Moab, Lake Powell, and Bryce
May 28th, 2009, 05:19 AM
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Moab, Lake Powell, and Bryce
My husband and I plan to drive from Salt Lake City on a Sunday morning in early September and return to Park City on Thursday evening. During that time we would like to travel to Moab, the Lake Powell region, Escalante, and Bryce Canyon. Is this possible in approximately 5 days time? We also would like some recommendations on B&B's and inns in those regions.
May 28th, 2009, 07:03 AM
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For a wonderful place to stay in Moab, Cali Cochita is top notch. Great owners, excellent breakfast, lovely rooms and gardens, great location and nice guests.
http://www.moabdreaminn.com/
Deb
http://www.moabdreaminn.com/
Deb
May 28th, 2009, 09:49 AM
#3
As part of your 5 days you start and end with over 4 hours of driving.
That's from SLC to Moab and back from Bryce Canyon.
Also, these places are quite far apart and driving takes time.
The places you mention have multiple activities and sights.
Do you have a list of things you want to do/see in each. That would give us an idea of how much time you need in each place.
Last May I was in Utah for seven days. I spent 4 days in Moab and drove to Torrey (Capitol Reef) late in the afternoon of the 4th day.
Spent a day in Capitol Reef and then drove to Boulder the next morning for the Lower Calf creek Falls hike and Devil's Garden Escalante.
On the seventh day we drove to Willis Creek for a couple of hours hike and then to Bryce Canyon for a few hours befor heading towards SLC leaving about 4:30PM.
I had been to Bryce the year before but my friend hadn't. having been there I could pick out exactly what to do though we didn't see the sunrise at Bryce Point.
For Lake Powell. Do you want to do some lake activities and/or see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Do you want to do hiking? How much? How strenuous?
To give you an idea about some sights you can check out my photos of Utah 2008 and Utah/Arizona 2007 at:
www.travelwalks.com
That's from SLC to Moab and back from Bryce Canyon.
Also, these places are quite far apart and driving takes time.
The places you mention have multiple activities and sights.
Do you have a list of things you want to do/see in each. That would give us an idea of how much time you need in each place.
Last May I was in Utah for seven days. I spent 4 days in Moab and drove to Torrey (Capitol Reef) late in the afternoon of the 4th day.
Spent a day in Capitol Reef and then drove to Boulder the next morning for the Lower Calf creek Falls hike and Devil's Garden Escalante.
On the seventh day we drove to Willis Creek for a couple of hours hike and then to Bryce Canyon for a few hours befor heading towards SLC leaving about 4:30PM.
I had been to Bryce the year before but my friend hadn't. having been there I could pick out exactly what to do though we didn't see the sunrise at Bryce Point.
For Lake Powell. Do you want to do some lake activities and/or see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Do you want to do hiking? How much? How strenuous?
To give you an idea about some sights you can check out my photos of Utah 2008 and Utah/Arizona 2007 at:
www.travelwalks.com
May 28th, 2009, 10:29 AM
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Hi Gloraway,
I think that is WAY too much to try for in just 5 days. Driving distances are great and there is so much to do and see in each area.
I would choose between Moab and the Bryce/Escalante/Capitol reef loop.
In Moab, I like The Dreamkeeper Inn, but it's small and has lots of repeat guests, so make res now if you want to stay there.
In Capitol Reef, I've stayed at the Skyridge B&B, but not since it changed hands recently. I also just stayed at the Torrey Pines B&B, but in their "Cottage" a 2 br seperate building with porch. Very nice owners, "interesting" deco, but spotless and comfy.
I think that is WAY too much to try for in just 5 days. Driving distances are great and there is so much to do and see in each area.
I would choose between Moab and the Bryce/Escalante/Capitol reef loop.
In Moab, I like The Dreamkeeper Inn, but it's small and has lots of repeat guests, so make res now if you want to stay there.
In Capitol Reef, I've stayed at the Skyridge B&B, but not since it changed hands recently. I also just stayed at the Torrey Pines B&B, but in their "Cottage" a 2 br seperate building with porch. Very nice owners, "interesting" deco, but spotless and comfy.
May 28th, 2009, 12:42 PM
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I agree Dayle and Myer that you are trying to do to much in a short period of time. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you won't have much more time than to just drive in and out of each park. Here's an idea of what you are looking at.
Sunday: SLC to Moab with a stop at Canyonlands, Island in the Sky and Arches drives is about 340 miles plan on at least 9 hours of driving time.
Monday: Moab to Page with stops at Monument Valley approx 270 miles and at least 6 hours of driving time.
Tuesday: Page to Zion though a section of Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument is 120 miles and 2 1/2 hours of driving time. You won't be able to drive in to the scenic canyon drive, you will have to take the free shuttle buses. Plan on at least 90 minutes for just riding in and out and add more time if you get off the shuttle buses.
