Grand Canyon from California with kids

[expy2010]

Hi All,

(I edited this as I went along)

In July we plan to take about a 10 day trip to GC and other parks, mainly for sightseeing and hiking. Leaving from Near Sacramento.

Kids are 8/10.

Trying to figure out how long to stay in each place hotel wise in regards to the time it takes to see and do things there.

So far I got this planned...

Head straight to Vegas (8 hour drive). Stay 3 nights. Head to Zion (about 3 hours drive) Stay 2 nights. Will have a full day and a half there (Want to do the Narrows if the kids can do it).

Head to Bryce for 1 night then head to Page/Lake Powell (about 3 hours drive) Maybe stop and see Grand Staircase, if possible from there, stay 1 night. Not sure what we will do here, maybe a boat tour and just check out the sights and dam...?

Head to Grand Canyon (will stay in Tusayan) and stay for 3 nights.

Then head home via 40 to Barstow. Might stop for 1 night somewhere if needed.

Total 10-11 nights. Can do an extra day in Vegas if we take off 1 day in Grand Canyon.

Was thinking of also seeing Canyonlands and Arches but then would have to stay in Moab for at least a night.

Any input helps :)