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Archive 2013 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Hello everyone! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

This morning I went through most of the information on Grand Canyon NP uploaded here at FM.

So needless to say, I would not need information already spoken here.. but who would remember all those?

My plan:

I am flying into St. George, UT on 4/15/14, arriving at 1 pm.

Then I want to go directly to the Grand Canyon, not sure if North Rim or South Rim. All year round open South Rim which is 5.5 hours away from St. George, or about 2 hrs away to North Rim, which is officially closed until May.

I plan to stay there 3 nights before heading to Tuba City which is 1 hr 45 min away from the South Rim Grand Canyon.

I went to the Grand Canyon perhaps 20 years ago. So I don'y have concrete idea, even though I have seen so many wonderful landscape photos.

Question:

Where to stay, and what to take pictures?

I would greatly appreciate for your excellent suggestions (in detail, please).

--
My travel loop would be like this:

St George, UT flying in -> Grand Canyon -> Tuba City ( for Coal Mine Canyon.. need lodging info) -> Monument Valley (need lodging info) -> Moab -> Caineville, UT (for Capitol Reef, again) -> Bryce Canyon (hoping for snowed canyon) -> St. George, UT flying out on 4/29/14

I like vast open scenes with some detailed close-ups occasionally.

I am not a good hiker. Perhaps up to 2 miles stretching.

Thanks and looking forward your suggestions and any advice. I am very open minded. Not a person with a Tunnel vision at all. I will be doing this as a solo traveler.. pretty adventurous.. huh?

Thanks a million!

Kee

*** I have made flight reservation for 3/12/14 to 3/26/14, flying into Flagstaff, AZ at 11:30 AM, instead of St. George, UT. Travel will be counterclockwise as mentioned above. If any one would like to join me for the entire travel or part of it, I would welcome. PM me if interested. ***

Edited on Dec 06, 2013 at 01:26 PM · View previous versions

Dec 02, 2013 at 03:46 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Noticed that 4/15/14 has a Full Moon and 4/28/14 has a New Moon.

Dec 02, 2013 at 03:54 PM

John Zeman
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Hi Kee,

I recently returned from spending 8 days in southern Utah, three in Capitol Reef, and there we stayed at the Torrey Best Western, about 5 minutes west of the park. I will definitely stay there again next time, it was a nice place, not super fancy but clean, price was reasonable, a restaurant on the premises, a pizza place across the road, and other places to eat like Subway are not far away. Your options for dining and lodging in the Caineville area are more limited than in Torrey.

We're planning a trip to the south rim of the Grand Canyon next fall and as of now I think we'll be be staying at the Best Western just outside of the park. Can't tell you a thing about it though.

Dec 02, 2013 at 03:57 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

hello John,

Thanks for the information. So.. you went to Capitol Reef? Did you like that park? I enjoyed it very much but missed some interesting places. As to the Grand Canyon, I will check the Best Western. Sounds good.

Kee

Dec 02, 2013 at 06:46 PM

John Zeman
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Hi Kee. I loved Capitol Reef but then again we were in my high clearance 4wd truck so we could go where regular passenger vehicles couldn't. However the most pleasant surprise to me didn't require a 4wd vehicle, a passenger car can get there very easily. And that's the Burr Trail Road at the far south end of the park. Quite remarkable scenery in that area, some of it Zion looking.

Dec 02, 2013 at 08:15 PM

John Zeman
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

I should also mention when we stayed at the Grand Canyon in 2005 we stayed in the park at the Maswik Lodge. I don't recall the price but I'm sure it was typical for a National Park, expensive. I remember it was rather primitive like a lot of National Park lodging is, and it didn't have internet although there were restaurants nearby. According to the map the Best Western should only be about 5 or 10 minutes from there, so I thought we'd stay there this time and have internet and better restaurant choices at a lower price.

Dec 02, 2013 at 08:19 PM

Adam Schallau
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Hello Kee,

I have a page with links to all of the lodges, hotels, and motels at the Grand Canyon. Here's the link: Grand Canyon Lodging

Outside the park in the village of Tusayan, I can easily suggest staying at any of the facilities except Seven Mile Lodge and Canyon Plaza Resort. Many of my clients stay at Red Feather Lodge. It is clean, modern, and typically the most reasonably priced in Tusayan.

In the park on the South Rim, I suggest staying at Yavapai Lodge. I typically book this lodge for my workshops and have been very happy with it. If you're budget minded, you could also stay at Maswik Lodge North, but I recommend avoiding Maswik South at this time as it's very much in need of a renovation.

