Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Would Torrey be a good base for Moab/Canyonlands

Would Torrey be a good base for Moab/Canyonlands

Old Jul 21st, 2017, 02:51 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Would Torrey be a good base for Moab/Canyonlands

Hi, I am planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids (8 and 5) for next summer. I have been reading these forums and have gleaned so much already from you guys. Thank you. This is what I have so far. We plan to fly in to LV, stay in the Bryce Lodge, and then do Capitol Reef, Dead Horse State Park, Arches/Moab and Canyonlands. My question-- would it work to stay in Torrey as a base to do Capitol Reef, DHSP, Arches and Canyonlands? Or do you recommend another town? Should we just stay in Moab at one of the chain hotels? Realistically, my kids are going to need a break here and there from gaping at the natural beauty/hiking, so I wanted to find a place that hopefully has a pool and in town with character. Thanks very much.
nhamilton is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2017, 05:29 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No... You'd be looking at about 3 hours drive each way from Torrey to Arches/Canyonlands/DHSP. Torrey is a great base for Capitol Reef. Moab is a great base for Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse State Park.

Summer will be hot hot hot.
sludick is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2017, 05:39 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Definitely stay in Moab if you want to visit Arches and Canyonlands.

Is there a reason you're skipping Zion? I much prefer it to Arches and Canyonlands. Springdale makes for a nice base and the shuttle makes getting into/out of the park easy.
indyhiker is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2017, 05:58 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,904
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stay in Moab if you can get lodging. If you can't, look in Green River, about an hour from Arches and Canyonlands.

Different strokes, unlike indy hiker, I like Arches and Canyonlands way more than Zion and have been to all three areas multiple times.
emalloy is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2017, 06:01 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,904
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I should have added, Torrey is about 2 and a half to 3 hours from Moab.
emalloy is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2017, 01:47 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For Moab--there is set of condos that have an odd, indoor pool. The condos are very nice and a bit off the main street but still in town. They are the Cottonwood Condos and various property places rent them out. But otherwise, you are looking at a chain if you want to find a pool with great wifi access etc. We like staying at the Marriott Springhill Suites north of town for the pool plus you get some more space. In Torrey--try the Chuckwagon Inn place. They have cabins and even an apartment that they rent out--it is over their general store and a great place to stay. They don't have "boutique" hotels in Moab or Torrey. The scenery is what gives the whole place character.
StantonHyde is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2017, 01:48 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Meant to add--if you click on my user name you will find trip reports for all of the big 5 parks in Utah--we live in SLC and travel around Utah with our kids all the time.
StantonHyde is offline  
Old Jul 21st, 2017, 07:42 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,502
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What sludick said. Torrey for Capitol Reef and Moab for Arches and Canyonland. There are a zillion hotels and motels in Moab in all price ranges. Torrey is more limited.
mlgb is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2017, 08:56 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Like indyhiker, I also wonder why you're skipping Zion, which Is my favorite (maybe you've been there before?). It really is amazing, and Springdale makes a good base.

When driving between Bryce and Torrey (and that is a spectacular drive along Highway 12) do be sure to stop at the Head of the Rocks wayside viewpoint for an incredible view. When you get to Boulder I recommend you take a side trip and drive along the Burr Trail for awhile for some amazing scenery. You'll have to retrace your route to return to highway 12, but that's OK, the scenery is wonderful going both directions.

Between Torrey and Moab you should stop at Goblin Valley State Park, a valley full of fascinating sandstone formations that some people think resemble goblins. I found it unique and fascinating, one of the most interesting places I've ever been.
Sara is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2017, 12:32 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,714
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 4 Posts
For cheaper lodging DW and I stayed at the Robbers Roost in Green River to visit Canyonlands (Island in the Sky), Arches, Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef.
It wasn't fancy, but it was about half of the cost for anything decent in Moab.
tomfuller is online now  
Old Jul 23rd, 2017, 08:54 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree with Green River is a more economical option for all parks.
It does NOT have a variety of restaurants or night activity.
If you do select GR, visit their Powell Museum.
They also have guided river trips (as does Moab)

Rays Tavern serves the best hamburger in Utah plus craft beers.

Vaga
RVvagabond is offline  
Old Jul 24th, 2017, 01:58 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,502
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sleep Inn in Moab is pretty affordable, rates vary tremendously depends on time of year and weekend vs weekday
mlgb is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jtgarland
United States
9
Nov 3rd, 2015 11:51 AM
Myer
United States
13
Jul 12th, 2007 09:56 AM
jcools
United States
4
Jun 13th, 2007 12:26 PM
OliveOyl
United States
13
Oct 22nd, 2002 10:30 AM
Bert
United States
9
May 29th, 2002 03:31 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -