16 Days Utah National Parks

Old May 21st, 2015, 05:54 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
16 Days Utah National Parks

I'm planning a 16 day trip to Utah's National Parks in early november, I will post my initial draft itinerary so if anyone want to give opinions feel free, I will begin my trip in Vegas and chose to go to Zion first because of the fall foliage peak that generally is on november's first week. The Lake Powell Rainbow Bridge tour also only runs on saturday in november, so that's why I choose to go to Page first instead of going north to Bryce right after Zion. Any thoughts? Advices? Unlisted hikes or unmissable places to go? What do you guys think?

Vegas-Zion-Page-Bryce-Capitol Reef-Arches-Canyonlands-Monument Valley-Grand Canyon-Vegas

31/10 - Las Vegas Sightseeing/Shopping/Night Show

11/1- Las Vegas-Early drive to Zion - Emerald Pool(3h trail)/Canyon Overlook Trail (1h trail)/Other hike

11/2 - Zion - Angels Landing (4h trail)/Observation Point(4h trail)

11/3 - Zion -The Narrows(5h trail)/Kolob Canyons Trail for Sunset

11/4 - Zion-The Subway(6h trail)/Kanab

11/5 - Kanab for The Wave Lottery -The Wave (if I get the online lottery) or Antelope Canyons - Horseshoe Bend - Page

11/6 - Page -The Wave or Antelope Canyons (depends on the withdrawn) - Page

11/7 – Lake Powell Rainbow Bridge Boat tour (only saturdays) - Bryce

11/8 – Bryce - Navajo Loop/Queen´s Garden - Travel to Capitol Reef after sunset

11/9 - Morning in Capitol Reef then stop at Little Wildhorse Canyon and Goblin Valley on the way to Moab

11/10 – Moab - Park Avenue/ Arches Double O arch/Landscape Arch/ Devils Garden - Delicate Arch for the Sunset (3h trail)

11/11 – Moab - Island in the Sky - Mesa Arch for Sunrise/GrandView/Deadhorse - Moab - Fiery Furnace in the afternoon

11/12 - Moab - Drive by Fisher Towers - Stop at Natural Bridges and Goosenecks - Arrive at Monument Valley before sunset

11/13 – Monument Valley in the morning- Maybe Sedona(or allow more time to grand canyon) - Grand Canyon South Rim

11/14 – Grand Canyon South Rim - Hover Dam - Las Vegas (saturday)

11/15 – Las Vegas - Sightseeing/shopping/night show

11/16 – Las Vegas - Flight at noon
GusTraveler is offline  
Old May 21st, 2015, 06:26 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't know if I would do Angel's Landing and Observation Point in the same day, maybe do one and a shorter trail one day and the other with another shorter trail the second day. Otherwise that's a lot of hiking in one day. A good short trail that I enjoyed is Hidden Canyon, it's from the same trailhead as Observation Point. Also, Emerald Pools shouldn't take you 3 hours. I did it in 1 hour, so at the most I would say 1.5 hours. You could combine Observation Point/Hidden Canyon (split from same trailhead) and Angel's Landing/Emerald Pools via the Kayenta Trail. Also, Canyon Overlook is on the other side of the park (eastern side). I'm a little unsure as to where you are staying for the Kolob Canyons section and the Subway hike, but maybe you could consider doing the Canyon Overlook hike on your way out the eastern side whenever you leave. Or just do it at the beginning or end of one of your days, it's a short easy hike with a fantastic view.

Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend can easily be combined in half a day, so what are your other plans if you don't get drawn for the Wave?

Navajo Loop/Queen's Garden won't take you long either, maybe 2.5-3 hours max? So I would also drive up through the park and stop at more of the overlooks, Natural Bridge is a good one. Or, if you are anxious to get going, Scenic Byway 12 takes you from Bryce to Capitol Reef, but I wouldn't drive it after dark because you will miss the sights. I personally enjoyed the Hickman Bridge hike in Capitol Reef (short hike, maybe 2 hours).

