jandb

We are planning a driving trip to Utah to see as much as we can of the national parks. What do you think of the following: (we are driving from Washington state)

Moab (2 nights)
Glen Canyon or Frye Canyon (1 night - any suggestions on hotel or B&B)
Torrey (1 night)
Escalante (1 or 2 nights?)
Bruce Canyon (Canyon Lodge for 1 night)
Zion (Desert Pearl Inn for 2 nights)

Thanks so much -- we have planned many wonderful trips using the advice we have gotten from this site.

Dayle

Hi J&B,

I just had a vacation in WA and BC, now you're coming to my state! The big questions are: when and what?

Time of year matters hugely and what you like to do does too. This is a rushed itinerary, so if you like to hike, you won't have time for it with this plan.

How about limiting this trip to Capitol Reef, Escalante, and Moab. Do another trip in the future covering Zion and Bryce, flying in and out of Las Vegas - cheap flights.

hugglynn

Hi jandb
We just visited that area. Just stayed at the Desert Pearl--nice place, spacious rooms, centrally located to Zion, actually it's not quite a mile walk to the Park entrance. We had three nights at the Pearl, but we got there later in the afternoon, this gave us two full days in the park. I guess the number of nights depends on if you have an early or late day arrival. In two days, we did 6 hikes (Riverside, Weeping Rock, Hidden Canyon, Emerald Pools--day one, Angels Landing and Pa'Rus plus walked back to the Pearl--day two). How many nights you stay will depend on your activity level--are hiking, how far, how many trails do you plan to do, etc. The day we left Zion we drove the upper canyon route to Bryce--but we didn't over stay at Bryce. Spent over a half day there, hiked the Peek-a-Boo trail and went to all the overlooks, stopped in Ruby's and the lodge and then drove up to Boulder (through Escalante) and stayed two nights at the Boulder Mountain Lodge, of course this included driving scenic route 12, 8 miles out Burr Trail and then we chose to hike Calf Creek Falls. We probably only needed one night in that area, but perhaps someone else can give you particulars on the Grand Staircase as far as hiking and scenery. Escalante itself is a fairly small town.
We didn't make it to your other locations. You will love the trip.

utahtea

Two nights in Moab only gives you one full day. You really want at least 2 full days and three nights so you can spend one full day at Arches and one at Canyonlands & Dead Horse State park.

Why Frye Canyon? Glen Canyon National Recreational Area near Hite's crossing is nothing more than a bridge over the Colorado River right now because the lake levels are so low. This is not really a place to see Lake Powell...even when the lake is high. On the drive between Moab and Torrey I'd stop at Natural Bridges National Monument for an hour or two and move on to Captiol Reef.

This is going to be a rushed trip, is there any way of adding more time?

Utahtea

jandb

Wow - what quick replies - thanks!

We are retired so really can take more time if needed. We are definitely looking forward to some hikes -- but something around 3 or 4 miles each day. Planning the trip for around the first part of October -- hoping the temps will be just right? Guess we'll take Glen Canyon and Frye Canyon off the list -- sounds like it wouldn't be worth it. There is alot to see between Moab and Torrey -- should we spend one night between these 2 places instead of driving it all in one day? Any suggestions of where to stay between Torrey and Bruce? Appreciate all the great advice!

utahtea

Early October should be a good time to travel. We've been to Zion, Lake Powell (Page, AZ) & Grand Canyon in early Oct. and had fantastic weather.

If you have the time, then I'd spend 3 or 4 nights in Moab. Arches and Canyonlands both have many great hikes that are less than 4 miles. Also in the area are several great scenic drives like Hwy 128 to Fisher Towers and the Potash Road.

Instead of Fry Canyon, what about going farther south to Monument Valley.

You could then go to Glen Canyon National Recreational Area in the Page, AZ area. This is worth seeing.

Zion and Bryce and then take Hwy 12 north to Torrey and then head back home. I'd plan on two nights at each Zion and Bryce to enjoy a full day of exploring and hiking. Same with Capitol Reef.

Here's a great website: http://www.so-utah.com/

Utahtea

bob_brown

Glen Canyon? Frye Canyon?
Given that you are running fast without much time for some greater attractions, I suggest putting the time elsewhere.

I am partial to Capitol Reef and suggest that it merits more than a cursory look.
Bryce for me has always been an attraction worth some more time. Of course if all you do is peek over the rim, it can be done "tour bus style" where the bus drives up, 60 people pour off, snap a picture, and pile back on the bus.

Myer

If you're planning on going to Bryce Canyon and not at least hike down Navajo Loop and up Queen's Garden, don't go.

Your impressions of the park will differ greatly from those who that do.

In fact, as far as I'm concerned there are 3 observation area I'd recommend; Bryce Point, Sunset Point and the Nstural bridge because it's so different.

spirobulldog

My 13 yr old daughter and I did Arches National Park this summer. We spent 3 days there. It is a small very managable park. It has one main road. Most of the major attractions are right on the road. Delicate Arch Trail is a definate must. It is somewhat strenuous uphill, but worth it. Landscape Arch is very easy trailand is a must see. Do not miss Balance Rock or Double Arch. Do Not Miss Dead Horse Point. Grand Canyon may be bigger, but the view here packs a wallop of a punch. If you are into adventure try canyoneering. You have to rappel, but it is very very easy and a really cool experience. It was about as scary as crawling on a ladder up high and actually safer. Desert Highlights is the only guide in Arches National Park for that. If you want to just say you have seen it your itinerary would be fine. But if you want to experience the parks you should stay longer at each one. At least 2-3 days at each park to really get into it and do some hiking, 4WD, Bicycling, etc.