peachy3, your trip sounds great. We've done just about what you're doing a few times and I never get sick of going to that area. The advice to see just one side of the GC is a good one. We've stayed at the Desert Pearl and liked it. We had a large room along the river. Restaurants are all within walking distance. We stayed at the NPS lodge at Bryce. It was just okay. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

Bobette