Traveling solo to S. Utah
 

Hello:

I would love to get input regarding solo travel to Bryce, Zion, GC (and perhaps other areas as well). It'll be my first time in Utah and want to see as much as I can on a somewhat limited budget.

I'm going primarily to hike although I'm not crazy about doing it totally alone (side excursions, definitely, but not entirely). I'm planning on renting a car and don't mind traveling. I'm planning on a week but also want to make room for "down time" as well. I have a few questions and would really appreciate other's experience in this area.

1. Price of entrance fees to parks (and do I have to pay if I return the next day - (multiple day passes?)
2. If I go it alone on the trails, are there usually others around (planning on a late June trip) but hopefully not too many. I'd be perfectly fine going with the "non-populated" routes.
3. Which would be the best airports to fly into to save a bit of money. I don't mind driving to get to where I want to go.
4. Deals and packages to see a whole lot while not "breaking the bank" (if possible).

Any and all responses would be SO appreciated. Thanks so much, all!

"1. Price of entrance fees to parks (and do I have to pay if I return the next day - (multiple day passes?)"

Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon are $25.00 EACH. The entrance pass for each park is good for 7 days but not good at any other park. It would probably be best to by a National Park Pass for $80 which is good for one full year from month of purchase. So let's say you decided to make a quick stop at Lake Powell (Glen Canyon National Recreational Area) which would be easy to pass right by between Grand Canyon and Bryce, then you will have saved $10 because it's $15 to get into Glen Canyon. I'm sure in a year you could find other National Parks, National Monuments, Historical Monuments, etc to use it at. Now, if you are 62 or older, then you can buy the $10 senior pass which is a one time fee and get's you into all the National Parks.


If you stay on the most popular hikes in Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon, you will find other hikers for sure.

We don't usually fly to the area, but I would look at flying into Las Vegas and doing a circle. Las Vegas usually has good airline rates.

Are you interested in camping our will you be staying in motels/hotels?

Utahtea

Utahtea has it right. If you really don't want to hike alone, look for ranger led hikes or talk to folks in the VC, or at the dining areas who might be willing to let you tag along on a hike.

The $80 NP pass is really a bargain and the senior pass is even better, but is only for US citizens.
There is a ton to see in the southern Utah area. Consider going over to Arches and Canyonlands too.

When are you planning You might want to look into lodging if it is any time soon. I usually check flights and car rental costs for Vegas, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Grand Junction and Denver when planning a trip to the area. Denver and Phoenix have very high car rental taxes, so be sure to figure all the costs if money matters. Sometimes you can get flights that give you an extra half day or so where you want to be which can make a difference with your choices too.

Good information on the annual America the Beautiful Pass.
Any time in June if the weather is good, you won't be alone on the trails. Plan on spending at least 2 nights in Moab to see Arches and at least one section of Canyonlands.
Probably Las Vegas would be your best choice for airport but SLC will also work OK.
Make sure to get to Arches to hike to Delicate Arch. Also take the Ranger led hike to Fiery Furnace (sign up in the morning).

I've hiked and/or mountain biked in some, but not all, of those parks--Zion, Arches and Canyonlands. My impression is that nearly all the established day hikes are fairly well populated. I wouldn't be overly worried about hiking alone, especially if you choose the more popular hikes and are there in high season. But please hike with sufficient supplies. I can't believe how many people I see hiking with poor shoes and no food and water. Especially in June, carry more water and food than you think you'll need, along with a sun hat of some kind. The heat in Moab was especially brutal.

How long do you have planned? How many days?

If you want solitude, go to Canyonlands. It is my least favorite park in UT, but a lot of people find it to be their favorite. The colors there do seem to be the richest, imop.

I would fly in/out of Vegas or Salt Lake. You can fly to St. George or even Moab, but are likely to pay a bit more, you will just need to check rates.

If you are adventurous go canyoneering in Moab with www.deserthighlights.com or in Springdale with Zion Adventure Company.

I highly recommend Arches NP which would take at least two nights to do it justice. June can be hot; you can consider a white water rafting day to cool down. Are you able to go earlier, like in late April or May?

I've hiked long day hikes in Zion and Bryce alone and was very happy for the solitude but never felt totally isolated.

Zion
West Rim trail. Hiked together with several others right off the bus up to Angels Landing area. After AL I bumped into other hikers in groups of 2-3 about once an hour, coming the other direction.

Overlook - lots of hikers going up and down all day.

Narrows (bottoms up), I was first hiker on the river and didn't see another soul for two hours. It was a little disconcerting at times, especially as I had do wade through several deep pools and caught a chill when my dry suit got wet. In June there will be a lot more hikers on the river than in early May, so you won't be alone. The narrows is a popular hike and coming back down the river it felt crowded. I was happy I was on the first bus of the day to start.

Bryce.
Navajo Loop/Queens garden - too many people
Peekaboo loop - a 2hr hike I came across maybe 1/2 dozen people. June will be busier

Fantasy Loop - in the back country. I think I saw less than 10 people all day. Stopped and chatted with anyone I came across, and there other solo hikers.

Chances are that in May The Narrows will be running to high/fast to even consider.

I've been to Bryce and Zion, and my family takes a couple hiking/mountain biking trips to Moab, Cedar Mesa, Canyonlands each spring. Zion can get very crowded, so much so they are making people park and ride a bus in during high seasons. I would hike solo around Arches and Moab. Bridges is also beautiful, but more remote. Cedar Mesa, south of Blanding, is wonderful, with lots of canyons and ruins in the wild, but also more remote. We love Southern Utah...so much beauty to enjoy. Enj

PS You can camp at most of these places. We usually do and it makes for a nice budget vacation. Hiking trails abound. In Moab there are several fast food restaurants, easy on the budget, a dollar store and City Market, and you can walk anywhere in town. One of my fave places, can you tell?

There is free camping east of Zion, west of Bryce and all over at Cedar Breaks.
None at Arches, but BLM camping at their improved sites is very cheap. Highway 128 prime
Camping in Canyonlands requires permits.

There is a Hostel in Moab. At typical Hostels, you can 'group' for hiking and biking.

If you need more info, make an entry in this dialog

Cheap rentals - Rent a Wreck - they are really good, but older cars so you don't pay for 1st year's depreciation.
In Las Vegas
http://www.lasvegas.net/Rent-a-wreck.htm

Vaga.