Utah National Parks
 

Even though I love the outdoors, camping and hiking, I'm not a desert lover. I hear lots of raves about the Utal National Parks. I'm going to be close to that area this summer (SW Colorado) and have another several days to go elsewhere. Explain what it is about these parks that you love and why I might like it too.

I have only been to Zion once but I would not describe it as "deserty". There are many lush areas, waterfalls, wildlife and great hiking trails all of which are beautiful. One thing that particularly impressed me was the free shuttle system. It takes you all over the park with numerous pick-up/drop-off spots along the way. This system really reduces pollution and traffic. I think it's mandatory (no cars allowed) at least during the peak summer season. Springdale is a cute little town right outside the park with lots of B&B's, restaurants amd shops.

I live in SW Colorado, and love the mountains here, but I also visit Canyonlands because of the great hiking. If you stick to morning walks, you won't get very hot. I'm scared to death of heights, but still like climbing around the slickrock. <BR><BR>The Fiery Furnace ranger hike in Arches was enjoyable for the whole family, but we went in March. In summer, I'd reserve the first walk of the day.<BR><BR>Bryce has beautiful formations, and because of the altitude, doesn't really seem like desert.<BR><BR>The Utah scenery is so magnificent and on such a huge scale that it's worth a look. If you're visiting SW Colorado and want to stay in motels, then Canyonlands (Island in the Sky district) and Arches are easy to reach from Moab. If you are camping, the Needles district of Canyonlands is great. Both the Needles district and Moab are about 3 hours from Durango, just over 2 from Cortez.

Connie,<BR>I have been to many National Parks and southern Utah offers some of the best of the best! SPECTACULAR! INCREDIBLE formations!<BR>Sounds like you have already done the SW Colorado thing from your posting on the other thread about the Million $$$ highway - I would try to add as many days possible for Utah parks.<BR>If you only have a couple days Arches would probably be most feasible. The drive in the park alon is stunning!<BR>Hike through Park Ave. , and DON'T MISS the hike to Delicate Arch at Sunset!!!<BR>If you have a week I would NOT miss Bryce or Zion!!<BR>Green ponderosa pines growing out of deep red rocks - being surrounded in a canyon!<BR>

Thanks so much, all. You have inspired me and given me a different view of the area. Sounds like something we would like. We are campers. Any suggestions on great camping areas. We don't have to have hook ups. We probably will be in a pop up.

Our Fiery Furnace ranger was from Michigan, and she told our group that all of her family back home can't understand why she likes the dry desert so much -- as she tells them, it is NOT a dry desert! There is so much greenery and so much life, just not the green carpet that exists in the Eastern U.S. But there's nothing like the azure sky, blazing red rock and pinion pines of Arches! We love Utah, especially their no-nonsense anti-smoking rules everywhere, yeah!

Connie<BR>There are plenty of camping spots in the NP areas. SOrry I can't think of names. Unfortunately the grounds I have stayed at in Bryce, Zion, and Arches were packed and not much distance between spots.

Hi Connie! If you think you don't like desert areas, you just haven't looked closely enough. Southern Utah is not much different in climate from SW Colorado or northern Arizona, but the geology is completely unique! I'm sure you will really like the parks. Be sure to get on the Natl Park website & get camping reservations if you want to be in the parks. They are in extremely high demand for good reason. Have a great time & take lots of film!