South West USA National Parks

[Quickstatus]

With reference to this trip report
South West USA national parks road trip

Ok folks so this is what the Quickstatus clan of 4 are planning for the periods 28Dec-5Jan2017
and would appreciate comments on the planned itinerary:

Arriving into LAS at 1000am on 28Dec
Departing from LAS at 0800 on 5Jan
(These flights are set in stone)


28Dec
Fly in (domestic)
Drive LAS to Springdale (Zion NP) 271km + overnight

29Dec
Drive Springdale to Bryce Canyon NP (137km) + overnight

30Dec
Drive Bryce Canyon NP to Page (242km) + overnight

31Dec
Drive Page to Monument Valley (200km) + overnight

1Jan
Drive Monument Valley to Grand Canyon South rim (285km) + overnight
2Jan overnight
----
3Jan
Drive Grand Canyon South rim to LAS (437km) + overnight
4Jan overnight
---
5Jan fly out (international to Canadia)

Was planning night photography and there is a full moon on Jan1 in Arizona

Total planned km 1572km

 

[laffer]

what sort of car you getting?

 

[drron]

Basically this is very doable.much better to have a couple more days but c'est la vie.
The only problem you might have is an early snow storm that could block roads.Though early in the season they will probably be ready for it.We went in april and had a late snow storm.Were stuck an extra day in Grand Canyon and an unplanned stop in Page as the snow ploughs had been put away for summer.
We are leaving LAS on 26/12.

 

[Quickstatus]

Basically this is very doable.much better to have a couple more days but c'est la vie.
The only problem you might have is an early snow storm that could block roads.Though early in the season they will probably be ready for it.We went in april and had a late snow storm.Were stuck an extra day in Grand Canyon and an unplanned stop in Page as the snow ploughs had been put away for summer.
We are leaving LAS on 26/12.

The extra 2 nights would be 2 Jan and 4 Jan on the itinerary or extra on top of what I suggested?
Is it easy to book the accomodations along the way as you go?
I would only book an AWD

 

[drron]

It's just that the area is a little spread out and is just spectacular.The good thing is it might stimulate you to go back.
Also if there is a snow storm early the change in outlook is again unbelievable.Arriving in the grand Canyon on a beautiful sunny day and waking up to a few feet of snow was incredible with such a change in outlook.
It's a while since we travelled booking as you go but at that time of year it should be easy.