itinerary advice for 10 day sw trip
 

Hi all. Looking for some guidance for my upcoming trip 5/31-6/11 with my soon-to-be husband. We're flying in and out of Vegas and renting a car. probably spend a day or so in Vegas at the end. We're looking at a loop through Zion, Bryce, maybe Capitol Reef, definitely a few days in Moab, through the 4 corners, and Grand Canyon. Problem is that we've never been to the area and we want to see and experience EVERYTHING, but also want to relax and have a good time and not be in the car the whole time. So, I'd love some advice on how much time to spend where, should we head out to Canyon de Chelly,or time in NM? or should we shorten our loop to spend more time in each place?
Also any advice on places to stay, eat, rent jeeps, bikes, rafts, etc are appreciated. We're definitely planning on hiking but my fiance probably won't be happy with super long ones in the heat. Anyone know of places to hang out in rivers, lakes to cool off? We want to do lots of camping but also stay in hotels or cabins a few nights to clean up and relax.
Another question- is there a need to rent a 4 wheel drive to get through some of the parks, or just a regular car?
Thanks or the advice.

*Almost everybody has a regular car on this trip, so it should work for you.
*Canyon de Chelly is off the beaten track--it may be one thing too many.
*You might want to include Monument Valley instead.
*Utah 12 is one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
*http://www.utah.com/byways/highway_12.htm

Blessings on your nuptials,

HTTY

I think you should be aware that there are sights along the way that are not in National Parks, that are worthwhile stops and very different from what you'll see inside the parks.

Slot canyons. I've been to Willis Creek and others will mention a few others along the way.

Rock sculptures. Devil's Garden Escalante and Goblin Valley.

Waterfalls. Lower Calf Creek Falls.

scenic drive. Along Rte 12.

rafting. We rafted on the Colorado at Moab. I don't know what there is near Zion.

Canyoneering. Didn't but I'm sure one or two others will tell about it.

No need to have a 4-wheel drive unless you plan on a very small number of roads.

Length of time. I would plan on at least 2 days in Zion (a good variety of hikes depending upon your interests), one day in Bryce (sunrise at Bryce Point and one nice hike down into the hoodoos),one day for Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point state park and at least 2 days in Arches (ranger led Fiery Furnace hike, hike to Delicate Arch to see the sun set and a variety of others depending upon your interests).

Lodging. Wherever possible get lodging inside the parks (Zion, Bryce - Arches has no lodging so it's Moab). These places fill up a year in advance. You can call closer to the dates and pick up cancellations.

Best wishes on your wedding!!

As for the route, be aware that you can leave Vegas and do a counterclockwise trip,go to Grand Canyon south rim then over to Canyon de Chelley, then up to Moab area for Arches and Canyonlands, then down through Monument Valley to Page, over through Capitol Reef, then Bryce, then Zion and back to Vegas. Or you can do the loop in the other direction Zion first, Grand Canyon last.

If you are comfortable winging it, you can wait until very close to departure to decide which way to do the loop, otherwise make reservations in the park soon or decide which way to go depending on availability. There almost always is greater availability by phone as the time gets closer to the dates as Myer mentioned. These often do not make it to the web site so you have to call.

If you decide to cut Canyon de Chelley, then a loop through the North rim of GC makes more sense and involves less car time. I love both south rim and CdC, but there is a limit to how much you can do in a short time.

As for Canyonlands, many people miss the Needles district which is west of 191 via 211, south of Island in the Sky and Arches, but I found it neat to be down in the bottom of the canyons rather than on top and you could do a quick trip in in half a day.

If you really want to spend a little more time NM is fantastic too. I love Bandelier NP which is a bit west of Santa Fe and if you are interested in Native American history, Chaco Canyon is not to be missed.

The 4 wheel drive is not needed, but if you do go to Chaco or places like the Moki dugway, it would make you more comfortable. As always, check local conditions if you go off the pavement.

Have a great trip!!

I know you said on another thread that your husband-to-be is not too keen on the heat... but for being so reasonably near, you might take a shot on visiting Death Valley.

Indeed it will be sweltering at the bottom (be sure to wear light colored clothing - cuz you'll be in a place where you really 'perceive' the difference) but if you're driving around that area, and so far from your home, you really should consider seeing Death Valley.

It IS about what you'd expect... to extremes.

(the gas prices alone, just before you begin descending into the valley, will be awe-inspiring, I'm sure)

Enjoy your honeymoon!

I agree with Myer who said: I think you should be aware that there are sights along the way that are not in National Parks, that are worthwhile stops and very different from what you'll see inside the parks.


One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen was an un-named rest stop along an interstate in Utah.