Ok, thanks janisj- is wasn't sure how to interpret that line you quoted

> The Garden of the Gods, addressed earlier, I believe it should be named Valley of the Gods. I was there a couple of weeks ago. If entering from highway 163, just go about 8 miles and turn back as the remaining 9 miles are relative boring.

> Drive up Moki - it is now a wide and very well maintained gravel road. Note: When you get to the top, there is a 5 mile dirt road west to Muley Point - the best overlook. A high clearance vehicle may be needed depending if there are ruts.

Monument Valley - Entry fee includes access to a 17 mile road to see most of the sites (mittens). Also many other tours including horse tours. Allow 1/2 day tour.

Since you have time, I'll dump my list of recommended books. I've add a new one (6) for the Cedar Mesa/Grand Gulch hiking. The area is near Blanding and Bluff Utah. It is the best I've used for that area. .


1. Hiking (family): Wow Utah Canyon Country -

2. Backroad 4-wheel driving: Canyonland National Park Favorite Jeep Roads and Hiking Trails. White Rim Trail (road) is the premier scenic area in Island In The Sky. This book has an excellent description of that 110 mile road.

3. Touring guide focusing exclusively on Utah Parks for driving, hiking and Mountain Biking: Zion to Escalante, Utah and its companion Escalante to Moab. In Kindle and paper back format. This book gives a life-saving mile-by-mile driving guide.

4. As above, but less detailed for Utah: Fodor's Utah: with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef & Canyonlands National Parks (Travel Guide)

5 Fodor's The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West (Full-color Travel Guide) Paperback – May 10, 2016

6. Cedar Mesa/Grand Gulch –A Hiking Guide to Cedar Mesa Peteer Francis Tassoni

All above on Amazon that can be purchased for less than the price of one nights lodging in Moab.

Vaga

Fantastic info Vaga, thanks so much

Grand Canyon

Billion to trillions of people visit the south rim

I prefer the lonely north rim.
If you have a high clearance vehicle, Kaibab Forest (before you enter North Rim) has many views of the canyon without any people. Also many hiking opportunities. I've been to almost every rim site at north and south rim. My favorite is North Rim's Sublime Point.
Problem: 4-wheel drive required, or mountain bike, or motorcycle. It is 18 miles from the visitor center. You can also enter from Kaibab Forest, but basically, same problem.

Problem: you need hotel/motel reservation at least 6 months in advance.

Vaga