janeatchison

Next August I will be visiting Bryce Canyon and have one night to stop over on my way to Salt Lake City. Without going too far out of the way, where would be an interesting place to stop overnight. I leave Bryce Canyon on Saturday 16th and need to be in Salt Lake City by Sunday lunch time. Where do you suggest that I spend the night, without having too much driving on the Sunday morning. Any advice would be appreciated.

spirobulldog

It's just 4 hours, I wouldn't stop and spend the night anywhere. Just stay in Bryce or SLC.

Timpanogos Cave is worth a stop and not that far out of your way. The cave is easy enough to visit, but getting to the entrance requires some elevation gain, but it's on a paved path. The drive there is interesting too. I would think it would be pretty warm in August.

emalloy

You might stop at Fremont Indian State Park and Museum. It is less than 2 hours north of Bryce, very close to I 70. From there it is about 3 hours to SLC. I would look for lodging close to SLC for the overnight.

janeatchison

Someone told me to drive Highway 12 to see Capital Reef National Park and a place called Torrey

Dayle

Jane,

That was exactly my first thought. If you get an early start from Bryce, you can drive Hwy 12. You could stop and do the Calf Creek Falls hike (although it would be very HOT in August) and stay overnight at Boulder Mountain Lodge, enjoy dinner at Hells Backbone Grill, their excellent and very creative (and VERY spicy) restaurant. Driving on to SLC would take about 4.5 hours the next day.

If you don't want to stop and hike, continue the drive over Boulder Mtn and stay in Torrey. You could probably have a nice hike in Capitol Reef Natl Park, then dinner at Café Diablo, another great restaurant! The drive to SLC would take about 3.5 hours.

Whatever you decide, definitely make lodging res in advance.

I just met friends from Albuquerque at Boulder for a quick weekend and they just loved it. Calf Creek Falls was a highlight for them.

utahtea

I'd also recommend taking very scenic Highway 12 to Torrey and spending the night there. It's only 11 miles to Capitol Reef National Park from Torrey and you should have enough time to at least do the scenic drive on Saturday.

When you leave Torrey, take Hwy 24 up to Aurora, Utah and follow Hwy 50 over to I-15. It will cut out a lot of driving instead of taking I-70 to I-15. Keep in mind there is a lot of traffic in the greater Salt Lake City area so plan accordingly.

Utahtea

InSandy

Definitely take Hwy 12 to Torrey. It is a beautiful drive. First through the Escalante rock wilderness and then over Boulder Mountain where you should stop at the overlooks.


Stopping at the Kiva Koffeehouse if only for the gorgeous view, and at the Burr Trail Grill for lunch are options. So is taking the Burr trail drive for a partial drive for the first 17 miles through Long Canyon.

Torrey's Cafe Diablo is amazing, or Slackers for something less upscale. Capitol Reef Inn has a good breakfast.

A drive through the park along hwy 24 would be recommended and if you have time the scenic drive to Capitol Gorge. Hopefully Hickman Bridge trail will be open by next August and that would be a nice option.

Take Utahtea's advice and drive 24 to 50 to I-15.

spirobulldog

It seemed like you wanted to get to Salt Lake City. I didn't realize you had that kind of time. By all mean drive HWY 12. AMAZING!!

janeatchison

Thanks for all your replies, I know I could drive direct to Salt Lake City, but I would prefer to take a scenic route and not drive too much in one day. Driving for 3 hours in the morning, then spending the afternoon exploring/hiking is the way we want to do it.
Dayle, I looked up Boulder Mountain Inn, however it appears there are two of them not that far apart. Which one do you recommend?

peterboy

Boulder Mountain Lodge

http://www.boulder-utah.com/

Dayle

Yes Jane, Boulder Mountain Lodge. Hi Peterboy! It was so great to meet you &Sharon at Hells Backbone! Picture is on its way.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

sharondi

Hi Dayle! We had such a great time meeting you and your friend, Carol. So glad to hear they enjoyed their trip and hike to Calf Creek. We are already looking forward to getting back out there. It was a great trip!

janeatchison - definitely take the drive out Route 12. If you can get to Torrey and Capitol Reef, do it. You'll be dazzled by the scenery.

StantonHyde

The Boulder Mountain Lodge is very nice. But I just talked to friends who stayed at the other Boulder Mountain place that has cabins and they loved it. Lots of solitude. Depends on what you want.

If it were me in August, I wouldn't step out of the car down south I would take Highway 12 up Sundance or Snowbird and stay in the lovely cool mountains. Hike the next morning and jaunt down the canyon to SLC.