My first trip out West with my 10-year-old (Zion + Grand Canyon) and would love an honest gut check
Hi there, I’m taking my 10-year-old son on a 5-day trip out West and would love a quick sanity check from folks who know these parks well. Trying to balance “wow” moments with not overdoing it. Last days of May/first of June
Day 1 (Sat May 30th):
Fly into Vegas in the morning, then drive to the Zion area. Hoping to squeeze in a short scenic hike that evening if energy allows.
Day 2 (Sun):
Early start in Zion, planning to do the Narrows (bottom-up) and then keep the afternoon pretty relaxed (picnic, light exploring, early night).
Day 3 (Mon):
Drive from Zion to Grand Canyon South Rim. Planning a couple of key stops (Desert View + Mather Point) and a short walk along the rim, then continue on to stay near Peach Springs. This is a long day of driving, I know.
Day 4 (Tue):
All-day rafting trip on the Colorado River (Hualapai) with a helicopter exit...crash in desert Airbnb with stargazing.
Day 5 (Wed):
sleep in. Drive back to Vegas and fly home in the afternoon.
Flights and rafting trip are booked already, so those are fixed. What's the 1 top tip or insight you would add if doing this trip?