Solo Travel In Utah
 

I have a wonderful trip planned to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in mid-September. Unfortunately it turns out I'll have to make this trip by myself.

I've traveled solo before with no problems, but friends are very concerned about a solo Utah trip because it's so remote. Should I really be concerned? I plan to bring provisions, a cell phone (probably useless sometimes), maps, and I've already made hotel reservations.

I'm tempted to cancel my trip. Any recommendations, ideas or support would be greatly appreciated!

Note: I've checked the Solo forum, but I'd like opinions specific to this Utah area.

By the way, I'm a forty year old woman traveling alone.

Fran, I think you could have a fine time going alone. But, having just come from that part of the country I would have one concern. We had virtually no cell coverage for the first 3 days. I personally would feel more comfortable if "someone" was keeping track of my schedule and would know where to start looking if I didn't make it to my next stop. I think I would seriously considering having some extra gas in the vehicle. We BARELY made it to a gas station one time (the rental car went to "Empty" far faster than my vehicle and gas stations were few and far between).

A co-worker used to tell the front desk staff before she went out for an afternoon run. I'm not sure they would actually check up on her, but at least someone knew. My sister broke her foot just before the trip.

I'd be less concerned about foul play of any kind rather than what would happen in case of an empty gas tank or a twisted foot out on a hiking trail.

We did encounter incredibly nice people on the entire trip. I'd go solo - just think a step ahead in case something went wrong. If I didn't show up at my next planned stop, I'd want someone to know where to come looking for me.

Traveling alone is one thing but hiking into remote areas of national parks solo is NEVER a good idea.

Remember Aron Ralston.

Aron Ralston was canyoneering, not hiking, and that carries a whole other set of risk factors. Hiking solo is relatively safe, despite all the warnings.

If you're not backpacking, you're probably going to be on some more of the more heavily travelled trails. That should alleviate some of the concern. I would prepare for bad situations, but not worry to the point of cancelling altogether. If you want to modify your trip so you make sure you stick to the heavily travelled routes, that would be a little safer option.

You're right, cell phones can be fairly useless. The idea of leaving an itineray with a friend and calling everyday is good - in fact, the best thing is to call every day with an updated itinerary.

Weasel, you are right in that canyoneering and hiking are very different. I guess I assumed that fran might be hiking out in desolate areas. If that is the case then I still say that solo is not a good idea. If fran is staying on well traveled paths then solo is probably okay.

I guess my main concern is driving between each park as I've been told one may drive a long time without seeing another vehicle. I assume the parks will be okay because I'll have more than enough company there.

No, your last comment would not be a concern for me.

Are you going to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon? I LOVED it! Had been to the South Rim several times and loved the different "feel" of the South Rim.

Don't do what I did and just keep your gas tank full.

I wouldn't be concerned about the drive. Good advice given to keep somebody back home updated daily.

That should have been "loved the feel of the North Rim". It's what a National Park experience should be.

Thanks so much for your replies! You've convinced me I'll be okay, but of course I need to plan for emergencies. Maybe I'll call home twice a day. ;-) One thing I thought about is brushing up on my tire changing skills (I don't think AAA will come to my rescue!).

Last question ... I'd like to drive along Highway 12 (?) starting at Tropic. On the map the road looks perilous (nothing but zig-zags). Will it be worth the time if I'm driving and can't appreciate the view?

Again, thanks to everyone for your responses! :)

< been told one may drive a long time without seeing another vehicle>

Never happened to us when we went three years ago!

Don't count on the cell phone, we seldom got a signal.

Have a great time, solo trips are enjoyed in wonderful different ways as when you travel with company!

As far as a mainly driving tour, I'd think you'll be fine. In the Nat. Parks i'd try to find people that will let you tag along for safety's sake...here are usually lots of friendly people who will sympathise.

As far as Rt. 12 is concerned, I also think you'll be fine...just plan on stopping frequently to sightsee...there are many pull offs. The drive itself isn't scary. I'm the only driver when we go and feel that I've gotten a good look at things in spite of my duties. I do pull over when I feel the need to take a longer look at the scenery.

