Southern Utah Trip
 

Hi, I am planning a trip to southern Utah in late March and was wondering on if this itinerary sounds good.
Day 1. Fly into Las Vegas, spend the night
Day 2. Drive to Zion, I love hiking so any suggestions would be great
Day 3. Spend whole day in Zion
Day 4. Drive to Bryce Canyon, spend afternoon and a night there
Day 5. Drive to Capitol Reef in the morning spend the afternoon and a night there.
Day 6. Drive to Arches in the morning, spend afternoon there.
Day 7. Full day in Arches
Day 8. Drive to South Rim Grand Canyon, stopping at Monument Valley
Day 9 and 10. Spend at GC
Day 11. Fly back from Flagstaff
I just wanted to get some info on what type of weather to expect. Any hikes, restaurants would be great.

This sounds good to me, though you may run into snow along the way. Obviously you could spend more time in some of the parks, but I think you'll get a good overview.

Be sure to catch the sunrise at Bryce Canyon before you leave.

Lee Ann

Posted too soon - you might want to look at flying home from Vegas to avoid one-way rental drop-off fees.

Lee Ann

I agree. Go back to LAS and save the drop-off fees.

That's a lot of driving. Let's see if we can smooth this out.

On day 2 you're driving to Zion. It's a 3 hour drive. If you leave right after breakfast you'll have half the day in Zion.

I would spend more time in Zion since the weather will be warmer than some other places in higher elevation.

So you should have Day 2 from noon, Day 3 and Day 4 until noon.

On Day 4, depending on the conditions in Bryce you'll either be able to hike down a bit of Navajo Loop or just along the rim.

But on Day 5 get up very early and go to Bryce Point for the sunrise. Will be cold but good things are worth it.

The drive to Capitol Reef is long and you may have snow on the road. That's a problem.

Arches is a very good park. Try to get to Delicate Arch for sunset.

GC is far from one of my favorite places. I go places for a combination of scenery, waterfalls and wildlife. It falls short compared to other places on all accounts.

what would you consider to drive from bryce to capitol reef other than that road. Also Avis does not charge different destination drop-offs. I have never seen the GC before so I want to at least look at the area

There are some National Monuments available also.
You will be there too early in the season for Cedar Breaks, but Natural Bridges should be viewable. Also there are the fascinating Goosenecks of the San Juan (River), Monument Valley, and some state parks. There is a good, if small, on Utah 12 between Bryce and Capital Reef.

I was in Zions two weeks ago and the Narrows is so unique and really beautiful. You walk in the water the entire time with rock walls on either side of you and make sure to bring some kind of camelbak with water, snacks, and a camera (like in a few plastic bags). We prepared poorly and had to go back only 2 hours in because we didn't have anything to eat. We didn't know how to bring a camera so putting it in plastic bags in a backpack/camelbak would be my suggestion. Also you can't drive to the base of the trails in Zion, you go everywhere by shuttle which took a lot longer than expected (40 mins from parking lot to beginning of Narrows which was only about 6 miles). If you get a chance hike Angels Landing, amazing hike.

In Arches (was there last month) you are able to drive to the base of every trail, some arches were right off the road and others you parked your car at the base and hiked too. Delicate is probably the most famous, I also liked Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and Corona Arch (a little outside of the park but really beautiful). Also do SlickRock, you bike on some kind of petrified rocks/sand dunes. Its difficult, but awesome. Have so much fun!

If you haven't seen Grand Canyon then you should. Unfortunately after seeing the Utah parks you may decide GC doesn't compare.

On your other thread you ask about going from Moab to GC. I've never driven that so somebody else will have to answer.

Between Capitol Reef and Arches plan on a stop at Goblin Valley State Park. Were you planning on staying in Torrey?
Sounds good if you have no drop off fee.

I LOVE the goblins!!

Yes tomfuller, i am staying in Torrey, not sure where yet, If you have a suggestion it would be much appreciated. I will try to include Goblin into or trip plan.

Your itinerary looks good although I would suggest taking one of the days from Grand Canyon and adding it to Moab area. That will give you some time to stop at Goblins on the way from Cap Reef to Moab. And also time to visit Canyonlands and other sites around Moab.

If your flight to LV gets in early enough, I'd leave for Zion that day - as Myer mentioned, it's only a 2 1/2 hr drive. That way, you'll have 2 full days in this gorgeous park. You might hike Angel's Landing (even if not to the top), Canyon Overlook hike on the east side of the tunnel is a great short hike. Here is the view at the end:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85429046

The Narrows might be off limits in March if water is too high or too cold. Hard to say. But its a great hike if its accessible.

