Best order to visit Zion and Grand Canyon

Question

We arrive into Las Vegas at 8pm on a Friday night after a 10 hour flight with 2 kids and have 5 nights for Las Vegas, Zion and the Grand Canyon. What order would you suggest? It's too expensive to stay on the strip on the Friday or Saturday so we were wondering about a cheap hotel in Vegas on the Friday; then Zion via the Ring of Fire for the Saturday as it's a shorter drive than the Grand Canyon (and less "pressure" if we're jet-lagged given the children are more excited about the Grand Canyon), on to Yavapai Lodge on the Sunday via the Horse Shoe Bend and then two nights in New York-New York to end with (and an early morning flight to SF the next day).

Does it work driving in this order? I assume we would miss the Hoover Dam but does that matter and are there any issues with going this way round?

Many thanks

Answer

Your itinerary sounds like a great plan for an adventure-packed 5 days! I think the order you’re considering works well, but here’s a detailed breakdown of your route and some thoughts on your logistics:

Friday – Arrival in Las Vegas
Since you'll be arriving at 8pm after a long flight, staying in a budget hotel for the night is a good choice. It’ll allow you to rest up before hitting the road the next day. There are many affordable options outside the Strip area, such as in the downtown area or near the airport. These can give you a good night's sleep without the expense of staying on the Strip. Aim to pick a hotel that's conveniently located for an easy departure the next morning.

Saturday – Las Vegas to Zion via the "Ring of Fire" (Scenic Route)
For Saturday, heading straight to Zion via the “Ring of Fire” route is a solid plan. The scenic drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park will take about 2.5 to 3 hours, which is a manageable drive with kids, and the route offers some beautiful desert landscapes along the way. The "Ring of Fire" is a great choice, as it provides a less stressful, scenic option compared to a more direct route. You’ll also get a nice introduction to the Southwestern landscapes, which could help build excitement for the bigger sights to come.

Drive Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours.
Kids’ Activities: Zion has some easy, kid-friendly hikes like the Riverside Walk and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. This could be a fun way to stretch after your drive and give the kids a chance to explore before you head to the Grand Canyon.

Sunday – Zion to Grand Canyon (via Horseshoe Bend)
On Sunday, you’ll make your way to the Grand Canyon. Stopping at Horseshoe Bend on the way is a perfect plan! It’s about a 2-hour drive from Zion to Horseshoe Bend and then about another 2 to 2.5 hours to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The drive itself is scenic and gives you a nice break from longer stretches of road. Horseshoe Bend is a must-see—especially for kids who will love the view—and the short walk to the viewpoint is easy and manageable.

Drive Time: About 4 to 4.5 hours total (Zion to Horseshoe Bend, then to the Grand Canyon).
Kids’ Activities: The Grand Canyon offers incredible views from the South Rim, and you can take in the views along the Rim Trail, which is easy for kids to walk. The Yavapai Lodge is centrally located, making it easy to access key viewpoints.

Monday – Full Day at Grand Canyon
Enjoy a full day at the Grand Canyon! You can explore more of the South Rim’s viewpoints, take the free shuttle to different areas, or visit the Grand Canyon Railway if you want to add some extra excitement. With kids, it’s good to pace yourself, especially at the canyon’s higher elevations. You might also want to visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center for an educational stop before heading out.

Tuesday – Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
For the drive back to Las Vegas, you have a few options depending on your timing. It will take about 4 to 5 hours to get back to Las Vegas, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping to get back earlier for a full evening in the city. Since you mentioned spending your last two nights at New York-New York, you can enjoy the city’s fun attractions or just relax before your flight to SF the next morning.

Drive Time: About 4.5 to 5 hours from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas.
Optional Stops: Consider a quick stop at Hoover Dam if you want to check it out on your way back. It’s only about 30 minutes off the main route between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, so it could be a quick but memorable detour.

Hoover Dam: Is it worth a stop?
While the Hoover Dam is a fantastic landmark, if you’re already tight on time and your focus is on the Grand Canyon and Zion, skipping it is perfectly fine. It’s a little off the main highway, but if you’re passing nearby, a quick detour could provide a nice 30-minute stop without too much disruption to your schedule.

Additional Notes:
1. The driving distances in your plan are manageable, especially since you’ll be breaking up long drives with scenic stops. Overall, the logistics work well for a family with kids, and this route will allow you to enjoy both Zion and the Grand Canyon at a comfortable pace.
2. Since you’ll be driving through remote areas, make sure to keep plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment for the kids in the car. It’s also good to check gas levels ahead of time, especially for the longer stretches between stops.

Overall, your route works well, and you’ll have a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing. Enjoy your trip, and have a wonderful time exploring these iconic National Parks with your family!