How does this sound as a tentative, barebones itinerary?

Assuming that it will take four days for us to get to Durango/Mesa Verde.

Day 4: Get tickets this evening or go early on day 6.

Day 5: Tour Balcony House and Long House

Day 6: Tour Cliff House. Drive to Monument Valley. Overnight at Goulding's Lodge. Tour if time.

Day 7: Early morning tour of MV if not enough time on Day 6. Drive to Moab.

Day 8: Arches NP. Hike

Day 9: Hike Arches, maybe a white water rafting trip if available or a guided ATV or jeep tour.

Day 10: Drive through Canyonlands; maybe a short hike or two but not much since it will be way too HOT. Drive to Capitol Reef.

Day 11: Hike Capitol Reef.

Day 12: To Bryce

Day 13: Bryce

Day 14: Zion

Day 15: Zion

Day 16: To Grand Canyon North Rim. We have been to the South Rim and just figure since we are so close, we would like to see the difference in the north rim.

Day 17: Begin trip back to VA.

Do we need more or less days anywhere? Am I leaving out anything?

We can add more days if necessary.

Utahtea: I have thought about adding Carlsbad Caverns, but I think it is too far out of the way. It actually is "only" 1638 to Carlsbad from home, but to get to Mesa Verde from there would add 536 miles and 580 if we went to Monument Valley first.

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Lynda

Hi Lynda,

I would consider adding another day in Moab for a couple of reasons. First, you won't have to pack up and move for four days, which will make you feel like you're setting down roots...ok, I'm being a little funny...but seriously...it's nice to be in one place for a while and there is so much to do in the Moab area. This will also give you a full day to explore Canyonlands and nearby Dead Horse State Park.

I would do a rafting trip here. I would also do a jeep trip or just rent one and go on your own for the adventure on the Shafer trail up to Canyonlands and the Long Canyon back to town.

If you don't do the Shafer trail then make sure you drive out the Potash Raod (hwy 279) because it's scenic and many petroglyphs on the canyon walls. Kane Creek Road is on the other side of the river and has petroglyps too.

If you don't take the rafting trip, then make sure you drive out scenic Hwy 128 past Fisher Towers to the old historic Dewey Bridge. You can say you know someone who drove across the now closed one lane bridge...me

Utahtea

And we thought you would continue to Alaska from there. No Alaska? No Arctic Circle with your son? We feel sad for him

Thanks, Utahtea. If we "do" Utah, we definitely will add a day in Moab and do both the rafting and jeep trips. I like action!

Z- Alaska still is in my mind and in my heart. I do know now, after hours and hours of research, that we definitely won't combine the two. I currently am working on two trips. Actually, I am going nuts!

I spent most of Saturday night planning the Utah trip and most of last night planning the Alaska trip--it keeps me from eating chocolate since our house rule is "no eating at the computer."

The Alaska itinerary does include a van tour to the Arctic Circle. I'll be posting a tentative itinerary on that board for suggestions in a few days. My husband had just about lost interest in Alaska because I was making it so long and involved. As it is, I have the trip down to 35 days from start to finish, knowing that it could be a few days shorter or longer.

Alaska still is my first choice, but Utah ( my husband's first choice)is the back-up. Since I have to make reservations so early for Alaska, I have to get a head start and know what I am going to do.

Thanks!

Lynda

No eating at the computer...I'd starve! LOL

OK, so you're going to keep us hanging on which trip. Well at least you will have "next" years trip already planned!

Utahtea