Help with October Itinerary

Question

We are two adults planning a 5/6 day trip to GC, Bryce and Zion in October.

We will fly into Vegas and plan to get up early to drive to GC. Spend one night at GC and then we are planning for 2 days at Zion and 1 at Bryce. We have some flexibility to add a day or 2.

Some questions I have:

1) Should we do Zion or Bryce first?

2) Should we stay close to Bryce for 1 night? Or stay near Zion and day trip to Bryce

3) Should we try to see Antelope Canyon also?

4) I know this is not a 'resort' type area, but we are looking to stay at a more high-end hotel if anyone has recommendations in either area.

5) Should we try to do most of our visiting on week days, as opposed to weekends?

TIA

Answer

For a 5–6 day trip to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce in October, your itinerary can work well, but some adjustments can make it more comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s a detailed overview addressing your questions:

1) Zion or Bryce first?

It generally makes sense to do Zion first after the Grand Canyon if you are driving from GC Village/Grand Canyon South Rim. Zion is closer to GC than Bryce, making the drive more manageable.
Driving sequence: Las Vegas → Grand Canyon → Zion → Bryce → back to Vegas is efficient and avoids backtracking.

2) Staying near Bryce:

It is highly recommended to stay near Bryce Canyon for at least one night. The park is best explored early in the morning or at sunset, and driving from Zion (1.5–2 hours) each day can be tiring.
Staying near Zion for both days and day-tripping to Bryce is possible but will cut into your sightseeing time at both parks.

3) Antelope Canyon:

Antelope Canyon is about a 2.5–3 hour drive from the Grand Canyon’s east side (or 2 hours from Page, AZ). If you are interested in slot canyons and photography, it’s worth adding, but it will require an extra night near Page or a long day trip from GC.
Keep in mind guided tours are required, and October can be busy, so book in advance.

4) High-end lodging:

Grand Canyon: El Tovar is the historic and upscale option on the South Rim. If fully booked, consider the Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim – limited access in October) or upscale lodges just outside Tusayan.
Zion: The Lodge at Zion (inside the park) offers a more luxurious experience. If inside-the-park options are full, check nearby Springdale resorts like Cliffrose Lodge or Cable Mountain Lodge.
Bryce: Bryce Canyon Lodge is historic and charming but basic. For a higher-end stay, look at Ruby’s Inn Best Western Plus or nearby boutique inns with mountain views.

5) Weekdays vs weekends:

Visiting weekdays is generally better to avoid weekend crowds, especially at Bryce and Zion. Mid-week mornings are the quietest for viewpoints and shuttle buses.

Suggested 6-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Las Vegas, drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (overnight near GC Village).
Day 2: Early morning Grand Canyon viewpoints, drive to Zion (stay in Springdale or inside the park).
Day 3: Full day at Zion (hike short trails like Emerald Pools or Riverside Walk).
Day 4: Drive to Bryce, stop at viewpoints along the way, overnight near Bryce.
Day 5: Explore Bryce early morning, then drive back toward Las Vegas or consider adding a detour to Page/Antelope Canyon if schedule allows.
Day 6: Return to Las Vegas for departure.

Summary: