SF to Grand Canyon to Zion - directions

Printable View

06-23-2005, 11:34 AM
noraoconnor

Road trip from SF to Grand Canyon

I'm looking for any input on a last minute road trip to the Grand Canyon from San Francisco (for a week, leaving on 7/3). It's been suggested to stay in Flagstaff - Any other suggestions? Hotel, Motel, campsites?

I plan to take the drive in two days to the Grand Canyon - no real rush (so stay any suggestions of a mid-way place to stop and stay the night?). Also, I was considering going to Mt. Zion. So, any suggestions about the best travel route, etc.

Also, I've heard of a website that plans your trip (mileage, travel distance, map, etc.). Can anyone refer me to such a website?

Thank you.
Peace,
- nora
06-23-2005, 04:24 PM
Mark Sedenquist

Web-based planning tools

Quote:

Originally Posted by noraoconnor

Also, I've heard of a website that plans your trip (mileage, travel distance, map, etc.). Can anyone refer me to such a website?

There are about a dozen main trip planning sites and probably 100 or so that use one or more of those primary site's programs. If you click here, you can read our reviews about the 1 or 2 that we consider to be the best out there. For simple mapping solutions -- we prefer MSN or Google's products, but alot of folks on this site use Mapquest (which we Don't like). The best thing about the Google mapping program is the easy access to satellite imagery!

Mark
06-23-2005, 04:30 PM
Mark Sedenquist

Are you a speeder?

Quote:

Originally Posted by noraoconnor

I plan to take the drive in two days to the Grand Canyon - no real rush (so stay any suggestions of a mid-way place to stop and stay the night?). Also, I was considering going to Mt. Zion. So, any suggestions about the best travel route, etc.

Actually it will easily take two full days to reach the Grand Canyon from San Francisco, unless you like to speed alot... "Mt. Zion" is in New York state, I am guessing you intended to mean Zion National Park? If so, I would suggest a stop-over at Kanab or even Las Vegas before making your way down to the Grand Canyon area.

Mark
06-23-2005, 10:27 PM
noraoconnor

Road Trip from SF to Grand Canyon

Thank you for the input (and website referalls). And I'm not a speeder -- if it takes three days, four days ... it's all fine. And yes, I meant Zion National Park. Thank you for the kind correction -- NY would be a bit out of the way for this one week trip !!!

As I mentioned, a friend said to check out Flagstad as a place to stay ... when I reach the Grand Canyon. Any input about that or where else to stay (hotels, motels, campsites ... ).
Thank you.
- Nora
06-23-2005, 10:43 PM
PNW Judy

It's about 800 miles from San Francisco to Grand Canyon. If you make any stops at all to sightsee along the way, it will definitely take you all of 2 days.

I concur with Mr. Editor. If you've never been there, a stop in Vegas is a must-do. Wow! Unlike any other place in the world.

And, if you can squeeze it in, don't miss Zion National Park. You will go very close to it if you go to Vegas first. It's a bit like you're driving in Grand Canyon as you look up to amazing red rock formations. Another wow!

If you can possibly squeeze out the time, I would go to Bryce Canyon NP as well. While it doesn't have the size and grandeur of the Grand Canyon, it has some of the strangest rock formations. In many ways, I found it more stunning. If you go there, stay at Ruby's (www.rubysinn.com). I LOVED that place. It's almost worth a stop in itself without Bryce being right next door as a draw.

You might consider this route: I-5 South - 46/43 East - 99 South - 58 East - I-15 East to Vegas.

Then Vegas to Grand Canyon: I-15 East - 9 East - 59 South - 389 South

Of course, if you veer into Zion and/or Bryce, you will need to alter the route for that a bit, but your'e in the vicinity so that will be easy.

Kanab is a pretty cool area but I haven't had time to explore it much. I only ate lunch there and visited Frontier Movie Town. If I were you I'd pick Mr. Editor's brain a bit more to find out what gems he knows about there. :-)
06-23-2005, 10:56 PM
Robert Schaller

Flagstaff

Quote:

As I mentioned, a friend said to check out Flagstad as a place to stay ... when I reach the Grand Canyon. Any input about that or where else to stay (hotels, motels, campsites ... ).

