Las Vegas for exploration

[29palms]

I've seen this SLOT CANYON or similar types on tv programs and the first thing comes to mind is like it better not be raining somewhere because...FLASH FLOOD!!!!! Prime spot for a flash flood it looks like. There is a reason why these canyons got "SLOTTED".

[offroader]

29palms, you can spend as much time as you want in Utah. If you only had two days I would do Zion and Bryce, again if time permits then willis creek. Zion is easy in 1/2 day if just doing those few hikes mentioned and Bryce is doable in 1/2 day (plus to/from time) with no hiking. Just google Bryce canyon to see the photos of this place. Hiking in Bryce puts you down in the hoodoos. If the photo is looking down on the hoodoos then they are from overlooks, if looking up then they are from hiking.
Most of the time you do not have to worry about flash floods, just make sure no rain within 100 miles or so.
I have been in peek a boo when it had pools of water and when it was dry, way different with water pools as you do not know how deep they are.
Also, you want to see wild utube video, check out buckskin gulch (I did a 4 day 42 mile hike here) Its an 11 mile long slot canyon that I think averages 15 ft wide but the utube videos have people in the canyon with knee to waist deep water running.

Just try and contact me if anyone needs a guide or more information.

[offroader]

Sorry Mig, I normally do not have my cell phone on when I am in Southern Utah so I do not know how good they work. I also have a prepaid phone with tmobil and reception is not as good as a real smart phone.

[29palms]

Well now. I was talking to this guy that had been to Zion and Bryce, and was telling me about the North Rim in Arizona's Grand Canyon. I figure as I'm in Zion, I may as well hit the Grand Canyon too. So I'm all about hitting them all next run to Vegas. For sure Zion and GC but Bryce is a bit off the beaten path. Is Bryce that much worth it? Question. How many days do I need to hit ZION, BRYCE and GC? I know it all depends on alot but say how about hotels/motels. I know Springdale outside Zion has motels, but how about GC or BRYCE?

[offroader]

If you are not doing any of the bigger hikes you can do Zion in a day, Bryce in a day and I am guessing the Grand Canyon in a day, did not even think about the Grand Canyon. I have not made it to the Grand Canyon yet so I am not sure how long it takes but I would guess if you are not hiking into the canyon you would be at the overlook(s) for a few hours max? Unless you wanted sunrise/sunset. So, drive to Zion and check it out. Sleep in Springdale (or if you finished Zion early drive to Bryce and stay at a hotel there). Then spend the next day in Bryce (might only be 1/2 a day) so after Bryce start heading towards the Grand Canyon. Not sure where the best place would be to stay for a GC visit.
Use google maps or mapquest to get drive times. I will try and break up a 3 day trip for you but I am in San Jose California heading for Santa Cruz and my ride should be arriving soon.

Enjoy

[29palms]

That's ok. I can figure it out. I never stick to a plan anyway. Just general plan and go by feel. I can make it happen as usual.

[offroader]

Mig, when is your briggade heading to Utah? Also, how much hiking will the group do? I can recommend canyons that I have hiked around 'the loop'.

"BTW, Daniel Boone & son are looking at hiking “subway” - yup, they’ll certifiable"--- Let them know they will need a permit to do the subway. I believe hiking up from the bottom is not to difficult and you will need gear to hike down from the top.

[29palms]

I may do another Vegas run in a month or so. Can't wait till May though I must go there in May to take care of some buisness. So if I go in March, I know roads to North Rim are closed. I'll just hang out in Vegas and maybe check out the valley of fire.