Can anyone give me advice regarding making the trip from Bryce Canyon to Mesa Verde? We will be flying into Salt Lake City and visiting Zion & Bryce before traveling to Mesa Verde. I would like to take Route 12 - not sure how long to plan and where we should stop. We are a family of 4 (kids ages 11 & 15)and have 2 days to get to Mesa Verde. Then we head to Arches & Canyonlands. Immediately following we travel to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. We know this is an ambitious trip - it may be one of the few times we are in this area and want to see as much as possible. Any advice on driving routes, things to do, places to stay, dining is welcome. Thanks!

WOW, that's a tough choice. On one hand you can take very scenic Route 12 to Torrey and get to also see Capitol Reef National Park and then take Hwy 95 over Hite's Crossing and pass Natural Bridges National Monument. This route is about 400 miles. You will also be very close to Monument Valley. I think I would spend the night in Torrey, Utah. This will give you plenty of time to explore Hwy 12 and all it has to offer and spend some time in Capitol Reef.

On the other hand, you could go though Page, AZ and see Lake Powell, spend the night in Kayenta and see Monument Valley and hit 4 corners (very corney but the kids like it) before reaching Mesa Verde. This route is about 390 miles. It will be a little faster driving.


Utahtea