Spiro,

You know we love you, but you obviously haven't hit southern UT during UEA! Trust me, StantonHyde, and annieo. I know I live here, I know StantonHyde does too. Annie - how about you?

Make your reservations NOW for anywhere in southern Ut that includes that weekend.

Well, I'd better reserve early, just in case. Regarding the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour, is it better to take the early morning trip (7:30am-1:30pm) or the afternoon trip (12:30pm- 6:30pm)?. I'm referring to quaility of light for photos

I was just saying that the original post mention being in Cap Reef the dates that align with the break. I have been to Moab twice over Memorial Day weekend and didn't find it crowded at all. This past Memorial Day we hiked to Delicate Arch(early morn). We saw only a handful of people on that trail.

I have been to Zion during the Fall Break. We stayed at the lodge. Maybe slightly crowded, but I didn't think it was bad.

Last year again went during Fall Break to Cap Reef. Very few people on the trails there. I do think that the campground was full though.

But again, my main point was that almost the entire trip on the original post was going to be finished before the break and I don't think Cap Reef would be that big of a factor for crowds on those specific dates.

As for reservations, I always always make them well in advance. Usually a year in advance for the lodges "in park".

That said, head all the warnings mentioned by the other posters that live in Utah.

Heed the warnings with your head. lol

Dayle, we've been to Southern Utah many times, but never in October. Thanks for the heads-up about Fall Break in Utah!

Still working with some details for this trip. I'm not sure of what arethe must see's from Torrey To Bryce, but I want to get to Bryce before sunset.Will I have enough time to enjoy Road 12 and still be there by sunset? Anyone knows at what time the sun will set?

Just driving time I'd say 2 1/2 hours. You will want to stop at some of the scenic overlooks. Not sure what other stops or side trips you had in mine. http://scenicbyway12.com/

You can check here for sunset and sunrise times http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php BUT keep in mind that Bryce canyon faces east so the sunsets in the canyon long before sunset at along the rim.

The Bryce National Park websites says <i>plan to arrive 1½ hours before sunset for the best lighting.</i> http://www.nps.gov/brca/faqs.htm

Utahtea

Thanks Utahtea for that useful information. Yes, I'm planning to stop at some scenic overlooks but, at this moment, still don't know what other side trips are worth it. Will check scenicbyway.com

<i>Any reason you picked Torrey?</i>

Torrey is a good, low-key place to stop. We had a descent room with balcony and redrock view at the Best Western which, for an additional charge, serves a very good breakfast in a large, cheerful room.

From Torrey you are well situated to enjoy Highway 12 to the max on your way to Bryce.

HTTY

I should have chimed in with the others that it is a big mistake to skip Zion for three nights in Las Vegas. I doubt that choice would be approved by anybody who had been to both places.

HTTY

Between Torrey and Bryce the most important stops in my mind are:

Anasazi State Park. Not too much there, but an interesting short stop.

A detour down the Burr Trail to and through Long Canyon so you get the Circle cliff view as well.

Stops for pictures along the hogback

Calf Creek Falls hike

Hole in the Rock road to Devil's Garden. It is 10 miles unpaved but usually maintained. Might want to check at the Escalante visitors Center first for up to date conditions.

Escalante Visitor Center

Escalante State Park scenic hike

Cannonville Visitors Center

A possible side trip to Kodachrome Basin (paved road), Grosvenor Arch and Willis Slot (unpaved).

Any reason you picked Torrey? Happytrailstoyou: I think you answer your own question in the last sentence of yor reply. Regarding Las Vegas, we're travelling with a couple that's never been there. No way to evade it.

InSandy:Thanks for your recommendations. Will look into it.