There is lodging at the Grand Canyon, both within the park and just outside of it in a little town called Tusayan. Williams or Flagstaff are alternate choices -- Flagstaff in particular has an ABUNDANCE of inexpensive lodging, especially along old Rt66. When nothing is available at the Canyon or at Tusayan, Flagstaff (or Williams) is the place to go.

Mather Campground in the park (South Rim) is often full, but you can sometimes find space at Ten-X, a forest service campground a few miles south of Tusayan -- and it is a well-kept secret treasure -- the setting in tall pines is much nicer than Mather -- although the facilities and amenities are "rougher." (And Ten-X has no showers where Mather does).

Williams is a smaller town, and really puts out a big welcome mat for Grand Canyon travelers, so it is a good choice as well. There are a handful of motels there. It is about roughly 50 miles from the Grand Canyon South Rim to Williams, and about 70 miles from GC to Flagstaff, if I'm remembering correctly.

Now, none of this applies if you are headed to the NORTH Rim -- about the only options there are the North Rim Lodge and there is a motel at Jacob Lake (and a couple of campgrounds). Rooms are limited and very hard to obtain on short notice in the tourist season -- which is NOW, of course. If this hasn't helped, define your question a little further and I'll try to get it right! Bob
06-24-2005, 12:08 AM
Utahtea

I live in the SF Bay Area and it's an easy 2 day drive to the Grand Canyon. The fastest way will be down I-5 & Hwy 58 to Barstow. Make sure once you hit Barstow that you feel like driving another 145 miles because there is no lodging or camping between Barstow and Needles. There are private campgrounds in Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Mojave, Barstow and Needles. Because this is a holiday weekend, you might find it hard to get lodging with our reservations.

If you want a more scenic route I'd take Tioga Pass though Yosemite, then Hwy 6 from Benton to Tonopah. Hwy 95 and 93 down to I-40. This will take about 5 hours longer.

I checked reservations for Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon. There are sites still available even for the 4th of July! I would make reservations if you plan on camping. http://reservations.nps.gov/parkresu...token=76897736

What is nice about camping in the park, is you can leave your vehicle at the campsite and ride the free shuttle buses and not have to worry about finding a parking spot.

It's an easy day drive from the S. Rim to Zion National Park. There are two campgrounds across the Virgin River from each other. South is a first come, first serve campground. You will want to get there early or you can make reservations at Watchman. Watchman has electrical sites if that is something you are interested in. There are also tent sites at Watchman. Zion is one of our favorite parks. I hope you have enought time to spend a couple nights here.

If you have the time, Bryce Canyon is also close and an excellent park. I'd do it before Zion. There are two campgrounds at Bryce too. One is first come, first serve the other is reservation only.

If you don't take the scenic route to Grand Canyon, then I'd suggest taking it home from Zion. Take Hwy 9 to I-5 and go north to just before Cedar City. Take Hwy 56 & 319 to Panaca, NV. (GET GAS!) Then take Hwy 93 to Crystal Springs. There is a private campground here. Take Hwy 395 the Extraterrestrial Highway <INSERT music spooky>. Then take Hwy 6 into Tonopah, and Hwy 120 into Yosemite. I love coming home this way. There are national forest campgrounds that never fill up on Hwy 120 on the east side before Yosemite and just up the hill from Lee Vining.

Utahtea
06-24-2005, 08:51 AM
Robert Schaller

Mather Campground

Quote:

Utahtea wrote: I checked reservations for Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon. There are sites still available even for the 4th of July! I would make reservations if you plan on camping. http://reservations.nps.gov/parkres...ftoken=76897736

What is nice about camping in the park, is you can leave your vehicle at the campsite and ride the free shuttle buses and not have to worry about finding a parking spot.

