Trip Rpt- Utah Nat. Parks 5/06-longish
May 19th, 2006, 03:09 PM
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Trip Rpt- Utah Nat. Parks 5/06-longish
Recently returned from first trip to Utah(and return visit to Vegas)- the scenery/landscape in S. Utah is truly amazing. Hope it is helpful to those of you planning a visit.
Day 1+2- arrived Las Vegas Wed. evening. We had both been to Vegas 2x, so planned our time there for relaxation + losing money in the machines. Chose hotels based on price + pools. That being said, stayed in Mirage for first time. Overall pleased with experience there. Pool is large with some bends +waterfalls, nice landscaping, large jacuzzi that is kind of tucked away from the main action. Only problem was they had our rate wrong both at check in and check out-- I had my confirmation and they corrected it with no hassle-- just make sure you look before you sign off!
Day 3, Fri a.m.- Left Vegas for Torrey Utah. Drove straight through up I-15 to I-70 then to 24. Took about 6 hrs w/ one rest stop. Because of the time change you lose an hour driving to Utah. I don't enjoy long car rides, so when we arrived in Torrey in the late pm, decided not to venture into Capitol Reef, but instead start refreshed in the a.m. Stayed at the Days Inn. I've stayed at nice Days and gross Days-- this is a nice one. Hotel is in good shape, has interior corridors, indoor pool + jacuzzi, complimentary breakfast included make your own waffles, cereal, fruits,pastries.
Day4, Sat- finally to the parks! Drove down 24 toward Cap.Reef visitor ctr., stopping to take pics at pull outs along the way. The panoramas with a clear blue sky, and no city/traffic noise were just beautiful. Drove to the end of the scenic drive to the Capitol Gorge area, there is a dirt road that you can take the rest of way, and we did this in a regular sedan car with no problem. At the end of the dirt road there is a trail where we walked a short distance between the canyon walls to the pioneer register where early travelers scratched their names into the walls. Fairly easy walk. Then drove back to 24 to Hickman Natural Bridge hike, this had 300-400ft elevation gain, but wasn't too bad. You get to hike up to the base and under the bridge span, then loop back around and follow the same trail back down.
Went back to Torrey for late lunch at Brinks Burger Drive Inn- good fast food, much better burger than McD's. After this drove Hwy 12 toward Bryce Canyon. Outside of Bryce we walked the short Mossy Cave Trail, the cave was barren of any water or icicles, but the side loop to a little waterfall was nice, we were the only ones there, so sitting and just listening to the birds and rushing river was quite a peaceful experience. Stayed next 2 nights at BW Ruby's Inn. Satisfied with experience there, but 2 caveats: 1)There was a tour group staying there, I happened to overhear the restaurant hostess tell someone they start to get crowded at 7pm, so we went to eat at 6ish, glad we did because when we finished, the line waiting to be seated had at least 30 people in it, 2) the pool/jacuzzi area was always crowded in the evening, we had a room with a hydro tub, so I had my water therapy there. If you want solitude, this would not be the place for you, but it is very convenient to nat.park, has grocery onsite,regular restaurant and a fast food style restaurant.
Day 5, Sun.: Bryce all day. In am, first to Sunset Pt, took recc. of guidebook (and recc from here or another forum?) to go down Navajo Loop trail and connect to the Queens Garden trail to go back up. The hoodoo formations were just amazing, could have taken hundreds of pics. It is steep going down Navajo Loop, at the bottom is "Wall St" where you walk through a narrow canyon, it seemed most people just went this far and then back up, so after this point we had the trail to ourselves until we started going back up the Queens Garden Trl. It was steep, but entirely doable (unless maybe your knees are bad), just takes breaks as needed.Also, the temps were in the 60's which was also helpful. Just wonderful scenery- I highly recc. this trail. After picnic lunch, drove to the end of the scenic road to Rainbow Pt, and walked Bristle cone loop trail, which was mostly level and a nice change of pace. Drove back stopping at various scenic lookouts- don't miss the spur road down to Bryce Pt for more incredible views- walked the rim trail here part way to sunset pt and back.
Day6, Mon- head to Zion NP for 2 nights, got there midday, entered from the east, through the tunnel and windy but very scenic road to visitor ctr.Zion is warmer (80's) than Bryce, and so different to go from the pink hoodoos, to the large monolith mountains, but still beautiful in its own way. From there you take the shuttle to go up the canyon road. The shuttle system was efficient, usually did not wait more than 5min, and its nice for both parties to just be able to concentrate on scenery and not drive. Took shuttle to the end of the line and did the Riverside Walk, a flat, paved trail, with many access points to go down by the river. At trails end is where the "Narrows" section starts.