I feel like you have ALOT planned for your Moab days (more so than your other days at least). I'm sure someone who is more familiar with the area will comment on that though. I've only done Park Avenue, Devil's Garden, and Delicate Arch over the course of a weekend, so I'm not the best to help you out there.

I would allow more time at the Grand Canyon South Rim instead of going to Sedona. You are already doing so much traveling, and it would allow you more time to enjoy the Grand Canyon and relax a little. Also, the Hoover Dam may actually take longer than you think it will. Be sure to do the Dam Tour vs. Powerplant Tour.

I'm sure you already know this, but get an annual National Park Pass and save yourself some entrance fees. The pass is $80, and Zion/Grand Canyon are $25/each, Monument Valley is $20, can't remember for Bryce, Arches, and Capitol Reef.
Virginia1990 is offline  
Old May 21st, 2015, 07:26 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for your input Virginia1990.

I appreciate your advices on Zion Hikes, and will reconsider my schedule there.

If I don't get drawn for The Wave I was considering visiting Coyote Buttes South, Horseshoe Bend and Wahweap Overlook for sunset and Antelope Canyons Upper and Lower on the next day.

I know about the scenic route from Bryce to Capitol Reef, but if I choose to drive during the day I will miss Bryce Sunset, since I won't be able to get there in time from Page the day before after the Rainbow Bridge boat tour.

One option is leave Zion one day earlier (and miss the Subway hike), and go to Bryce before heading to Kanab and Page, then after Page go straight to Capitol Reef. (I would need to drive a little bit more with this option I guess, but I would get both sunset and sunrise in Bryce)

Or I can just drop the Lake Powell Rainbow bridge boat tour and change the itinerary doing the circle by the north, leaving Page and Kanab to the end before going to the Grand Canyon. Just thought that the Lake Powell boat tour would be an interesting and different point of view of the area, so I don't know if I should drop that. What do you think? It's only doable in this first saturday. If I leave for the end I won't have time to do it in the following saturday.

About Moabs Arches Hike, yes I think I planned too much arches, and will make the most famous ones first. Anyone have a good suggestions for those days there?

I really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks a lot!
GusTraveler is offline  
Old May 21st, 2015, 07:28 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sounds like you will have an amazing trip! Rather than going to Zion, then Page and then back to Bryce, an alternative itinerary is as follows (and should still work with dates for rainbow bridge tour):
Start in Zion, then go to Grand Canyon North Rim, onto Page, then visit Monument Valley, up to Moab and then through Capitol Reef to Byrce before heading back to Las Vegas. North Rim of the Grand Canyon is generally quieter, though I do believe it closes

We did a similar itinerary in August 2014 and had a fantastic trip! Moab and Page were my personal highlights, though I would have LOVED to have seen the wave! Good luck with the draw!
DownUnderDrifter is offline  
Old May 21st, 2015, 08:08 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,716
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 4 Posts
I think you want to drive Rt. 12 in the daylight to get to Capitol Reef. Capitol Reef has no entrance fee.
Where were you planning on spending the night of the 8th?
Leaving Grand Canyon South Rim on the 14th, spend the night at the Hacienda casino hotel which is 2 miles from Hoover Dam.
This way you will not feel rushed to see Hoover Dam and get to Vegas. The walk up to the walkway on the new high bridge is worth a stop. To avoid paying for parking down at the dam, drive across the dam to the Arizona side and park at the second or third lot after you cross the dam.
tomfuller is offline  
Old May 21st, 2015, 08:35 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Tomfoolery: I guess I will spend the night in Torrey in Capitol Reef, didn't look where yet.

Thanks for your words on Hoover Dam.
GusTraveler is offline  
Old May 21st, 2015, 08:37 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry for the misspelling I meant tomfuller ;-)
GusTraveler is offline  
Old May 21st, 2015, 09:54 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I see your dilemma…didn't realize you were trying to get in Bryce sunset and sunrise.

I LOVE Zion, so I'd never suggest dropping a day there Especially when it means the Subway hike, which is on my list of things to do when I return.

