blackmons

First, I want to thank everyone for their help so far. My husband and I have six days in Southern Utah. As I've written before, I only want to do easy (as in not much climbing) and not scary hikes. We will be staying in Capitol Reef for 2 nights and 4 nights in Arches. I was hoping that avoiding the weekend in Moab would help avoid the crowds somewhat. Besides dinner at Diablo Cafe, we're hoping to picnic a lot and not spend a lot on restaurants. Here's what I've put together for now:

Day 1 - Arrive Salt Lake City 12:00. Drive to our hotel in Teasdale near Capitol Reef.

Is there any place you would recommend for lunch between Salt Lake City and Teasdale?

Day 2 - Explore Capitol Reef, including pies at Gifford Farmhouse, hiking Capitol Gorge and possible Grand Wash Trail. Maybe Hickman Bridge Trail. Dinner at Diablo Café. Sunset at Sunset Pt.

Day 3 - Drive to Moab, stopping at Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon on the way.

Day 4 - Moab Music Festival.

Day 5 - Arches. Easy hikes, such as The Windows and Landscape Arch. Sunset at Delicate Arch Viewpoint.

Day 6 - Sunrise at Dead Horse Point
Island in the Sky - sunset at Mesa Arch?

Day 7 - Home

Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to avoid hiking during the heat of mid-day if possible, although I read that Capitol Gorge would be shady. Also, any tips on taking photographs? The pictures I've seen on these boards are absolutely amazing. (I just have a point and shoot)
I know 6 days isn't enough -- we will be back, definitely.
Thanks,
Laurie

utahtea

Laurie,

Your plan looks good.

In Capitol Reef make sure you stop at the Petroglyphs and do the little walk in that area. Even if you don't do the Grand Wash hike, drive to the trail head.

Capitol Gorge can be shady in the early morning or late afternoons but late morning and early afternoon you will get some sun. Same with Grand Wash.


In Arches, Landscape Arch is a easy hike and well worth it. You might want to try a little of Park Avenue but start at Courthouse Wash so you do the up hill first and the down hill on the way back. You don't have to do the whole thing if you don't want to.

I'm not sure that the viewpoint for Delicate Arch is the best place to be at sunset. Maybe someone else will chime in on that. If you hike to Delicate Arch then I'd say that's a good place to be because at that vantage point the sun is hitting the arch. The View Point is pretty far away from the arch and if you want pictures you would need a really high power lenses. I'd recommend the Windows or Balanced Rock for great sunset pictures.

Day 6 is going to be a long day at Canyonlands & Dead Horse State Park if you are there from sunrise and sunset. I don't know if it's worth the time to go back to Moab in the middle of the day just to drive back for the sunset in Canyonlands. There's not much in the way of facilities out here! They were building a new visitor center at Canyonlands the last time we were there but haven't been back to see it yet. Bring your own food! Grand View is a pretty nice 2 mile round trip hike. The worse part is at the very beginning going down some stone steps. The rest is pretty much level. If you run out of stuff to do, you can always do Mesa Arch before you leave and then go into Arches for another sunset.

My only advise for taking pictures is make sure half isn't in the sun and half in the shade and take lots of pictures!

Utahtea

InSandy

Since you will be arriving around lunch, I would not want to get too far down the road before stopping for food. There are any number of places at exits all along the way south. If it were me I'd get off at the 12300 South exit and eat at Cafe Rio or Zupa's or any of the other restaurants there, plenty to chose from. That would get you mostly out of the SLC area and fill your stomachs before the construction in Utah County.

Your day at Capitol Reef sounds good. Enjoy Cafe Diablo

On day 3 you might have time to stop in Green River. There is a nice River History/ John Powell Museum there. You could also take the time to drive up to Sego Canyon for the petroglyphs there. Then take hwy 128 south into Moab. It is a beautiful drive and you'll want to take it sometime during your visit. Try for sunset at Dead Horse Point this day.

Day 4,, I'm jealous, Enjoy!

Day 5 Take a picnic for sure so you can enjoy the park all day. I would highly encourage you to do the full Delicate Arch hike. The view from the viewpoint was extremely disappointing for me, and not worth the effort at all. The full hike is not an "easy" hike, but it is short so it can be done if you give yourself time. And yes there is one very short spot that might be considered scary. Just stay close to the wall, the trail is wide and slanted inward. The reward is an outstanding view of one of the most iconic arches in the world. If you can't make that then I'd hang out in the Windows section for sunset.