After this, did the short, uphill walk to Weeping Rock, which was only lighlty weeping but still beautiful. Stopped at some other scenic lookouts on the shuttle ride back to visitor ctr. Stayed 2 nights in Springdale at Rodeway Inn. It is a newer motel, so everything is in good shape and very clean. It is about a mile or so from park entrance, but the shuttle does stop at the motel. Because the motel is toward the end of Springdale, it is not in the main "action" area of restaurants/shops, so will either need to drive or take the shuttle for dinner/groceries. Also, they advertised free breakfast, but it was just coffee and donuts. Beautiful to sit out at night and star gaze, and see the moon rise over the mountains.
Day 7 Tues- Zion all day. Took shuttle, which drops you off at walk-in entrance station by theater. First did trail to Emerald Pools. Where the trail forked to choose Upper/Middle Pools or Lower, we chose the upper/middle one, and it ended up looping to the lower pool trail anyways, so we got to do a big circle and not backtrack.It was not too steep. The waterfalls were relatively light, but still a beautiful area, many wildflowers growing. Took shuttle back toward visitor ctr, got off early and decided to walk Pa'rus trl to visitor ctr. Flat, paved,many wildflowers, and river access points. Not much shelter, and starting to get warm by then. Had lunch at a cafe just outside entrance (Sol?)pretty good sandwiches. Went back and took Watchman trail. Wish we had done this one in the am, and Emerald Pool in pm, because this trail you are pretty exposed to the sun most of the time. About 300-400 ft elevation gain, you end up at a rocky bench area that overlooks Springdale, the visitors center, and up the canyon.Nice views. By this time hot, feet ache, so stopped at park museum and rested in the a/c and watched their film, which was nice to review the places we had seen in Zion.
Ate dinner first night at Bit + Spur (mexican)- average food, second night at Pizza and Noodle- enjoyed the pizza.
Day 8, Wed- Back to Vegas. Stopped off Hwy 9 on Kolob Resvr.Road, that is another part of Zion. Drove about 10miles on yet another scenic road, to trail for Wildcat Canyon, to walk trail to Northgate Peaks area. Trail is flat, sandy at the beginning, end at rocky outcropping facing a checkerboard mesa and 2 other peaks. After this, stopped in St George for lunch and into Vegas, not quite beating rush hour unfortunately. Stayed next 2 nights at Monte Carlo which I will detail next-
Thurs Day9- We have stayed at Monte Carlo before, and for the price it is a decent hotel. I like that you don't have to schlep your bags through the casino to get to the elevators (like at Mirage), that they have a food court in the hotel, and a CVS right next door where you can get cheaper water/snacks. The pool area has a variety- regular pool, jacuzzi, wave pool (smaller than Mandalay), and lazy river pool.
Fri Day 10- good bye Vegas/Utah- we plan to return in the future for Arches and Canyonland parks!
Day 1+2- arrived Las Vegas Wed. evening. We had both been to Vegas 2x, so planned our time there for relaxation + losing money in the machines. Chose hotels based on price + pools. That being said, stayed in Mirage for first time. Overall pleased with experience there. Pool is large with some bends +waterfalls, nice landscaping, large jacuzzi that is kind of tucked away from the main action. Only problem was they had our rate wrong both at check in and check out-- I had my confirmation and they corrected it with no hassle-- just make sure you look before you sign off!
Day 3, Fri a.m.- Left Vegas for Torrey Utah. Drove straight through up I-15 to I-70 then to 24. Took about 6 hrs w/ one rest stop. Because of the time change you lose an hour driving to Utah. I don't enjoy long car rides, so when we arrived in Torrey in the late pm, decided not to venture into Capitol Reef, but instead start refreshed in the a.m. Stayed at the Days Inn. I've stayed at nice Days and gross Days-- this is a nice one. Hotel is in good shape, has interior corridors, indoor pool + jacuzzi, complimentary breakfast included make your own waffles, cereal, fruits,pastries.
Day4, Sat- finally to the parks! Drove down 24 toward Cap.Reef visitor ctr., stopping to take pics at pull outs along the way. The panoramas with a clear blue sky, and no city/traffic noise were just beautiful. Drove to the end of the scenic drive to the Capitol Gorge area, there is a dirt road that you can take the rest of way, and we did this in a regular sedan car with no problem. At the end of the dirt road there is a trail where we walked a short distance between the canyon walls to the pioneer register where early travelers scratched their names into the walls. Fairly easy walk. Then drove back to 24 to Hickman Natural Bridge hike, this had 300-400ft elevation gain, but wasn't too bad. You get to hike up to the base and under the bridge span, then loop back around and follow the same trail back down.