I've never actually done the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour. But it seems to me you are having to choose between the sights you'll see on the boat tour vs. the sights you will see on the scenic drive. I can say this about the scenic drive, I thought it was fun to do and did have some great scenery, but I do think I've been on better scenic routes (just my opinion - I did enjoy the Hogback section though). That being said, I don't think dropping a day in Zion is worth it just to get to do this drive.

Good luck with the Wave drawing, I've wanted to see that as well!
Virginia1990 is offline  
Old May 22nd, 2015, 03:08 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Please don't miss Bryce!!! It is an amazing place and so beautiful!
LakesideChick is offline  
Old May 22nd, 2015, 04:59 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Looks like a great trip that you've planned. I have not been to Coyote Butte north or south yet, but would suggest if you don't win the lottery for the Wave, then try for Coyote Butte south. Most folks say it is just as amazing as north.

It is only my opinion, but the Page/Lake Powell area is not anywhere near as unique and scenic as the drive on Scenic Route 12 between Bryce and Capitol Reef. I would strongly suggest skipping the boat trip on Lake Powell - especially since it will be November. I would even suggest leaving Page and heading to Bryce on Nov 6th if you are only doing Antelope canyon that day. Bryce is far more interesting and the hiking is incredible.
Spend a whole day driving from Bryce to Capitol Reef and stay overnight in Torrey. There are loads of stops along Route 12 - the Escalante River, Calf Creek, Devils Garden (just outside the town of Escalante), and lots more. We spent one of our many trips to the area just exploring the route between Bryce and Hanksville a few years back. Many incredible wonders!

I would stick with the South Rim of the GC. The North Rim is quiet and lovely, but the views are nothing like those at the South Rim. If you have never been to the GC, definitely do the South Rim first. You might also want to do the Fiery Furnace hike in Arches if the park offers it in November. Lots of fun! Have a great trip!
sharondi is offline  
Old May 22nd, 2015, 05:22 AM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think I found a way of doing it all, it envolves a little more driving but it´s ok.

So I would keep the itinerary as it is, staying november 4th in Zion, then after the Subway hike, I would drive to Bryce only to view the sunset. After sunset I would drive to sleep in Kanab for the online lottery the next morning. Then do Coyote Buttes/Antelope Canyons/Rainbow Bridge the next days and after that drive back to Bryce and sleep there, so I could check the sunrise and do a morning hike, then around noon I would do the scenic drive to Torrey.

The other possibility involves dropping Rainbow Bridge Boat tour and stick to the northeast way from Zion to Bryce and Moab, leaving Page and the wave for the end after Monument Valley and before Grand Canyon South Rim. This option would gave me one more free day that could be used either in Moab or Grand Canyon South.

Anyone here have done the Rainbow Bridge Boat tour? Do you guys think it´s an unmissable tour? Or it would be better to have one more day for Moab our Grand Canyon South?
GusTraveler is offline  
Old May 22nd, 2015, 06:43 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry, my Internet connection dropped out yesterday. Btyce is a brilliant place and worth the time to do the 'Best 3 Mile Hike in the World', as they call it. If you allowed a solid half day you could do the highlights.
LakesideChick is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2015, 06:04 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I thought sunset at Bryce was extremely underwhelming. Keep in mind that the canyon itself will be in shadows well before the actual sunset time. I don't think it is a good use of your time to make that drive just to witness that.
WhereAreWe is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2015, 09:03 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Gus,

I live in Utah and was interested to see your plans, but I didn't have time to reply until now.

I've visited all these places multiple times and my opinion is :

Sunrise at Bryce is what you want to see. The natural amphitheater faces east so the sunrise is gorgeous. Sunset not so much. Definitely skipable in favor of the Hwy 12 drive.

Whatever else you do, do not miss Hwy 12 in the day light! One of the most amazing and beautiful, breathtaking drives in the world. There is nowhere else like it and there is easily a full day's worth of hiking and sightseeing along the way.

Also, since your trip is late in the year, daylight hours are short and Utah has a huge, huge deer and elk population. It is best NOT to drive at night. If you do, drive slowly - seriously.

