Wow, what a timely discussion, as I just confirmed a week into the ORE at St. George for the last week in May 2010 and was worried whether it would be too warm yet that time of year?? Thought I read somewhere that it can get well over the 100s in the valleys of the parks.
KevJan - can you please comment on temps this time of year and provide any comments on the ORE resort as well - per the TUG reviews, it appears the 2 brs are relatively small.
Also, how large is the resort - are my chances good for matching another 2 br unit for the same Friday checkin date with an ongoing search for additional family. I am trading with a very high demand summer beach week.
Sue - how far was the drive to Zion and Byrce? Would you recommend just spending the night at Byrce since a day trip would seem very long? I assume you flew into Las Vegas.
Also, are there other timeshare resorts that would be closer to Arches and Canyonlands NP. If not, I assume these parks are too far for daytrips from St. George - is that correct?
Thanks,
Joyce
Joyce, my last vacation to St. George area was the last week of May this year. Daytime temps were in the high 80s to low 90s, which was just hot enough to remind me where we were, but not so bad as to be uncomfortable. It was never too hot to be outside, but since it's desert sun, it's easy to get sunburned. (But easier on California beaches, where the cool breeze is deceiving.) Temps in Zion were perfect.
Zion is about a 45 minute, easy drive from St. George, and makes it a great day trip. We stayed overnight in the Best Western in Springdale, right outside the park, to take advantage of the first shuttle bus into the park at around 5:30 AM. We took it all the way to the end of the line, and hiked the easy trail to the start of The Narrows, in order to meet the sunrise. (My partner is a great photographer, so it's an occupational hazard.

) The pictures were phenomenal, and we only saw three other people the entire time. Definitely made it feel like we had the place to ourselves.
Bryce is further away, and worth its own separate overnight trip. The hoodoos of Bryce are amazing at sunrise or sunset, although they're beautiful anytime of day. From St. George, it's an easy drive through Zion park to connect to the highway at Mt. Carmel Junction. Bryce is north from there.
One small town on the east side of Zion that should be seen on te way to Bryce is Panguitch. It'll give a very interesting glimpse into what life was like "way back when" in the area.
Gee, talking about it only makes me want to go back! LOL! Have fun!
Dave