Short ride to Bryce - less than 2 hrs - and some of my favorite hikes. The Fairyland loop -

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85511202

and Queens Garden/Navajo loop are both incredible. Dining in the park at Bryce is pretty good although I suggest heading into Springdale for dining while in Zion. The in-park food was not good.

There are also lots of fine lodging options in Springdale and travel into the park takes just a few mintues although at that time of year, you should have no trouble getting rooms in any of the parks.

The drive from Bryce to Torrey on Rte 12 is amazing - although you may have snow in March. If you can rent a 4WD SUV, that might be a good idea. I am headed out there in a few weeks and I got a great deal from Dollar Rental for an SUV for 11 days - $400! Dropping it off at a different airport though will add significant cost.

In Torrey, I can recommend the Best Western and Austin's Chuckwagon. Both were spotlessly clean, good value. I love Capitol Reef - fascinating geological features, colorful rock formations, and you'll have the park to yourselves. Torrey is a great little town - good food at Cafe Diablo and Rim Rock. Also a good selection of food options at the store/deli at Austins.

Talk to the rangers about hiking in Capitol Reef. We are planning to finish Cohab Canyon/Frying Pan hike on our upcoming trip. Last time, storms cut it short. Hickman Bridge is a nice short hike.

Goblins State Park is outside of Hanksville on the way to Moab and worth a few hours. Fun place to walk around among some very odd formations:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/21330435

There are lots of lodging options in Moab. Arches is incredible, one of my favorite parks. Devils Garden is a really fun hike. Delicate Arch is a classic.

We haven't been to Moab in awhile so I'm not sure about dining options. I'll post a trip report when we return in mid Sept and I'll be sure to include info on Moab. On past trips, we've stayed at River Canyon Lodge and it was just fine and a block off of the main drag, which is nice. Lots to see and do in Moab - do a search on Fodors and I'm sure you'll get plenty of information.

The South Rim is a must if you've never been to the Grand Canyon - it should be really nice in March with small crowds and maybe a little snow! You have a wonderful trip planned. Don't hesitate to post some questions once you do a little more research. Enjoy the planning!

I LOVE GC and the south rim is my favorite. I've done the loop you are planning and it is great. While you are in the Moab area, do stop in at Canyonlands Island in the Sky for a quick drive, stop, look at the major view points at least. DH thinks it's as impressive as GC.

If you do come down the Moki Dugway through Mexican Hat on your way to Monument Valley, make sure it hasn't snowed recently as it is an E ticket ride when it is not snowy.

If you can do your driving in day light and be aware of animals on the road especially in the "open range" areas where there are not only deer and pronghorn, but horses and cattle have the road too.

Have a fantastic trip.

Thanks Sharondi and everyone else for all the great info. I think I will cut off a day from Grand Canyon and add it to Moab so I can see Canyonlands for a bit. Goblins Valley looks very cool and is right on the way to Capitol Reef if I remember right.

I was also wondering if I would need a 4WD car rental for this trip or would a normal sedan rental work. I am probably going to stay on the paved roads and not on the gravel/dirt roads.

Right near Goblin Valley is a really awesome easy slot canyon called Little Wildhorse(they even sell t-shirts at Goblin Valley visitor cntr for LW). Don't confuse it with Wildhorse, you want Little Wildhorse. You can spend 2-6 hours at it, depending on how much of it you want to do. You will need 1-4 hours at Goblin Valley.

I've stayed at Austin's Chuckwagon twice and also liked it.


I don't know how adventurous you are, but www.deserthighlights.com in Moab is absolutely fantastic. I've been with them twice and hoping to go again soon.

Thanks for all the ideas for smaller parks, i had completely forgotten about thoose. Goblin Valley and Little Wildhorse look really cool for driving between Capitol and Arches. I have another thread asking for things to do between Arches and GC. Desert Hiighlights looks really cool, will have to check it out.

I was thinking about how much time I would need in all of the smaller parks in between Capitol Reef and Arches because I wanted to see Goblin Valley. Also how long would i need to spend in goosenecks and monument valley. Again, I thank everyone who has commented and those who add anything interesting.

Hadn't read this thread when I responded to the other one. Your time is fairly short, don't know how much extra stuff you can fit in and still have a good experience.

Hikes in Zion- Riverside Walk if not the Narrows, Hidden Canyon, Kayenta from Grotto to Emerald Pools, upper emerald Pools can be beautiful in March, good time to see it all.

If Kiva Koffehouse is open on hwy 12 just before the river bridge stop off there. Great place for lunch.

You asked what other road to go between Bryce and Capitol Reef...any other road would be a dull and longer route. Go hwy 12.

