Would Torrey be a good base for Moab/Canyonlands
 

Hi, I am planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids (8 and 5) for next summer. I have been reading these forums and have gleaned so much already from you guys. Thank you. This is what I have so far. We plan to fly in to LV, stay in the Bryce Lodge, and then do Capitol Reef, Dead Horse State Park, Arches/Moab and Canyonlands. My question-- would it work to stay in Torrey as a base to do Capitol Reef, DHSP, Arches and Canyonlands? Or do you recommend another town? Should we just stay in Moab at one of the chain hotels? Realistically, my kids are going to need a break here and there from gaping at the natural beauty/hiking, so I wanted to find a place that hopefully has a pool and in town with character. Thanks very much.

No... You'd be looking at about 3 hours drive each way from Torrey to Arches/Canyonlands/DHSP. Torrey is a great base for Capitol Reef. Moab is a great base for Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse State Park.

Summer will be hot hot hot.

Definitely stay in Moab if you want to visit Arches and Canyonlands.

Is there a reason you're skipping Zion? I much prefer it to Arches and Canyonlands. Springdale makes for a nice base and the shuttle makes getting into/out of the park easy.

Stay in Moab if you can get lodging. If you can't, look in Green River, about an hour from Arches and Canyonlands.

Different strokes, unlike indy hiker, I like Arches and Canyonlands way more than Zion and have been to all three areas multiple times.

I should have added, Torrey is about 2 and a half to 3 hours from Moab.

For Moab--there is set of condos that have an odd, indoor pool. The condos are very nice and a bit off the main street but still in town. They are the Cottonwood Condos and various property places rent them out. But otherwise, you are looking at a chain if you want to find a pool with great wifi access etc. We like staying at the Marriott Springhill Suites north of town for the pool plus you get some more space. In Torrey--try the Chuckwagon Inn place. They have cabins and even an apartment that they rent out--it is over their general store and a great place to stay. They don't have "boutique" hotels in Moab or Torrey. The scenery is what gives the whole place character.

Meant to add--if you click on my user name you will find trip reports for all of the big 5 parks in Utah--we live in SLC and travel around Utah with our kids all the time.

What sludick said. Torrey for Capitol Reef and Moab for Arches and Canyonland. There are a zillion hotels and motels in Moab in all price ranges. Torrey is more limited.

Like indyhiker, I also wonder why you're skipping Zion, which Is my favorite (maybe you've been there before?). It really is amazing, and Springdale makes a good base.

When driving between Bryce and Torrey (and that is a spectacular drive along Highway 12) do be sure to stop at the Head of the Rocks wayside viewpoint for an incredible view. When you get to Boulder I recommend you take a side trip and drive along the Burr Trail for awhile for some amazing scenery. You'll have to retrace your route to return to highway 12, but that's OK, the scenery is wonderful going both directions.

Between Torrey and Moab you should stop at Goblin Valley State Park, a valley full of fascinating sandstone formations that some people think resemble goblins. I found it unique and fascinating, one of the most interesting places I've ever been.

For cheaper lodging DW and I stayed at the Robbers Roost in Green River to visit Canyonlands (Island in the Sky), Arches, Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef.
It wasn't fancy, but it was about half of the cost for anything decent in Moab.

I agree with Green River is a more economical option for all parks.
It does NOT have a variety of restaurants or night activity.
If you do select GR, visit their Powell Museum.
They also have guided river trips (as does Moab)

Rays Tavern serves the best hamburger in Utah plus craft beers.

Vaga

Sleep Inn in Moab is pretty affordable, rates vary tremendously depends on time of year and weekend vs weekday