Day 6 There is no way I could spend all day at Canyonlands. Maybe a long half day for both parks in that area. If you didn't take hwy 128 before you could do it this day. Go as far as Fisher Towers before turning around. Castle Valley has some nice buttes and the views of it from the LaSal Loop are wonderful.

utahtea

As much as I love the Delicate Arch hike, it's not really in the realm of easy. It starts out with climbing switchbacks, then you go up the sandstone sand dunes. It's 3 miles round trip, will take 2 to 3 hours and there is an elevation change of 480 feet. As InSandy has said, it is well worth it!

Utahtea

Myer

The most memorable hike in Arches is Delicate Arch for sunset.

There's a difference between difficult and strenuous. This hike is not difficult by any means. It's mostly uphill going and that makes it mostly downhill coming back.

I saw people of all sizes, shapes and ages doing it. Leave yourself enough time before sunset, stop as frequently as you want to rest and drink plenty of water. Unless you have a real physical issue you shouldn't have a problem.

Take with a flashlight. It may start to get dark during the return.

Instead of all day at Canyonlands / Dead Horse Point I would consider going down Rte 128 until Fisher Towers and possibly hiking part of it. We went as far as the Corkscrew and saw several people rock climbing there. We exchanged email addresses and I sent them my photos of them at the top and they sent me there's from the top. This is also a fairly easy hike. Nothing difficult and little elevation change.

The Windows section is very good. North & South Windows, Turret Arch and Double Arch all in a circle around the parking lot.

Something else you may enjoy. We were there in mid-May. Drove of the LaSal mountains and stopped to throw a few snowballs.

spirobulldog

I would probably stay in Torrey, rather than Teasdale. Teasdale is just a bit further enough to be less convenient.
I would suggest Austin's Chuckwagon for lodging. Even if you stay at Teasdale Austin's does have a great little store and deli for your picnic supplies.
Your Day 2 looks good. Hickman's Bridge is a bit of a climb, not hard and it is short, but just wanted you to know.

The hardest thing about Little Wildhorse Canyon is finding the start of the Canyon from the parking lot. Just ask a few people if you need to, they will show you how to get to the start. I had trouble finding the mouth even on my second visit(maybe I'm just goofy). DO NOT get it confused with Wildhorse Canyon, which is close by. It is very very close to Goblin Valley. It is a great slot canyon that is very easy. Turn around at any time or do the full 8 mile loop. I would at least go in 45 minutes or so. Its also great, because it is very shady. It will be crowded. There is nothing to eat or drink at either place.

If you can do Hickman Bridge, you might as well do Delicate Arch. It might be a bit tougher, but not much. And Standing under the arch is something not to be missed if you have it in you at all. Of course, you know your limits, so don't us talk you into something you are not comfortable with. The last 3 minutes is slightly on a ledge, but nothing to bad at all.

I think you would enjoy Mesa Arch far more at Sunrise than Sunset. The sunrise photos are where you see all the good photos. Now you would have to get up well before the sun comes up to catch it just right.

Some people really like Cafe Diablo, others say that the presentation is really good, but the food is just so so. Like they stack everything up like towers and even the deserts have stuff shooting out of them. It's the only thing to eat in Torrey other than a burger joint, the best I remember.

blackmons

This is why I LOVE these boards. My travel companions always think I am the best planner, but really the credit goes to you. Thank you so much for all the great suggestions.

Here are my revisions so far:

Day 2 - Include Petroglyphs. The reason I’m staying in Teasdale is Muley Twist Inn looks like it has a great front porch to relax on and enjoy the view. Austin’s Chuckwagon looks like a great spot for picnic supplies though!

Day 3 - In addition to Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wildhorse Canyon (thanks for the heads-up on the confusing name) include Green River, Sego Canyon, Hwy 128, and possibly sunset at Dead Horse Point.

What is the best way to get to Dead Horse Point from Hwy 128? Should we go into Moab first and check into our hotel and then go see the sunset?
By the way, does anyone know when sunrise and sunset are so I don’t miss it?

Day 5 - Delicate Arch. I am so torn. There is nothing physically wrong with me, other than I’m in my mid-50s and although I’m in fairly decent shape, I get VERY winded when I climb -- always have. But I don’t want to miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime type experience. Maybe I should try and do Delicate Arch at sunrise on Day 5 before it gets hot and crowded? I know I’ll be stopping every few feet, gasping for breath. It’s what I do. But I don’t want to regret not seeing at, and I’m sure I will love it once (and if) I make it. After that I can reward myself with all the easy walks.

