Last July when I was planning our upcoming (departing October 11, returning October 20) vacation in southern Utah, you were very helpful: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...in-october.cfm

Well. The trip is still on, as we've prepaid for most everything, and we would incur the usual penalties for canceling at this late date. The only exception is the stay at the Bryce Canyon Lodge near the end of the trip (which is already prepaid, too, but is also shut at the moment so we could make a change there). So we're in Moab - Escalante - Zion for most of the week, but do have some flexibility near the end of the trip.

It may be that all will be well and we can pursue the original itinerary. But if not, I am confident that there are many other options, other than just driving along Highway 12. I just don't have time to research all the possibilities, so am turning to you for advice.

Best suggestions?

Thanks very much!

Look at the state parks and Navajo parks in the general area. Go to the Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona sites and check out the wonderful places to go.

Change your itinerary. Consider Monument Valley, the slot canyon in Antelope, Canyon de Chelly. Check with the latter because it is a National Monument, but it is in Indian territory with tours given by members of the Navajo tribe, and might therefore by-pass non-essential closures.

I think you could do a raft trip on the Colorado River from Page to Lee's Ferry. Hike to horseshoe bend. Such a shame that the parks are closed.

If the Navajo parks are open the Navajo National Monument is also an option.

Red Canyon outside of Bryce is truly gorgeous and it is a state park. You might be able to get lodging at Ruby's Inn???

I've read about some state parks, and things like Negro Bill Canyon near Moab. Are there other options?

Thanks for the suggestions!

For Utah go to:

www.stateparks.utah.gov/‎

Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado also are not that far away, so check them out too.

In Moab go to Corona Arch, it was a great hike, not a NP.From Moab to Cap Reef, stop at Little Wild Horse Canyon, it is right by Goblin Valley, which is fun too - and I don't think either of them were NP's either. You should be able to drive through CR, the hiking there was just ok anyway.

FYI, there was an article in the Salt Lake paper that the state parks (Dead Horse Point) are getting swamped with visitors due to the National Parks being closed. Still gorgeous, but they will be more crowded than usual.

Goblin Valley is a State Park-very interesting.
The highway through Capitol Reef is a state highway which is not closed. Beside the highway is a place to pull off and see some petroglyphs.
If you wanted to see some neat dinosaur stuff, head for the prehistoric museum in Price.

Goblin Valley is not to be missed, IMOP. Little Wildhorse is great(don't get it confused with Wildhorse-you want Little Wildhorse). Fisher Towers would be another option. Go on a off-road with Moab Adventure Company.

My all time very favorite thing in any National Park is Canyoneering with www.deserthighlights.com They now only go outside the National Park, so you could certainly do something with them. Very Safe and very good. They don't always get right back with you, so I would try the phone and email both.


Check out Todd's Hiking Guide and Climb-Utah on the web for tons of ideas.

All of the above are great suggestions..State Parks often offer wonderful surprises and great scenery doesn't end at NP gates..the rocks rock on!!

Thanks, everyone! I am sure we will have a wonderful time, regardless. I'll post a trip report with what we end up with!

purduegrad,

You might be in luck! The Utah Governer working on opening the Utah National parks on Saturday (Oct. 12) with state aid.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/5...-utah.html.csp

Utahtea