Arizona and Utah

Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 02:23 PM
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Arizona and Utah

We are planning a round trip from Las Vegas to Las Vegas and would appreciate any suggestions Leaving in September and staying

10th Zion Lodge
11th Bryce Lodge
12 and 13th Moab Delicate Arch Canyonlands Mesa
14th maybe Gouldings Lodge or around there Monument Valley
or 14th and 15th Page Antelope Canyon
16th 17th South Rim
18th Flagstaff
19th Las Vegas

We are keen to experience the sunrise and sunsets at these places is this realistic or should we change around our two night stay to somewhere else. I thought stopping in Monument Valley for the night meant that it wasn't such a long day and we could head to Antelope Canyon from there.
Any suggestions appreciated. I do have several nights booked but nothing in Page yet.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 02:33 PM
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The drive from Bryce to Moab is well over 5 hours.

Other than sunrise and sunset what interests you.

I would definitely drop a day from GC.

What's in Flagstaff that interests you?

If all you want is Antelope Canyon in Page then add HorseShoe Bend. 3/4 mile hike each way. Google it.

Then you would only need one day there.

I hope this is an exploratory trip to scope out future trips.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 02:39 PM
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Hello Wombat, I am also planning a similar trip to what ours is. My last leg of the journey goes from South Rim straight to Las Vegas, my parents were once in Flagstaff and they said that there really is not anything there. I have a post with 40 replies so you should definitely check it out to figure out some stuff. I was in your position a week ago. The post is Southern Utah Trip, under Utah.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 02:48 PM
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Not quite sure why you are driving back east to Flagstaff after you have been to the South Rim.
I would spend another day at either Arches or the Grand Canyon and just drive through Monument Valley with 1 or 2 brief stops.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 05:57 PM
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Monument Valley-Maybe consider staying at The View

Also nearby is Valley of the Gods B&B that is nice. It is a mini Monument Valley

You could easily spend 1 or even 2 days between Bryce and Moab. There is a ton to do there. I would for sure stop at Goblin Valley and maybe even Little Wildhorse Canyon. Capitol Reef is nice too. Maybe just stop there for Pie at The Gifford House for breakfast and eat it right there in the picnic area of one of the orchards. You should visit the orchards while there too. You can eat as much as you like, at no cost, if consumed while there. Or you can purchase it for like .50cents/lb. Probably apples and pears at that time of year. Deadhorse Point is another good place to stop.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 05:58 PM
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Buy a National Park Pass and save some $$$
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Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 06:14 PM
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Thanks so much that is just the sort of advice I need. We were going through Flagstaff to see the Hoover Dam but it isn't essential otherwise it means backtracking doesn't it. I thought we should have a look at Grand Canyon and I am already booked in there but I can cancel. There certainly seems a lot to see around Moab . I did a directions on Google maps are there estimates not very accurate in this area? Usually they seem quite good.
Yes we would like to come back again but USA is a big place and there is so much to see. it is across the other side of the world from us so two weeks holiday does't go very far.
I will check out that accommodation and the other forum site. Any other suggestions from photographers would be great although I have just ordered Land of the Canyons. Many thanks
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Old Aug 22nd, 2012, 09:13 PM
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Heavens don't cancel the grand Canyon. You want to spend a night there for sure, enjoy the sunset and sunrise and those wonderful views.l

The Hoover dam is the other direction from the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff. Very close to Las Vegas. Instead of going back that way head toward Seligman and stay there.

You could also take a tour of a very similar dam at Glen Canyon in Page for less money and less hassle and then just stop at Hoover on the way back to LV
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Old Aug 23rd, 2012, 04:05 AM
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While the Grand Canyon is far from one of my favorite places, if you've never seen it I would not be a person to suggest skipping it.

Moab does have a few sights in the area.

One that hasn't been mentioned. Fisher Towers. Go to Youtube and search "Citi Accessories". That's a commercial that Citibank ran last Christmas.

The first part is Dead Horse Point State Park just outside of Canyonlands. Close to Arches.

