buckeyetravelers

I'm planning a trip this July and my itinerary so far this:
Fri: Fly to Vegas and spend the night
Sat: Drive to Zion and do short hike (maybe Emerald Pools Trail)
Sun: Hike the Narrow
Mon: still in Zion
Tues: Drive to Bryce early and find a hike. Spend the night at Ruby Inn
Wednesday: drive to Moab
Thurs
Fri
Saturday: drive back to Vegas for the red eye home

Any advice? Is this doable? I have an ATV sunset tour scheduled in Moab and looking for a rafting trip too. Not sure what hikes to do but I'm staying righ outside of Arches.

I'm worried its too much driving but I may never make it back to Utah so trying to see as much as possible without over scheduling the trip. Also, advice on footware for Narrows? Should we wear our hiking shoes or I read somewhere that we should bring out athletic shoes since they get wet. Do we need trekking poles?

emalloy

Sounds like a great trip. It's July, so plan to hike early in the morning or after the temperature has started to cool down late in the afternoon. Drink plenty of water.

For the Narrows, you can rent water shoes in Springdale, or bring old sneakers since they will get wet. Poles will be very helpful too.

In Arches if you plan on doing delicate arch for sunset, be sure to bring flashlights and make sure the batteries are fresh.

Drink more water.

Plan your next trip to Utah in the spring or fall.

tomfuller

On the way to Moab on Wednesday, stop to see the petroglyphs along the highway in Capitol Reef. Also take a short hike in Goblin Valley State Park.
On the way back to LV, try to go through Monument Valley. Take US 93 back to LV from Kingman AZ and stop to see Hoover Dam.

bachslunch

Emerald Pools is a fine hike, but it won't keep you occupied for a full day. I'd add another brief hike or two if possible. You could also see the exhibits in the Visitor's Center. If you're adventurous and are okay with heights, Angel's Landing could be an option for your last day at Zion; didn't have a chance to do this when I was there so can't speak from experience.

One day is a good amount for Bryce. Would recommend hiking along the rim, then going in via the Navajo Loop Trail and out via the Queen's Garden Trail.

Agree with emalloy that a hike to Delicate Arch is reportedly a good option, though regrettably I wasn't able to do this so again, can't speak from experience. Fiery Furnace is also reportedly excellent. Definitely do Devil's Garden, at least past Landscape Arch and up to Double O Arch with side spurs to other arches -- wonderful hike.

RVvagabond

Make Emerald pools a backup if time allow. Focus on hiking up the Virgin River from Riverside entry (end of road).
Emalloy recommended water hiking shoes and to rent them in Springdale. Good advice. Walking sticks are important for: balance in the river current and two poke ahead to insure there is no deep hole.

The rental place is Zion Adventure Company at the east end of Springdale off the main road. Last time I was there, they had an instruction video. Personally, they are overpriced, but....

Appears that you don't have time for Angel's Landing or Observation point. An alternate, and easy (about 80 step and across), option is Canyon Overlook. Trailhead is about 100 yards east of road tunnel exit.

Vaga

peterboy

Make sure you drive Scenic Byway 12 from Bryce through Escalante and over Boulder Mountain to Torrey and Capital Reef then up through Hanksville to I-70 and then Moab. It is rated as one of the top 10 scenic drives in North America. After you see the wonders along that route you might wonder "Why bother with Moab?" Here's a couple of trip reports you might enjoy/find useful.
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_2012_trip_report

db6040

You really need reservations for most of the places you are going. There's a reason why so many people here and on "another forum" have suggested that.

db6040

Ug - ignore more comment above, I meant to put that on another post! YOur plan looks very reasonable to me. Enjoy.

bailey123

I would recommend getting a pair of Chaco water/hiking sandals for Narrows (and Moab) and take hiking poles.

Moab has a lot of nice hiking options but they will have to be early morning or evening; it will be very hot in July. There are enough sites and hiking to justify 2 nights in Moab if you can stand the heat. Be aware of the current road construction closures that could affect your hiking plans for Moab.

From Moab drive through Monument Valley. If you spend the night, you will have a long drive to LV so you might want to just do a drIve through and continue to Page for the night. If you decide to spend the night in Monument Valley, stay at The View hotel and take the 17 mile drive.

If you decide to drive through to Page, try to see Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Page.

Then your last day, head to LV with maybe a drive through south rim Grand Canyon on the way to LV. Figure about 3 hours to drive from hwy 89 to GC village if you stop at all view points along the way.

buckeyetravelers

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I'll make sure to map out my route to hit all the suggested sites. I'm looking into a full day rafting trip near Moab. Any suggestions? I want to stick with class I-III since I'll have a 10 year old with us.

KTtravel

It has been quite a few years but I think we rafted with the Moab Adventure Center. We did a more adventurous trip than it sounds like you would like, but we were very pleased with our experience. Their website suggests several different options which may appeal to you. Have a great trip!