havetwinswilltravel

Hi! We have 1 Day to drive Scenic Hwy 12 from Bryce Canyon to Moab/ Arches NP in early October as part of a week-long trip. I know this is NOT ideal, but this is how the lodging situation is currently working itself out....
Our twins are almost 9 - how can we make the best/ most of the 1 day of driving/ stops? We want to get to Moab at a reasonable hour and we are leaving Bryce Canyon right after sunrise.

Thanks for any and all help!

emalloy

I would take 12 and stop at Capitol Reef NP for a hike, leg stretch, and some pie if they are still making pie there then. There are some neat petroglyphs just as you leave CR. Take 12 to 24 and stop in at Goblin Valley SP (20 minutes off 24) and check out the goblins. If you want more rock art, stop at Temple Mt. Wash (very close to 24). Then head up to 70 and down 191.

The actual drive will be about 5 hours, so decide how much time you want to spend at the stops since the sun sets pretty early in October and you want to be in Moab early enough to drive into Arches for some fantastic sunset vistas.

havetwinswilltravel

emalloy - thanks so much, that is really helpful! We definitely want to see Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley. Good to know the timing of the actual drive time.

spirobulldog

I think emalloy nailed it!

The pie is great and is good to have a picnic under the huge trees right nearby. Almost always deer present too. This is in the orchard area right by The Gifford House(the Gifford House is where you buy your pies). I would stop at Austin's Chuckwagon Deli and get your other picnic supplies.

As for the Goblins. This will likely be your kids favorite area in Utah. You can somewhat turn them loose there for a bit as you can pretty much see them from the Viewpoint area. There is absolutely nothing to eat or drink(you might get lucky and score a water or gatorade sold from a cooler at the visitor center). There is no electric in the park, other than what is supplied by the sun, so they don't have things like vending machines.

If for some reason, you have extra time--Little Wildhorse Canyon(Not Wildhorse, you want Little Wildhorse) is great for a couple of hours. It is an awesome non-technical slot canyon. Inquire at Goblin Valley Visitor Center. It's about 10 minutes from the Golbins. DO NOT attempt any slot canyon if it has rained or rain is threatening.

Since you menioned Moab, consider going with www.deserthighlights.com We've been to most of our National Parks and this is our all time favorite things we've ever done. Your kids need to be fairly adventurous. It is very safe, IMOP.

spirobulldog

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...and-photos.cfm

Here is a trip of basically what you are covering from a couple of years ago. We've been many times to UT over the past 7 years or so. Really like the entire region.

jayne1973

The orchard Spiro mentioned above would be a neat spot for the kids because you can stop and pick apples from the trees for an honor system donation. It will be right on your way through Capitol Reef.

RVvagabond

You should have time to visit Kodachrome State park that people always ignore. It is a short drive to photograph their very unusual and colorful pipes and massive Grosvenor arch (about 9 mile drive from the park).

Google the park for images

Suggest eating lunch in Escalante at Escalante Outfitters along the road in town center. Sandwiches, pizza, tap, wine, etc. 435 826-4266


Vaga

havetwinswilltravel

spirobulldog, your trip looks amazing! Thanks for the tips.
jayne 1973 my kids would love the orchard I will definitely look for it
RVvagabond I will consider Kodachrome, thanks!

We leave in 2 weeks, I am so excited! Thanks again!