We are planning a trip to Zion and BRyce in mid to late Aug. As much as I would love to see the region around Moab -- Arches NP, etc. I did not originally include a few day stop there because of fear of the heat. But as I read the posts here, I am afraid I am passing up something special, since who knows if I will be that way again? (We live on the east coast.) So what do people think? I know Bryce will be okay because of the elevation but what about Moab? Should I skip it in Aug?

You can see a lot from the vehicle as you travel on scenic Highway 12 from Bryce to Torrey. You can see a lot of Capitol Reef as you drive the scenic park road. You will drive right by so schedule time to see this park too! You can see a lot of Arches National Park by vehicle and short little walks to overlooks. You can see a lot of Canyonlands by stopping at the overlooks. You can see scenic Highway 128 and the Potash Road from your vehicle. So you really don't need to spend a lot of time out of the air conditioned vehicle to get a glimps of these parks.

The Moab area will be a lot like the Zion area for temps. Capitol Reef might be a tad cooler.

Of course you will see a lot more if you do some hiking but if you plan the hikes for very early morning or very late afternoon you will survive!

Utahtea

I'm with utahtea (who always has great advice!)

We visited Moab last August -- not ideal but it was the only time we could get away. We enjoyed our stay there very much and were able to see quite a bit and do brief hikes with lots of water, sunscreen and sunhats. Another time of year would be more ideal, but I'd rather go in August than not go at all. We just hope to get back again someday to catch some of the things we missed.

One suggestion: we had a lot of fun doing a raft ride one day. We got soaked which cooled us right off!

ZG,

Bryce should be in the low 80's, but Zion will be close, if not over, 100 degrees. Moab about the same.

It looks like there are some wonderful raft trips out of Moab. Does anyone have any suggestions. Regretfully, I assume that the water is not moving too fast in Aug.I'd sure love to do a fast trip.

Anyway, any suggestions as to outfitters for rafts and/or canoes we can rent and go off in on our own?

We did a trip in August with teens. They were miserable - we parents were more cheerful (since we were paying the bill!) but it was over 100 degrees at Zion and Lake Powell (exception was North Rim GC which was wonderful). We hiked early morning or sunset time, at one point our teens actually opted to stay in hotel rather than face the heat. Also, the rafting ride was a float - there was a very low water table in August, and zero rapids. It was mildly fun, but not what we hoped for. Can you change to July or early Sept? I would!

Our raft trip was an all day one with Tag-a-long outfitters on the Colorado river. We had beautiful scenery and plenty of white water for me. We opted for the raft trip but another boat with our group had paddlers (some of which got tossed out of their boat during the rapids.) I found hanging on enough of a challenge. My kids (ages 12 and 15) thought it was the highlight of the trip.

Kathryn, what time of year did you go?

Sorry, I just realized, you already said that it was Aug.

Alas the only alternative is July which will not be any better-- teachers!

Hi ZG,

The Colorado River right around Moab is very tame. You can choose float trips of varying durations. There is even a night float that's kind of cheesey.

You could opt for a Cataract Canyon trip. Then they take you on a jet boat to the starting point, raft from there, and jet boat back. Class V rapids - enough to curl your toes. Water will be less wild in Aug. Peak time for the hard core whitewater fiends is April/May when snowmelt comes down the Colorado.

There are several excellent outfitters in Moab: Western River Expeditions, Sherri Griffith, Tag-a-long, Navtec.

Check out any one of several Moab web sites or go straight to the companies' web sites listed above.

Also, highly recommend a scenic flight. www.slickrockair.com

Have fun!

Dayle, I couldn't find www.slickrockair.com. Could you please check the address

Oops, sorry, it's www.slickrockairguides.com

Tell Gene that Dayle sent you!