We'll be attending our son's wedding the third week in April. We'll have a couple of days beforehand to do some sightseeing. He lives 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City. We're looking to go beyond the city (we were there in Dec.) We skied Alta in December (it was fabulous, but don't tell anyone -- it'll get too crowded) and had a great lunch at Sundance. We also went up to Park City and did the tourist things (didn't ski.) (We also skipped Olympic Park. Is that worth the tour?) We're thinking of going down to Moab and Arches. Is April a good time to visit or should we put that off until the summertime?
Also in April, what about the Bonneville Salt Flats, Antelope Island State Park, and the Ogden area?
Thanks!

We were in Moab during early last June and the weather was already warm. I think that late April would be ok for Moab because the elevation is less than 5,000 feet. Arches and Canyonlands should be comfortable that time of year. I had rather walk around
those two parks with a coat on than to be there when it was so hot that heat stroke was a possibility.
Bryce Canyon would be a little cooler because it is considerably higher; it goes up to an altitude of more than 9,000 feet at the south end. We were at Cedar Breaks last May, and there was still snow under the trees and the campground was closed because the snow melt had turned it into a bog. Cedar Breaks is a little higher than Bryce, however. The main part of Zion NP should be quite comfortable in late April. When we were there in late May, the temperature was already in the high nineties.

When you say wearing a coat, do you mean a winter-type coat or spring jacket?
We won't have time to get to Zion or Bryce this trip because our time is limited.
Any other info on the areas I mentioned around the city?
Thanks!

I'm still hoping for some information on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Antelope Island State Park, and the Ogden area as well as more info on Moab.
Here's another question. We'll be leaving from the Salt Lake City area early in the AM and so will arrive (we think) sometime in the AM in Moab. Is it possible to do the Arches area any justice and leave the next day, do Monument Valley, stay overnight there, and return to Salt Lake City the next day?
Phew! I know that's a lot of questions, but we want to fit in as much as possible. Thanks!

I can't help you with Bonneville Salt Flats, Antelope, or Ogden, but as to Moab: it'll be about a 4 hour (or so) drive from Salt Lake. We took mostly back roads, so it may be quicker if you stay on I 15 to I 70. But looking at the map, it sure looks like taking Highway 6, will cut off a lot of distance, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I think you need at least two days for Arches and Moab (a funky little town with some decent restaurants.) Monument Valley is GREAT, but I think it's too far to go in the time you have. I'd focus on Arches. Also, Canyonlands is relatively close to Moab. But it's HUGE. But if you like hiking, it's a great place. Also, out of Moab you can white water raft down the Green River, and head up to Dead Horse Point. The weather should be ideal in April. We were there in early May, and a couple of days we were wearing shorts; a couple of other days we were wearing light jackets. I'd plan on going back to Utah in the future and seeing Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, and Canyonlands, if I were you. have fun.

Thanks! Can you tell me more about the white water rafting? What sort of "white water" was it? Also, do you think we need reservations for that in advance?
Where did you stay?
Thanks again.

Frankly, we were a little disappointed with the white water rafting. It was a little tamer than some other places we've rafted. But it may be better in April, what with snow melting and all. there are a number of places in Moab who do raft trips. there's even a "dinner" trip that takes you down a calm part of the river at dusk, so you can see the last rays of the sun hit the canyon walls. they feed you dinner. I can't remember the name of the outfit we used. I doubt if you'll need reservations for April (we made them when we got to Moab, for the following day). I think we stayed at the Best Western on the main drag. For just a night or two it's an okay place (it's no Sundance.) I'm not sure if Moab has any truly upscale places to stay. There are some nice restaurants, though, such as the Slickrock Cafe. have fun.

I think you will have plenty to see between Arches NP and the two parts of Canyonlands NP that are close to Moab.
If you run low on activities, there is always Natural Bridges National Monument. We were there when the ladders were in place and we descended all the way to the creek and looked up at the bridges. We scampered along narrow shelves of the cliff face, and generally had a good time.
Monument Valley is ok, but to see it would take time away from other places which you would spend sitting in the car.
As for coats, who knows?? Where I live it is 60 degrees today and it will be 20 degrees tomorrow night. I don't have a crystal ball for the weather. I don't think you would need a Siberian parka for Moab in April. We didn't two years ago in Salt Lake City, and Moab is farther south by 200 miles. I would rather be in Arches in April than July when the temperature is in the ninties and the sun can scortch your skin.
I would go to see Arches and Canyonlands in preference to anything around the Great Salt Lake -- having seen both.

As for places to say in Moab?? The Sunflower Hill B and B is rated 4 stars in the AAA guide. There are a flock of 3-star places.
We stayed at the Super 8 because it was new and the best available at the time.
I think other places are as good if not better!!

Query from an Aussie traveller, please.
What are these places like in February?
It WAS too hot in the summer to walk around much, but we'll be able to travel to Arches, Bryce etc next month if we want to.I'm thinking it may be too cold, and perhaps we should head south to the national parks of Arizona instead.

Thanks for your suggestions. I think we'll concentrate on the Moab area and save Monument Valley for another trip.
I have another question now. We need to rent a car (preferably a van) and we'd like to rent from a company that's at Salt Lake City airport. Suggestions?
Thanks!