We are planning to travel to Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches National Parks with a stop at Lake Powell along the way (leaving tomorrow!). We are worried about running out of time and wanted input as to which park we should skip if time becomes a big issue.

Thanks!

We have done that road trip twice, on our way to houseboating on L. Powell for a week..we would skip Canyonlands (if you go to the Grand) & Capital Reef if time is short, but love them all.. would not miss the hike to Delicate Arch in Arches! You can see L. Powell from certain vistas..unless you are staying overnight or doing a boat tour, there was not alot to do there at Wahweep.

I've been to Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Lake Powell - and would rate them in this order. Sorry all you Lake Powell admirers, but if running out of time, I'd skip the lake.

It depends on what you are doing at each one and how long you are gone in the first place. Do you have reservations anywhere? My first thought was skip Lake Powell. My second thought was wondering if Bryce had snow or not at this time of year. Snow would be cool to see on the hoodoos, but will limit your hiking into them. Another thought is that once you see the Grand Canyon that is about it unless you plan on hiking or taking a helicopter flight tour. I am not certain when the opening date of the North Rim is, but it is more than likely closed for now.

Disneynan is right about Delicate Arch. I would add, hiking to Landscape Arch as well. Do take a few minutes to stop at Balanced Rock and Double Arch, they are spectacular and right near the road. The high points for me at Canyonlands are Mesa Arch and looking at Dead Horse Point. You are better off picking and choosing your parks than just breezing by them. Arches and Canyonlands are the most out of your way, so that might be a factor to consider if you don't want to drive as far. I would certainly take Hwy 12 along the way if I were you.

Really to do each park right you will want to stay 2-3 days at each one just to hit the highlights. You could spend weeks in Canyonlands and not even scratched the surface.

Probably the big Icons to see on this trip would be Grand Canyon and Delicate Arch.

I just wanted to chime in to say that my husband preferred Zion even to Grand Canyon. I just mention that to show how much he liked it, and that you may not want to exclude it if possible.

I'd skip the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is way out of your way and the North Rim is closed. Also, it's still winter there. I've been to the South Rim twice in March and it can be bitterly cold unless you hike into the canyon. I've been there in May a couple of times and the weather was still very cool.

In fact, except for Zion all the places you are going too will be quite cool. I'd also skip Lake Powell because there is absolutely nothing to do there this time of year except tour the dam. Do that at Hoover Dam instead.

I'm sure you will have a great time but keep bundled up.

jmc223's other post has them touring 7 parks in 10 days. Starting in Las Vegas and ending in Denver. http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35114728

I've been to all the parks a number of times. It would be hard to say which one to skip. At the end if you are running out of time, then I'd say Canyonlands. If you want to have a little more quality time at the parks, then the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell are the two most out of your way.

BTW, when you leave Moab, Utah heading for Denver, take scenic Hwy 128 up to I-70..but make sure you drive it during the daylight.

Also, I hope you planned on driving scenic Hwy 12 between Bryce and Torrey, Utah. Again..don't bother if it's after dark!

Good Luck on your trip. Looks like you should have good weather. I'd love to hear how your trip goes!

Thanks for all the suggestions- this is very helpful! We are planing on hiking a lot and we've brought plenty of warm clothes as well. To me, the Grand Canyon is a "must-see" since I've never been before. We're going to the South Rim (North is still closed this time of year) and just plan to spend one day there hiking. And thanks for the suggestions on scenic routes to take. Since we'll be driving so much, this is good to know. Leaving for Vegas tonight at 6! Will definitely write a trip report when we get back!

Hi jmc,

I don't remember from your other post if you have reservations or not. Remember it's Easter week. Motels are going to be booked up.

Just got back Sunday morning from our trip! Thanks for all of your advice- we had an amazing time! We managed to get to GC, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches/Moab, and Glenwood Springs in Colorado. I started a trip report here:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=35120066

It's a bit long...