shetravels

Flying into Las Vegas and driving straight to Zion / Bryce for 5 days. Then continuing on to Moab for 2 days to complete our trip in UT. We have a 12 and 13 year old and would like to do some hiking and see the sights.

We'd like to rent a house inbetween Zion and Bryce for our 5 days before moving on to Moab, but does this make the best use of our time?

Thank you for your suggestions.

Myer

Driving in Utah takes time. You are much better off staying in each park. Otherwise all you'll do is drive. Also, you want to be careful driving at night in this part of the country. Don't want to hit any animals.

You don't mention when you're going. If in hot weather I might consider Springdale for Zion so you'll have a pool. Otherwise inpark always. The best use of your time.

Are your plans to go to Zion, Bryce and Arches in Moab? Any other plans for Moab.

I would spend 2 days in Zion ,one in Bryce and move some days to Moab as there's a fair amount to do in that area.

Are you planning on driving Rt12 or the much faster Rt 70?

Rt 12 has spectacular scenery and several worthy stops.

Just east of Bryce and just below Cannonville is a real slot canyon. Willis Creek.

Along Rt 12 you can turn down Hole-in-the-Rock Road for 10 miles and spend an hour or so in Devils Garden (Escalante).

A little further along Rt 12 you can make a 3-4 hour stop and hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. Not many beautiful falls in this part of the country.

Then comes Capitol Reef National Park. Some people love it but not one of my favorites.

then you come to Gobblin Valley State Park. Similar to Devil's Garden but I consider devil's Garden a grown up Gobblin Valley.

In Moab you can easily spend a few days between Arches and Canyonlands. Rafting near Moab.

emalloy

I totally agree with Myer, take the advice to heart.

spirobulldog

Myer is right, stay at each spot. I would say 2 night Zion,
2 nights in Bryce, 1 night in Torrey and then on to Moab

My daughters favorite (starting with her favorite-in order) in Utah (we've been several times now to UT).

Canyoneering with www.deserthighlights.com These are awesome people and it is very safe. Been with them twice
Angels Landing
The Narrows
Delicate Arch
Little Wildhorse Canyon (near Goblin Valley)
Goblin Valley
Navajo/Queens Garden Loop
Double Arch in Arches(not to be confused with Double O)
Landscape Arch/Devils Garden in Arches
Eating Pie at Gifford House in Capitol Reef Orchard
Balanced Rock
The Windows
Devils Garden in Escalante (Different DG in Arches)
Calf Creek Falls
Dining in Zion Lodge, Bryce Lodge, eating lunch on the front lawn under the big tree at Zion

shetravels

Thank you. We are traveling the 1st week of August. Yes, our plans are 1st Zion, then Bryce to Moab. We were considering Duck Creek Village as a "home base". So, a "home base" for Zion and Bryce doesn't seem to be the best possible use of our time. We figured driving would be slow because of the terrain. We like to take the scenic routes so rte 12 would be ideal. Rafting in Moab? We will definitely check that out.

spirobulldog

August= Very Toasty

J62

Driving is slow because of the distances, not necessarily the terrain.