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Capitol Reef NP on the way from Moab to Las Vegas?

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Capitol Reef NP on the way from Moab to Las Vegas?

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Old Apr 1st, 2012, 12:57 PM
  #41  
Lev
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Thank you wmt003 for your advice. We will leave in a week and I appreciate your advice very much. I really do consider Calif Creek Falls hiking on the way from Torrey to Las Vegas.
Also thank you for you recommendation to stop at the Gifford House. Did you have time to drive down Scenic Drive and hike in the area?

I have another question about Moab area hiking. We will be staying in Moab for 4 days and are planning to hike in Arches NP (that includes Fiery Furnace hike: have a reservation), Canyonlands, and also visiting Dead Horse Point SP. I have just received Moab brochure by mail. They listed 3 hiking outside NP in the Moab area: Corona Arch, Negro Bill Canyon, and Fisher Towers. Negro Bill Canyon hike requires occasional wading through ankle deep water(not good). Fisher Towers requires driving along dirt road (not good), but Corona Arch hike looks good. Here is the link: http://www.utahredrocks.com/hike_corona.htm

Would you recommend hiking this trail or 3 NP and 1 SP are more than enough for 4 days?
Thanks. Lev.




Would you recommend hiking this trail or 3 NP and 1 SP are more than enough for 4 days?



Thanks. Lev.
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Old Apr 1st, 2012, 01:28 PM
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Fisher Towers only requires a very short ride on a dirt road. No rocks or bad ruts. Just drive it slowly and you'll be fine. If you've seen the Citibank commercial (Youtube "Citibank Accessories") the last half where the female climbs to the top, that's the Corkscrew at Fisher Towers).

Nice hike and not difficult. Quite scenic and if you're really lucky (as we were) you may see some rock climbers at/near the top.

It's a few miles east of Moab on Rt 128.

Corona Arch was my only defeat. There's a part where you hold on to a chain and another part where you go up a hill bending and holding onto a chain. I did ok with those. What defeated me was a 10 yard side-slope with some bad thing off the side.

In the link you provided, the bottom left photo is the part where you climb holding a chain. What it doesn't show is that you also have to be bent over.

I never got to the ladder as I stopped just before it.

Just above Moab you go west a bit and then turn onto Rt 279

I didn't go to Negro Bill's Canyon. Can't go everywhere.

In four days you can do a lot if you plan it well and don't sit around the pool too much.

We were there for four days and I did a bunch of hikes inside the park as well as several outside and at Canyonlands. We also went rafting one morning.
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Old Apr 1st, 2012, 02:45 PM
  #43  
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Thank you Myer.
Wow! Corona Arch reminds me Angels Landing trail in Zion NP.
We did NOT go for the final 1/2 mile where the trail follows the ridge across a saddle and up the hogs back. The things may get interesting but it is steep and you are grateful for the chains.... Fisher Towers is 4.4 mile trail. If it is not a problem to get there driving a regular car, we may go (it we have time).
Lev.
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Old Apr 1st, 2012, 04:10 PM
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The drive off Rt 128 to the Fisher Towers parking lot is a couple of hundred yards at most. Really not a problem.

We didn't go all the way to the end. Once we passed the Corkscrew (Ancient Art) and saw the climber at the top, we didn't go much further. We decided that would be hard to beat.

We still wanted to drive over the Lasal mountains and stop to throw snowballs. We did that.

We also wanted to finish by 4PM as we wanted to stop at Goblin Valley for a couple of hours on the way to Capitol Reef.

Remeber to hike to Mesa Arch when you're in Canyonlands. It's very short and level. But it's the only arch you'll see there that you approach at the top and not look up.

Look thru the arch straight out and a little to the left to see "The Washerwoman".
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Old Apr 1st, 2012, 05:14 PM
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I hiked Angels Landing but as you didn't go past Scouts Lookout. Other than going uphill there was nothing difficult or scary there.

Corona Arch beat me. That side slope was more than I wanted.
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Old Apr 1st, 2012, 08:27 PM
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I'm still trying to figure out what part of the trail to Corona Arch was hard for you Myer. Just hiked it a month or so ago and still can't figure it out.
I feel Corona Arch is one of the biggest bang for your buck hikes in the Moab area. I'd go there three times before I went hiking at Fisher Towers. But you do need to take that drive up the Colorado River to the towers. It is a premier scenic drive.
And a minor technicality, Myer, please forgive me. If you only hiked to Scout's Lookout then what you hiked was the first part of the West Rim Trail. Angel's Landing trail is technically only the 1/2 mile spur to the top of that attraction.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 02:18 AM
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InSandy,

The part of Corona Arch that was a problem for me wasn't difficult. Just after the chains and just before the ladder there's a small part that you climb up and walk/crawl across. It's about 10 feet long and 10 feet wide.

It's pretty flat and nothing difficult. However it's sloped left to right and at the lower end it falls off a cliff. The possibility of slipping and rolling off the end got me.