I'm a bit of a fanatic about having lots of water in the car (like 6-1 gallon jugs) as well as more in smaller bottle in the coolers for hikes. I figure that< if I don't drink it, I'll just leave it behind. You never know when you might have to share it with someone less prepared.

I'm also a fanatic about "topping off" the gas tank when I'm in a town and the tank is less than half full. That gives me a safety margin and makes a side trip possible if the opportunity presents itself. We like to explore back roads but I wouldn't do that alone.

Get yourself the DeLorme Utah Atlas and Gazetteer and the AAA Indian Country Map....both very good.

I just remembered the time when, in Arizona on a serious backway coming down a set of switchbacks. We were following a route we thought would be fun (using the Delorme Arizona Gazeteer). We came upon an SUV with a Japanese man flagging us down. He begged us to let him follow us back to "the highway" as they though they were lost. The wife was sittingin the car crying her eyes out in fear. I let him know that of course we'd let him follow and keep an eye on him. I took a few minutes to show him where we were on the map (mostly to let them both calm down and realise that were weren't dangerous. I turned their Jeep around for them as they were too scared to try on the narrow road and they followed us back to civilization and the highway back to Tucson. They passed us and the wife was beaming and blowing kisses.

So yes, stick to the main roads if you are alone.

I don't think you'll have much to worry about in terms of not seeing anyone on the roads. The parks you're going to are all popular, and there are only a few roads between them, so unless you decide to take a cow path or drive cross-country, everyone else is going to be on the same roads as you. Snow shouldn't be an issue mid-September, so I really can't imagine a scenario (other than driving at 3 am) where you wouldn't see another car for hours.

Take a good map, be familiar with your route, and just make mental notes of where you are and how far it is until the next town or exit in case you run into trouble. If you do have a vehicle breakdown, it would make it a lot easier and faster to get help if you had an approximate idea of your location (something more specific than somewhere between the Grand Canyon and Bryce :) ).

Hi fran, I am sure you will but do have your vehicle checked out my a reliable mechanic before your trip. Make sure all tires including your spare tire is in good condition.

This is what a friend of mine did when she took her first solo trip after her divorce. She left a note in her vehicle when she was going to take a walk or whatever stating where she was going. She put it in the console box between the front seats. Not a bad idea. BTW, she did not indicate on the daily notes she was alone she just wrote something like September 4,2004 11:00am, taking a hike up to....(location).

fran, do make sure you always have ID on your person at all times.

Which reminds me, I just found out in CA that it is not a legal requirement you leave your car registration IN your vehicle. Our local PD strongly suggest that one keeps the car registration in their wallet so if the vehicle is broken into the thieves won't have access to your name, home address etc. I haven't done this yet but it is a good idea IMO.

Water..yes do have bottled water with you, maybe a blanket and a outerwear jacket or whatever in case it does get cold. And fill up the gas tank often..another very good idea. A small first aid kit would be good also.

Do you have an itinerary and hotel/motel room reservations? Ooops, see you do. Well give this information to a responsible person. Your cell phone probably will not work in all areas. Think about making arrangements with that responsible person that you will call them every day after checking into your lodging..that way someone has a decent idea where you are.

BTW, dried apricots are a good food to pack, I even throw a packet in my carryon when I fly.

I am sorry your travelling companion couldn't take this trip with you.

And may I say if you really do not want to take this road trip by yourself..than cancel it! You don't have to please anyone but yourself and you sure don't have to prove anything to anyone. Only go on this trip if your heart is in it and it will bring you joy. Very best wishes to you fran.

Hi Fran, like everyone said, you should be fine. I stayed in St. George for the month of September last year and there were still people travelling the parks, but not as crowded as summer so that was nice. I'm heading back for this September (whole month) with my 2 kids, 19 and 21. I'm a single Dad. If you want a companion for a day or two, I can certainly leave my kids at the condo and head out to the parks with you.

