I'm planning to make a 10 day trip to Southern Utah/Arizona.
Here's my itinerary:

1. Reach Salt Lake in the morning. drive to Moab. Get to Delicate Arch for sunset. Stay at Moab.
2. Arches NP. Stay at Moab
3. Canyonlands NP. Stay at Monticello/Blanding/Bluff?
4. See Gooseneck, Monument Valley. Stay at Kayenta, AZ?
5. Drive to Page, AZ - see Lake Powell and other attractions. Stay at Page.
6. See Antelope Canyon. Stay at Kanab/Springdale. May be see Coral pink sand dunes park on the way.
7. Zion NP. Stay at Springdale
8. Drive to Bryce Canyon. Stay at Bryce.
9. Drive back to SLC early morning - May be take the Alpine loop - see SLC Temple Square at night.
10. Early Morning flight back to NYC

What do you think? I really want to go to Capitol Reef NP from all thats said about it here but I cannot make it.
I'm still open to changes as I haven't reserved anything except the flight and rental car as yet.
I will really appreciate you guys sharing your thoughts.

Thanks!

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This is a repost of my earlier thread with a better title:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...nses=6&start=0

p.s. my own question to link to JKZ's - Similar trip. Are hotel reservations highly recommended or will we be okay winging it in mid-October?

Also, Is it going to be too cold to camp in Oct first week? Low seems to be around 40's from weather.com.

ttt

We have camped at Lake Powell near Page, AZ and in Zion National Park in early October. The weather was GREAT & even did a little swimming in Lake Powell. Bryce might be a lot colder at night because of the higher elevation. Haven't camped in or near Moab in Oct, but I would think it would be fine. Same with Monument Valley.

Not sure what you are looking for in a campground. There are plenty of private campgrounds in Moab with showers. There are a lot of BLM campgrounds along the Colorado River on Hwy 128 and the Potash Road. Arches has a campground but you would want to make reservations or be there at 7 a.m. to TRY and get a spot.

Both the Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Needles Districts have campgrounds. The Willows Flats camground in the Island in the Sky district is pretty primitive and you have to bring in your own water. The Squaw Flats Campground in the Needles District is really nice.

There is a private campground in Monticello and also one in Gouldings with some views of Monument Valley, but if you want 365 degrees of views, then I'd suggest camping at the Monument Valley Tribal Parks campground. I think they still have the showers inside the park.

There is camping at Wahweap Marina right on Lake Powell with pay showers.

There are two great campgrounds in Zion but no showers. South is a first come, first serve and Watchman has electrical sties and you can make reservations. There is also a private campground just outside the park in Springdale with showers.

Bryce also has two campgrounds and there are showers. One is a reservations only. There is also a private campground just outside called Ruby's Inn & Campground.

You have a lot of ground to cover in a short time, but I think it's do-able.

Utahtea

You need to be at Delicate Arch 30 minutes before scheduled sunset time. It took us 50 minutes to make the 1.5 mile hike and it takes 20 to 30 minutes to drive from Moab to the parking area. Add them all up and you need to figure on leaving Moab 2 hours prior to sunset. Bring plenty of water and a flashlight for the hike back. The view of Delicate Arch at sunset is spectacular. If you don't make it the first night, make it a priority for the second night.

You should take a guided jeep tour of Monument Valley. I highly recommend Simpson's Trail Handler Tours. One of the best things we've ever done. There were only 3 hotels in Kenyata when we stayed in 2002. Make reservations early.

We have been to most of these places. If you have to cut something out, make it Canyonlands. If you do go to Canyonlands however, make a detour to Dead Horse Point SP along the way.

While at Moab do not fail to visit Dead Horse Canyon.It is not much visited but you will be more impressed with this vista than just about anything you have ever seen.Not many visitors but most spectacular.Bon voyage!!

Hi All,
Thanks for all your comments so far. Is Canyonlands really not worth going for just a one day tour? What are the highlights that I shouldnt miss in the park?

To answer pdx's question about hotel reservations: depends on how comfortable you are with winging it. If it were me, I'd make some reservations, but I like to make sure everything's in place before I take off. At the very least, call some places and find out how booked up they are, so you'll get an idea of how likely you are to find a room at the last minute.

JKZ-If you don't have one already, buy a National Parks Pass at the first park. It's $50 and will give you admission to all Nat'l Parks for a year. You'll spend more than that on fees this trip alone if you pay at each individual park.

To me Canyonlands is worth a visit, but not at the expense of missing more quality time at Arches. The Island In The Sky has some great overlooks of the rivers, canyon, etc. and the short walk (15 min.) to Mesa Arch and the Washerwoman reveals a pretty awesome view also. I would have to say a visit to Dead Horse Point State Park along the way to Canyonlands is one of the best views in the area. There was an entrance fee (2003) of I believe $6, and you will likely not see many other people. It takes a lot of driving time to tour around the Canyonlands Island area. I guess it comes down to more time in the car to see a different park or less car and more time at Arches hiking if that is your desire.

To pick up an extra day, I'd suggest a drive-through at Lake Powell (rather than staying overnight) and then either spending an extra night at Springdale or driving up beautiful Hwy. 12 after leaving Bryce, staying at Torrey, and taking a quick trip to Capitol Reef the next morning before heading back to Salt Lake City. All your one-night stops sound very tiring to me (although I often travel that way myself). If you try to follow my suggestion, you'd probably arrive in Provo too late to go up Provo Canyon and drive the Alpine Loop. I LOVE the Loop and suggest you stop at Sundance just for a look-around (and to buy a yummy sandwich at their sandwich bar if it's snack time).

BTW, Dead Horse Point is in the northern end of Canyonlands (west of Arches). I'd hate to see you drive south out of Moab and THEN start looking at your map to find where to turn off for Dead Horse Point. Also, it is NOT included in your park fees--I believe it's $7.00

When in Moab, eat breakfast at the Moab Diner, right on the main street (the highway) on the east side. They have great breakfasts! My son had recommended it to me, and when my sister and I spent three nights in Moab, we ended up having breakfast there all three mornings.

Dont forget to take the scenic byway 128 by leaving Interstate 70 at exit 202. You follow the Colorado river. It's beautiful.To continue I would visit Monument valley but then drive on to Page.If you dont want to go boating dont lose more time in Page or Coral pink sand dunes. Zion and Bryce are perhaps the most beautiful National parks in the states and we've seen most of them.For Zion Springdale is perfect. For Bryce we stayed at Hatch.I hope I've been of some help to you and wish you a lovely trip.Paul

Is it ok driving from Monument valley to Page, AZ after sunset? How are the roads? I'm thinking of leaving Monument valley before sunset - around 5PM and get to Page by 9PM. Is sunset at Monument valey a great watch?

TheWeasel..I already got the NP Pass. Thanks for the suggestion.

Try not to miss the sunset at Monument Valley. Its been many many years since I've been
(but I'm sure its the same!)
but I don't think the drive after is *harrowing* or maybe its *worth it* to
stay over, it's pretty unforgetable.
(another place to visit again soon, added to my *to-see* list, getting very long from reading FODORS LOL)