Most people may not be bothered by it.

I was there with a friend and told him I was going to stop but he could go on. He stopped as well.

= = = = =
The following is the description of the Angels Landing hike.
- - - -
Angels Landing

The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in the national park system. Zion's pride and joy runs along a narrow rock fin with dizzying drop-offs on both sides. The trail culminates at a lofty perch, boasting magnificent views in every direction. Rarely is such an intimidating path so frequented by hikers. One would think that this narrow ridge with deep chasms on each of its flanks would allure only the most intrepid of hikers. Climbers scale its big wall; hikers pull themselves up by chains and sightseers stand in awe at its stunning nobility. The towering monolith is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Southwest.

Angels Landing at Glance
Photo Album: Angels Landing Pictures
Map: Trail Map - Backcountry Map - Overview Map
Day Hike: Yes
Distance: 5-miles
Average Hiking Time: 5 hours
Equipment: Map to locate the landmarks surrounding Angels Landing.
Difficulty: Strenuous uphill hike, but hiking is on a well maintained trail.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Trail Usage: Heavy
Permits: Not required.
Trail Conditions: The first 2-miles are paved and well-maintained. Most of the path is sunny, but Refrigerator Canyon offers shade and often a cool breeze. This is a good early morning hike. Make sure to allow time to be off the trail by dark if starting late in the day. The last half-mile is across a narrow sandstone ridge. Anchored support chains are attached along some sections of the sheer fin. Sheer cliffs at high elevations while hiking on a narrow fin. Not suggested for children or those with a fear of heights. Avoid standing near the edge at all times! Do not hike the trail when it is wet, storming, or when high winds are present.
- - - -
Nowhere am I trying to convince myself or others that I or 90% of those who do this hiked did the last part. But you'll notice that at 5 hours in length with a mostly paves early part they must be referring to the whole hike and not just the last 1/2 mile.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 06:29 AM
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Lev, we were slow pokes when we started out from Glenwood Springs, so we did not have time to do the Scenic Drive this trip. I figure we will go back so I'll have another chance. I'll look forward to hearing your impressions.

You asked about staying in Torrey and I think that is the best option. We stayed at the Best Western which was fine - basic motel room and clean. I'll probably give Austin's a try next time.

Can you add in another day between Torrey and Las Vegas? It is almost seven hours between the two via hwy 12 without stops. Calf Creek Falls took us about 3 hours. We originally planned one night in Springdale before heading to LV, but within minutes of arriving we knocked a night off the Vegas side and added one more to Springdale.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 06:58 AM
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As wtm003 wrote Lower Calf Creek Falls takes about 3 hours in, back out and some time to enjoy the sight.

As far as comparing Fisher Towers to Corona Arch.

I don't think Corona Arch is the biggest bang for the buck in the Moab area. Delicate Arch at sunset in imbedded in my mind.

I keep remembering those rock climbers at the top of Fishers Towers and the Citibank commercial.

I was there for 4 days, did all of these things and rafted for a morning.

No reason you can't do both.

I'm not sure I'd compare them. The whole area is amazing.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 07:06 AM
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I'm glad I did Calf Creek Falls. However, if I were pressed for time, I would skip it. A ton of people and the water is cold cold cold. It is an impressive sight to see in the desert though.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 08:18 AM
  #51  
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Thank you wtm003.
We will be staying at Best Western Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey too. You are right. It is around 7 hours non-stop driving from Torrey to Las Vegas if we take Hwy 12 - Hwy 89 - Hwy 20 - Interstate 15 to Las Vegas. Not much time left for short stops at Hwy 12, lunch break, hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls, and spending some time in Bryce NP (drive to Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce viewpoints with short hikes).
I am thinking of making a reservation in Panguish, Parowan or Cedar City on the way back to Las Vegas with a possibility to cancel reservation the day of arrival. Since we already spent a few days in Zion, I think that staying overnight in Springdale adds driving time.
Lev.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 08:33 AM
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Lev,
We stayed at the BW Capitol Reef. Clean with ok rooms. A nice pool to spend a few minutes soaking your body.

If all you have time for in Bryce is for a quick overview you can do the following. Drive to Sunset Point and go down Navajo Loop as far as you have time for. The right side of it (it's a loop that meets Queens Garden at the bottom and then you have a cjoice of coming up QG or back up the other side of the NL).

While there are several really neat viewpoints, the only one that's really different is Natural Bridge. If you have time Bryce Pt extends into the canyon a bit and Inspiration Pt is nice.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 09:42 AM
  #53  
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Hi Myer,
What about Fairyland Point in Bryce NP?
Is it worth to drive 2 miles roundtrip?
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 11:26 AM
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I haven't been to Fairyland Pt but the photos make it look similar to the others.

If you're rushed for time and want to get a feel for the park I would do some of Navajo Loop and if you have another hour come up Queens Garden.