Weather could be a factor at the higher elevations like over Boulder Mountain on Hwy 12 and at Bryce. You could have snow, so pack accordingly and listen to the weather reports.

Late October, early Nov is beautiful at Zion, yes, but by then you will have missed the aspens' golden leaves which peak at late Sept/early Oct.

You will just have to plan another trip!

Regarding the Subway hike outside of Zion. It sounds like you are a serious hiker, but I question why you state hikes in hours rather than miles and elevation gain/loss.....The Observation Point and Angel's Landing hikes are pretty steep and that is a big factor in how much you can do.

Are you planning to do the Subway as a top to bottom hike? Are you aware a permit is required? Do you have some climbing equipment and experience? The Subway is the greatest hike I've ever done, but I went with an expert canyoneer and carrying some minimal equipment which is required for the thru hike. You cannot do the hike from top to bottom without it. Perhaps you are planning to go with a guide?

Where are you coming from?

Our climate is very different, very dry, quickly changing weather. If you aren't accustomed to it, it can whip you. Bring clothing and gear for all types of weather, drink more water than you ever dreamed you could (Camelbaks are great for this), sunscreen, wide brim hat, polarized sunglasses. Hat, gloves, warm layers, wind/water layers, etc.

Lake Powell is beautiful, but more for a different type of trip than for a long day just to see Rainbow Bridge. You can see Natural Bridges park in the area instead and all the arches you want in Arches Natl Park. The Fiery Furnace is another truly great hike so definitely sign up for that.

Have fun!
Dayle is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2015, 10:54 AM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hey Dayle,

Thanks for your reply!

I'm coming all the way from Brazil. So forgive me if my english doesn't sound quite right. ;-)

Good to hear that Sunrise is better in Bryce, so I don't need to worry about a sunset there, leaving me more time to follow my original itinerary.

On my google research I've read that Fall Foliage Peak in Zion Canyon is most likely to happen on the second or first week of November. But it won't be a big deal if I arrive a little before or after peak, since there should have some color around.

Good to know about Zion's hikes peculiarities, I haven't researched deeply about them yet. I'm aware about the permit, and I'm assuming I will got them, but if not, I will change to other hikes.

About The Subway, I think I wouldn't do it from top to bottom, probably part of it, but if needed I will try to go with a guide.

About the hiking times, I just looked quickly on google, I know that they aren't accurate but I will recheck those informations and details about the hikes. By the way thanks for the very helpful tips about the needed gear and weather, I think I've experienced a similar kind of weather in Yellowstone around September.

Today I was doing some research, then I found out that Lake Powell's Balloon Regatta will happen exactly on the days I was planning to be in Page. And they fly on Friday and Saturday early morning. So I thought about checking them closely on Friday, on departure's field (maybe fly if possible), and on Saturday I would view them from boat to rainbow bridge boat, since it leaves around the same time balloons should be up.

I was in doubt if I should keep the boat tour. But I think it would be a different and interesting point of view of the Lake Powell's region viewed from the water. And the happy coincidence about the ballon regatta might make it even more special.

I'm making some changes to the itinerary with your guys tips. I will post that below here when I'm done in a few minutes.

Thank you very much!!
GusTraveler is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2015, 11:23 AM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I made some changes to the initial plans with your guys help. Take a look at it and please tell me what you think. Thanks a lot!

31/10 - Las Vegas Sightseeing/Shopping/Night Show

11/1- Las Vegas-Early drive to Zion - Emerald Pool(1h trail)/Canyon Overlook Trail (1h trail)/Other hike

11/2 - Zion - Angels Landing (4h trail)/Observation Point(4h trail)

11/3 - Zion -The Narrows(5h trail)/Kolob Canyons Drive or small hike there for sunset if have time

11/4 - Zion-The Subway/Drive to Kanab

11/5 - Kanab for The Wave Lottery -The Wave (in case I get the previous online lottery or Coyote Buttes South or Antelope Canyons if not) - Horseshoe Bend - Page

11/6 - Page - Lake Powell Balloon Regatta at sunrise / The Wave or Antelope Canyons (depends on the lottery)

11/7 – Lake Powell Rainbow Bridge Boat tour (only saturdays) - Afternoon Drive to Bryce

11/8 – Bryce - Sunrise/ Navajo Loop/Queen´s Garden Trail then drive to Torrey stopping along the scenic route (Calf Creek Falls hike if possible?)