Wednesday: Zion to Bryce is 86 miles but it's another 17 miles of scenic drives in Byrce so you are looking at least 3 hours of driving time or more.
Thursday: Bryce to Park City, Utah via the interstate is 265 miles and is a little less than a 5 hour drive. However, if you want the scenic route back to Park City, then I'd take scenic Hwy 12 though more of the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument and over the Boulder Mountains to Torrey. This would be approx 335 miles and 8 hours of driving time.
Adding the drive to Capitol Reef will add another 20 miles for a total 355 miles and at least 9 hours driving time. If you do plan to do Capitol Reef make sure you get a very early start. This is a very scenic route!
Utahtea
Sunday: SLC to Moab with a stop at Canyonlands, Island in the Sky and Arches drives is about 340 miles plan on at least 9 hours of driving time.
Monday: Moab to Page with stops at Monument Valley approx 270 miles and at least 6 hours of driving time.
Tuesday: Page to Zion though a section of Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument is 120 miles and 2 1/2 hours of driving time. You won't be able to drive in to the scenic canyon drive, you will have to take the free shuttle buses. Plan on at least 90 minutes for just riding in and out and add more time if you get off the shuttle buses.
Wednesday: Zion to Bryce is 86 miles but it's another 17 miles of scenic drives in Byrce so you are looking at least 3 hours of driving time or more.
Thursday: Bryce to Park City, Utah via the interstate is 265 miles and is a little less than a 5 hour drive. However, if you want the scenic route back to Park City, then I'd take scenic Hwy 12 though more of the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument and over the Boulder Mountains to Torrey. This would be approx 335 miles and 8 hours of driving time.
Adding the drive to Capitol Reef will add another 20 miles for a total 355 miles and at least 9 hours driving time. If you do plan to do Capitol Reef make sure you get a very early start. This is a very scenic route!
Utahtea
May 28th, 2009, 02:46 PM
#6
While I agree with myself, Dayle and utahtea, I also believe in working with what you have.
If what you have is 5 days total, then work with it.
I don't know what you like to do so I'll plan as if it's me but pick your destinations.
Leave SLC early on Sunday and get to Moab by noon (230 miles and about 4 - 4.5 hours).
Sunday and Monday in Arches and Canyonlands. Windows area (Double Arch, etc), sunset hike to Delicate Arch, Canyonlands (Mesa Arch?), try to book Fiery Furnace for 2nd day. Landscape Arch, etc.
Day 3. Leave early for Page (270 Miles - 5 hours). Arrive around 1PM. Visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (3/4 mile each way). (Although these sights are spectacular you're doing a lot of driving to see them).
By late afternoon leave for Zion.
Day 4. Pick a few hikes and/or scenic drive in Zion (shuttle). Leave by mid-afternoon towards Bryce. Stop near East Entrance to Zion and do Canyon Overlook hike.
Continue on to Bryce Canyon to sleep over.
Day 5. Get up very early and go to Bryce Point for a spectacular sunrise.
Grab a breakfast bite and hike down Navajo Loop (Sunset Pt) and either back up the other side of the loop or up Queen's Garden (Sunrise Pt).
If you drove to Sunset Pt, it's a nice 1/2 mile from Sunrise Pt along the rim back to the car.
The only other viewpoint that's really different is Natural Bridge. Go there.
By 4PM or so leave for SLC and a 4 - 4.5 hour drive.
If you skip Zion you can put that day towards Lake Powell, Monument Valley, etc.
I wasn't a big fan of Capitol Reef (just my opinion). If in the area I would rather the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike. It's somewhat tedious but the prize at the end is spectacular. I also preferred the seldom discussed Willis Creek (a real slot canyon, a few little water falls and very easy hiking though you drive on a dirt road to get there) for a few hours about 25 miles east of Bryce Canyon just south of Canonville.
If what you have is 5 days total, then work with it.
I don't know what you like to do so I'll plan as if it's me but pick your destinations.
Leave SLC early on Sunday and get to Moab by noon (230 miles and about 4 - 4.5 hours).
Sunday and Monday in Arches and Canyonlands. Windows area (Double Arch, etc), sunset hike to Delicate Arch, Canyonlands (Mesa Arch?), try to book Fiery Furnace for 2nd day. Landscape Arch, etc.
Day 3. Leave early for Page (270 Miles - 5 hours). Arrive around 1PM. Visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (3/4 mile each way). (Although these sights are spectacular you're doing a lot of driving to see them).
By late afternoon leave for Zion.
Day 4. Pick a few hikes and/or scenic drive in Zion (shuttle). Leave by mid-afternoon towards Bryce. Stop near East Entrance to Zion and do Canyon Overlook hike.
Continue on to Bryce Canyon to sleep over.
Day 5. Get up very early and go to Bryce Point for a spectacular sunrise.
Grab a breakfast bite and hike down Navajo Loop (Sunset Pt) and either back up the other side of the loop or up Queen's Garden (Sunrise Pt).