The second part is "the Corkscrew" at Fisher Towers. Obviously I didn't climb up there but we hiked around the bottom and saw some climbers at the top. Looks just like that.

I don't normally spend four days in one place but did there.

I agree with InSandy on Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam. I'm not a dam person (hmmmm) so I would skip but her plan works.

Unless you do things on the lake, there are a few sights in and around Page that are easily seen: Antelope Canyon (when the sun is high in the sky), Horseshoe Bend (when the sun is high but before it moves to the west side and in you face), "the Best Dam View" a very accessible straight on viewing deck for Glen Canyon Dam and free.

Since you have two weeks, you should be able to put together an excellent itinerary for the area.

I just looked back at your original post and I only see one week. Did you plan another week somewhere else?
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Old Aug 23rd, 2012, 04:17 AM
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Definitely see the Grand Canyon - South Rim for the first trip. There is a reason it's called Grand - and it has something of all the other parks put together, with the exception of Arches/Natural Bridges, and the Hoodoos in Bryce.

And kudos to Myer who says it's not his favorite place but if you have never been there - it is a must visit.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2012, 07:59 AM
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Thanks for that give me a day and I'll put together another plan. Two weeks takes into account getting over to the USA and getting back. 10 nights including the last one at Las Vegas and flying out early the next morning. My book has arrived with lots of ideas and i will replan and get a bit more serious. I didn't mean to imply no Grand Canyon just one night instead of two. I thought I should include a dam for my husband as I am the photographer and scenery person but I am sure he will be blown away. So naturally glen Canyon sounds just the ticket. One dam must be rather like another I think.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2012, 08:22 AM
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Try to picture this or look at a map. Coming from Utah into Arizona on the east side on GC. You're coming down Rte 89. You cross the Glen Canyon Dam.

I haven't taken a tour so I'll defer to others.

With the town on you left (east) you'll see a small loop road on the right (west) side of the road.

It's called Scenic View Rd. Go on this loop road and you'll come to a parking area. Walk down some rock stairs (built) and there's a constructed viewing gallery. The view of the dam from here is straight on and pretty close. Probably the best dam view.

Continue on the loop road and that puts you back on Rte 89. Continue going south for a few minutes and you'll come to Rt 98. Going east on 98 takes you to Antelope Canyon in 10 minutes.

However, I would continue south on Rt89 for a minute or so until you see a sign on the right (west) side for the Horseshoe Bend parking lot. Free.

It's a 3/4 mile, unshaded hike. If you're with kids, be careful as when you get to the end there's no screen, fence or barrier. Just 1,000 feet down and an amazing view of the Colorado River making a horseshoe shaped turn.

Then when you get back into the car go north for a minute then east on 98 to the Antelope Canyon parking lot.

And Antelope Canyon.

The reason I did Horseshoe Bend first is because you are on your own and don't depend on anybody you can plan your time.

For Antelope Canyon your timing depends upon how many people are there and them driving you.

Hve fun.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2012, 08:53 AM
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The Glen Canyon/Horseshoe Bend float trip is very worthwhile, as is the hike above Horseshoe Bend.

I'd also recommend a night in Monument Valley at The View, with a drive through the mesas in late afternoon when the light is perfect. Sunset and sunrise from The View are not to be missed.

I second spiro's reco of The Valley of the Gods and I would add the Canyon de Chelly. It was recommended to me on Fodor's and was one of the best finds of my trip. A mini Grand Canyon, without the crowds, and a great hike to the White House Ruins, if you like hiking. If you can fit in an overnight there, it is well worth it and you can explore the canyon and do the hike in a few hours. It's a few hours' drive from Monument Valley through the Valley of the Gods to the Canyon de Chelly.

I agree that you don't need an overnight in Flagstaff. There's an observatory there but not much else of interest. If you go, a brief stop is more than sufficient.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2012, 11:10 PM
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Dams are interesting to tour. We took the one at Hoover dam when I was young, took our kids when they were young. Amazingly it hadn't changed much. Now however it seems to be a zoo there and expensive so grandkids may not get a tour.

