Canyon deChelly
 

Why should I go there instead of other amazing places?

First, tell us what "other amazing places" you are considering?

I'm taling about the Amazing Southern Utah, last two weeks in April. We will have to make some choices. One of us is hot for C.deChelly, and the Other One seems a bit de-shy about deChelly.

An opinion can be provided if you indicate what you would pass up to visit de Chelly. I am assuming Bryce and Zion are on the list of things to see - neither should be passed up to visit de Chelly.

Canyon deChelly is a very haunting and moving experience as one of the Native American guides escorts you through this historic area, weaving the poignant, often sad, history of the area. If yours is a two-week trip, I would think you could fit it into your itinerary without sacrificing too much and still have time for other sites.

Agreement with other posters- Zion & Bryce first, and add in Canyon de Chelly if time permits. At the risk of adding other amazing places, I also suggest Monument Valley and the Navajo National Monument. Planning a SW trip takes a lot of time, and you'll go through a lot of draft itineraries before you come up with the right mix of stops. If you'll provide your in/out info (assuming you're flying in and picking up a vehicle) and length of stay, posters can offer ideas on how to plan your trip.

Agree with previous poster. To answer this question, one needs to know what you will have to give up to see Canyon de Chelley. Personally, it is one of my favorite spots and I would by-pass many places to enjoy this one again. BUT...there are things I would put on the list above this one. Help us help you.

If you do go to Canyon de Chelly, make sure you are there for sunrise. It is a very moving experience as the canyon becomes illuminated. Also, make sure you carry plenty of water for your hike down into the canyon.

We will be driving from S.F. Bay Area. --Will camp when conditions are hospitable and lodge at other times. Our tentative scheme is to long haul as straight as possible to Cedar City. Then Zion; Bryce; Hiwy 12 through Escalante, Boulder, Long Canyon, cross Capitol Reef, down to Hiwy 276, cross Colorado River at Bullfrog, continue on 276 to Natural Bridges; 261 to Mexican Hat; Monument Valley (either coming or going); finally Canyon de Chelly. Whew!<BR><BR>Thanks to all for your thoughtful ideas.

P.S. We have previously visited So. Rim of Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde on a trip to Aspen --thus, they are not on our itinerary for this trip.

Sally, when you go to Monument Valley, make sure you stay at Goulding's Lodge. Get up before sunrise, go onto the balcony outside your room and watch the sunrise over the monuments. Truly a thrilling sight that you'll long remember!

Great picks! Get your driving gloves on. We loved Natural Bridges- it's very small in terms of the other places on your trip, but it has some beautiful formations. If you decide to change route and do Hwy 24 from Torrey, then Hwy 95, you'll go by a neat restaurant/small motel at Fry Canyon- it used to be the center of a mining camp, and the folks who run it are good people. Then you could take Hwy 261 to Mexican Hat- 261 goes by Valley of the Gods, which we've not visited, but others here say is a must-do. Double ditto for being at Monument Valley first thing in the a.m. Start nailing down your campground reservations now. From the questions that have been posted on this site, it looks like from May on will be busy. Hope this is helpful.

Check out the response to your 'So tell Me' thread, as well.

Your itinerary is fine as outlined and since Monument Valley is included you should visit Canyon de Chelly - it is a short less than 100 mile drive.<BR>After driving through Capitol Reef I assume you will be taking 95 to 276. Unless you have a special reason for going through Bullfrog you might be better off taking 95 to Natural Bridges. It is a more scenic road and you could visit Fry Canyon. Curious as to why Arches/Canyonlands (Moab) is not on your itinerary.

To rqf: Moab is certainly of interest to us. Generally I get too ambitious about wanting to see absolutely everything. If our time is looking good we'll definitely get to Moab. Thanks for expanding our field possibilities. I feel certain that the South West is a set up for many return trips.<BR><BR>This entire thread is positive and reinforces our hope that we'll be able to experience many wonderful sites.<BR><BR>It looks as though I'll become a ~morning person~ on this trip. (I can do it.)

Please be a morning person for this trip! Sunrise at Sunrise Point at Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley will make you glad you made the switch. With the number of stops you plan, the earlier you hit the trail the day will give you more time to motor & check out your stops. I highly recommend "Scenic Driving Utah" by Joe Bensen (Falcon Press) as a guidebook. You will love this trip.

You can maximize sightseeing time by driving from one place to another during the evening hours. Then you can get up at a reasonable time and still have a full day in a park. For example, when last in Moab we spent two full days and one night in the area. Late on the second day we left for Mexican Hat after dinner arriving there around 11 pm. Up the following morning at around 8am, had breakfast and were at Monument Valley by 9:30 am.

Why do you imply that Canyon deChelly is not an amazing place?