The Grand Canyon
“Three national parks are our destinations…”
This is a 10-day trip we took with our adult children that can easily be adapted for young ones. We traveled from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Kanab, Page, Grand Canyon, and back to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas to Zion
“ … hiking a river should be no trouble.”
IN-N-OUT Burger
“…make mine a Double-Double”
Start your trip with a visit to this iconic, southwestern burger joint.
The Narrows
This one’s a memory-maker! Even younger grands can hike some of The Narrows. You can turn back when the trail gets difficult or the kids are tired. Bring snacks!
We arrived just before sunset for a short visit to this state park - which is the perfect time to see the red sandstone light up like fire. Then on to stay the night in St. George.
Shorter Hikes
Grotto trail, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock are some of the more kid-friendly trails in Zion.
We loved our stay here! We ate breakfast every morning by the fire pit and in the shadow of these beautiful mountains.
If you stay at Springhill Suites take the kids for tacos here just across the street
Angels Landing
This one is not recommended for young children. Skip this unless you are taking grands that are in their teens.
The place we ate has closed, but this looks like a good replacement. Burgers and steaks are their speciality, but there is something here for even the pickiest eater.
Zion to Page, Arizona
“Next we’ll see castles of rock stretching tall…”
Checkerboard Mesa
Stop here for a quick pic then make your way to The Rock Stop for coffee and ice cream!
Page, Arizona
Visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and Glenn Canyon Dam upon entering Page, then pick up lunch to eat at John C Page Memorial Park. Big John’s BBQ is our pick for dinner.
Staying here is not luxurious, but makes it easier to catch those amazing sunrises and sunsets at Bryce Canyon.
Earth House AirBnb
Another memory-maker! Book an AirBnb stay at a Navajo Hogan in Page. Baya and Paul are incredible hosts and have thought of everything to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience!
Bryce Canyon
“… trails zig zagging up a red wall.”
We managed to squeeze in the Navajo to Queens Garden hike, Sunrise and Sunset Points, and Wall Street.
Slot Canyons
Book here well in advance if you plan on touring the slot canyons in Page. Kids are allowed, but research carefully and know your grands before embarking on this adventure. Two of us who lean claustrophobic chose to skip this one.
Kanab is a good place to stop for the night. Take the grands to pet the cats at Best Friends, see movie history at Little Hollywood, and our favorite ice cream of the trip was here.
Lake Powell
Rent kayaks here and spend some time on the beautiful Lake Powell. We had a beach all to ourselves and could have stayed all day!
Page, Arizona to The Grand Canyon
“ We saved the Grand Canyon to fill our last day…”
Horseshoe Bend
“ …round a rock in the shape of a ‘U’ “
Stop for a short hike to Horseshoe Bend on your way out of Page but keep those grands close!
Grandnan had a little come-apart when no one wanted to stop here. Where else can you and your grands slide down a dinosaur tail shouting “Yabba-Dabba-Doo!”
Grandnan highly recommends if they’re still open.
Winslow, Arizona
Our detour took us to this famous little corner of the world - but you shouldn’t be here if things go as planned!
Hoover Dam and Lake Meade
A Chevy Chase look at the dam was enough for most of us, but we had engineers in the group so we lingered a while. The lake is pretty.
Yavapai Lodge, Grand Canyon
Plan this trip early and try to stay in the park. We stayed here and were able to see sunrise and sunset over the Canyon.
Grandnan had only one wish and that was to see a roadrunner. We were told all along the way that they were easy to spot, but we never saw a one until our very last stop at this canyon in Las Vegas. Take the 13-mile scenic drive and keep your eyes peeled!
Beep-Beep!
Grand Canyon
We only had one day in Grand Canyon, but if you have more we wish we had hiked down into the Canyon.
Las Vegas
I would not recommend Las Vegas for kids, but it is a natural base for those arriving by plane. This park was kid-friendly or drive to see these colorful rocks.
Connecting with Music
Music is an important part of our grandtrips, and we are intentional about the songs we listen to with our grands. Mixing oldies and new favorites gets everyone singing!
Grand Canyon Playlist
Itinerary
Here is our 10-day itinerary which can be broken up into several trips for those who live closer to the parks.
Day One
Land in Las Vegas
Eat a Double-Double at In-N-Out
Make it to Valley of Fire State Park before sunset
Inside Scoop for Ice Cream
Stay in St. George, Utah
Day Two
Zion National Park - Angels Landing if older kids
Choose from smaller hikes for younger kids
Check in to Springdale Suites
Dinner, shopping, and ice cream in Springdale
Day Three
Zion National Park - The Narrows
Choose from smaller hikes
Dinner at Bit and Spur
Day Four
Breakfast at Firepit
Checkerboard Mesa
The Rock Stop
Check in to Bryce Canyon Lodge
Navajo to Queens Garden Hike
Order Pizza or Dine in Lodge Restaurant
Sunset Point for sunset
Day Five
Day Six
Drive to Page, Arizona
Carl Hayden Visitor Center and Glen Canyon Dam
Pick up sandwiches to eat at John C Memorial Park
Slot Canyon Tour
Kayak at Lake Powell
Dinner at Big John’s
Check in to Navajo Hogan Airbnb
Day Seven
Horseshoe Bend Overlook
Drive to Grand Canyon
Check in Yavapai Lodge
Rim Trail for Sunset
Day Eight
Sunrise Grand Canyon
Day Nine
Seven Magic Mountains
Container Park
Gondola Ride
Vegas Show
Day Ten
Red Rock Canyon before flight home