Nils

Hello everyone

I have been reading a lot on this forum and learned a lot but I need a little bit more help.

My girlfriend and I have now decided to do a road trip within our a 2 week holiday in the US in April, for app. 9/10 days (starting on the 12/04/2011) through Utah.
Our itinerary would be the following:
- Arrive in Las Vegas
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Park
- Monument Valley (may be going there through Capitol Reef as the road seems great but apparently we will have to avoid Moab because of the Jeep Jamboree week)
- Page Antelope Canyon / Grand Canyon (South Rim)
- Las Vegas

We plan to do this trip driving an RV.

My questions are the following:
1/ What is your view of my itinerary (do we have enough time to do it or actually could we see even more (do we miss something essential))?
2/ How long should we spend at each destination (we like hiking but we don't plan to do "hard core" hikes))?
3/ Is this trip do-able with an RV (could we have problems on the road (bad quality of the road, snow...), would that be too cold to stay at night in the RV?) or should we rent a 4x4 car and find motels at each destination (is a car better to use in the parks)?
4/ If we go for the RV, do we need to book camps in advance because of Easter break or we should be ok if we call a few days in advance, and do you have good address for RV rentals?

Many thanks for your help

Nils

bachslunch

I'd spend 2 days in Zion, one day in Bryce Canyon, one day in Monument Valley, 2 days in Grand Canyon. Haven't been to Capitol Reef or Page Antelope Canyon. Three days is plenty for Las Vegas, and some here will suggest less time that that.

Too bad you'll be skipping Arches in Moab, as it's terrific and merits 2 days. Death Valley isn't all that far from Las Vegas and could also be an option for a day or so (haven't been, myself).

There's a chance you may run into snow, but not necessarily so, that time of year -- you're probably okay with an RV. Nights get very cold in this region even in summer, so if you decide to sleep in your RV, bring a heavy duty sleeping bag. And it's probably a good idea to arrange lodging ahead of time.

Be sure to research the hikes you can do ahead of time. There are very good ones at all these places that aren't "hard core."

tomfuller

I'm with bachslunch on this one. You could carry a cheap tent and sleeping bags in the trunk of a rental car.
Unless you are familiar with driving 4X4 vehicles, I would go with a front wheel drive auto and turn around if the road is not plowed.
If you would happen to get snowed out of one or more of your destinations, check on Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire which are not too far out of Las Vegas.
For sure no snow in Death Valley.

emalloy

I agree with tom and bachslunch, you have plenty of time. I also feel that you will be better off with the car and motels or tenting. You can even rent tents, or buy an inexpensive one if you decide to go that route.

I've been in that area many times at that time of year and only had a little snow on the road once and that was not even enough to make things slippery and was gone almost as soon as it fell.

I've never done the RV rental thing but have looked into it and it was very expensive, had limits on how far you could go in a week. We always buy a cooler and ice and snacks and drinks at the beginning of the trip and re-stock as we get low.

We generally don't book motels ahead except on holidays or if we are going to one of the popular parks, like Grand Canyon. In any case the National parks have lots of last minute cancellations, so you can call as time gets near and keep calling to find one. Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon have motels and cabins that are basic, no frills places, and Grand Canyon has a hotel that is more upscale, but not real fancy.

Dayle

Nils,

April is peak season for southern Utah, so I would definitely make advance reservations whether you go for RV or motels! You are wise to avoid Moab, but it's a shame to miss it. However, all your destinations will be busy (just not crazy like Moab).

Take layers - and one waterproof.

Have fun!

wrestlpsu

you could spend 3-5 days in zion.
no more than 2 in bryce.
all roads are paved
no more than 1 in monument valley. actually, its a good
drive-through area....somewhat impressive, but zion is
more spectacular and varied.
good trip....
be sure to check out meteor crater !

Nils

Thanks for all your answers, I think we are going to try the RV experience, just for fun.

Nils

StantonHyde

You are very right NOT to go to Moab over Jeep jamboree weekend. At this point, it would be a miracle if you could get reservations. The other thing to consider is that will be spring break week for many schools in Utah--and we all go down south in the spring. So make reservations or you will have nothing!!

You can "dry camp" with an RV--eg. no hook ups. Just get a 5 gallon water container and bring it with you. You can camp on BLM land just about anywhere. But not in the National Parks. If you are faced with getting a walk in only spot somewhere--you need to be there by 8-9am.

I can understand wanting to do the RV thing but this may not be the best time to try it. I would see what reservations you can get first and then decide. You can search for camping places in the towns outside the parks you are visiting. You may have to camp further away. I would get on the internet ASAP to get reservations for an RV.