Day 6 if you haven't eaten up all your time with Goblin Valley and Little WIld Horse stop in to Canyonlands before you get to Moab/Arches. It is a bit of a back track otherwise and it is easy to see in half a day. DO catch Dead Horse Point as well sunset there is nice. March days are short so it might be harder to do it all before dark.

In Springdale look at the Cable Mountain Lodge, it is very nice, right outside Zion NP and you can walk into the park from there in less than 5 minutes. All of the lodging in Springdale is on the expensive side, we paid about $135 per night, last October which is less expensive than many other places. The park shuttle I believe starts April 1, so you may be able to drive into the park in March, check the Zion page on the National Parks website. Temperatures should be high in the mid 60s and low down to mid 30s. You can download the park guide which provides all the information you need to know. The narrows may not be open for hiking in March due to high water levels.
The drive on Hwy 12 from Bryce to Torrey is spectacular and there is only 1 section about 1-2 miles that is ' the scary bit'. The Best Western in Torrey is very pleasant, quite new with super views from the rooms on the back of the building, they have small balconies and are a great place to watch the sunset.
The drive from Torrey to Arches, assuming you will go via Hanksville and around the top, first part, stunning scenery, second part not exciting but okay.If the Fiery furnace hike at Arches is available at that time of year, you shoud do it, it isn't as dificult as it appears. I did it last year after much soul searching and was pleasantly surprised, but you must do it with the park rangers guided hike.
I am guessing but I think Moki Dugway would not be a good idea in March. We rented a 4 wheel drive, Rav 4, it actually was less expensive than a compact.
We spent about 3-4 hours at Monument Valley, having the 4 wheel drive meant we didn't have to take the very expensive jeep tour and could take as much time as we wanted to do the loop drive. When I look at photos from our trip, it was definitely one of the highlights.
The Desert Rose Inn in Bluff was a great place to stay, very reasonable prices, not sure how early in the season they are open.
Trying to drive from Moab to GC in one day and see MV on the way is probably too much.
On the topic of drop off fees, I know you said you did not have them with Avis, often people assume the fees are outrageous, but if you look at the cost of driving back to your start point, gas and maybe a night's lodging or two along the way, it isn't expensive, we paid $250 to drop off the rental in Phoenix rather than at our start point in Denver.It would have been at least 1 full days drive plus an overnight, meals, gas etc and cut 2 days off our vacation.
Sounds like it will be great, have fun

I kind of rewrote my loose itinerary a little and added a lot of things that people suggested to do.

1. Land in Las Vegas drive to Zion Ntl Park
2. Zion Ntl Park
3. AM in Zion-Bryce Canyon
4. Sunrise at Bryce- then Capitol Reef Ntl Park
5. Pie for Breakfast- Goblin Valley- then Arches Ntl Park (Dead Horse Point for sunset)
6. Arches Ntl Park (look at dinosaur tracks, Copper Ridge)
7. Arches Ntl Park
8. Goosenecks, Monument Valley- then Grand Canyon
9. Grand Canyon
10. Drive to Las Vegas
11. Fly out of Las Vegas

I have not made reservations yet so any hotel recommendations would be awesome. Thanks for all of the awesome posts and keep them coming.

Grand Canyon--I assume you mean South Rim.

I'm not totally sure which lodges are open, but

Zion Lodge

Bryce Lodge(may not be open in March), Ruby's would be 2nd choice

Bright Angel Lodge or El Tovar

Holiday Inn Express in Moab or just about anywhere there is ok
there are BnB's there if you like that type thing.

Day 10--See Hoover Dam
Day 5- I think you would have time for Little Wildhorse too.

Sounds like a good plan. The only flaw, I see is that The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Bryce may or may not have everything open, depending on snow levels in March.

Call The Gifford House to make sure they are open in March. Normally the pies arrive @ 8:00AM and are sold out by Noon.
Austin's Chuckwagon has a really good deli for lunch,sandwiches and even some breakfast items(their bread pudding is good for breakfast). they have a nice little store too.

Spirobulldog I was actually looking at Zion Mountain Resort for lodging at Zion and Ruby's at Bryce. Bryce Lodge only opens April 1st. have not really decided on anywhere to stay at Capitol, Moab, or South Rim. Thanks for the Hoover Dam, I completely forgot about it.

The Copper Ridge Dinosaur tracks are at N38* 49.90 W109 45.72.
Turn east off US 191 5 miles north of Canyonlands Field (23 miles N of Moab). 2 miles out the road is a parking spot with a BLM sign about the tracks at the foot of the trail.
If it has rained recently, be careful on the BLM dirt roads.

I'm not sure about sunset at Dead Horse Point.

Has anybody done that? I've seen photos of sunrise at Mesa Arch.