The South Rim has almost 20 named viewpoints, some which require hiking, and each offers its own unique point-of-view and photographic challenges. Some of my personal favorites include Desert View, Lipan Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point. The key is to get away from the actual viewpoint if possible. There are also many great unnamed viewpoints along the Desert View Drive.

I also have a Grand Canyon Visitor Info page with some useful trip planning info.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Dec 02, 2013 at 08:31 PM

Adam Schallau
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

FYI...it's about a 15 minute drive from Tusayan to the canyon rim, if you drive the speed limit.

Dec 02, 2013 at 08:32 PM

JohnC
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

There's really only one place to stay in Monument Valley which is the View Hotel everything else is outside of the park, so it fills up quickly. Lots of foreign visitors. You don't have to do the escorted drive but the road is rutted and may not be suitable for low clearance vehicles. I also did a Hunt's Mesa overnight where the guide take you up a private mesa that overlooks the Valley and you can get some sunset, sunrise and night shots up there. They pitch a tent for you and cook dinner and breakfast on the campfire. Little pricey and may not be worth it to you but you do get to see a part of Monument Valley few get to see. One year I also stayed in a Navajo Hogan across from the park but I don't recommend it. Also they don't sell alcohol in Navajo land so if you want that glass of wine with dinner get it before you enter the tribal territory.

Dec 02, 2013 at 08:40 PM

Adam Schallau
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

JohnC wrote:
Also they don't sell alcohol in Navajo land so if you want that glass of wine with dinner get it before you enter the tribal territory.

Keep in mind that possession and consumption of alcohol in any form is strictly prohibited by Navajo Nation law.

Dec 02, 2013 at 09:22 PM

jdc562
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

JohnC wrote:
There's really only one place to stay in Monument Valley which is the View Hotel everything else is outside of the park, so it fills up quickly. Lots of foreign visitors. You don't have to do the escorted drive but the road is rutted and may not be suitable for low clearance vehicles. I also did a Hunt's Mesa overnight where the guide take you up a private mesa that overlooks the Valley and you can get some sunset, sunrise and night shots up there. They pitch a tent for you and cook dinner and breakfast on the campfire. Little...Show more →

From one JohnC to another

--Actually, Goulding's Lodge is just a few minutes drive from the View Hotel--they both work, so shop by availability, price, and amenities. I was there a month ago, and the dirt loop road into the valley by the View Hotel was very bad in many places--partially washed out, exposed rocks, deep sand, pits, and other hazards. I strongly recommend the all-day Navajo-operated tour from Goulding's. It costs about $100, but they use the right vehicles and take you to places beyond the loop road that only Navajos are allowed to drive. Plus, they stop at the prime spots for photography and give you enough time to take shots.

Kee--Be very careful if you take Rte 12 from Torrey to Bryce if there is still winter weather. It goes through some high altitude sections that are steep and winding. But it is also billed as one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. It could be spectacular in the spring, with new foliage on the aspens contrasting with the dark needles of the conifers. Also, Hwy 316 is mostly unpaved, with a very hairy series of switchbacks climbing the near-vertical face of a mesa. In a number of places it is only wide enough for one vehicle. I saw others turn back. I would avoid it if I were you.

I'm looking forward to seeing your photos!

---John D C

Dec 02, 2013 at 10:49 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

John Zeman wrote:
I should also mention when we stayed at the Grand Canyon in 2005 we stayed in the park at the Maswik Lodge. I don't recall the price but I'm sure it was typical for a National Park, expensive. I remember it was rather primitive like a lot of National Park lodging is, and it didn't have internet although there were restaurants nearby. According to the map the Best Western should only be about 5 or 10 minutes from there, so I thought we'd stay there this time and have internet and better restaurant choices at a lower price.

Hi John,

I truly appreciate your recommendations for my Spring travel to Southwest. Burr Trail Rd will be explored when I go to the Capitol Reef NP. I plan to stay there for three nights covering lots of areas including the Temple of the Sun and Moon. I may have time to drive around the Burr Trail Rd and do some short hikes as well.