It will really busy but it is still a gorgeous time to go!!!

Nils

Thanks guys.
We have now more or less decided our itinary:
2 nights in Zion
1 night in Bryce
1 night in Monument valley
1 night in Page / Antelope
1 night in Grand Canyon

Do you think it is worth spending 1 night in Capitol Reef?
Also should we spend 2 nights in Grand Canyon or 1 night is enough?
I am asking that because if we have a couple of nights free, we might spend them in the wine country around San Francisco at the end of our journey.

Nils

emalloy

Your plan sounds pretty good at this time. I assume that you are aware that there will probably be snow on the trails at Bryce. So unless you have the spikes for your shoes, you won't be hiking there. If you plan to arrive in the afternoon, see sunset and the sights from the pull offs along the route, then spend the night and see sunrise you will be able to get an early start and visit Capitol Reef on your way towards Monument Valley.

If you don't plan on hiking much, 1 night in Grand Canyon will be enough, assuming you get there reasonably early in the day you stay over.

Nils

Thanks emalloy, you have a good point regarding the potential snow.
As we are sleeping in an RV, should we just visit Bryce but not stop there for the night and spend a night at Capitol reef instead?

utahtea

We've been RVing for the last 30+ years and Utah is my favorite state. Keep in mind driving an RV is slower than a car. Setting up, dumping, etc will take a little time out of your day so I'd plan 2 nights at the Grand Canyon.

It's probably to late to get reservations at Watchman Campground in Zion but you can keep checking for cancellations. There are a couple private campgrounds outside the park and there is South Campground which is a first come, first serve campground in the park but you will need to get there VERY early in the day.

We were in Bryce last April and the hiking trails were open and there was not that much snow on the ground but it can vary from year to year. We did Bryce as a day trip from Zion but we had our tow vehicle and didn't have to pay for the Zion Tunnel escort. http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisi...mel-tunnel.htm


The drive from Bryce to Capitol Reef on scenic Hwy 12 is a beautiful drive, but it's a slow drive over Boulder Mountain and if you want to camp in Capitol Reef at Fruit campground which is first come, first serve, you might not be able to get there early enough to get a campsite. If you do go, then plan on two nights in Capitol Reef so you have time to see the park.

Since this is a popular time to visit these parks, I'd make reservations when possible.

Let me know if you have any RV questions.

Utahtea

ileanarav

Hi Nils!
My boyfriend and I are planning a RV road trip similar to yours. We left everything to the last minute (we only confirmed the flight this morning) and I was wondering if you are willing to share your detailed information with me. It would be extremely helpful and we would be truly grateful. Thanks!

565cherrie

You will love these national parks, Nils. My husband and I have hiked in Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon area, and all three parks are absolutely spectacular. Last year we were in Bryce on April 7th. It had snowed several inches the previous night, but the roads were clear, and it was possible to hike with sturdy hiking boots. You will find that the parks are relatively uncrowded at this time of the year (except for Easter week), so it's a great time to visit them. All three parks have lodges with restaurants at which it is fun to have a meal or two. Don't miss the Emerald Pools hike in Zion, and be sure to walk a little ways down the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon - just to saay you've done it. It takes a day to do the whole thing, and another day to hile out.
By the way, are you and your girlfriend Scandinavian? We have hiked in Norway, and that's another not-to-be-missed part of the world.

utahtea

ileanarav,

How many days to you have? If you want to camp inside Zion park at Watchman Campground where you can have electrical hook ups and they take reservations, you should go and see when you can find a site on a cancellation because they are pretty much booked for the month. http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Wa...ex=CampingSpot Keep checking because sites keep opening up. Zion can easily be done at the beginning of the trip or at the end of the trip because it's only 3 hours a way from Las Vegas. My preference is to do it at the end of the circle of parks because it's so relaxing and so close to Las Vegas.

If you don't mind staying at private campgrounds you probably won't have as much trouble getting camping sites. Let me know if you want national park campsites or private ones and I can help you with campgrounds at all these areas.

Utahtea

hraent

Hello Nils
I came across your feed as I am planning an RV trip in southern UT similar to yours. I was wondering if you ever took the trip and had any feedback that would help? We are starting in Page (Lake Powell) and going to Zion, Bryce, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Capitol Reef, and Goblin State Park. We are debating on going out east farther to Arches and Canyonlands or just heading back south through Glen Canyon to go south to end in Prescott, AZ.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated. We are going in June so cold/snow definitely wont be an issue!

emalloy

hraent,

Since this thread was 5 years ago you might not get answers from the OP.

You will be better off starting a new thread with questions about the trip you plan to take.