MaineGG

We (my husband, another couple and I) had planned a wonderful two-week trip to visit the beautiful parks in Utah. Last December I confirmed two nights each in the lodges at Zion and Bryce. Now, our overall trip dates have had to be changed, but I can't change the nights we have reserved at the lodges so have had to create an itinerary that is somewhat awkward. But, as my friend from New York says, it is what it is, so we'll deal with it. Here's what we have now:

Fly to Las Vegas - overnight
Drive to Torrey for Capitol Reef - overnight
Drive to Moab for Canyonlands and Arches - 3 overnights
Drive to ??? - overnight
Drive to Zion - 2 overnights
Driveto Bryce - 2 overnights
Drive to Las Vegas - overnight
Fly Home

When we leave Moab, we need to spend a night somewhere between there and Zion. Coming across I-70 to I-15 then south on I-15, nothing jumps out at me as an interesting place to visit and overnight. Any suggestions?

Also looking for a Las Vegas hotel near the airport with a shuttle since we arrive late and depart early. So far I've looked at the BW McCarran Inn. Anyone stayed there? The reviews are sort of mixed, but we mostly just need clean and convenient to the airport.

I'll have more questions about day to day activities, but for now just trying to get all the lodging nailed down.

WhereAreWe

First off, why can't you change the lodging dates for Bryce and Zion? Is it because they don't have availability or some other reason? There are always cancellations which don't immediately show up on their website, so if you call every day you are likely to find something that makes more sense for your itinerary.

If you absolutely can't get those dates changed, I guess I'd drive straight to Moab for 3 nights, then spend 2 nights in Torrey, then go to Zion and then Bryce. At least that way you'd minimize the number of times you have to move to a new hotel.

Or keep your itinerary and head south from Moab. Spend a night in Monument Valley on the way to Zion.

DebitNM

The airport in Las Vegas is very close to the strip, so don't limit yourselves to "airport" hotels.

Possibly overnight in St. George; it isn't too far from Zion.

MaineGG

I've called often and nothing has opened up.

That's an interesting idea to look at stopping in Monument Valley. I'll check on that.

spirobulldog

I'm with Whereare we. Make the long trek to Moab that first day and then the rest of your trip will be short drives. That will be one less day of hassle repacking bags at a hotel.

I hope you plan on seeing Goblin Valley and possible even Little Wildhorse Canyon between Torrey and Moab. Both are excellent.

if you do Monuement Valley, you might want to stop at Natural Bridges National Monment from Moab. There are 3 awesome Bridges there. But Sipapu Bridge there is spectacular. You will need to hike down to it, to fully appreciate it. The hike is less than 30 minutes. It is as good as anything in Arches.

I always like to know my activities first. This way I know how many days to stay at each spot.

I would imagine that it would be easier to change your reservations for Moab and Torrey.

I might go ahead and keep Bryce last. I doubt that fall colors would be much the rest of the place, but by mid-Oct Bryce might be showing nicely. Zion is probably better 3rd week in October. I'm just going by the one time we were there in October. I'm sure it's different each year.

BTW, your original plan really isn't that bad. It would certainly work and give you a good taste of the area.

spirobulldog

Do you have your airlines already booked? I've flown into Moab a couple of times and that alone is pretty interesting. Almost like a flight excursion.

tomfuller

You should drive Rt. 12 instead of sticking to the Interstates.
Zion and Bryce are close enough to each other that you don't really need two nights at each.
Goblin Valley State park is interesting (hoodoos).
You could drive through Valley of Fire and come out at Hoover Dam on the way back to Las Vegas.
You can stay in Henderson to easily get to the airport without having to drive on the "Strip".

MaineGG

Thanks everyone for so many suggestions. Lots to think about now. I am sort of overwhelmed with the many worthwhile options and see that the time has come to get down to the day-to-day details so we make the best use of our time.

We do have flights in/out of Las Vegas from Boston. They were so much less expensive than SLC, Moab or St. George. Also the car rental prices were less in Las Vegas.

ElendilPickle

>>Zion and Bryce are close enough to each other that you don't really need two nights at each.

happytrailstoyou

At Zion and Bryce the lodges are not the only places to stay. Zion, in particular, has several good options in Springdale (such as Desert Pearl Inn). Therefore, there is no need to plan your trip around existing room bookings.

