blossom66

My husband and I are going to Utah in mid-October. Would like to visit Bryce and Zion National Parks. Not able to do a lot of hiking but do want to see the sights. We are going on to Salt Lake City when we leave here. My questions - 1. Will one night be enough in Cedar City (or is somewhere else better) 2. Is there anywhere we should stop between Cedar City and Salt Lake City 3. What are the not-to-miss things in each of these areas? This is our first visit to Utah so we're clueless. Thanks

Michael

If you do not have the time for Bryce, Cedar Breaks National Monument is a good alternative. It is not as extensive, but it is similar. Both Bryce and Cedar Breaks do not require much walking. In fact, Cedar Breaks' trail is mainly at the top overlooking the formations. It would be better to take one of the trails in Bryce going into the formations, although one can simply look at it from the top and enjoy it that way.

The photos starting here and continuing for the next 25 or so are of these two sites:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7623176227912/

elnap29

Are you thinking of staying in Cedar City to visit Bryce and Zion?

You don't have to hike to enjoy Bryce or Zion. You can just walk along the rim of Bryce and enjoy its awesomeness. In Zion, you can ride the free shuttle, get off at various stops to look around and get on the next shuttle to go to the next stop. It goes around the park in a loop and you can se alot out of the windows as well.

StantonHyde

Its basically a straight shot up I-15 once you take the side road from Bryce or Zion to I-15. Not much to see till SLC. If you really want to take the long route, you can take 89 up to Nephi. I've done it before. Don't need to do it again

utahtea

It might help to know where you were coming from. Cedar City is not the best location to visit Zion and Bryce from. There is a small section of Zion near Cedar City called the Kolob section, but this is not the main part of the park.

Even if you don't hike, there are plenty of nice walks in Zion and Bryce.

I'd suggest staying in Springdale, Utah which is right at the gate of Zion and has great views. From town you can catch the free Zion shuttles to get you into the park, then the free Zion shuttles within the park to drive the Canyon drive, which is only by Shuttle buses till Oct 31st. You can drive though Zion on Hwy 9, and that will take you to Hwy 89 and then on to Hwy 12 to get to Bryce.

After leaving Bryce I would recommend staying on Scenic Hwy 12 up to Torrey, Utah. If you have the time, I'd recommend driving the 11 miles to Capitol Reef National Park and taking the time to drive into the park. If you have the time, spend the night in Torrey.

To get to Salt Lake City from Torrey, Utah take Hwy 24 up to I-70 and then take Hwy 50 back to I-15. We do this route all the time and it's a nice drive. Much more scenic than I-15, but it's about 65 miles longer than heading back to I-15 from Bryce.

Utahtea

blossom66

Thanks guys. Those comments will help me out. I already made a reservation at Ruby's Inn (?) at Bryce Canyon for two nights. Have I messed up with that? I can cancel if I need to. I was thinking we could stop at Zion for the day, travel on to Bryce that evening and have the entire next day at Bryce.

Upon leaving Bryce, we are headed to SLC. I know we are staying two nights (we've got Nickelback tickets on the 20th) but trying to decide if I want to spend three nights there or stop somewhere between Bryce and SLC.

Thanks again for any help/advice you can give me.

utahtea

blossom66,

Not sure where you will be coming from on the day you visit Zion so if it's not to far it sounds like a good plan.

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to Zion and Bryce because they are so different and everyone can chime in but you won't know your preference till you get there.

Utahtea

utahtea

Oh..forgot about the second part. I'd opt for a night in Torrey on the way to Salt Lake City and take scenic highway 12 to Torrey and spend the night there. It's not that far to travel, but it's a beautiful drive with plenty to do on the way or you can spend some time in Capitol Reef National Park.

Utahtea

travlsolo2

I agree with Utahtea -- I'd opt for a night in Torrey also -- we really like Capitol Reef National Park.

blossom66

Thanks. I hadn't heard of Torrey. I'll have to check it out.

Dayle

blossom66,

I also recommend taking your time on Hwy 12 and staying in Torrey, maybe for 2 nights! Or, how about 1 nt in Boulder at the Boulder Mtn Inn and 1 in Torrey?

Places I like in Torrey:

Skyridge Inn - B&B, although I haven't stayed there with the current owners. Nice rooms and nice views. Previous owners were quiet, but nice and had excellent breakfasts.

Torrey Pines Inn - B&B, very nice owners. I stayed in their individual cabin rather than the main house. Owner brought me delicious carrot muffins!

Austin's Chuckwagon - simple, nice basic motel. Super owners, pool, laundry and market on site. Very reasonable and well liked.

Cafe Diablo - may be closed by mid-October.

Slacker's Burgers are really great - even for someone who rarely eats a burger.

Rimrock Inn & Restaurant - great location, views, and surprisingly good food and service.