Utah Parks Itinerary (and What to See Between Capitol Reef and SLC)
Jul 6th, 2012, 03:23 PM
#21
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You don't want to be in any slot canyon with Flash Flooding. Just check with visitor cntr before you head into one.
I would probably go with the two extra days, unless the fall color(which is no guarantee)is of great importance. September in Capitol Reef is probably prime time to see the orchards and pick fruit there. I was suprised at how large and how many orchards they have there. Everything from apricots, apples, pears, to almond trees even.
I would probably go with the two extra days, unless the fall color(which is no guarantee)is of great importance. September in Capitol Reef is probably prime time to see the orchards and pick fruit there. I was suprised at how large and how many orchards they have there. Everything from apricots, apples, pears, to almond trees even.
Jul 6th, 2012, 03:26 PM
#22
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Sorry for all the posts. Since you mentioned Angels Landing and The Narrows, you must be a bit adventurous.
The absolute best thing I've done in Utah is Canyoneering in Moab with www.deserthighlights.com
I do know that Zion Adventure Co. does this and a couple of others in zion and escalante/cap reef area too. It is safe and fantastic!!! The more rappelling the better.
The absolute best thing I've done in Utah is Canyoneering in Moab with www.deserthighlights.com
I do know that Zion Adventure Co. does this and a couple of others in zion and escalante/cap reef area too. It is safe and fantastic!!! The more rappelling the better.
Jul 6th, 2012, 05:00 PM
#23
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If you can get two more days in early September then that is a no-brainer. The more time you can get the better.
Does that mean you're including Labor Day weekend? You will want to work on lodging asap if that's the case.
Does that mean you're including Labor Day weekend? You will want to work on lodging asap if that's the case.
Jul 6th, 2012, 06:09 PM
#24
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OK, we have decided: Sept. 2-11 it is! We're hydrating already. We figured the extra two days would be good, and since we live in the Northeast, we already get all the fall foliage we can handle. So excited about this trip!
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:45 AM
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I booked the first three nights at the Best Western Zion Park Inn, and the last night at an airport hotel in SLC. Not sure what to do in between -- we want some flexibility, but we don't want to be stuck sleeping on the side of the road. Really hoping there are cancellations at Bryce Canyon Lodge.
Jul 7th, 2012, 06:32 AM
#29
The night before heading to SLC could be spent in Green River.
We enjoyed staying at the Robbers Roost motel near the west end of town.
Be very careful with any vehicle you rent from Fox. I have rented from Fox in both LV and SLC. Both places rented vehicles that had tire pressure problems.
I arrived mid afternoon in LV and all of the small cars had been rented out. I got a Jeep CJ ragtop for the same price.
When I got to Barstow, I found that one of the tire pressures was at 20psi.
The car I rented at SLC had 90psi in one tire. Wouldn't have noticed except the tire pressure light came on on the dash.
The light stayed on through the rental and I checked the tires in Green River. The gas gague was at half tank when I pulled out of the lot at SLC but the rental paper said it was full.
I like spiro's itinerary.
Make sure everything is right before you leave the lot.
We enjoyed staying at the Robbers Roost motel near the west end of town.
Be very careful with any vehicle you rent from Fox. I have rented from Fox in both LV and SLC. Both places rented vehicles that had tire pressure problems.
I arrived mid afternoon in LV and all of the small cars had been rented out. I got a Jeep CJ ragtop for the same price.
When I got to Barstow, I found that one of the tire pressures was at 20psi.
The car I rented at SLC had 90psi in one tire. Wouldn't have noticed except the tire pressure light came on on the dash.
The light stayed on through the rental and I checked the tires in Green River. The gas gague was at half tank when I pulled out of the lot at SLC but the rental paper said it was full.
I like spiro's itinerary.
Make sure everything is right before you leave the lot.
Jul 7th, 2012, 07:35 AM
#30
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OMG, Ruby's.
We stayed at Ruby's when we visited Bryce.
A truly unique experience in all of my travels!
Don't miss the chuck wagon and hoe down, if you enjoy kitschy western-themed entertainment. We had a great time!
The rooms are clean, there are laundry facilities, and it's very convenient to the park.
We stayed at Ruby's when we visited Bryce.
A truly unique experience in all of my travels!
Don't miss the chuck wagon and hoe down, if you enjoy kitschy western-themed entertainment. We had a great time!
The rooms are clean, there are laundry facilities, and it's very convenient to the park.
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:06 AM
#31
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SZ,
I would try to make some reservations to make sure you are covered during the holiday weekend.
There is another motel now at Bryce besides Ruby's. I think Ruby's is horrible, but that's just my opinion. It's where all the tour bus groups stay.
In Bryce, Torrey, Escalante and Boulder, there are few lodging choices. They are always full for holiday weekends.
What have you decided for an itinerary?
I would try to make some reservations to make sure you are covered during the holiday weekend.
