Hi, Could I have some help? I am the team leader of three couples. We are planning a first time trip in Oct 3 to Utah. Here is the issue we were thinking two couples would like to fly into Las Vegas for cheap air fare and to see vegas a day or two , do the Dam and travel to Grand canyon. We would meet up with the third couple on oct 9 either in Salt lake or Grand Junction for a base stay in Moab. We would rent a house in Moab see Arches, canyonland and just chill. Leave Moab on 16th travel a southern route to Monument to Grand Canyon for the third couple to see and end in Las Vegas and depart on Saturday Oct 21 back home east. Is this do able? Enough time without dying with the driving? Any suggestions for stops? Acommodations/ must see sights? We were thinking for the first two couples we would see Bryce and Zion on our way to Moab. Any pros and cons? Thank you. Rosetta

From Oct. 3rd to Oct. 9th I don't think you will have enought time to see Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion and then make it to Salt Lake City or Grand Junction with much time at each place.

If the first two couples have to drive to pick up the third couple, then Grand Junction will be the closer of the two. Is it possible for the third couple to just meet the other two couples in Moab and save the first 2 couples anywhere from 165 to 215 miles and 3 to 5 hours of driving time?

Since you plan on seeing the Grand Canyon on the way back to Las Vegas with all three couples, I'd skip it on the way to Moab and spend the time in Zion and Bryce and driving scenic hwy 12 to Torrey and add a trip to Capitol Reef National Park.

Oct. 3, Las Vegas
Oct. 4 Las Vegas
Oct. 5 drive 3 hours to Zion, spend the night
Oct. 6 Zion
Oct. 7 Up early drive 2 hours to Bryce, see park, spend night
Oct. 8 Drive scenic Hwy 12 to Torrey. Capitol Reef is just 11 miles east. Spend the night in Torrey
Oct. 9 Drive to either Salt Lake or Grand Junction to pick up 3rd couple
Oct. 10-15 in Moab...great choice by the way! There's so much to do in this area...I'll save that for another post if you need ideas.

When you leave Moab on the 16th that will give you a 1 or 2 nights at Monument Valley & 2 Grand Canyon. You should have time to see the Dam on your way into Las Vegas. If you only spend one night at Monument Valley that will give you a day in Las Vegas.

There are other options too, like Canyon de Chelly and Lake Powell.

Utahtea

Hi R,

I love utahtea's suggested itinerary.

Also, I was thinking the same thing about picking up the 3rd couple. SLC and Grand Junction are not "on the way" to Moab. The 3rd couple should be able to just meet you there. This will also give you more flexibility with 2 vehicles.

I'm wondering about your plan to rent a house in Moab. Have you already checked this out? As far as I know, vacation rental houses in Moab are nearly nonexistant. There are condos.

You are going to have a wonderful time. I just got back from Moab this afternoon. We had perfect weather.

Happy hiking!

Dayle,

I was thinking that 3rd couple could even get a shuttle to Moab.

http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/t...on/shuttle.php

Utahtea

Hi R and Utahtea,

Two personal experience comments. Moab Adventure Center is owned by Western River Expeditions, a very top notch company. I dated the owner just a couple times, nice man.

I would not recommend Coyote Shuttle. Their owner (driving on business) rear-ended me on the Potash Road at 70 mph. Launched my Jeep Grand Cherokee off the road, airborne through the trees, and almost into the Colorado River. Totaled my car and I spent the rest of my day in the Moab hospital with a concussion.

Wouldn't want to drive anywhere that with guy!

Thanks so much for the suggestions. We will arrive in Moab on the 9,depart 15, so that should give us enough time for the third couple to see MV and Grand canyon,plus Vegas. I like the idea of skipping Grand canyon on our way to Moab and seeing it on the way back. I also will check the shuttle service you recommened. I am still up in the air about what type of car rentals to get for 6 adults, or if we will need 2 cars for luggage etc. Our house rental does not require 4x4 just a high clearance car in case of flooding.I certainly would appreciate the post on what to see and do in Moab. I hope we are not staying too long in Moab. I have to confirm dates by the 12th so that is why I am trying to get feedback asap. Thanks again. Rosetta

Things to do in Moab:

River rafting trip on the Colorado River.

Do a 4 wheel drive tours or rent a couple of jeeps and go on your own adventure. Take the Potash Road to the Shafer Trail up to Canyonlands and then Long Canyon back. Even if you don't do the whole drive, at least drive the paved part of the Potash Road to see the petroglyphs.

Two days for hiking in Arches to do several of the hikes. Delicate Arch hike, Landscape arch - Dark Angel hike, Park Avenue to name a few.

At least one day for Canyonlands, Island in the Sky District and Dead Horse State Park. The short Mesa Arch hike is a must and I really like the Grand View hike.

Make a circle drive going out Hwy 128 to Fisher Towers, then continue on out Hwy 128. You will cross the Colorado River near the Old Dewey Bridge which is now closed. We crossed this one lane bridge back in the 1970's! Continue on to Cisco and then head west on I-70 and get off in Thompson Springs and take the only road north out of town for about 3 miles to Seco Canyon petroglyphs, and return to Moab on Hwy 191. OR do the whole circle in reverse so you can see the canyon get narrower and narrower as you approach Moab. BTW, while on I-70 for this stretch...watch for bald eagles!

Drive Kane Creek road and see more petroglyphs.

Take a day and drive down to the Needles District of Canyonlands. Stop at Newspaper State Park on the way in.

Take the mountain loop road for a drive by Castle Valley and up into the La Sal Mountains.

You might be able to fit some chill time in to!

Utahtea

Dayle,

I've never used any of those shuttles, it just looked like a good idea. Thanks for the heads up!

Utahtea

Forgot one of my favorite websites: http://www.so-utah.com/archcany/homepage.html

Utahtea

Hi Utahtea, Have you used max bertola's free trip planner? Know of anyone that used it? I am kind of leary to send all that info to a stranger. I will certainly check outthe links. Thanks again.Rosetta

Rosetta,

No I have not used Max's Bertola's free trip planner. I just really like his web site and the information on Utah that he has there.

Utahtea

Hi again Rosetta,

Don't worry. 6 days in Moab is not too long at all! SO much to do and see. You will be glad you have that time.

Utahtea and Dayle,When we leave Moab and travel to MV will there be an opportuniity to do a horse trip?My husband doesn't care where in the trip we do the horses so maybe another park would be better? I found gouldings and the valley of the gods B&B as possible lodging. My husband likes the idea of stopping on Lake powell for a boat ride or trip. He also wants to stay at the Grand canyon,I presume the south rim with our driving directions. He would like to take a plane/helicopter ride over the GC. Some suggestions/routes etc. you are both a tremendous help. Thanks Rosetta

Hi Everyone, Just an update. I received a price quote for shuttle service from Grand Junction.Co to Moab and for the smallest vehicle which holds 6, $200 one way. I also found another suggestion form another post that Thrifty car rentals at Grand Junction airport has a drop off in Moab and a one way , rental is as little as $50. We have found our solution. Hope it helps someone else in the future. Rosetta

Can't help with the horseback rides, we've never done one. But the all day Rainbow Bridge Boat tour of Lake Powell is really good. I it!

Utahtea