day that highway 67 will close for the winter on Mon., Dec. 3 - that is the 45 mile road Jacob Lake to North Rim, which is indeed wonderful. I often tell my tour groups on the South Rim that the lodge faintly visible on the North Rim was at one time a Union Pacidic Railroad hotel. No train went there - passengers were brought in by limo from Cedar City, Utah.I did not mean for my comment to sound that bad. Like I said, it's like a scenic spot out of a disney movie and yes, just like out of the 20's or 30's. I should have used the word "quaint" to describe it, I was trying to prepare the person that the map gives the impression it's a town and when I got there I was surprized. At the same time it's an oasis in the wilderness. ( I didn't realize it was cabins, I thought it was more like a dorm because I saw a sign that advertised a "bed" price per night)I'm the Grand canyon tour bus driver on the South Rim. Watch your speed driving - I have acculmulated two BS speeding tickets in the past few months - west of Jacob Lake and Fredonia on Highway 389 ( stopped by the Paiute Indian cop ) and last week on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff - to fast in a construction zone. Yes, I was in the wrong, but these revenue producing machines make me crazy. 9 I was driving my own car, not the bus. )Anyway, jacob Lake Inn is not a flop house. I have stayed in their charming 1923 cabins twice this year and they have modern motel units. The food in their dining room is quite good. but, yes, Jacob Lake is not a town, by any stretch of the imagination. Also, if headed to or from North Rim, try Cliff Dwellers Lodge nine miles west of Marble Canyon. Motel rooms OK - restaurant looks like an ordinary coffee shop, but has very good food.
I would approve of the idea of leaving from Flagstaff and driving to Salk LAke City or Grand Junction.
Sorry for my use of improper words.
Since you are a local, just how far of a drive is it to monument valley ?
Yes, that shortcut to Hurricane was where I received a ticket, near Pipe Spring National Monument. I pulled out to pass a car, in the middle of nowhere, and saw a car approaching, so I stepped on it . Of course, the other car was the Paiute cop. Oh well, this isn't a forum about speeding tickets.By the way, on my return from north rim I decided to take what appeared to be a short cut to Hurricane...........never traveling that road before and driving it at night by myself was the closest thing to a Rod Serling Twighlight Zone adventure I've experienced. No other cars at all for several hours. Man was I glad to make it to Hurricane.
I haven't been to Monument Valley in 26 years but it was even less of a town than Jacob Lake is. I don't recall anything there. I would guess there is something but not much at all. Monument Valley is pretty but the drive N from Flagstaff across the Painted Desert is pretty nice too. I love that part of the country--red rocks (and other colors as well), mostly clear air and tremendous views.Since you are a local, just how far of a drive is it to monument valley ?
By the way, on my return from north rim I decided to take what appeared to be a short cut to Hurricane...........never traveling that road before and driving it at night by myself was the closest thing to a Rod Serling Twighlight Zone adventure I've experienced. No other cars at all for several hours. Man was I glad to make it to Hurricane.
Impressive trip, Jackal!I covered over 2,200 miles and probably bit off more than most people care to chew, but I love to drive and I'm driven to see as much as I can. In hindsight, there certainly would have been enough to see had I skipped the entire first part of the trip and headed straight for Zion, but I definitely plan on going back for some extended hiking, so I'll get to see it in the future. It really is one of the most exquisite spots on Planet Earth (rivaling the scenery in Banff/Jasper NPs in Alberta, Canada--go there if you can someday!).
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