Arizona Travel

Here’s a question we received this week. With the summer family vacation season soon upon us, we thought it might be helpful to readers with a similar query:

We are planning a trip for four days with our kids to visit the Grand canyon and are debating whether or not to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks as well. Would that be a good idea or is it too much too little time? How many days typically does a family stay in the Canyon?

Regards, DD

ChristinaToo says:

Thanks for your question, DD:

Our estimate is that the typical length of a Grand Canyon stay for a family with children is around 2.5 days. I’m guessing you won’t be doing any heavy-duty hiking, backpacking or rafting with the kids, so your activities will probably include walking along the rim at the South Rim, attending ranger-led talks and maybe doing the Grand Canyon Railway or a helicopter tour. Two and a half days will be sufficient to see the Grand Canyon this way.

You would need to dedicate at least a half day of travel up to Zion from the South Rim. You know your kids best… if you think they’ll be antsy or worn out after a 5 hour drive, then certainly take a whole day and stay overnight in St. George (Kanab or Cedar City would work, too, depending on your next destination.) If you think they can handle the drive in the morning and a half-day doing easy hikes at Zion like Weeping Rock and the Lower Emerald Pools, that would certainly be reasonable. Read more at our Zion National Park guide

Bryce Canyon is amazing but the drive from Zion and seeing the park would require another full day, plus a day or more to get back to your origination point. Read more at our Bryce Canyon National Park guide.

Check out the pages on thecanyon.com I’ve included above for more details, including exact driving directions from the South Rim to Zion Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

Enjoy your trip!

-Christina