Grand Circle & Wyoming
Mar 6th, 2014, 02:20 AM
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Grand Circle & Wyoming
I wanted to share my itinerary and see if anyone had suggestions of things to do or must-see stopping places along our route.
In July, we my two teen sons and I will head out on an adventure. Hers our plan:
Day 1 - fly from Cincinnati to Vegas, drive to Zion
Day 2- Zion - Angels Landing
Day 3 - Zion - Narrows
Day 4 - Zion - rest day - drive type tour (suggestions welcome)
Day 5 - family canyoneering adventure
Day 6 - drive to Bryce - what must we see?
Day 7 - Bryce - horse ride down canyon
Day 8 - drive rt 12 to Capital Reef - suggestion on where to stop along.12 or what to do at Capital Reef
Day 9 - drive to Moab
Day 10 - canyonlands - jeep rental
Day 11 - arches - firey furnace hike
Day 12 - canyonlands - what must we see/do?
Day 13 - arches - delicate arch? What do you suggest?
Day 14 - drive to 4 corners and Mesa Verde
Day 15 - 700 years hike and mesa Verde, drive to Monument Valley
Day 16 - what should we do at Monument Valley? Drive to Page
Day 16 - Page- jet skis on lake powell - other ideas.
Day 17 - Page -antelope canyon
Day 18 drive to Vegas -
Day 19 - helicopter from Vegas to Grand Canyon
Day 20 - fly from a vegas to Jackson Hole
Days 21-24 - Yellowstone
Days 24-26 - grand Teton (jenny lake?) and Jackson
Please let me know of any fun, scenic spots we just see!
Thank you!
In July, we my two teen sons and I will head out on an adventure. Hers our plan:
Day 1 - fly from Cincinnati to Vegas, drive to Zion
Day 2- Zion - Angels Landing
Day 3 - Zion - Narrows
Day 4 - Zion - rest day - drive type tour (suggestions welcome)
Day 5 - family canyoneering adventure
Day 6 - drive to Bryce - what must we see?
Day 7 - Bryce - horse ride down canyon
Day 8 - drive rt 12 to Capital Reef - suggestion on where to stop along.12 or what to do at Capital Reef
Day 9 - drive to Moab
Day 10 - canyonlands - jeep rental
Day 11 - arches - firey furnace hike
Day 12 - canyonlands - what must we see/do?
Day 13 - arches - delicate arch? What do you suggest?
Day 14 - drive to 4 corners and Mesa Verde
Day 15 - 700 years hike and mesa Verde, drive to Monument Valley
Day 16 - what should we do at Monument Valley? Drive to Page
Day 16 - Page- jet skis on lake powell - other ideas.
Day 17 - Page -antelope canyon
Day 18 drive to Vegas -
Day 19 - helicopter from Vegas to Grand Canyon
Day 20 - fly from a vegas to Jackson Hole
Days 21-24 - Yellowstone
Days 24-26 - grand Teton (jenny lake?) and Jackson
Please let me know of any fun, scenic spots we just see!
Thank you!
Mar 6th, 2014, 03:20 AM
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Be aware that it may be brutally hot in Vegas, Zion, and Moab in July. A little cooler in Bryce and Mesa Verde.
That said, I would visit Grand Canyon (north rim) after Bryce, before Capitol Reef.
Instead of driving back to Vegas, drive to Jackson Hole and do Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. If you need to get back to Vegas to drop off the car, do so via Salt Lake City, but even with drop off fees, it won't cost more that the helicopter ride for 3, since you will have seen the GC. Also check about doing the trip in reverse, starting in Jackson Hole and ending in Vegas as sometimes that matters regarding car rental/drop off fees.
Unless this is a camping trip, you are late with lodging reservations. Even if you do plan to camp, get the in park reservations asap.
Have lots of fun!
That said, I would visit Grand Canyon (north rim) after Bryce, before Capitol Reef.
Instead of driving back to Vegas, drive to Jackson Hole and do Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. If you need to get back to Vegas to drop off the car, do so via Salt Lake City, but even with drop off fees, it won't cost more that the helicopter ride for 3, since you will have seen the GC. Also check about doing the trip in reverse, starting in Jackson Hole and ending in Vegas as sometimes that matters regarding car rental/drop off fees.
Unless this is a camping trip, you are late with lodging reservations. Even if you do plan to camp, get the in park reservations asap.
Have lots of fun!
Mar 6th, 2014, 12:33 PM
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Day 4 - Zion - rest day - drive type tour (suggestions welcome):
You might want to do the rest day between Angels Landing and the Narrows! Weeping Rock & Emerald Pools are two easier hikes for a rest day.
Day 6 - drive to Bryce - what must we see?:
You will exit Zion though the tunnel. The Canyon Overlook hike is a nice early morning hike. Take some time to walk around the Checkerboard Mesa before exiting the park. Red Canyon is a nice break before reaching Bryce.
Day 7 - Bryce - horse ride down canyon.:
I haven't done this but we looked into it. If you want to ride IN Bryce you need to book your tour at Bryce National Park. If you book outside the park...you ride outside the park. There is a weight limit of 250 pounds for the rides inside the park and there is a scale.