It would be good if your routing could include scenic Highway 12 between Torrey and Bryce Canyon.

Additional sites worth investigating include Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

ElendilPickle

>>At Zion and Bryce the lodges are not the only places to stay. Zion, in particular, has several good options in Springdale (such as Desert Pearl Inn). Therefore, there is no need to plan your trip around existing room bookings.

emalloy

You might look at lodging in Page for antelope canyon, and/or a half day float trip down the colorado river from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry.

If you decide on Monument Valley, look at lodging at Gouldings, The View or in Kayenta.

J62

Be aware that due to the closure of Route 89 south of Page/north of Tuba City, Page and Antelope Canyon are out of the way if you plan to go to GC South Rim. This has also impacted rafting trips from Glen Canyon dam to Lee's Ferry - it's a loooong detour from Lee's ferry back to Page.

noe847

My husband and I will be in southern Utah in early October also, and I've been researching on the various Utah threads. While I don't have anything to add to this discussion, I want to take a quick opportunity to say "thank you" to the regulars who share your extensive knowledge; almost all my questions are being answered without my having to ask! I've been active in the past on the Europe forums but only sporadically in the US ones (it's good to see Lee Ann's familiar face here)

justwishin

Are you not going to SLC? lots of history there, beautiful canyons, the great salt lake, Mormon Temple and taberncle, etc. A lot hAPENED THERE.

Myer

Now that we are in September I would start calling for lodging twice a day.

There will be cancellations. No doubt.

You just want to make sure you get them.

RVvagabond

Las Vegas to Torrey is 355 miles. Rather than staying at LV, research Mesquite - has casinos and very reasonably priced hotels. Google - Mesquite, Nv.

Torrey has many motels. Best Western Capitol Reef is the most comfortable. Less expensive are at Bicknell.
Caution - If you like wine/hard liquor, then buy in Nevada as Utah has restrictive laws. Town of Escalante is your last chance en route to Green River. Ruby's Inn at Bryce has a liquor license.

Monument valley is about 125 miles from Moab. THE place to stay is: www.gouldings.com/. Otherwise, Mexican Hat is close and has several motels as does Kayenta.

Natural Bridges - be prepared to hike down into the canyon. It is really a hiking park - yes, some hikes are very short, but the best views are from the bottom of the Canyon as are the ancient Indian Ruin (Horsecollar). http://www.nps.gov/nabr/planyourvisit/horsecollar.htm


Happy trails suggested highway 12. I agree especially driving north from Escalante (hotels there) - do it during the DAY. Several hotels/cabins there. Best is Prospector Inn (435) 826-4653. At Escalante River Bridge there are several ancient Indian Ruins and petroglyphs. At the town of Boulder, visit Anasazi Ruin museum.

IF you what 4-wheel drive, we strongly suggest White Rim trail at Canyonlands - Island In The Sky (camping reservation required ASAP) http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/whiterimroad.htm

For park touring information, suggest spending $9.00 for this Kindle tour book - this is what we use
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00COBH45M


Enjoy, but don't rush (skip Monument Valley).

mlgb

I agree with giving up your nights in the lodge in Zion to have a less stressful itinerary. There are very comfortable options in Springdale and far more choices for dining.

Also agree about trying to use Rte 12, weather permitting.

MaineGG

First, thank you all so much for all your helpful suggestions. I apologize for taking so long to get back here.

After spending much time trying to redo the itinerary, I gave up a week or so ago and we're just going to go with the original plan... or are hoping to, if our folks in Washington come to their senses and don't shut the government down.

We leave next week, so if the national parks are closed, we will have to find alternate plans for the four nights we have booked at Zion and Bryce. Keeping my fingers crossed, but not especially hopeful at this point.

Meanwhile, we've been doing a lot of reading about state parks and other sites of interest. Also would consider going up to Salt Lake City for a couple of days. I'm sure we'll see wonderful sights, but it will really tick me off to not be able to go into the national parks.

Hoping for good news soon.

wrestlpsu

zion wont close. the road through it is the only road from east to west in that part of the state. well, at least wont collect a fee to drive through it !