It's a big difference hiking down into the hoodoos instead or just looking from a viewpoint.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 01:12 PM
  #55  
Lev
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Thank you Myer,
I will follow your recommendation and will do Navajo Loop and if I have an extra time come up Queens Gardens> Also, if time permits drive down to the Natural Bridge View Point.
I have 2 more questions (I may have more.. :
- There is Devils Garden Trail in Arches NP. It is kind of confusing. If I understand it correctly there is a trail passes Tunnel-Pine Tree-Landscape-Partition-Navajo-Double O Arch and ends at Dark Angel Arch. Then there is Primtive trail from Double O Arch to Private Arch-Landscape Arch and back to the Trailhead Parking by main trail. I have heard that people do not recommend to take the Primitive Loop and go back from Dark Angel to the Trailhead Parking taking main trail. What would you recommend?
- It seems that the shortcut Hwy 14 to Cedar City is closed. See the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/landslide-buri...173349559.html
Taking into account my busy schedule driving from Torrey ( with stops on Hwy 12, hiking Lower calf Creek Fall and stop in Bryce NP (view points and Navajo loop hike) would you recommend to stay overnight in Cedar City (taking Hwy 12 - 89- 20 - 15) or stay overnight closer to Bryce NP : in Panguitch or Parowan?
Thanks. Lev.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 01:33 PM
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In Devil's Garden (Arches) I only went to the first few of the arches you mentioned. I don't do hard or too long. I think spiro will answer that one.

I would sleep over in Bryce so that you can get up early and go to Bryce Point for a spectacular sunrise. Be there in the dark and you won't be alone.

Is Rt14 any shorter than Rt9 thru Springdale. Or maybe faster to go north on 89 then take 20 across.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 02:30 PM
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DG in Arches is a very nice hike. You will cross on top of some large fins and see several arches along the way. The last 2 miles(depending on which way you do the loop)is in sand and a bit boring, but the rest of it is super!! The best part of the trail is the between trailhead and Dark Angel. You could easily just go back the way you came. Personally, I like loop trails as you get to see different things. Take plenty of water and really pay attention to the cairns on the trail so you don't get off-trail. Either way would be good, doing the loop or an out and back.

I don't know when Bryce Lodge opens, but I would stay at it or Ruby's if at all possible.

The entire loop is about 7 miles and will take you 3-6 hours depending on your speed and how much time you spend at each arch. It is fairly easy and doesn't involve much elevation gain or loss. The last part in the sand is a bit more difficult hiking. Calf Creek Falls hike has a lot of sand hiking in it too.

Other than The Windows, Double Arch, and Turret Arch AREA-The Devils Garden Trail offers the most "bang for your buck" as far as the number of arches you can see on a trail.

Don't confuse Double O with Double Arch. Double O is cool, but Double is really cool, IMOP.

Certainly do go at least to Landscape Arch as a bare minimum. Notice at Wall Arch that is no longer there. I have a picture of my daughter standing by it a few months before it fell and then another one from last year.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0IatW7FqybsWSW
link to our Utah trip from 2011-Arches, Bryce, Hwy 12, Cap Reef, Goblin Valley, Little Wildhorse, Devils Garden in Escalante

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0IatW7FqybsWSl
Link from a 2007 trip to Arches, Moab, Canyonlands
Devils Garden in Arches

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0IatW7FqybsWS0
Link for 2009 trip with my neighbor. Lots of hiking in Cap Reef, Goblin Valley, Little Wildhorse, Canyonlands/Great Gallery/Horseshoe Canyon
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 04:10 PM
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Myer, no argument that you need to hike that long to get to Angel's Landing, but the appropriate term is "Angel's Landing via the West Rim trail"... as you will see on the NPS website.

Lev, unless you are really enjoying being out on the trail and are loving what you are seeing then hiking all the way to Dark Angel may not be worth the time for you. It is fairly underwhelming when you finally get there. The other arches are cool though.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 05:36 PM
  #59  
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Thank you for a recomendation to stay overnight close to Bryce NP.
I just made a reservation at Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn near Bryce NP. Now I have more time to explore Escalante Region and Bryce NP. We will try to get up early in the morning and drive to Bryce Point for a sunrise. We also have extra time in Bryce before heading to Las Vegas.
By the way, do you know that they opened the Mob Museum.
Here is the link:
http://themobmuseum.org/
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Old Apr 2nd, 2012, 06:06 PM
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InSandy,

If you go all the way to Double O, then you might as well continue on to Dark Angel as it is virtually right around the corner. At the most another 5 or 10 minutes? Maybe i'm wrong but I thought I could see Dark Angel within a minute or two of Double O. I will agree with you that it Dark Angel is underwhelming. Hiking on the fins is cool though.

As far as the West Rim Trail. I guess that is the first part of the hike as indicated by the park. But really, I think most people would consider it the trail that goes the opposite way from Angels Landing at Scouts Lookout. I'm not exactly sure I understand your point that you are trying to make.
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