Day 6 - Canyonlands. This is still my most confusing day.
If I didn’t do Dead Horse Point on Day 3, I could do sunrise there today and then Canyonlands, including Grand View hike and Mesa Arch and forget about the sunset and do something else in the afternoon/evening.
OR we could sleep in today and do Canyonlands in the afternoon, and Dead Horse Point for the sunset., finding something else to do in the morning.
OR if we’ve already done Dead Horse Pt. on day 3, then we’ll have to plan something else in addition to Canyonlands for this day, doing either sunrise or sunset at Mesa Arch (depending on if we’re able to get ourselves up predawn.)

Thanks again, and if you ever need any help planning a trip to Chicago, let me know.
Laurie

InSandy

Do Delicate Arch. Take all the time you need to get up there. Take food and water to sustain you. The view of the arch is worth it!

Day six, Definitely don't sleep in.. you can do that at home. Your first thought is good. Canyonlands in the morning and something else in the afternoon. You could try the hike out to Tower Arch or sign up for a Fiery Furnace hike in Arches.

Have you thought about a sunset hummer tour?

spirobulldog

If you have any consideration of doing Delicate Arch DO IT. I have done it once at sunrise and once at sunset. I like Sunrise better, but most people like sunset. There will be only a few there in the morning and expect 100 there at sunset. There are few other places that can compete with standing under the arch. I rank it right up there with your first view of the Grand Canyon, Crater Lake, and a Giant Sequoia Tree. When you get there sit down and enjoy it for a while. Take a snack and water. Do not sit under the arch or stand under it very long(especially at night) because everyone else needs to get a photo too. The time we did it in the morning, it was just us and one other couple and that was Memorial Day Weekend.

As InSandy says, just take your time and as long as you want to. The good thing is that the coming back is really easy as it is all down.

blackmons

Would a walking stick help? Is that allowed?
Laurie

spirobulldog

Some people like hiking sticks, some don't, and yes you will see a lot of people with them. I notice that more out of shape/overwieght/older people seem to use them. My wife likes them sometimes, but for me it's just something else to keep up with. They do steady you if you tend to be unbalanced.

Don't let me try to talk you into something you don't want to do or can't. I'm just saying that it really is a great sight to see and since you had mentioned Hickman Bridge, I thought you should give Delicate Arch a try. It is a little tougher, but not much. You can expect to get to reach the Arch in 1-3 hours depending on how fast/slow you go and the number of rest stops. You can figure about half that time on the return. This was my first hike that I had ever done in a National Park and I thought it was pretty tough the first time. I did it again this year for the second time(I have since visited 28 other National Parks and hiked a ton of trails)-it seemed pretty tame this time.

There is nothing really dangerous about the trail, except the last couple hundred feet where you have a dropoff on one side. The trail offer absolutely ZERO shade, so do take water or gatorade. Probably 32 ounces for each person would do. If do it at sunset, you might want to take a flashlight as the trail gets dim by the time you get back to the parking lot.

Another plus for a morning hike is that the mornings there tend to be cool, so the heat doesn't wear you out and isn't a factor. If you start the hike say at 5:00 or 6:00pm it will most likely be fairly warm.

There is no need to feel embarrased about taking breaks. You will see people of all ages, shapes, and conditions on this trail. Infants in backpacks and 80 year olds. While the Arch is cool to see from a distance, there is nothing quite like being right up next to it and under it.

Myer

I think spiro is freaking you out with the last few feet thing. At no point is the trail less than 4 or 5 feet wide. And there's never a drop on both sides. I get freaked easily and it was nothing.

Also, if you go for sunrise you'll be walking there in the dark and when the sun does come up it will be in front of you and mostly in you face. There's a reason almost everybody goes for sunset.

At 5PM it will be cooling and the only darkness may be the last few minutes of the return as you'll probably leave to to come back once the shadows start to move on the Arch.

When you mention you're in your mid-fifties I had a chuckle. Some of us are in our upper 60s and if I get there again soon I'll do it again.

You have the advantage of doing it on Day 5 after you've been in the area for a few days. I live at sea level and we did it on the way from SLC to Moab after getting off the plane. It was cloudy so I did it again two days later.