There is another motel now at Bryce besides Ruby's. I think Ruby's is horrible, but that's just my opinion. It's where all the tour bus groups stay.
In Bryce, Torrey, Escalante and Boulder, there are few lodging choices. They are always full for holiday weekends.
What have you decided for an itinerary?
Jul 7th, 2012, 01:20 PM
#32
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tomfuller, I am reading awful things about Fox! I wonder if it's worth the cheaper-by-far rate.
We've got our hotel booked for the holiday weekend. Maybe I should set up the rest of the reservations just in case, and cancel as necessary.
Dayle, here's the tentative itinerary:
1 JFK - LAS - Zion
2 Zion
3 Zion
4 Zion - Bryce Canyon
5 Bryce Canyon
6 Bryce Canyon - Escalante
7 Escalante - Capitol Reef
8 Capitol Reef - Goblin Valley/Little Wildhorse
9 Goblin Valley/Little Wildhorse - SLC
10 SLC - DFW - LGA
We might scale back days 7-9 if we feel we're bouncing around too much.
Thanks, everyone, for all the great advice.
We've got our hotel booked for the holiday weekend. Maybe I should set up the rest of the reservations just in case, and cancel as necessary.
Dayle, here's the tentative itinerary:
1 JFK - LAS - Zion
2 Zion
3 Zion
4 Zion - Bryce Canyon
5 Bryce Canyon
6 Bryce Canyon - Escalante
7 Escalante - Capitol Reef
8 Capitol Reef - Goblin Valley/Little Wildhorse
9 Goblin Valley/Little Wildhorse - SLC
10 SLC - DFW - LGA
We might scale back days 7-9 if we feel we're bouncing around too much.
Thanks, everyone, for all the great advice.
Jul 7th, 2012, 02:16 PM
#33
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SZ,
Just want to make sure you know there is no lodging anywhere near Goblin Valley. You would need to drive on to the junction with I-70 then go west and stay somehwere along the way, or go a ways east (out of your way) to Green River and stay there (not worth the drive out of your way).
Just want to make sure you know there is no lodging anywhere near Goblin Valley. You would need to drive on to the junction with I-70 then go west and stay somehwere along the way, or go a ways east (out of your way) to Green River and stay there (not worth the drive out of your way).
Jul 7th, 2012, 03:47 PM
#34
Green River is fine if you want to drive US 191/6 through Price.
If you take my advice about checking the tire pressures and the gas gauge you should survive your Fox rental. Last time I rented in LV it was with Alamo/National.
The Jeep from Fox was fun to drive in the Mojave Desert where I was not expecting to drive a car.
If you take my advice about checking the tire pressures and the gas gauge you should survive your Fox rental. Last time I rented in LV it was with Alamo/National.
The Jeep from Fox was fun to drive in the Mojave Desert where I was not expecting to drive a car.
Jul 7th, 2012, 03:59 PM
#35
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tomfuller, I think I figured out a hack with the car rental -- long story short, it involves renting a car from a reputable agency in Vegas and dropping it off in St. George, and then renting another car in St. George and dropping it off in SLC. A bit of a hassle, but will likely save at least $500, and avoids the nightmare that could be Fox.
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:31 PM
#36
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SZ - your itinerary looks good. And you've gotten some excellent advice. We did a similar trip a few years ago and our trip report may be helpful to you. Here's a link:
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr&page=1
We will be in the area at the same time as you. Although this trip we are more focused on southeastern Utah. We may run into you along the way!
Bryce is awesome and the Navajo/Queens Garden is a great hike, as is the Fairyland Loop. We camped at Bryce and it was nice. We plan to camp in Capitol Reef (and other places) on this trip. We are sending our camping gear to our first night's lodging since checking luggage is so expensive.
Capitol Reef is one of our favorite's - incredible colors, fascinating geologic features and no crowds. Torrey is a really neat little western town - great place to spend a night or two. I would not recommend the Grand Wash hike though; thought it was boring. We plan to finish the Cohab Canyon hike on this trip since we got cut short last time due to storms. From what we saw though, it was stunning - great views and lots of crazy melting rocks, etc. Can't wait!
You'll want to stop many times along scenic route 12 - some great views and a few places to dip your feet in the Escalante River as well as Calf Creek Falls. You may want to end up in Boulder for the night - Boulder Mtn Lodge is a nice place. We had no trouble getting a room for that same week but Sept is popular. Stop at the Vistors Center at Grand Staircase Escalante for lots of great info on the area.
The drive from Boulder out to Long Canyon on the Burr Trail is really gorgeous and worth the time. Also, the Devils Garden on Hole in the Rock Rd in Escalante is also worth the time. Also enjoyed the drive on Hells Backbone in Escalante.
I don't think you're running around too much day 7-9 but you might want to leave a night or two open just in case you want to change plans due to rainstorms, etc. Its nice to have some flexibility built in. Goblin is a fun place to spend a few hours but you may find it's too far out of your way since there's no where to stay nearby. There is so much to see - you won't have any trouble filling the time.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. The planning is lots of fun and everyone has so much great info to share.