Went back to Torrey for late lunch at Brinks Burger Drive Inn- good fast food, much better burger than McD's. After this drove Hwy 12 toward Bryce Canyon. Outside of Bryce we walked the short Mossy Cave Trail, the cave was barren of any water or icicles, but the side loop to a little waterfall was nice, we were the only ones there, so sitting and just listening to the birds and rushing river was quite a peaceful experience. Stayed next 2 nights at BW Ruby's Inn. Satisfied with experience there, but 2 caveats: 1)There was a tour group staying there, I happened to overhear the restaurant hostess tell someone they start to get crowded at 7pm, so we went to eat at 6ish, glad we did because when we finished, the line waiting to be seated had at least 30 people in it, 2) the pool/jacuzzi area was always crowded in the evening, we had a room with a hydro tub, so I had my water therapy there. If you want solitude, this would not be the place for you, but it is very convenient to nat.park, has grocery onsite,regular restaurant and a fast food style restaurant.
Day 5, Sun.: Bryce all day. In am, first to Sunset Pt, took recc. of guidebook (and recc from here or another forum?) to go down Navajo Loop trail and connect to the Queens Garden trail to go back up. The hoodoo formations were just amazing, could have taken hundreds of pics. It is steep going down Navajo Loop, at the bottom is "Wall St" where you walk through a narrow canyon, it seemed most people just went this far and then back up, so after this point we had the trail to ourselves until we started going back up the Queens Garden Trl. It was steep, but entirely doable (unless maybe your knees are bad), just takes breaks as needed.Also, the temps were in the 60's which was also helpful. Just wonderful scenery- I highly recc. this trail. After picnic lunch, drove to the end of the scenic road to Rainbow Pt, and walked Bristle cone loop trail, which was mostly level and a nice change of pace. Drove back stopping at various scenic lookouts- don't miss the spur road down to Bryce Pt for more incredible views- walked the rim trail here part way to sunset pt and back.
Day6, Mon- head to Zion NP for 2 nights, got there midday, entered from the east, through the tunnel and windy but very scenic road to visitor ctr.Zion is warmer (80's) than Bryce, and so different to go from the pink hoodoos, to the large monolith mountains, but still beautiful in its own way. From there you take the shuttle to go up the canyon road. The shuttle system was efficient, usually did not wait more than 5min, and its nice for both parties to just be able to concentrate on scenery and not drive. Took shuttle to the end of the line and did the Riverside Walk, a flat, paved trail, with many access points to go down by the river. At trails end is where the "Narrows" section starts.
After this, did the short, uphill walk to Weeping Rock, which was only lighlty weeping but still beautiful. Stopped at some other scenic lookouts on the shuttle ride back to visitor ctr. Stayed 2 nights in Springdale at Rodeway Inn. It is a newer motel, so everything is in good shape and very clean. It is about a mile or so from park entrance, but the shuttle does stop at the motel. Because the motel is toward the end of Springdale, it is not in the main "action" area of restaurants/shops, so will either need to drive or take the shuttle for dinner/groceries. Also, they advertised free breakfast, but it was just coffee and donuts. Beautiful to sit out at night and star gaze, and see the moon rise over the mountains.
Day 7 Tues- Zion all day. Took shuttle, which drops you off at walk-in entrance station by theater. First did trail to Emerald Pools. Where the trail forked to choose Upper/Middle Pools or Lower, we chose the upper/middle one, and it ended up looping to the lower pool trail anyways, so we got to do a big circle and not backtrack.It was not too steep. The waterfalls were relatively light, but still a beautiful area, many wildflowers growing. Took shuttle back toward visitor ctr, got off early and decided to walk Pa'rus trl to visitor ctr. Flat, paved,many wildflowers, and river access points. Not much shelter, and starting to get warm by then. Had lunch at a cafe just outside entrance (Sol?)pretty good sandwiches. Went back and took Watchman trail. Wish we had done this one in the am, and Emerald Pool in pm, because this trail you are pretty exposed to the sun most of the time. About 300-400 ft elevation gain, you end up at a rocky bench area that overlooks Springdale, the visitors center, and up the canyon.Nice views. By this time hot, feet ache, so stopped at park museum and rested in the a/c and watched their film, which was nice to review the places we had seen in Zion.
Ate dinner first night at Bit + Spur (mexican)- average food, second night at Pizza and Noodle- enjoyed the pizza.
