Grand Canyon Road Trip with Travel Mom Ali

The classic Grand Canyon Road Trip was this summer’s vacation for Travel Mom Ali and her family. From Las Vegas to Sedona, then the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park, she joins us with all the details and fabulous tips.

Get more inspiration for your family’s next travel adventure from additional podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!

What was your last big family adventure?

We made a week-long Grand Canyon Road Trip at the end of July for this summer’s vacation. We flew into Las Vegas, where we stayed for one night, then drove to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park.

We had actually planned this adventure before the pandemic changed everyone’s travel plans. I’m super thankful we went as there weren’t any crowds. The Grand Canyon was at 20% capacity. Usually, the buses are packed, but we were pulling right up to the trailheads in our car.

I have two boys (15 and 13) and a daughter (9). We met up with my sister and her family, who have an 8-year-old boy. And as my son is in 4th grade, 4th graders get their whole carload into National Parks for free.

How was this year’s trip different from COVID?

We brought tons of disposable masks, lots of hand sanitizer, and wipes for the airplane.

I wasn’t worried about the hotels as much as by then as they were saying it spread more person to person than surfaces.

We heavily wiped down our airplane seats and the rental car when we got it. We also never sat inside at a restaurant, but we didn’t need to as everything was outside.

Tell us about your Grand Canyon Road Trip Stops

We stayed in Sedona for one night, the Grand Canyon for 3 nights, and then Zion for 3 nights.

The Grand Canyon was incredible. We explored and stayed in 2 places.

Under Canvas is about 30 minutes outside the Grand Canyon, and it was delightful. They had a fantastic dining tent for breakfast and dinner, which was so nice with delicious food. We sat outside to eat with incredible views. They had s’mores for the kids every night and live music the first night we were there. We had a nice, super comfortable tent with a king-sized bed. The kids had cots, and the bathrooms were decent. I’d highly recommend it.

We stayed one night on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at Yavapai Lodge. It’s a perfect spot. You just don’t have the views of the Lodges on the Rim. They book up over a year in advance.

Then we went to Zion National Park, which was another incredible experience. We did The Narrows Hike, which is the narrowest section of Zion and through the Virgin River.

We stayed at the Driftwood Lodge less than 2 miles from the Park. It’s in Springdale, Utah, a cute town with shops and restaurants. The Lodge was perfect. More gorgeous views, balconies, and a pool.

What was the BEST part of the trip for you?

Seeing the kids’ reaction to the Grand Canyon. Our kids are at perfect ages to travel, and we want them to go on adventures with us.

What was the BEST part of the trip for the family?

All of the experiences, including for my sons, their hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with my husband.

Why do you travel with your kids?

I love exploring new places and sharing it with them. Two years ago, we went to Paris, France, and Venice, Italy. We climbed the Eiffel Tower and walked the canals of Venice. I love seeing it through their eyes.

Next trip you’re planning or dreaming about?

We’d love to go back to Europe with them…London, Spain, back to Italy. And we have a New Year’s cruise booked for the end of 2021 to see the Caribbean.

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Thank you so much, Ali, for joining us to share your Grand Canyon Road Trip adventure!

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Get ideas for family’s next travel adventure with more podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!