Day 8 - drive rt 12 to Capital Reef - suggestion on where to stop along.12 or what to do at Capital Reef.:
The 5 mile round trip to the Calf Creek Falls is beautiful and interesting. Take a picnic lunch! If you have time consider driving the paved part of the Burr Trail out of Boulder.
Day 10 - canyonlands - jeep rental.
Drive the Potash & Shafer Trials into the park. Take a detour on the White Rim Trail to Musselman Arch before heading up the Shafer trail switchbacks. Visit Canyonlands & or Dead Horse State Park and drive back on Long Canyon to Potash Road. Most jeep rental places will supply you with maps & help with ideas.
Day 12 - canyonlands - what must we see/do? Make sure you make it to the Green River Overlook and do Mesa Arch. I also like to do the two mile round trip Grand View hike.
Day 13 - arches - delicate arch? What do you suggest?
YES, do the Delicate Arch hike! In the summer I like sunset but it has become VERY busy at that time of the day. Landscape arch is another must and if you want an interesting 5 mile round trip hike go past Landscape arch to Dark Angel.
Day 16 - what should we do at Monument Valley? Drive to Page.
Most rental companies don't allow off road driving so consider taking a paid tour of Monument Valley. They will take you out to places that tourist can't drive to even with high clearance vehicles.
Day 16 - Page- jet skis on lake powell - other ideas.
Day 17 - Page -antelope canyon
Antelope Canyon will take 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours tops! Consider doing the jet skis on the same day. Also do the short hike to Horseshoe Bend. On the free day consider doing the Boat tour to Rainbow Bridge National Monument of the 1/2 day float trip on the Colorado River. Even my 17 year old nephew liked the float trip.
Sounds like quite the adventure....Have FUN!
Utahtea
You might want to do the rest day between Angels Landing and the Narrows! Weeping Rock & Emerald Pools are two easier hikes for a rest day.
Day 6 - drive to Bryce - what must we see?:
You will exit Zion though the tunnel. The Canyon Overlook hike is a nice early morning hike. Take some time to walk around the Checkerboard Mesa before exiting the park. Red Canyon is a nice break before reaching Bryce.
Day 7 - Bryce - horse ride down canyon.:
I haven't done this but we looked into it. If you want to ride IN Bryce you need to book your tour at Bryce National Park. If you book outside the park...you ride outside the park. There is a weight limit of 250 pounds for the rides inside the park and there is a scale.
Day 8 - drive rt 12 to Capital Reef - suggestion on where to stop along.12 or what to do at Capital Reef.:
The 5 mile round trip to the Calf Creek Falls is beautiful and interesting. Take a picnic lunch! If you have time consider driving the paved part of the Burr Trail out of Boulder.
Day 10 - canyonlands - jeep rental.
Drive the Potash & Shafer Trials into the park. Take a detour on the White Rim Trail to Musselman Arch before heading up the Shafer trail switchbacks. Visit Canyonlands & or Dead Horse State Park and drive back on Long Canyon to Potash Road. Most jeep rental places will supply you with maps & help with ideas.
Day 12 - canyonlands - what must we see/do? Make sure you make it to the Green River Overlook and do Mesa Arch. I also like to do the two mile round trip Grand View hike.
Day 13 - arches - delicate arch? What do you suggest?
YES, do the Delicate Arch hike! In the summer I like sunset but it has become VERY busy at that time of the day. Landscape arch is another must and if you want an interesting 5 mile round trip hike go past Landscape arch to Dark Angel.
Day 16 - what should we do at Monument Valley? Drive to Page.
Most rental companies don't allow off road driving so consider taking a paid tour of Monument Valley. They will take you out to places that tourist can't drive to even with high clearance vehicles.
Day 16 - Page- jet skis on lake powell - other ideas.
Day 17 - Page -antelope canyon
Antelope Canyon will take 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours tops! Consider doing the jet skis on the same day. Also do the short hike to Horseshoe Bend. On the free day consider doing the Boat tour to Rainbow Bridge National Monument of the 1/2 day float trip on the Colorado River. Even my 17 year old nephew liked the float trip.
Sounds like quite the adventure....Have FUN!
Utahtea
Mar 6th, 2014, 11:13 PM
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DAy 7 Your best place to stay is Ruby's Inn. They can arrange any/all tours for you. Highly recommend that hotel.
http://www.rubysinn.com/ Call/Internet all your reservations.
Day 10 - 12
Day 11 - Fiery Furnace - get a reservation for a Ranger Guided Hike when you arrive.
I'm not sure why your are renting a 4WD if touring Arches and Island In the Sky. A 2 WD high clearance should-should (ask ranger) get you to Mussl Arch via Schafer. (Suggestion - Arch is Not that great - look a picture).
Now, if you are doing the White Rim trail, absolutely yes 4WD. AND absolutely yes for the adventure - BEST tour in Moab area. Since campsite are limited, reservations are required. It can be done in one day, but two is better.
http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/whiterimroad.htm
Day 13 - If you have time after visiting Landscape, go to Double O. At the end of the trail... Be there between 1 and 2 PM for best foto.