Day 8, Wed- Back to Vegas. Stopped off Hwy 9 on Kolob Resvr.Road, that is another part of Zion. Drove about 10miles on yet another scenic road, to trail for Wildcat Canyon, to walk trail to Northgate Peaks area. Trail is flat, sandy at the beginning, end at rocky outcropping facing a checkerboard mesa and 2 other peaks. After this, stopped in St George for lunch and into Vegas, not quite beating rush hour unfortunately. Stayed next 2 nights at Monte Carlo which I will detail next-
Thurs Day9- We have stayed at Monte Carlo before, and for the price it is a decent hotel. I like that you don't have to schlep your bags through the casino to get to the elevators (like at Mirage), that they have a food court in the hotel, and a CVS right next door where you can get cheaper water/snacks. The pool area has a variety- regular pool, jacuzzi, wave pool (smaller than Mandalay), and lazy river pool.
Fri Day 10- good bye Vegas/Utah- we plan to return in the future for Arches and Canyonland parks!
May 19th, 2006, 06:12 PM
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1. Thank-you.
2. Pioneer register- the trail starts at end of dirt road. We did not do the whole trail through the fold, just to pioneer register and back, which was about 1/2 mile each way (you can continue past this point, but we chose to turn back to have time to go to Hickman).
3.Capt.Gorge/Pioneer Reg vs Hickman- I don't know where else you are visiting in Utah- if you will be going to Arches NP or another area with arches/bridges- you could skip Hickman if you don't have time (it was about 1 1/2hrs r/t).
2. Pioneer register- the trail starts at end of dirt road. We did not do the whole trail through the fold, just to pioneer register and back, which was about 1/2 mile each way (you can continue past this point, but we chose to turn back to have time to go to Hickman).
3.Capt.Gorge/Pioneer Reg vs Hickman- I don't know where else you are visiting in Utah- if you will be going to Arches NP or another area with arches/bridges- you could skip Hickman if you don't have time (it was about 1 1/2hrs r/t).
May 21st, 2006, 08:48 AM
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Great report. We leave Friday for a similar trip...tho we have longer so we will go to Arches. I just checked the weather and it is breaking records for HOT, even in Bryce. Still I know we will have some great hiking. Report to come!
May 22nd, 2006, 12:54 PM
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This was a great report since this, too, is our vacation spot two weeks from now - Richbutnot, maybe we'll bump into you there -wear a nametag! I feel so much better when I read about other "real" people's experiences and know exactly what to expect. And the restaurant reviews are great, too. Good job!
May 22nd, 2006, 01:03 PM
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Thanks, janeq, for the trip report. We are doing one similiar to yours mid-June. We are driving to Vegas-Zion-Breckenridge,CO-Moab-Vegas-home. It is nice to hear other people's reports and opinions of the area. I had wondered about the Bit 'n Spur. We are staying in Springdale while at Zion but at the BW. It is suppose to be close to the park entrance. Did you happen to see it? Got decent reviews on tripadvisor. We are looking forward to this road trip because we usually fly to destinations.
May 22nd, 2006, 02:59 PM
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Hope everyone who responded has as great a time as we did. When doing my research, it seemed a lot of people were planning a trip, thats why I decided to do a report (plus its great to relive the memories).
Laurenzo- I remember seeing the BW because the shuttle stopped near there, it was down the road (closer to the park) than our hotel. If I recall it correctly, it looked decent from the outside. I'll clarify more re: Bit + Spur- it was enjoyable sitting out on the back patio, service was good, entrees came w/ a salad that was really fresh and had a nice dressing. I ordered chicken and a cheese enchiladas, husband had chicken burrito- it was good portions, just not the best (or the worst) mexican I've ever had. For the most part, I enjoyed driving in Utah, never hit much traffic except around St George.
Happy Traveling.
Laurenzo- I remember seeing the BW because the shuttle stopped near there, it was down the road (closer to the park) than our hotel. If I recall it correctly, it looked decent from the outside. I'll clarify more re: Bit + Spur- it was enjoyable sitting out on the back patio, service was good, entrees came w/ a salad that was really fresh and had a nice dressing. I ordered chicken and a cheese enchiladas, husband had chicken burrito- it was good portions, just not the best (or the worst) mexican I've ever had. For the most part, I enjoyed driving in Utah, never hit much traffic except around St George.
Happy Traveling.
May 23rd, 2006, 03:04 PM
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ellen_griswold: in StGeorge we ate at the not quite so fun, definitely not unique, Arby's (well unique for me, haven't had it since moved to NYC area). I only recall that St George had a lot of chain restaurants. Maybe someone more local will have better advice for you. Happy travels.
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