LoisL

I'm considering changing my iterary to be able to spend more time around Canyonlands and Dead Horse. However, I've been reading up, and several times it was mentioned that four wheel drive vehicles are needed. We will be renting a Ford Focus, most likely. And, I've also been reading that many things close up the end of Oct. I was hoping to get a guided tour of the parks because I'd feel more relaxed with someone driving who's familiar with the area. It seems they close down the end of Oct. as well.

I'm leaning toward spending at least one night in Moab, providing we will be able to get around on our own, after Nov. 1, in a regular car. Any advice?

Also, we're considering spending one day around Antelope Park, and the Mirgratory Bird Sanctuary, both of which seem to be fairly close together. My husband is into watching birds of prey, especially eagles, which we don't really have around here.

Are there recommended scenic drives within a few hours of Salt Lake City and/or Park City? Keep in mind please, that I'm looking for relaxing, safe roads. I've read about several scenic drives that get my attention, till it's mentioned that large vehicles are not recommended, or it actually states that they drive is adventurous. I'm thinking that I'll have to return to see this area by booking a tour. Strangely, it doesn;t bother me as much when I'm in a bus with a group of others to distract me. Plus, my husband gets to enjoy the trip more, without me making him crazy!

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice. I will let you know how I made out, when I return!

MikeBuckley

Lois,

All of the national parks near Moab are very easy to enjoy on your own without the need of a guided tour. If you go to the park websites you'll find maps proving that there are relatively few choices to make in terms of what roads to take within the parks. There is a ranger station near the entrance to each park. Stop at the station and the rangers will be very happy to let you know the most popular points of interest. In summary, I would encourage you to see those Moab parks while you've got this wonderful opportunity. I've never heard of anyone being the least bit disappointed in seeing them on their own.

The only reason you would need a 4-wheel drive auto in the parks is if you want to do stuff on an unpaved road or if there is a lot of snow. (I have no idea if it snows in Moab in November.)In Arches, I think there are only two unpaved roads (verifiable by looking at the park map). In the Island District of Canyonlands, you wouldn't want to go on the unpaved roads because of the sheer drop-offs and hair-pin curves. Unfortunately, I haven't done any off-road stuff in in the Needles District of Canyonlands other than a truly hair-raising section of Elephant Hill.

Sorry that I can't help with drives in the Salt Lake City or Park City area.

Good luck! Be sure to let us know your decision before you go and your reaction once you return.

utahtea

LoisL,

You mentioned one night in Moab??? I'm confused. Is that all you were planning on spending there? I would make Moab your base to explore Arches and Canyonlands from there and plan on at least 3 nights so you have 2 full days.

Arches and Canyonlands deserve at least one day each to really see them. You DO NOT need 4 wheel drive to see these parks and I would worry about tours that took you in 4 wheel drive vehicles...they might go off road. The last several years we've been to these parks all we've had is our motorhome! We have rented 4x4 Jeeps on two occasions, but that is to go off road and I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND that for you! These parks are easy to do on our own. Drive in, stop at all the scenic turnouts and just enjoy the scenery and walk around a little.

You might consider making a day trip down to the Needles District of Canyonlands from Moab. All the roads will be easy driving. In the Needles District you are in the canyon instead of ontop of the canyon. You will also pass Newspaper Rock State Park.

We don't spend much time around SLC but I do know to the west is the Great Salt Lake (which if flat) and to the east is the MOUNTAINS. Most of the scenic driving will be in the mountains.

If you need more to do, you can make a side trip to Capitol Reef Natioal Park. From I-70 take Hwy 24 south to Hanksville and then on to Capitol Reef. Capitol Reef can be seen from the scenic drive (which is down in the canyon). Torrey, Utah is just 11 miles from the park and has lodging. When you leave, continue west on Hwy 24 to Loa and back up to I-70. This route is no worse than the interstate for traveling.

I don't have any experience in this are in November. I don't know about snow and road conditions. Sorry.

Utahtea

brookwood

You don't need a guided tour of any of those parks. All you do is drive to an overlook, peer over, and get back in your vehicle. In a few cases there are trails to walk, but all of them are well marked.

I have taken Ranger led hikes, but that was mostly for the lecture, not for the guiding services. Millions of people visit NP's every year totally on their own.

In a few cases like Carlsbad Caverns, some routes require an escorted hike, but that is more to protect the cave than anything else.

The Fiery Furnace in Arches might be the one exception. I took it before it was escorted!! That of course was years ago. I suppose people got lost, but I never figured out why.

LoisL

Once again, thanks for all the advice. We will only be there for four days, which is way too short, but all we could manage for this trip. Judging from the information offered here, I not only need more time, but I will want more time! This trip will give us a good idea of what we want to plan for, on a return trip. Under the circumstances, it's just as well that I don't have too adventurous a trip this time, since I'm still recovering from hip replacement surgery, and am limited in what I can do. At least I will know when NOT to go [I'd have loved doing a boat trip -- NOT afraid of water!] and I'll be better able to get around.

I feel better knowing we can go through parts of the park safely on our own, and it's also good to know there will be information available for us at each destination. I didn't realize that.

Thanks again. I will be sure to post a report when I return!

LoisL

I wanted to thank everyone who responded to my question. Thanks to all your suggestions, I feel more comfortable with the trip. And, Utahtea, I've decided to stay two nights in Moab, thanks to your advice. It certainly makes more sense. I have also changed our reservation from Park City to Ogden. I was concerned that there is already snow in Park City [skiers must be laughing at that comment!] I have to keep reminding myself to check altitudes of these areas, since it's not something that ever comes up where I live.

I will post a trip report when we return. Thanks again.

Carrabella

Dayle.....
No, unfortunately, our skiing days are over! Too expensive to risk a fracture of our arthritic limbs in a foreign clime! We just like the snow and the atmosphere, and would probably spend the time walking round where we could and driving round to see the sights, on day trips. Not a good idea? Maybe roads too icy? We intend to have a few days in LA and Vegas, and then have three weeks to do as we please. Intend to see Tuscon and environs, and Bryce Zion etc. but your description of Park City sounded inviting, especially at a bargain price - in our retirement, we like to travel often, so the cheaper the better. After the USA, we are going on to Germany,and Bangkok on the way home. .
Carrabella