Thanks again,

Kee

Dec 03, 2013 at 10:13 AM

alatoo60
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Kee,
At Tuba City, there are two nice hotels - Moenkopi Inn, run by Hopi, and Quality Inn, run by Navajo. There are others, too, but I do not recommend them. Moenkopi is on a higher end, and pricier. Quality Inn is not as expensive, nice and clean, and has fridge and microwave in a room. I believe breakfast is included. Another choice would be to drive to Kayenta - its about an hour from Coal Mine, and half-hour from Monument Valley. In Kayenta, I stayed at Wetherill Inn, also very reasonable, nice and clean, microwave/fridge, plus really good early breakfast included.
Stayed at Goulding once (that was when "View" was not finished yet), not in a lodge but in a campground, in a cabin. Their cabins are tiny, basic, clean, run around $80, come with a full kitchen, and accommodate up to 6 people. However, at "View", you get premium views (for premium price), can do some night shots from your balcony, so you get what you pay for.
At Grand Canyon, I usually camp; stayed at Bright Angel lodge once during the winter, at their older facility, and it was OK. Rooms are nice, come with a bathroom, shower is shared, located down the hallway. Clean, warm, reasonably priced, and right on the rim - that's all that matters.
As about being solo female traveler, I do it all the time, but for obvious reason, it is always better/safer to travel in a company of like-minded people. Carry a can of fix-a-flat, as you never know...
For Coal Mine, four wheel is not necessary but high clearance would be a good idea. All roads off 264 are unpaved.

Sasha.

Dec 03, 2013 at 01:00 PM

andyjaggy82
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Kee Woo Rhee wrote:
Hi John,

I truly appreciate your recommendations for my Spring travel to Southwest. Burr Trail Rd will be explored when I go to the Capitol Reef NP. I plan to stay there for three nights covering lots of areas including the Temple of the Sun and Moon. I may have time to drive around the Burr Trail Rd and do some short hikes as well.

Thanks again,

Kee

You really need a 4WD vehicle to get the most out of Capital Reef. I think that's why it's the least popular NP in Utah.

Dec 03, 2013 at 05:53 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

andyjaggy82 wrote:
You really need a 4WD vehicle to get the most out of Capital Reef. I think that's why it's the least popular NP in Utah.

Yes, I nowadays rent SUV 4wd to go around Southwest and California as well. Thanks for reminding me.

Dec 03, 2013 at 06:23 PM

chili555
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Plus one for the View in Monument Valley. This was taken right from the balcony of our room. http://www.flickr.com/photos/chili5558/8059666574/in/set-72157631545925367

The sunrise views are magnificent as well. I also managed to get a decent Milky Way above the monuments but I left the hotel and drove over to the picnic area a bit north of the Park Visitor Center.

Dec 03, 2013 at 08:50 PM

Lutefisker
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

No time at Zion?

Dec 03, 2013 at 08:59 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Lutefisker wrote:
No time at Zion?

I know, I know... I love Zion but not this time. Maybe in case I can squeeze schedule from other places.. or maybe on the way to St. George.. get out early from Bryce Canyon.. I may be able to take a few shots over at Zion. Will see how much energy I would have at that time. I would be a sole female traveler, you know.

Dec 03, 2013 at 09:27 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Adam Schallau wrote:
Hello Kee,

I have a page with links to all of the lodges, hotels, and motels at the Grand Canyon. Here's the link: Grand Canyon Lodging

Outside the park in the village of Tusayan, I can easily suggest staying at any of the facilities except Seven Mile Lodge and Canyon Plaza Resort. Many of my clients stay at Red Feather Lodge. It is clean, modern, and typically the most reasonably priced in Tusayan.

In the park on the South Rim, I suggest staying at Yavapai Lodge. I typically book this lodge for my workshops and have been very happy with it. If...Show more →

Hello Adam,

Thanks for all the valuable information on GC lodgings and viewpoint recommendation. I went through your web and found wonderful pictures as well as your workshop information. Very resourceful, indeed. Will give me tremendous help in making decisions. Thank you!

I am not a drinker and I would not carry or drink any alcohol. But thanks for warning.

Kee

Dec 03, 2013 at 10:27 PM

Adam Schallau
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Spring to Southwest - Need Info on Grand Canyon NP

Kee Woo Rhee wrote:
Hello Adam,

Thanks for all the valuable information on GC lodgings and viewpoint recommendation. I went through your web and found wonderful pictures as well as your workshop information. Very resourceful, indeed. Will give me tremendous help in making decisions. Thank you!

I am not a drinker and I would not carry or drink any alcohol. But thanks for warning.

Kee

You're very welcome.

I made the comment about the Navajo Nation's laws regarding alcohol because another person had mentioned that it's not sold on the reservation and that anyone that wanted it would have to purchase it elsewhere and then bring it with them.

There's still a chance of a late winter storm in April. It makes for some great photography but tough travel conditions. I hope you have a fantastic trip and capture many wonderful scenes!

Best,
Adam

Dec 03, 2013 at 11:29 PM

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