Grand Canyon and Zion next week

[Anonymous]

We are scheduled to go to Zion and Grand Canyon next week. Anyone have suggestions on what else to do of parks are still closed?

[Anonymous]

Sedona isn't that far from the Grand Canyon. It's awesome. Can't think of anything near Zion.

[Anonymous]

Vegas, baby, Vegas.

[Anonymous]

During the last shutdown, Arizona decided to foot the bill to keep the south rim of the Grand Canyon open. Don't know if they'll do that again. (Since the crazies control Arizona these days, probably not, but it is a pretty big tourist draw for them.)

It's a pretty freaking big canyon. You may find parts of it you can get to even if the visitors center, etc., is closed. You might have to disregard some signs or closed gates, or hike in a bit to see it.

[Anonymous]

Southwest Colorado is gorgeous. Durango, Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, that whole area. Some of the really gorgeous parks there are CO state parks, not national parks, so you should be good. And the whole area is beautiful whether you're in a park or not.
If you want tourist stuff the Durango-Silverton Railroad is fun.

[Anonymous]

Same as above re state parks. Utah has some beautiful ones. Dead horse was stunning. I hope this gets resolved before then and you don't have to replan your trip!

[Anonymous]

Where are you staying near Zion? The state parks are also amazing. Try Kodachrome, coral pink sands, goblin valley. There aren't a ton of food options in the parks, so be prepared with your own food and drinks.

[Anonymous]

WTOP said Grand Canyon is still open and the state is footing the bill.

[Anonymous]

Try Goblin Valley, Valley of Fire, and Snow Canyon state parks. Also, check this out:

http://www.kcsg.com/view/full_story/23725297/article-50-Awesome-Alternatives-to-Utah-s-National-Parks?instance=more_local_news1

[Anonymous]

I would research Indian reservations in the area. Valley of Fire at lake Mead is a state park near Vegas, it's got cool colorful rock formations, like Joshua Tree but redder.

[Anonymous]

You'll just have to find someplace else to push your spouse off a cliff.

[Anonymous]

Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation is a tribal park and should still be open. If you have at least two days, the hike/mule ride to Supai and hike to Havasu Falls/Mooney Falls is fantastic. See more at http://www.havasupaifalls.net/waterfalls.html.

[Anonymous]

A bit further afield, but Ute Mountain Tribal Park has some great ruins that are similar to (and much less visited than) Mesa Verde: http://www.utemountaintribalpark.info/.

[Anonymous]

Bummer about your timing OP but you'll still have a great time. Snow Canyon near Zion is AWESOME- I think I actually liked it more than Zion. http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/park/snow-canyon-state-park

Sedona is also beautiful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation is a tribal park and should still be open. If you have at least two days, the hike/mule ride to Supai and hike to Havasu Falls/Mooney Falls is fantastic. See more at http://www.havasupaifalls.net/waterfalls.html.

I wanted to report back that we ended up going to Havasu Falls. THANK YOU for the recommendation, we had an great experience. Had the govenment not shut down we would have never known about this place. We used Pygmy Guides and they were fantastic and I would highly recommend them to anyone considering visting Havasu Falls.

If it's not on your bucket list, add it!