Actually tom, I am pretty sure that dinosaurs went extinct 65 million yrs ago, just proving your point that they did not wear away. Wow 40 replies in 5 days, that seems pretty good to me.

Also I was wondering if cell phones will work in this area. I have Verizon that can read analog signals. Any reason to look into short-wave radios?

Thanks tomfuller. I've been up there twice to look for them. I've seen dinosaur tracks, I've seen pictures of these specific tracks. I was unable to figure out where they were.

dshamritsky, you will have coverage in some spots and not in others. We were told that in Arches if you can see moab you'd have coverage. We did not anywhere in the park, but we did in town.

In Arches I had coverage in the strangest places and not in others. As with most national parks it's hit and miss.

Sorry for the break. I do not know why it did not cross my mind before but what type of wildlife should I expect. I mean I had my fair share in Yellowstone when I saw seven grizzlies near the road at various times and two wolves. The lists are very long if you go to Utah Fish and Wildlife, obviously all of these are not common and some are nocturnal. Other info is still appreciated. Thanks again

I've seem some wild turkeys and sickly thin deer on the Zion main lawn.

Also a few deer on Riverside Walk.

I a few deer in a few places in Bryce.

That's all I've seen in the Utah parks.

Wild Turkeys in Zion, Prairie Dogs in Bryce. Could see Bighorn Sheep if you get lucky.

Check my trip report for animal info. We saw Big Horn Sheep going thru the Virgin River Canyon on I-15 south of St.George. Prong Horns and Prairie Dogs at and near Bryce.. A porcupine on the way to North Rim of GC. Deer in various places.

I think that I have finally found good lodging for the trip.
Zion- Zion Mountain Ranch
Bryce- Ruby's Inn
Capitol Reef- Best Western
Moab- Moab Valley Inn
Grand Canyon- Maswik Lodge
I thought that the prices were very good compared to what they were in Yellowstone last year, about 2 times cheaper. Any good or bad experiences at these places would help. Thanks again to everyone who has pretty much made this trip possible. Keep the info coming.

For Zion, I would keep trying for the lodging in the park. Call, keep calling as cancellations come up frequently.

emalloy, zion lodge has plenty of rooms available for the time but is it worth the 80 dollars more a night? If it is then I will book that but the zion ranch seems pretty good for not to much.

Personally, I wouldn't have even checked Springdale if I could get inpark. That way I wouldn't know the difference.

Of all the natinal parks Zion gives you the closest out of park lodging. Just make sure you're close and not 10-15 miles away.

I'm sure Zion Mountain Ranch is nice. But as it is on the east side of the park, your drive to the park will be longer. Something in Springdale (which is 5 min to the park) would be better imo.

I enjoy staying at the lodge as well. There is just something about being in the canyon as the night comes on. But for Zion I don't think it is essential.

I really prefer staying in the park even if it isn't lots of stars and a bit more $. If you have to travel after a day of hiking, when you are tired, on small curvy, hilly roads, with wildlife in the road, in fading daylight, my advice is to make stay as close to the park as possible.

Have looked for some nicer hotels in Zion and think that I found the perfect one, Cable Mountain Lodge. The rooms seem amazing for the medium price, especially in March. Also it is a mile from the park entrance so it seems like the best of both worlds to me. Thanks for telling me not to stay 15 miles from the entrance because Zion Mountain Ranch was 14 miles away.

I suspected such when I checked their web site and they said "see three parks from one place"

You'll be very happy with Cable Mt Lodge and its location is much better.
And you can still stop at the Zion Mt Lodge on the drive past to look at their buffalo.

Okay, well that settles it.

Hello everyone again, I was wondering about roads and driving to the places that I am going. Will my GPS be pretty reliable in these areas or should I buy a Utah atlas and use that instead? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.

Buy a Utah Delorme atlas for $20. It will have a lot more back roads on it than a GPS map program.
I like the contour lines and shading on the Delorme maps.
I use my Oregon Delorme a lot when I am geocaching with my GPS.
Find your way to Copper Ridge about 23 miles north of Moab to see the dinosaur tracks.