If there are still sites available at Mather, then that would be my first choice too (although I DO like Ten-X). But Mather has the excitement and wonder of being IN the National Park -- and close access to all the services nearby, including those showers. I am totally surprised there is anything left there -- it must be a slow summer up there so far! Bob
06-24-2005, 02:50 PM
noraoconnor

Road Trip from SF to Grand Canyon

Thanks for all the great input.

If I were to leave in the morning on July 4th (and not take the scenic route - do that on the way back) - would it be reasonable to say that I would reach MATHER SOUTH RIM campsite by Tuesday (6/5) afternoon/evening, or should I expect to be there Wednesday (6/6). I'm asking because I would like to make reservations at MATHER SOUTH RIM, and wondering if I should do so for July 5th or July 6th? Again, I'm not in a hurry - but definitely want to make the most of my trip!

I am looking to go to Zion after the Grand Canyon, so your input was very, very helpful.

Peace,
- Nora
06-24-2005, 03:22 PM
Robert Schaller

Two days

Yes, I'd say you could make it to Grand Canyon from San Francisco in two full days of driving. Bob
06-24-2005, 06:48 PM
Utahtea

Quote:

Originally Posted by noraoconnor

If I were to leave in the morning on July 4th (and not take the scenic route - do that on the way back) - would it be reasonable to say that I would reach MATHER SOUTH RIM campsite by Tuesday (6/5) afternoon/evening, or should I expect to be there Wednesday (6/6). I'm asking because I would like to make reservations at MATHER SOUTH RIM, and wondering if I should do so for July 5th or July 6th? Again, I'm not in a hurry - but definitely want to make the most of my trip!

From SF to the S. Rim is just under 800 miles. If you can drive 400 miles per day, then you can easily make. If you leave on the 4th and drive to say Barstow (415 miles) or Needles (560 miles) then you can easily make it by late afternoon to the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon on the 5th of July.

We have driven from Zion all the way home to the San Francisco Bay area in one day. We didn't start out to do this, but we got so close we just decided to keep going and made it home late evening. It's a long day especially when towing a trailer so I don't recommend it.

Utahtea
06-25-2005, 01:59 PM
noraoconnor

Road trip to the Grand Canyon from SF (on 7/4)

Dear Utahtea, et al,

I was looking for where to make camping reservations for Watchman in Zion Park. It was not on the US National Park reservations site. Any input on where to make those reservations?

Any for any one else ... I was thinking of staying at the Grand Canyon on the 5, 6 and 7th and then driving to Zion on the 7th ... and then stay there on the 7 and 8th. And then start heading back to SF sometime on the 8th (need to back on the 10th).

Okay, any feedback is welcomed. I know someone mentioned Bryce (?) Park before going to Zion ... Not aure if I have enough time ...

Thanks again for all the input -- it has been so helpful.

Peace,
- nora
06-25-2005, 04:01 PM
Robert Schaller

Watchman

This page has a phone number for reservations.
06-25-2005, 08:54 PM
PNW Judy

Quote:

I was thinking of staying at the Grand Canyon on the 5, 6 and 7th and then driving to Zion on the 7th ... and then stay there on the 7 and 8th. And then start heading back to SF sometime on the 8th (need to back on the 10th).

OK, any feedback is welcomed. I know someone mentioned Bryce (?) Park before going to Zion ... Not sure if I have enough time ...

I'll tell you what we did last year. This may not fit your needs but it worked for us as we wanted to see more places, even if it meant just hitting the high points, than spending more time in any one place. So, here's the whirlwind tour:

Day 1: Left Flagstaff at about 7am. Stopped at Bedrock City for a couple of hours. (Wow, fun, tacky tourist stop for any Flintstone fan!). Explored the South Rim of the GC. We stopped at all the major viewpoints on the way into the main Grand Canyon Village area. Then we went into the village and explored the various shops, visitor centers, and viewpoints along the main walkways. Then we drove east along the GC stopping at each and every scenic viewpoint along the way, the Tusayan Ruins, and the Watch Tower. Then we headed to Page for the night.