11/9 - Morning in Capitol Reef then stop at Little Wildhorse Canyon and Goblin Valley on the way to Moab

11/10 – Moab - Drive around Arches / Devils Garden trail (Double O arch to Landscape Arch) / Delicate Arch for the sunset (3h trail)

11/11 – Moab - Island in the Sky - Mesa Arch for Sunrise/GrandView/Green River Overlook/Deadhorse - Moab - Fiery Furnace in the afternoon (if possible)

11/12 - Moab - Drive by Fisher Towers - Quick stop at Natural Bridges and Goosenecks - Arrive at Monument Valley before sunset - Sleep at The View hotel

11/13 – Monument Valley - Grand Canyon South Rim

11/14 – Grand Canyon South Rim - Hover Dam - Las Vegas (saturday)

11/15 – Las Vegas - Sightseeing/shopping/night show

11/16 – Las Vegas - Flight at noon
GusTraveler is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2015, 04:29 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Looks amazing, what a fabulous trip. Delicate Arch is so beautiful. We did that climb in Jan and the last few hundred metres were all icy and slippery! That was a novelty for us as we live in Australia. Enjoy every minute!
LakesideChick is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2015, 07:16 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Gus,

I think your plan looks quite good even though it is a fast trip. I understand with you coming so far.

With the added attraction of the balloon festival at Lake Powell, I might say yes that would be fun! I hope the weather is good and they fly so you can see them, or get a flight yourself. Lake Powell is amazing, huge and beautiful.

Try to hike to Calf Creek Falls if time allows. It's a beautiful hike and you should have some good fall colors there too. It can be cold in the shade there that late in the afternoon, so take a warm layer.

Try to arrange a guided hike for the Subway. You will need to do that in advance so they can get a permit for your trip. You will be so happy you did!

Your climate is very different from ours, but you may have already experienced some of that if you have visited Yellowstone. Come prepared and you will have a wonderful time.

I hope you have a hiking satellite GPS to use if you win a permit for the Wave. People get lost out there all the time and it's not a good thing if that happens. There is no cell phone coverage out there and you are on your own.

I hope you have good weather and safe travels!
Dayle is offline  
Old May 24th, 2015, 05:23 AM
  #19  
J62
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,924
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Your itinerary looks great to me.

The time on Zion hikes it about what I would estimate for myself, a very fast hiker. You may be daylight limited though trying to get in both Angel's Landing & Observation point in the same day. In Nov I believe you can drive your own car in the park, so you could get going up Angel's landing trail at first light.

At Bryce you should do more than just stand at the rim @ look. Walking among the hoodoos on the QG/NL trails bring you up close and personal with these amazing stone structures. It is also worth the time to drive along the rim road, as far as Rainbow pt if the weather permits, and stop at various lookouts.

If you like mtn biking then it is also worth considering a 1/2 day or more on this trip - Southern Utah has some of the best mtn biking trails anywhere.
J62 is online now  
Old May 24th, 2015, 05:34 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 977
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Looks pretty good. I'd skip the drive out to Fisher Towers which will be an out and back from Moab before a long day driving south. Plenty to see along that route...add the time to Nat. Bridges for instance or to drive "the loop" through Monument Valley. Maybe a visit to the amazing Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding. So many options. Also in Moab, you'll want to see the petroglyhps along Potash Rd. You'll have to come back and let us know what you actually ended up doing. Here's a link to one of our trips that was devoted to Scenic Byway 12.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr

Then there's our 2012 trip that covers some of the same ground you're planning to cover.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_2012_trip_report

You're gonna love this trip.
peterboy is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -