maw

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!

franwd

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?

Argi

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.

christy1

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.

franwd

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.

christy1

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

Hugh_Jass

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?