Hi, my friends and I are planning road trip to Grand Canyon, Moa
Arches canyon, Canyonlands NP), Bryce, Zion Canyon.
At first, we planed to go to all of these places for about 8 days, but now we have to minimize our journey because we have only 6days.(Mar.1~6)
So,, I guess we need to decide to skip either MoaArches and Canyonlands NP) or Bryce&Zion NP.
Here is our plan, so any advice is welcome.
March.1 : Leave LA in the morning for Grand Canyon South Rim, and stay 2nights(already made reservation)
March.2 : Grand Canyon South Rim
March.3 : in the morning, leave Grand canyon for Monument Valley, and stay in Goulding's Lodge if there is vacant.
and then, we don't know which is better to go to Moab or Bryce&Zion for 2nights(Mar.4~5)
March.4 ~ March.5 : go to Moab Or Bryce & Zion Canyon
March 6 : we have to get to Las Vegas till at 8PM to see " O " show.
and if you have some advice or information about our plan, what to do, where to stay, what we shouldn't miss etc,..
I would love to hear your advice..
Need some advice about our road trip(Grand Canyon, Moab, Bryce, Zion)
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That is a toughie. I love Arches, but if I had to choose I would opt for Bryce Canyon and Zion.
As much as we loved Moab too, I don't think you'll have the time to really enjoy it. I would stop at Bryce then stay in Zion for two nights, then you're just a couple of hours from Vegas. BTW, it might be snowing in Bryce, it was for us when we were there in late May a couple of years ago.
Peronally, I would skip Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.
Really your plan only allows for about 4 days. Looks like 1.5 days will be spent driving.
I love GC, so I would stop there. You will probably have snow in Bryce on the trails, so If hiking is something you really want to do, you will need the spiky things for your feet.
I love the Arches/Canyonlands area too, but Zion is really nice also so I guess we'll have to let you decide and then plan a longer trip for next time.
Skip Monument Valley (Gouldings). Continue on US 160, 163 and 191 seeing Monument Valley as a drive through with 1 or 2 picture ops. Definetly see Moab/Arches. If you run short on time, you can skip the "Island in the Sky" section of Canyonlands. Go watch "127 Hours" if you want to see what it looks like.
You should have time to see either Bryce or Zion (maybe both) on the way back to Las Vegas.
it is hard to advise because we dont know what you want to do.if its involves hiking and exploring you have to cut back.if you are stopping at turnouts and taking pictures and dont mind logging miles than it could all be done in that time period.I am glad to see g.c. is a definate for you.monument valley is a one of a kind place.it is only about 120 miles from monument to moab so you could do the drive and see arches and canyonlands in one day.the next to bryce and zion and overnight at zion.this would be just skimming the highlights. all areas mentioned are fantastic but g.c. and zion are far and away my favorites.
Sangho,
With only 6 days, I think you really need to make a choice. Either Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, maybe including Zion.
Or, Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion.
You do not have time for Moab.
You really need to check a map and get a grip on drive times.
Also, southern UT is going to get hit with a MAJOR snow storm this weekend, which means Bryce will not be a good option unless you check road conditions before going there and/or have 4x4 and/or chains. Bryce will have snow this time of year regardless, so a short visit for the views might be enough, unless you want to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Drive carefully!
PS - Since you are from LA, be aware that you need to be prepared for this "road trip" in the winter.
Have plenty of warm clothes - hats, gloves, ski parka-type coats, fleece layers.
Have plenty of food and water in your car at all times - in a cooler (so it won't freeze).
Keep your gas tank at least 1/2 full at all times. It can be a long ways between fuel.
Don't count on cell phone coverage to save your butts. There isn't any in many areas.
Have detailed road maps and don't go on any dirt roads in winter.
Make sure your car is in good condition!
Although you are starting this trip from LA you don't mention if that's where you live.
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I would look at it one way. If you live in/near LA you should divide this trip in two and definitely plan on returning.