Day 2: Left Page about 6am. Stopped at Navajo Bridge. Accidentally went right past Lee's Ferry. Went to the North Rim of the GC. We did not have time to go to all of the lookouts. We mainly explored around the lodge area. We did drive to one other scenic viewpoint that had a great reputation for good views but, unfortunately, I don't recall the name of it off the top of my head. Stopped for lunch in Kanab. Checked out the Frontier Movie Town. Then drove into Zion where we spent the later hours in the afternoon/early evening. We took the bus tour into other parts of Zion where you can't drive by car but we only did a rather short stint on that. We didn't have time to ride it all the way to the end and back. Nor did we do much hiking there. (This was mainly due to me having a heat exhaustion incident a couple days before and I just didn't have my normal stamina for these types of trips). Then we headed to Ruby's Inn, just outside of Bryce for the night.

Day 3: Left Ruby's early to go into Bryce (don't recall the time) but it was before the visitor center opened so it was early. Maybe 7am. Explored Bryce. Stopped at each and every viewpoint. Took a few short hikes...very short, maybe 10-15 minutes each. Stopped at the Visitor Center on the way out. Drove to Idaho for the night.

Of course, since you're going back to California, if you decide to do the Whirlwind Tour, you would go to Bryce after the North Rim and then Zion last so you're headed in the right direction.

So, I do think it's doable to do Bryce, too. However, you may want to have more time. So, do it in the way that works best for you.

If you enjoy this part of the country as much as I do, I'm sure you'll go back and get Bryce later. I know I want to go back and spend more time at all these beautiful parks, plus snag Grand Staircase/Escalante, Glen Canyon, and Canyonlands as well. I'd also like more time to play in Page. It's beautiful country.
06-26-2005, 12:36 AM
Utahtea

Quote:

Originally Posted by noraoconnor

Dear Utahtea, et al,

I was looking for where to make camping reservations for Watchman in Zion Park. It was not on the US National Park reservations site. Any input on where to make those reservations?

Any for any one else ... I was thinking of staying at the Grand Canyon on the 5, 6 and 7th and then driving to Zion on the 7th ... and then stay there on the 7 and 8th. And then start heading back to SF sometime on the 8th (need to back on the 10th).

Okay, any feedback is welcomed. I know someone mentioned Bryce (?) Park before going to Zion ... Not aure if I have enough time ...

Thanks again for all the input -- it has been so helpful.

Peace,
- nora

Watchman campground in Zion is on the US National Park Reservation website. I know, I've made reservations online before.

So you plan on spending two nights the 5th and 6th at the S. Rim so that gives you one full day at the Grand Canyon. That's good. Then you plan on driving to Zion on the 7th which will take at least 5 1/2 hours and more if you stop at the scenic overlooks as you exit the park going towards Desert View. Plan on a little time at Lake Powell just to take a few quick pictures of the lake. This isn't going to give you a lot of time on the 7th to see Zion. If you plan on leaving Zion on the morning of the 8th, at least plan on spending until noon or so at the park before heading home.

Utahtea
06-26-2005, 09:04 AM
noraoconnor

Three camp nights in GC or more nights in Zion

Again, thanks for the input.

The way my trip is looking is that either I stay three nights in the Grand Canyon and two in Zion, (or the other way around).

I could camp at the Grand Canyon on the 5, 6, and 7th and then at Zion on the 8 and 9th, and spend the 10th driving home ...

Or camp at Zion on the 8th (arriving there probably later afternoon) and then spend the day at Zion on the 9th and start driving back on the 9th ... Just want to make sure I'm not "rushing home" from Zion in one day (if I were to leave Zion on the 10th ... needing to be back by around 5/6pm in San Francisco).

Thanks again for letting me process this out loud, and get some great feedback. I know this road trip is just a taste of what I will want to do in the "future."

- nora
06-26-2005, 06:43 PM
Utahtea

Quote:

Originally Posted by noraoconnor

I could camp at the Grand Canyon on the 5, 6, and 7th and then at Zion on the 8 and 9th, and spend the 10th driving home ...