Moab - Have dinner at Sunset Grill at Sunset only - bring a camera - table by window overlooking all of Moab. Also have a micro-brew and Pizza at Eddie McStiff.
Day 19 If you are Helo to North/South Rim - good. If you are going to West Rim - then, well it does not NOT the same grandeur -- more of a deep slot - yet attractive. HOWEVER, they have that Sky walk thriller. That may be worth a trip
http://www.grandcanyonwest.com/
Day 16 - Not much choice. They have a standard route you can drive with a car - if not muddy. Any thing else requires a guide. EXCEPT if you stay at their lodge, The View, there is a private Mitten trail. Gouldings Lodge is also a fine motel.
Day 17 - Antelope - You MUST be there at high noon when the sun shines straight down the slot. Otherwise, blah.
It you have more question, leave a post.
Vaga
http://www.rubysinn.com/ Call/Internet all your reservations.
Day 10 - 12
Day 11 - Fiery Furnace - get a reservation for a Ranger Guided Hike when you arrive.
I'm not sure why your are renting a 4WD if touring Arches and Island In the Sky. A 2 WD high clearance should-should (ask ranger) get you to Mussl Arch via Schafer. (Suggestion - Arch is Not that great - look a picture).
Now, if you are doing the White Rim trail, absolutely yes 4WD. AND absolutely yes for the adventure - BEST tour in Moab area. Since campsite are limited, reservations are required. It can be done in one day, but two is better.
http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/whiterimroad.htm
Day 13 - If you have time after visiting Landscape, go to Double O. At the end of the trail... Be there between 1 and 2 PM for best foto.
Moab - Have dinner at Sunset Grill at Sunset only - bring a camera - table by window overlooking all of Moab. Also have a micro-brew and Pizza at Eddie McStiff.
Day 19 If you are Helo to North/South Rim - good. If you are going to West Rim - then, well it does not NOT the same grandeur -- more of a deep slot - yet attractive. HOWEVER, they have that Sky walk thriller. That may be worth a trip
http://www.grandcanyonwest.com/
Day 16 - Not much choice. They have a standard route you can drive with a car - if not muddy. Any thing else requires a guide. EXCEPT if you stay at their lodge, The View, there is a private Mitten trail. Gouldings Lodge is also a fine motel.
Day 17 - Antelope - You MUST be there at high noon when the sun shines straight down the slot. Otherwise, blah.
It you have more question, leave a post.
Vaga
Mar 6th, 2014, 11:44 PM
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Day 11 - Fiery Furnace - get a reservation for a Ranger Guided Hike when you arrive.
I don't know about the summer but the two times we've been in September the Fiery Furnace tour has been booked a month in advance. I'd make reservations for the Fiery Furnace as soon as you have your dates and you can make the reservation.
RVvagabond, they will be in a rental vehicle and even if you rent a 4 x 4 from Las Vegas it probably will not be able to be taken off road. We've looked into it before. If you rent a 4x4 in Moab, they allow it...that's why they are there. We've done the Shafer trail in a high clearance van but they recommend doing it going down the Shafer trail instead of up it if you don't have the 4 wheel drive. Also Double O is not the end of the trail. If you make it to Double O you can keep going out to Dark Angel. There are plenty of other 4 x 4 trails in the area too!
Utahtea
I don't know about the summer but the two times we've been in September the Fiery Furnace tour has been booked a month in advance. I'd make reservations for the Fiery Furnace as soon as you have your dates and you can make the reservation.
RVvagabond, they will be in a rental vehicle and even if you rent a 4 x 4 from Las Vegas it probably will not be able to be taken off road. We've looked into it before. If you rent a 4x4 in Moab, they allow it...that's why they are there. We've done the Shafer trail in a high clearance van but they recommend doing it going down the Shafer trail instead of up it if you don't have the 4 wheel drive. Also Double O is not the end of the trail. If you make it to Double O you can keep going out to Dark Angel. There are plenty of other 4 x 4 trails in the area too!
Utahtea
Mar 7th, 2014, 03:48 PM
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Thanks for the advice. I have reservations for a room for every night, so lodging isn't an issue. I did get in Zion lodge and in Yellowstone in the park.
I've booked a guide for firey furnace and antelope.
My boys had helicopter ride at the top of their wish list which is why we are going that way. The each got to rank their top 3 activities and helicopter to GC was on both of their lists. I'm doing the 8 day float at the GC the following year, so I let them decide between staying at GC or Vegas.
At Monument Valley, we are staying at The View.
This has been a dream trip for many years. Perfect mom/son bonding trip.
Keep ideas coming - I love to hear advice from others.
I've booked a guide for firey furnace and antelope.
My boys had helicopter ride at the top of their wish list which is why we are going that way. The each got to rank their top 3 activities and helicopter to GC was on both of their lists. I'm doing the 8 day float at the GC the following year, so I let them decide between staying at GC or Vegas.
At Monument Valley, we are staying at The View.
This has been a dream trip for many years. Perfect mom/son bonding trip.
Keep ideas coming - I love to hear advice from others.
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