i was just thinking of a different plan and maybe its too optimistic and foolish (would love for you to tell me)







Day 1 : Drive from SLC to Bryce / 1/2 at Bryce



Day 2: 1/2 Bryce , leave for moab late afternoon



Day 3: mesa Sunrise / Arches national park : sunset at d elicate arch



Day 4 :arches / 1/2 Day Canyon lands/ sunset at Dead Horse.



Day 5 : Morning Air fly over Arches/ Head back to SLC for evening fly home







Thoughts??

What time of year is this trip? If it is before May, I would skip Bryce and just head from SLC for Archrs and Canyonlands. There has always been snow there which is pretty but not nice for hiking when we have been there in April.

if you plan on the iconic Mesa arch for sunrise, it is in Canyonlands not Arches, so I would do that on the day you plan for Canyonlands and Dead horse point. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Moab to Canyonlands and then you will be hiking to the arch in very low light, so not really a quick trip. Also your trip down from Delicate arch after sunset will be dark, so bring flashlights with fresh batteries.

A lot of driving, but not crazy if you really want to see Bryce. Also get to enjoy driving Route 12 and maybe take a peek at Capitol Reef. Realize you’ll want at least 6 - 7 hours for Bryce to Moab with a few stops so leave before lunch, too nice to just drive straight through. 100% agree with Malloy switch mornings days 3 & 4 so you have a full day in Arches then full day for Canyonlands/Dead Horse.

If you want to get to Bryce by noon from SLC--you need to get a move on! Like leave by 7 am--especially if it is during the week/traffic. Skip the flying over. Really. This is country that needs to be experienced from the ground. Drive an hour south of Moab and do that section of Canyonlands lands--hiking. Truly amazing. Or hike Fisher Towers--which lets you drive up route 128--amazing.