Or camp at Zion on the 8th (arriving there probably later afternoon) and then spend the day at Zion on the 9th and start driving back on the 9th ... Just want to make sure I'm not "rushing home" from Zion in one day (if I were to leave Zion on the 10th ... needing to be back by around 5/6pm in San Francisco).

Nora, I think I would camp at the Grand Canyon on the nights of the 5 & 6th and Zion on the 7th and 8th and spend the 9th on the road home. This gives you one full day at the Grand Canyon and on the 7th day as you drive from Grand Canyon to Zion you can take your time seeing the sites as you exit the Grand Canyon and spend an hour or so at Lake Powell before reaching Zion. On the 8th day spend all day in Zion and leave about 3 hours before dark and make your way to Las Vegas or farther if you feel like it. Then you have all day of the 9th to get home.

I wouldn't try to drive all the way from Zion or even Las Vegas on the 10th day since you have to be in SF by 5 or 6 P. M.

Utahtea
06-26-2005, 06:56 PM
Robert Schaller

11 hours just driving

Nearest I can figure, the fastest way between Zion and San Francisco is 11 hours just driving time -- all stops additional. Utahtea's right -- you should try to split that drive into at least two days. Bob
06-30-2005, 02:05 AM
noraoconnor

SF to Grand Canyon to Zion - directions

I have been looking at a road atlas (hard copy -- I'm not doing so well using the online map directions ... since it often asks the address of the Grand Canyon ???? ). What am I supposed to put in as an address for the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park? I have gone to website suggested and seem to be doing something wrong ...

Okay, so here's the route that looks reasonable to the South Rim from SF ....
HWY 580 to the 5 to the 99, cut over in Bakersfield (to the 58) then to the 40, and then the 40 the Mather South Rim Campsite. Sound right?

Then should I stay the night in Barstow or Needles, before heading on to the Grand Canyon?

When I leave the GC, South Rim ... I'm not clear on the route to Zion, Watchman Campsite ... ??? The 64 to the 89? I think I need some help with that drive route. Thank you.

Then on the way back ... how long of a drive is it from Zion to Vegas? Then I'd get back on the 15 home to SF.

I'm open to driving suggestions (and to a website, where I know what address to insert). I do understand there are much better scenic routes (to and from SF), and if I had another few more days I would do that ... but, I think the direct routes are going to best, so I can get the most out of my first trip to the GC and Zion.

Thanks in advance for your input.
- nora
San Francisco, CA
06-30-2005, 09:00 AM
Mark Sedenquist

Updates

Quote:

Originally Posted by noraoconnor

I have been looking at a road atlas (hard copy -- I'm not doing so well using the online map directions ... since it often asks the address of the Grand Canyon ???? ). What am I supposed to put in as an address for the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park? I have gone to website suggested and seem to be doing something wrong ...

Grand Canyon, Arizona usually works.

Quote:

Okay, so here's the route that looks reasonable to the South Rim from SF ....HWY 580 to the 5 to the 99, cut over in Bakersfield (to the 58) then to the 40, and then the 40 the Mather South Rim Campsite. Sound right?

It is not the "scenic" route, but it does work. Actually you don't actually travel on CA-99, CA-58 is an exit on I-5 and you can follow this all the way to I-40.

Quote:

Then should I stay the night in Barstow or Needles, before heading on to the Grand Canyon?

It depends on how much time you have for driving to the Grand. Personally, I would stay overnight in Kingman, but you could make it to Williams or even Flagstaff that first day.

Quote:

When I leave the GC, South Rim ... I'm not clear on the route to Zion, Watchman Campsite ... ??? The 64 to the 89? I think I need some help with that drive route. Thank you.

Yes, that is fine., Personally, I like the route using US-89 ALt through Freedonia and then up to UT-9 for the trip into Zion.

Quote:

Then on the way back ... how long of a drive is it from Zion to Vegas? Then I'd get back on the 15 home to SF.

It is about three hours (normally, but there are huge wildfires there right now -- and it would be hard to predict when you are going for the same reason)

Quote:

I'm open to driving suggestions (and to a website, where I know what address to insert). I do understand there are much better scenic routes (to and from SF),

Buy a paper map -- it is much easier and I think would work better for you. Here are our recommendations for maps.

