janddstone,
We did a 9 day trip last Sept that you might be interested in checking out. There is a trip report with photos here:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr

We skipped Moab this past trip (there have been several previous trips) to concentrate on Bryce, Grand Staircase Escalante/Rte 12, and Capitol Reef. We were also eager to finally do the hike into Horseshoe Canyon to see the Great Gallery.

I'd suggest staying right in Springdale so you can walk to dinner, etc. Majestic View is a mile or more from "downtown" Springdale.

I highly recommend the Boulder Mtn Lodge. And we've enjoyed many wonderful meals at the on-site restaurant, Hells Backbone Grill. We also love Capitol Reef - it's dramatic scenery, lack of crowds, and the lovely little town of Torrey. I'd recommend adding a night. http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/86221790

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34899013

There are so many other great sites to see enroute to the parks, it's nice to have some time to check them out. The Devil's Garden (near Escalante - Hole in the Rock Road): http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85698056

Long Canyon: http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/86567181

Goblin State Park:
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/21330431

The Great Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/86046469

You'll have an amazing trip no matter where you end up staying. It is all so spectacular. Let us know what you decide.

Dayle, I was looking at the Kiva room at the Dreamkeeper Inn. I understand the bathroom is not in the room. It is a private bath in the hall...How was this set up? My husband was a little leary with that. We are looking for a non chain type accomadation. The pool and grounds look nice. What say you?? Thanks!

Allison,

The Kiva Room is their smallest, but I think really nice. It has it's own gorgeous stone fireplace and it's the only room with one. The bathroom is right next to the room and is private with your own key.

The main house only has 4 rooms. The other two rooms are in the cottage in the back on the other side of the pool. I have never stayed in the Kiva myself, but I really wouldn't hesitate.

The Dreamkeeper is very quiet and I've always met very nice people there. They have lots of return guests which is why it's necessary to book far in advance.

The backyard is just paradise. Green and shady, hammocks, flowers, pool, hot tub. Great for relaxing at the end of the day or on a hot afternoon.

My only note is that the breakfasts aren't quite as good as with the previous owners (changed hands about 4 years ago). Those breakfasts were AWESOME. Now they are just ok.

Dayle, Thanks for the reply. They did have a vacancy..I'll see if I can still grab it!

I went through SW Utah when I moved to Vegas from Indianapolis. It probably is the most beautiful scenery I've seen (saw it in December and snow was on the mountains). I lucked out on the weather - didn't get snow and the roads were good. I saw Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Monument Valley in two days. I drove through - didn't hike. I ran out of time to see Zion but since I live so close I can see it anytime. I got the idea of seeing these parks from an article in Budget Frommer's Magazine sometime in 2005. If I can find where the article is online, I will let you know. It outlined what to see with a map. Glad I did it - I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the parks. Hardly anyone was there and it was so beautiful and peaceful.

Found it - it was in the September 2005 issue (I moved here in Dec. 2005).


http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/c...072900733.html - 49k

blondie,

"I saw Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Monument Valley in two days."

I guess all you saw was the entrance of each.