I've taken tours at Glen Canyon, Flaming Gorge and Bonneville dam (in Oregon). And really one generator looks like another. I feel the tours are very worthwhile and educational. You do learn alot about power and what it takes to generate it.

Hoover Dam is slightly taller than Glen Canyon, which is slightly wider. But the tours are very very similar in scope if not in ease and cost.
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Old Aug 26th, 2012, 08:26 AM
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Here I am back again, I'm in the USA at the moment looking after two pre schooler grandchildren for a month while their parents have a holiday. It is fun but busy ....
1st night Zion National Park
2nd Bryce Canyon
3rd Torrey? I would prefer to be further on than this though
4th Moab
5th Moab
6th Monument Valley The View if I can get a vacancy
7th Page
8th Grand Canyon South Rim arriving around sunset
9th Flagstaff but very open to other suggestions or routes back to Las Vegas
maybe Sedona although I'd prefer not to make the last day too long a drive.
10th Las Vegas then home.

I like the suggestion of stopping before Moab and enjoying the area around Goblins more but is there some accommodation near here that I have missed.

Day 3 After sunrise around Goblins?) ??????? yhen or else do the Islands in the Sky and Dead Horse Point that evening and then on to Moab

Day 4 would then be Canyonlands first thing in the morning then off to the Arches at the end of the day I really want to be at Delicate Arch for the sunset and will put up with the crowds for a good photo.

Day 5 Where ever is best for sunrise or somewhere special we have missed(read just me at this stage I think my husband will be having a sleep in by now) then off to Monument Valley

Day 6 Straight to Antelope Canyon and the lower canyon, then maybe if we can join a tour from in the carpark we might go to the Upper Canyon on a photographers tour. I just cannot decide if it is worth the crowds or I will be happy enough with shots from the Lower Antelope. I hope it is the later. Then Lake Powell for a look, Glen Canyon Dam and surrounds. Great suggestions there thanks

Day 7 Horse shoe Bend and other places on the way to Grand Canyon we can spend more time in Page or go back to Antelope if necessary check out spots at South Rim for sunrise.

Day 8 Around South Rim and walks to suss out good sunset spots.

Day 9 On the way to Flagstaff or other stop on the way home open to suggestions
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Old Aug 26th, 2012, 10:23 AM
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3rd Torrey,

You could go on to Green River and overnight there, or even all the way to Moab. This would depend on how much time you want to spend in Escalante, Cap Reef, Goblin Valley or other stops along the way though.
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Old Aug 26th, 2012, 11:28 AM
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Thanks it was just that somebody replied that it was a lot further than 5 ours to get from Bryce to moab and i thought that didn't leave a heap of time.
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Old Aug 26th, 2012, 12:17 PM
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Without looking at the details and maybe somebody else could help, I don't like so many one-night lodgings.
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Old Aug 26th, 2012, 06:15 PM
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If you are arriving at the Grand Canyon near sunset you will certainly want to spend some time the next day exploring the GC, and if you are a photographer I know you could spend several hours taking pictures of the GC. Flagstaff is about 90 minutes from the GC depending on traffic at the canyon and just slightly to the east but hotels in places other than Flagstaff, Williams, Kingman or Las Vegas might not be the most comfortable. As for there being not much to see in Flagstaff I would have to disagree. It is a lovely mountain town with museums, Lowell Observatory, and is in the middle of the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world. From Flagstaff you will have about a 4-5 hour drive to LV, Williams is an hour closer and Kingman 2 hours closer. I would not recommend Sedona as it is an hour south of Flagstaff and while beautiful very far out of your way and with scenery very much like what you will see in Utah.
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Old Aug 26th, 2012, 06:23 PM
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Just a warning at Antelope Canyon, Sept may still be monsoon season and flash flooding can occur at Antelope Canyon. If it is raining anywhere nearby take care as we have been having heavy monsoons this season. You will probably need a light jacket in the evenings at the Grand Canyon and other higher elevations. Enjoy your trip!
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