If you drove to Sunset Pt, it's a nice 1/2 mile from Sunrise Pt along the rim back to the car.
The only other viewpoint that's really different is Natural Bridge. Go there.
By 4PM or so leave for SLC and a 4 - 4.5 hour drive.
If you skip Zion you can put that day towards Lake Powell, Monument Valley, etc.
I wasn't a big fan of Capitol Reef (just my opinion). If in the area I would rather the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike. It's somewhat tedious but the prize at the end is spectacular. I also preferred the seldom discussed Willis Creek (a real slot canyon, a few little water falls and very easy hiking though you drive on a dirt road to get there) for a few hours about 25 miles east of Bryce Canyon just south of Canonville.
May 28th, 2009, 04:45 PM
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Lots of good comments for you to contemplate.
I'm not sure what you are interested in doing in Page. It's a long way out of your way and the lake is not looking at its best right now and will look worse in September. I'd save it for another trip. Maybe do a houseboat vacation there sometime.
With just five days, I'd drive to Moab and then work my way down to Bryce through Capitol Reef, Boulder, and Escalante. So, Sunday and Monday nights in Moab, Tuesday in Boulder (Boulder Mountain Lodge) and then Wednesday in or near Bryce. Then you have to drive back on Thursday. Not a lot of time to see all this territory. Myer has given you some good ideas on what to do.
I'm not sure what you are interested in doing in Page. It's a long way out of your way and the lake is not looking at its best right now and will look worse in September. I'd save it for another trip. Maybe do a houseboat vacation there sometime.
With just five days, I'd drive to Moab and then work my way down to Bryce through Capitol Reef, Boulder, and Escalante. So, Sunday and Monday nights in Moab, Tuesday in Boulder (Boulder Mountain Lodge) and then Wednesday in or near Bryce. Then you have to drive back on Thursday. Not a lot of time to see all this territory. Myer has given you some good ideas on what to do.
Jun 2nd, 2009, 04:43 PM
#9
This is what I would do given your new plan.
While some will disagree, Capitol Reef wasn't my favorite in the area. I think Hickman Bridge or Chimney Rock (both just off the highway) should give you a nice feel for the park.
Depending upon when you plan to leave Capitol Reef, I might try sleeping in Boulder (maybe). That will move you close to Bryce.
I would hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. An amazing 126 foot water fall. Depending upon the time, I might also consider going to Willis Creek. It's seldom discussed and is a real slot canyon that's easy to walk (tho a dirt road to get to). Just below Canonville on the way to Bryce. Stop at the visitor center in the town for instructions.
It's ok to get to Bryce late in the afternoon.
Just get up very early and get to Bryce Point for sunrise. The grab a bite for breakfast and take a nice hike down Navajo Loop and back up either the other side of the Loop or up Queen's Garden.
Done efficiently, one full day in Bryce is enough.
While some will disagree, Capitol Reef wasn't my favorite in the area. I think Hickman Bridge or Chimney Rock (both just off the highway) should give you a nice feel for the park.
Depending upon when you plan to leave Capitol Reef, I might try sleeping in Boulder (maybe). That will move you close to Bryce.
I would hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. An amazing 126 foot water fall. Depending upon the time, I might also consider going to Willis Creek. It's seldom discussed and is a real slot canyon that's easy to walk (tho a dirt road to get to). Just below Canonville on the way to Bryce. Stop at the visitor center in the town for instructions.
It's ok to get to Bryce late in the afternoon.
Just get up very early and get to Bryce Point for sunrise. The grab a bite for breakfast and take a nice hike down Navajo Loop and back up either the other side of the Loop or up Queen's Garden.
Done efficiently, one full day in Bryce is enough.
Jun 2nd, 2009, 05:02 PM
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I understand you have just 5 days, however, there is so much to see and do in the Moab area I feel you will really miss out on the full experience if you only allow yourself a day and a half. I would recommend spending most of your time in the Moab area, and if you have any time left over, then do Bryce. Have fun...it's a beautiful region.
Jun 5th, 2009, 01:12 PM
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Thank you for all your input. Our plans are set.
Sunday-drive from SLC to Moab, tour and spend night. (Unfortunately Cali Cochita was booked.)
Monday-drive and tour to Boulder. Spend night.
Tuesday and Wednesday-hike and relax in Bryce. Stay at brand new Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel.
Thursday-drive to Park City for Thursday and Friday nights.
Saturday and Sunday in SLC for a wedding.
I'll let you know how we made out!
Sunday-drive from SLC to Moab, tour and spend night. (Unfortunately Cali Cochita was booked.)
Monday-drive and tour to Boulder. Spend night.
Tuesday and Wednesday-hike and relax in Bryce. Stay at brand new Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel.
Thursday-drive to Park City for Thursday and Friday nights.
Saturday and Sunday in SLC for a wedding.
I'll let you know how we made out!
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