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr&page=1
We will be in the area at the same time as you. Although this trip we are more focused on southeastern Utah. We may run into you along the way!
Bryce is awesome and the Navajo/Queens Garden is a great hike, as is the Fairyland Loop. We camped at Bryce and it was nice. We plan to camp in Capitol Reef (and other places) on this trip. We are sending our camping gear to our first night's lodging since checking luggage is so expensive.
Capitol Reef is one of our favorite's - incredible colors, fascinating geologic features and no crowds. Torrey is a really neat little western town - great place to spend a night or two. I would not recommend the Grand Wash hike though; thought it was boring. We plan to finish the Cohab Canyon hike on this trip since we got cut short last time due to storms. From what we saw though, it was stunning - great views and lots of crazy melting rocks, etc. Can't wait!
You'll want to stop many times along scenic route 12 - some great views and a few places to dip your feet in the Escalante River as well as Calf Creek Falls. You may want to end up in Boulder for the night - Boulder Mtn Lodge is a nice place. We had no trouble getting a room for that same week but Sept is popular. Stop at the Vistors Center at Grand Staircase Escalante for lots of great info on the area.
The drive from Boulder out to Long Canyon on the Burr Trail is really gorgeous and worth the time. Also, the Devils Garden on Hole in the Rock Rd in Escalante is also worth the time. Also enjoyed the drive on Hells Backbone in Escalante.
I don't think you're running around too much day 7-9 but you might want to leave a night or two open just in case you want to change plans due to rainstorms, etc. Its nice to have some flexibility built in. Goblin is a fun place to spend a few hours but you may find it's too far out of your way since there's no where to stay nearby. There is so much to see - you won't have any trouble filling the time.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. The planning is lots of fun and everyone has so much great info to share.
Jul 8th, 2012, 04:34 AM
#37
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Sharondi, your trip report was fantastic (I read the whole thing!). Thanks so much for sharing it. I think we have similar traveling styles so we'll probably steal a lot of your ideas. You also answered one of my everything-I-wanted-to-know-but-was-too-afraid-to-ask questions: can you get good beer in southern Utah? (Gotta try that Polygamy Porter.)
Your races against the weather were harrowing! As a NYer, what did you think of hiking in the heat? It's been in the mid-90s in NYC this week and it's pretty miserable -- I really want to believe the dry heat is, as they say, different.
Your races against the weather were harrowing! As a NYer, what did you think of hiking in the heat? It's been in the mid-90s in NYC this week and it's pretty miserable -- I really want to believe the dry heat is, as they say, different.
Jul 8th, 2012, 04:37 AM
#38
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Another question: are we gonna need a Jeep or a four-wheel drive or whatever? And what's the driving like, generally? Lots of twisty roads or...? My husband will probably do most of it since I'm a city girl who prefers trains!
Jul 8th, 2012, 08:47 AM
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SZ,
I'm so glad Sharon directed you to their trip report, as their Utah trips are always well planned and adventurous!
There is a company called St. George Shuttle that specializes in shuttling (imagine!) people to/from LV for flights. You might want to check into their prices for a good comparision vs. 2 diff car rentals.
You don't need a 4x4 unless you plan to do a lot of dirt/gravel roads. I do understand however, that the rental companies do not allow their 4x4s off road. Go figure.
The portion of the Burr Trail Sharon mentioned is paved out to Long Canyon (a mini slot). Hole in the Rock road and Hell's Backbone are not. The road out past Goblin Valley to Little Wildhorse is not either.
The scenic roads in Utah vary greatly. Some I would call twisty and very steep. Some are flat. It's very subjective!
Don't worry about it. You will have a great time and lots of wonderful memories and pictures.
I'm so glad Sharon directed you to their trip report, as their Utah trips are always well planned and adventurous!
There is a company called St. George Shuttle that specializes in shuttling (imagine!) people to/from LV for flights. You might want to check into their prices for a good comparision vs. 2 diff car rentals.
You don't need a 4x4 unless you plan to do a lot of dirt/gravel roads. I do understand however, that the rental companies do not allow their 4x4s off road. Go figure.
The portion of the Burr Trail Sharon mentioned is paved out to Long Canyon (a mini slot). Hole in the Rock road and Hell's Backbone are not. The road out past Goblin Valley to Little Wildhorse is not either.
The scenic roads in Utah vary greatly. Some I would call twisty and very steep. Some are flat. It's very subjective!
Don't worry about it. You will have a great time and lots of wonderful memories and pictures.
Jul 8th, 2012, 10:32 AM
#40
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Thanks, Dayle. I needed someone to tell me not to worry! (I am a very talented worrier.) I looked into the Vegas-St. George shuttle first, and while renting a car will be a bit more expensive, it seems easier and faster than taking the shuttle to St. George and then a taxi to SGU. Plus, God help me, my husband wants to see a little of Vegas before we head into Utah.
