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

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On your tour…
WHERE TO EAT: In Phoenix, Pizza Bianco is the go-to place for some of the best pizza in America. Bronx-born chef Chris Bianco took home a James Beard best chef award not so long ago for his crisp-crusted pies. The downside is the wait — they don’t take reservations, and it can be hours. There is, however, a bar right next door. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to hang around, there’s a branch of Brooklyn’s own Grimaldi’s over in Scottsdale. (Pizza Bianco; 623 East Adams Street. Patsy Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria, 4000 North Scottsdale Road)

WHAT TO SEE: The premier American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, made his home in Scottsdale, at Taliesin West, which also served as the master’s office. The complex is open for tours. For more info, go to www.franklloydwright.org.

WHERE TO SHOP: Check out the galleries and shops in the artist town of Sedona; pick up Native American pottery and jewelry at the trading posts on the itinerary.

WHAT TO ADD ON: Once you’ve seen the natural wonders at the Grand Canyon, take a look at the manmade wonders on the strip in Vegas, and add an extra few days to your trip, gambling on luck and seeing a show or two.