Make sure you go to Delicate arch in Arches for sunset. Some will say sunrise but that's a matter of opinion and choice.

You have three days / well two and a half / for Arches. You don't really need that. On day 5 when you say Arches where you should really go is either Canyonlands or if it is too late (depending on how much time you spend in Capitol Reef and Goblin valley and possibly Little Wild horse) then just Dead Horse Point for Sunset. Yes, I have been there for sunset and it can be wonderful, just a gorgeous view and if there are some clouds in the sky to make it interesting it is great.

Also you have Copper Ridge listed day 6. I hate back tracking, especially on a full itinerary... and you would be backtracking if you do it this day. This is another thing you can do day 5 on the way into Moab. Good luck finding the tracks though I sure couldn't.

On the other hand if day 5 gets too full, then you could do both Copper Ridge and Canyonlands / Dead Horse Point on day 6. This would leave one full day for Arches and that is enough time to get all the main points. Sunset at Delicate arch provides the best lighting, though it is beautiful any time. You are planning far enough ahead that you could sign up for the Fiery Furnace hike. This is kind of a slow wander through the fins and is a great way to enjoy the park. You could do this either day 6 or 7

tomfuller, I'll take your coordinates to copper ridge next time and see if that helps. I've tried twice, I just wonder if they are worn away.

You will need the better part of a day in Moab if you do anything with Desert Highlights.

Having done Delicate Arch at Sunrise and Sunset, I would choose Sunrise. Way to many people there at Sunset.

"Sunset at Delicate arch provides the best lighting"
This depends on if you want to have sunset or sunrise actually in your photo. The sun will be at your back, casting wonderful shadows and light if you go at Sunset. It is nearly impossible to go on the other side of the arch and get a photo with the sunset actually in the photo, due to all the people on that side.
In the morning, you can get the sunrise, the La Sal Mountains and the Arch all in your photo.

Be sure and take a flashlight, either way you would be in the dark.
You will have only a handful, if any, people there in the morning.

I know everyone thinks I'm crazy, because it seems like "the obvious" decision would be at sunset because "that's what everyone else does". If you watch the weather channel(can't remember the name of the guy-he has many photographic episodes in national parks), he goes a lot of time in the off season or at odd times of the day and even at night. The hike is actually good enough to do it morning and evening, so heck try both if you can.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/759571@N24/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duoli/283273453/
This guy thought he got it wrong, but look at all the comments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23YsPEvMEqQ

you'll have a glorious time, any time you go to it!!

I was also reading something about Delicate arch at sunrise and how it was much less crowded, i am sure my photos will not be that amazing but will keep sunrise in mind. I agree the Desert Highlights looked like a lot of fun but I do not want to spend a whole day on it.

spiro, to get a shot similar to that for sunrise you have to almsot fall of the cliff to the other side of Delicate Arch.

That photo almost has the color of a sunset.

If you go anywhere facing the Arch you'll have the sun in your face.

However, for sunset you can stay just about anywhere facing the Arch.

I guess the answer is to go back and do both.

Would that be a "Delicate" marathon?

I would like to see it at night at photograph a long exposure. I think snow would be nice too.

will try to do that if i can, i agree long exposure would look very cool.

Sadly the Gifford House is only open during the 'summer season'. I guess that means not March. If anybody has a suggestion for lodging in or near the South Rim of Grand Canyon it would be much appreciated. Also anywhere to stay in Las Vegas for the night would be good to know.

I was at Capitol Reef the last week of March and the Gifford House was open. Enjoyed the mixed berry pie.

Thank you wtm, that is very weird because it says that the Gifford House is only open during the summer season. That is exactly the same time I will be there. BTW where did you stay when you visited. Thanks

Hopefully it will be open for you too. We stayed at the Best Western in Torrey. Clean, basic motel room. I have no complaints but I might try Austin's Chuckwagon next time.

Outside of Zion, in Springdale, we stayed at The Desert Pearl Inn www.desertpearl.com which I love. We've stayed there twice and both times extended our stay.

In Moab I've stayed at the Best Western Canyonlands and at Ruby's outside of Bryce. Preferred the BW Canyonlands, but both were fine at the time of our stay. Since it has been several years since I've stayed in either do your research because who knows what may have changed.

I stayed at the BW in Torrey. Actually it's the closest motel to the park.

They have a large dining room and a heated pool.

I would stay there again.

As for the dinosaur tracks - insandy, They have been there for several thousand years. I poured a little of my water in the tracks to take a picture.
The road turns off across the RR tracks 5 miles North of the airport. Walk up the trail on the left side of the gully.
It's about 150 yards above the BLM sign about dinosaurs.