FYI, I've done a LOT of driving in Utah and have never been on any main road for hours without seeing anyone. Mid-Sept. is still a very busy time of year there-your friends who caution you about going there because it is so remote I bet have never been there. Sure, you can get remote if you try, but most travelers stick to the national parks and bigger sights that get lots of visitation.

Yes, know how to change a tire. Everyone that drives at all, ever, should know how to change a tire.

I solo hike a lot and I do let someone know where I am going. On national park trails, where you can't go more than a couple minutes without seeing someone, I don't worry about it. But if you are going someplace fairly off the beaten path, its a good idea to call home, tell them your itinerary, and call when you are back at the hotel.
Have fun!

Make sure the wiperblades are in good condition! If you are worried about hiking alone, go on the ranger lead hikes.

You could always just take me :-d

Utahtea

utahtea, are you hiring yourself out?

My sister heard your name so much last week, she just shook her head. :-)

My dear franwd, I am 74-year-old gal and I have travelled this area in September for the last 5 or 6 years. It is spectacular, do not miss it!

I do not have a cell phone and never need it. I had a flat tire with my new Toyota Highlander in the middle of nowhere on the way to Grand Junction CO and someone stopped and changed it for me in a flash. That is common out there. Then I drove to Discount Tire in G.J. and was treated like a queen.

That's about all the crises I faced. I can't say enough how great the people on the Colorado Plateau are.

I take water, cheese and triscuits, other snacks. There is always a grocery store or gas station for refills. Like you, I made all my reservations in advance. That worked out well.

There is no reason to worry. The roads are all good, people all around, awsome scenery. It is hard for me to leave it all and come back to Michigan.

I stop in at libraries every once in awhile to email my daughters that Mom is OK and taking it to the limit one more time.

You can do it!

This was a great thread! During our recent family trip to the Southwest there was a moment in the evening on the rim looking at the Grand Canyon when my hubb/daughters walked further on and there weren't any ppl around for a few moments and I knew this was somewhere to come back to in non-summer for healing 'think about life' solitude..just hubb and I, or if for some reason he didn't want to...then just me, but some of my family would think it was not a good idea that's for sure!

I'm thoroughly excited about my trip now and wish I was leaving today. There's nothing like the peace experienced during alone time with nature in a scenic place - can't wait!

Question ... on my return trip do you recommend the northern route via Utah, or the southern route via Arizona. After more than two weeks away from home I'll be ready to return to Las Vegas and hop a flight home.

The Utah route is short from a mileage standpoint, but there are lots of twists and turns. The Arizona route is mostly along an interstate. Is the trip from Flagstaff to Vegas at all picturesque?

I travel alone to national parks often (and in fact will do it for a second year in Utah later this month). I just do things a little differently. I give my mother my itinerary and hotel numbers and call her every evening. But as someone else said I did not have cell phone service - but it was in the heavily native american areas (Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, etc.) I also don't go on long hikes. I stick to common shorter trails that are advertised on the national park maps and I don't stray from the trail. I also hook up with tour groups where available if I want to see more. I did that in Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley and plan to do it again in Canyonlands. So it is very possible (and I am in my 30's and travel alone). But bring PLENTY OF WATER! I would suggest you keep at least 5 gallons in your car.

Franwd-Where will you be coming from on the return trip? From where to Vegas? Maybe I missed it in this thread but that will help when advising you which way to go.

I'll be in Monument Valley and returning to Las Vegas. I'll have seen Southern Utah several times, but I've never spent any time in Arizona. Per AAA, the Utah route back to Vegas is 368 miles. The Arizona route is about 100 miles more, but the route is on an interstate.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure I want to go through Arizona, but wondered what to expect along the interstate from Flagstaff to Vegas.

The Arizona interstate route is very boring. Take it if you want to get there fast, but don't expect scenery.

Fran, sorry we didn't get together. I spent all of Septembet in St. George and loved it. Went to Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Vegas, etc.

How was your trip?