We will be visiting the second week of June as part of a 2 week vacation out west. Please help me with the following.

We have one full day in Bryce, spending two nights in the lodge. We will hike the Navajo Loop & Queen's Garden Trail and take the scenic drive along the rim. I understand the scenic drive is better in the morning, but what about the hike? Will it be too hot in the afternoon? We can't do two morning activities if we're only there one day, so which one do you recommend for the morning?

How long will it take to drive Highway 12 from Bryce to Torrey? The only detour I plan is Kodachrome State Park. We plan on stopping at all nice viewpoints, but no long hikes.

We have one day scheduled for Capitol Reef. We are going to take the scenic drive stopping at scenic views. We have a 4WD so will take some of the dirt road spurs also. How long should I plan here? Trying to figure out how far I can drive that day toward Jackson Wy.

Thanks, Rich

Hi Rich,

I would not worry about doing the hiking in Bryce in the afternoon because the top of the canyon is at 8,000 ft. and normally doesn't get hotter than low 80's, especially in June. However, I also don't think it makes that much difference what you drive the rim and see the viewpoints,
as long as you DO get up to see the sunrise!

Driving Hwy 12 and stopping at Kodachrome Basin will take most of your day. There are SO many scenic stops.

Are you staying overnight in Capitol Reef? There are some very nice short hikes there.

Drive time from Capitol Reef to SLC is about 3 1/2 hours. Drive time from SLC to Jackson is 4 1/2 hours. If you want to break it up, you might really enjoy staying overnight in Park City.

How much time do you have for this trip and where else are you going? You really are rushing it!

Oops, make that "when", as in time of day, you hike in Bryce.

Also, I would recommend at a minimum one full day in Capitol Reef.

"How much time do you have for this trip and where else are you going? You really are rushing it!"

Actually, for us, we're taking our time this trip. We have planned 1 day each for Albuquerque, Chaco Culture, Valley of the Gods/Monument Valley, and Antelope Canyon/Drive to Bryce.

For this part of the trip we are spending 2 nights in Bryce, driving Hwy 12 and spending one night in Torrey. Next day we will go to Caiptol Reef and drive a little toward Jackson. The only thing planned for the following day is the 8 hour drive to Jackson. Trying to figure out how far to drive when we leave CR in the afternnon.

Then we have 1 day in Grand Tetons, and three in Yellowstone (been to both before) before we head back to Arkansas. Except for Bryce, we won't do any hikes more than a mile, so we shouldn't be rushed. Plus we are real efficient with our time.

Any recommedations for short hikes in Capitol Reef?

For hikes I would suggest Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash, or Capitol Gorge.
Chimney Rock is also good, but the ascent is quite steep (wonderful views of the waterpocket fold at the top). Most of the other hikes in Capitol Reef
are more strenuous and longer. The easiest of the three mentioned is Grand Wash which is level all the way, but still 2 miles one way. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Capitol Reef is my favorite hiking National Park in Utah. Not crowded like Bryce or Zion.

Bueller...Bueller...Anyone...Anyone...?

I would let the weather be your guide when trying to decide if you should do the scenic drive or the hike in Bryce first! If the forcast is for hot or afternoon showers, then hike first.

Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge are my two favorite hikes in Capitol Reef. As mentioned, Grand Wash is two miles but it's a level, fast hike. You can also turn back at any point. Capitol Gorge is similar with the Pioneer Register towards the end.

I've only been to Kodacrome State park once and it was overcast. We didn't think much of the park compared to the other places nearby. Maybe it would be better on a sunny day. If it is overcast, then I think I'd skip it and instead do part of the paved section of the Burr Trail out of Boulder, Utah.

Keep in mind that driving thru Salt Lake City during commute times is SLOW!

Utahtea

Hmm. I don't think you are allowing enough time for these marvels. You will at least have time to get out of the car and take a look at something!!

Scenic Drive better in the morning?
Why? I never noticed any particular advantage. In fact, if you want pictures the sun is in your face in the morning unless you aim north and north east.