As the sun begins to go down the Arch turns orange (quite smilar to Cathedral Rock at sunset in Sedona). If you want to be convinced take a look at some photos at:

www.travelwalks.com


As some have mentioned. Take a snack and water, stop to rest as often as you want and when you get there sit down and enjoy it for an hour. If you feel like it walk over to the Arch and take some pictures under it (I felt I had to be more careful doing this than getting there). As spiro wrote don't stay there too long as other want the view.

I think Mesa Arch in Canyonlands is a sunrise event. However, you'll have to drive there and do the short hike in the dark. That may be an issue.

Dead Horse Point is on the way to Canyonlands Island in the Sky. I believe you take 313 off 191 and stay on 313 turning left instead of taking Island in the Sky Road which actually goes straight.

spirobulldog

Not trying to "freak" anyone out. It's hard to know others expectations and abilities. It's just the original OP said "only easy and no climbing" This isn't easy and there is a fair amount of elevation gain. No, it isn't a super hard hike and it isn't scary(to me). But, since poster expressed an interest, I certainly did recommend doing it if at all possible.

I tried to convey that it isn't exactly a cakewalk or even easy. I said "there is nothing really dangerous about the trail"
4 foot wide with a 50 foot dropoff(even on one side) gets my attention.

Having done Delicate Arch at Sunrise and Sunset- my daughter and I both far prefered the morning(my wife hasn't done it at sunset). If you want the sun at your back and striking bold colors against the rock and interesting shadows go for sunset. If you want the sun actually rising in your pictures or view go in the morning. The morning is more of the effect you see in all the photos of Mesa Arch. You could be shooting directly into the sun in the morning if you waited to long(depending on the angle and what time of year).

Myer is correct that far far far more do it right at Sunset. I must say it is very impressive anyway you do it. You might feel more comfortable with a lot of people around. Sometimes I like solitude, other times I like to people watch and get their reactions to things like this. I can go either way.

spirobulldog

blackmons,

Be sure and give us a Trip Report when you come back

blackmons

Well, I can see Delicate Arch is a place people feel very passionate about, and I really appreciate hearing all the different points of view. That's what makes these boards so great. I will try not to be a wimp and will see how I feel once I get there. I don't like to have regrets and should probably push myself while I still have good knees and hips. My husband and I watched "Thelma and Louise" last night, and I am so psyched! Myer, your photos are breathtaking. Spiro, I do appreciate your honesty about comfort level. InSandy, I'm going to look into the sunset hummer tour -- especially if I do sunrise at Dead Horse Pt. Utahtea, good advice on Day 6. Thanks for all the tips. I may be back for more during the week. And will definitely provide a trip report.
Laurie

Myer

blackmons,

I really laughed when you mentioned that you still have good knees and hips.

Six or seven years ago I had my left knee scoped and two years ago I had full hip replacement. Before the replacement I couldn't walk more than 5 minutes. It started to hurt suddenly and as soon as we figured it out I had the hip replacement.

Three months later we went to Disney for a granddaughter's birthday and walked non-stop for hours.

I have since been on close to 10 trips. All required a lot of walking/hiking. I just don't do hard. But I'm non-stop.

I'm glad you liked the photos.

spiro and I have shared many of the same places. He's a lot younger so does some things I wouldn't do.

There are some places that just stick in the memory.
Cathedral Rock across Oak creek at sunset in Sedona
Delicate Arch at sunset in Arches NP
Moraine Lake in banff (the back of the old Canadian 20 dollar bill).
The Lower Falls at Yellowstone with a rainbow right in front.

utahtea

Take the walking/hiking stick on any trail if it's something you like using. I love mine and I find it keeps me from slipping and it helps the knees! You will see lots of people young and old stopping to catch their breath.

If you want to actually drive on the road where "Thelma and Louise" flew off the canyon, then rent a 4x4 jeep in Moab and drive out the Potash Road and to the Shafer Trail! It's an EXPERIENCE to say the last. Ask if any of the Hummer Tours do this route.

I wouldn't worry to much about the little details until you get there. Have a list of things you want to do and be flexible. There is always the weather to throw a wrench in what you want to do!

You will reach Moab from Hwy 128 if you do Sego Canyon and then take Hwy 128 to Cisco and drive it into Moab. Beautiful highway, but you might find you have a lot on your plate that day. You will have to drive another 30+ miles from Moab to reach Dead Horse State Park via 191 & 313. I'd check into your motel before going to Dead Horse State Park if that's what you end up doing that day. If you can't squeeze it in on this day, please try to find time to drive out to at least Fisher Towers one of your days there.

Utahtea