Have fun.

Mark
06-30-2005, 09:07 AM
PNW Judy

Quote:

Originally Posted by noraoconnor

I have been looking at a road atlas (hard copy -- I'm not doing so well using the online map directions ... since it often asks the address of the Grand Canyon ???? ). What am I supposed to put in as an address for the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park? I have gone to website suggested and seem to be doing something wrong ...

Which one are you trying to use? In Mapquest, If I put Grand Canyon in the line for city, it routes to Page just fine. You don't need a street address. Hope that helps.

Quote:

Okay, so here's the route that looks reasonable to the South Rim from SF ....
HWY 580 to the 5 to the 99, cut over in Bakersfield (to the 58) then to the 40, and then the 40 the Mather South Rim Campsite. Sound right?

Then should I stay the night in Barstow or Needles, before heading on to the Grand Canyon?

Yes, from I-40 you can go to the South Rim either via 64/180 which merges with I-40 just west of Flagstaff, or if you are going into Flagstaff itself first, you can take 180 all the way from Flagstaff.

I can't remember if you have kids with you or not. If you do, they might enjoy a stop at the ticky-tacky, kitschy and fun "Bedrock City" in Valle (where 64 and 180 merge) just south of the South Rim.

Barstow is 415 miles and roughly 7 hours driving without any stops. Needles is 560 miles and roughly 9 hours driving without any stops.

Now, you will be stopping (gas, bathroom, meals, stretching) and this also assumes that you won't hit any bad stretches of traffic. So, where to stop for the night, depends on how much driving you want to do each day.

As a new roadtripper, I have a gut feeling you shouldn't go any farther than Barstow. If you stop there, you have about 7 hours driving/430 miles to drive the next day. This roughly cuts your trip into two equal halves.

If you think you can drive farther that first day, You'll have a shorter day the second day by about 2 hours and quite a few miles. I always think it's nice to burn miles the first day. But that's me. YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Quote:

When I leave the GC, South Rim ... I'm not clear on the route to Zion, Watchman Campsite ... ??? The 64 to the 89? I think I need some help with that drive route. Thank you.

Yes, that's the route. You'll go past Watchman and will be traveling along the South Rim part of the way. It's a beautiful drive. It's about 140 miles from Grand Canyon Village to Page. Time to travel? Hard to say. Depends on how many stops you make at scenic viewpoints, at Tusayen Ruins, Watchtower, etc.

Page to Zion is along 89 and 9. About 116 miles/2 hours. However, plan for longer. There are stops along the way that are fun to explore and it's not unusual to get stuck behind slow traffic through here. Things to see: Navajo Bridge, Lee's Ferry, Kanab. And I really suggest touring the North Rim as well. It's a very different view of the GC.

Quote:

Then on the way back ... how long of a drive is it from Zion to Vegas? Then I'd get back on the 15 home to SF.

Zion to Vegas via 9 and I-15: 160 miles, 2.5 hours

Quote:

I'm open to driving suggestions (and to a website, where I know what address to insert). I do understand there are much better scenic routes (to and from SF), and if I had another few more days I would do that ... but, I think the direct routes are going to best, so I can get the most out of my first trip to the GC and Zion.

Like I already said, try the park name in the town line. I think it should route OK with that. At least Mapquest did. I didn't try the others. I usually use MS Streets & Trips (an inexpensive software program) for my planning. I think it's easier to use than the online versions and has more options for tweaking. If you're interested, I usually see it for about $15 after rebates.

Nothing wrong with using these routes. They are, in fact, quite scenic. You'll see some great stuff along the way. Well, except for the I-5 stretch. That's a bit of a bore unless you've never seen it before, in my opinion. But it's hard to do a roadtrip of any distance without some stretches like this. Just burn miles when the sights are less than intrigueing so you have more time to explore new, interesting areas.

Enjoy your trip and, please, give us a roadtrip report when you get home.