Las Vegas/Lake Powell/Monument Valley
 

I think that most people travel from Las Vegas to Page through Zion, then RT 89 to Page.

Does it make sense to drive Arizona ALT RT 89, around Vemillion Cliffs National Monument and then Rt 389 into Colorado City, followed by RT 59 to Hurricane, in ONE direction? This would be in order to see a new area. Is it at all scenic?

Also, does anyone know if there are advantages to staying in Page vs Wahweap, if you don't have a boat?
I hope to take the boat tour to Rainbow Bridge and Antelope Canyon.
Based on advice from this board, I am planning a Fall trip.

One other planning point I am struggling with, for a 7-9 day tour, should I include Valley of the Gods, and Natural Bridges or the Four Corners area? In other words, how much farther east and north should I attempt on this trip?

Last year, again based on advice from this board, I spent 2 nights Bryce, 2 nights Boulder, 1 night Torrey, 2 nights Moab, and 2 nights Springdale. I thought that was just about perfect for the time frame.

I appreciate all the thoughtful input.
Thank you, Travelottie

If you are coming from Page and driving towards Las Vegas. You will see a lot of the Vermillion cliffs off in the distance. Then Alt 89 climbs up into the mountains for a slower drive through forest & meadows.

Hwy 395 will start up again with red rock cliffs and mesa's. Pipe Springs National Monument is on 389 and makes for a good stop to learn about the Morman history in the area. The Highway chances numbers when you cross into Utah. This part is scenic and a little different than Hwy 89 & 9.

FYI: Hildale & Colorado City are know for a spinoff group of Mormans that still belive in polygamy.

About 11 miles after you cross the AZ-UT border is Apple Valley - a little community with a gas station - you will be able to see Zion off to the left just before the gas station. There is a dirt road that will goes over Gooseberry Mesa into Rockville near Zion.

I really can't comment on the lodging at Page or Wahweap because we always camp at Wahweap. I do like the fact that Wahweap is right on the lake. The lodge has a swimming pool with fantastic views of the lake. We were right next to the pool in the top picture. It was an overcast day.
http://www.utahtea.lithium.com/pages...lakepowell.htm

For the boat tour, you will be able to just walk over for the tour. You will have to drive to Page for the Antelope Canyon tour.

You ask about Valley of the Gods, Natural Bridges and 4 corners. It would help to know what else besides Lake Powell you had on your itinerary. My top choices in that area would be Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly.

Utahtea

Utahtea: Nice to talk to you again. Thanks for forwarding the photos.

Regarding my plans, so far my itinerary consists of Lake Powell and Momument Valley.

I'm considering Goosenecks State Park, Valley of the Gods, and Natural Bridges and am open to any other suggestions.

We've been to GC and Canyon de Chelly on two previous cross country trips. We like to combine scenic drives with moderately difficult hikes, although the altitude at Bryce did affect me and I had to cut back there.

Sounds like you've been to a number of places in the area.

I'm sure you've heard about the Moki Dugway. This is an awesome drive! This is one way to Goosenecks and Natural Bridges. http://www.so-utah.com/souteast/powerdrv/homepage.html

Natural Bridges, Goosenecks & Valley of the Gods can probably be done in one day.

Another nearby park is Hovenweep National Monument. By the time you drive out there, walk around the ruins and drive back it will be a good day trip.

Don't know how far you want to venture. Did you make it to the Needles District of Canyonlands? And there is always Mesa Verde, but if you go to Mesa Verde make sure you have at least two nights for one full day at the park. Two full days would be better.

Utahtea

I did not realize that the Moki Dugway was a road.
I now see it on the map. I will definitely include it with Goosenecks and Natural Bridges.
I will also consider Hovenweep National Monument for a day trip, on your recommendation.

We have already been to Mesa Verde for a full day, which it deserves, as you mention. Have been to Canyonlands but not to the Needles.

I am still trying to decide how far to venture - whether to continue to The Needles District of Canyonlands, Four Corners, or return to Las Vegas after Natural Bridges.

The Lodge at Wahweap and Marriot Courtyard in Page have both been recommended. Anyone have experience to share about these properties?

Utahtea: Your response has been a great help to me. I feel that I get a sense of the drive/activity and how to divide up the stops based on your descriptions.
Thank you, Travelottie

We stayed at the Lodge at Wahweap two years ago but wouldn't stay there again. The pool was very nice but the room was only a basic (not too well maintained) motel room, the hallways weren't very clean, and the sliding glass door to our balcony wouldn't open. I was quite disappointed as I thought it would be much nicer.

I hope someone else can give you advice about the Marriott Courtyard.

The actual 4 corners is really not worth going out of your way for. It's more a "DS, DS1 & DS2 & I were all in different states at one time and got our picture taken" kind of place. Nothing more.

Canyonland Needles District would be worth a day trip if you had the time. I love the drive in. There are a few nice hikes...and a lot of long ones if you are into that. It's also a big 4 wheel drive hang out.

Utahtea

We just got back from a trip that included Zion, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas.
In the Lake Powell area we stayed at the Lake Powell Resort. I think it is the same as the Lodge at Wahweap? If it is, we were very satisfied with it. It is right on lake. We stayed in room number 372, which had a balcony with a great lake view. I would recommend this over Page. It looked to me like the building that we were in had recently been remodeled,(new carpet, paint, etc)There were not many places to eat in Page that looked very good, whereas the Lake Powell Resort had a dining room with a great view of the lake, and the prices (especially for breakfast) were very reasonable.
You walk down a path from the hotel to the marina where you catch the boat ride to Antelope Canyon.

mikec54321,

They changed the name from Wahweap Lodge to the Lake Powell Resort late in 2003 or early 2004.

Utahtea

We stayed at the Lake Powell Resort in summer '04. Thought it was fine. The pool was very nice (great for the kids) and it was nice to be on the shores of Lake Powell. Needed updating and front desk staff wasn't too "with it" but still glad we stayed there. There are many chain hotels in Page and they are fine. It's a less-than-scenic town in a very scenic area. So stay where it makes sense for you.

Don't think that Mikec is right. Don't think you can take a boat to Antelope Canyon from the Lake Powell marina. We went from the middle of town.

There is Antelope Canyon Cruise boat tour on Lake Powell and then there are the Antelope Slot Canyons on land.

http://www.lakepowell.com/tours_scenic_cruises.php

You can walk to all the Lake Powell boat tours from the Lake Powell Resort.

Utahtea