Zion, Bryce, Torrey - timing question
 

Hi - After reading all your advice over months we've decided on a 7 day trip to Utah in mid April. I plan to fly into Las Vegas. We will stay 3 nights at Zion, 3 at Bryce and 1 in Torrey. Is that a good break up of time for people who plan to hike a lot? Then possibly 1 in Las Vegas before flying out.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to do this - driving time wise, scenery wise, etc. Do we go to Torrey first (6 hours according to mapquest - is that right?), then back track to Bryce and then Zion?

Or do we do Zion, then up to Torrey and back to Bryce? Or doesn't it matter?

I wouldn't mind doing the drive up to Torrey first if it isn't exhausting after flying from the East coast. I'm wondering if the scenery is better from one direction or the other. Yikes this is confusing.

Maybe someone can just tell me what to do and then I can stop thinking about it!

Thanks, sue

Sue,

I am sure you will get more detailed opinions on this but:

3 days in Bryce is a lot. There is not that much there in terms of variety, meal options, etc. It's beautiful but 2 days will cover all it has to offer.

I have not been to Torrey but my experience driving to Zion, Bryce and beyond tells me that it will be longer than 6 hours. Hwy. 12 is not speedy driving plus it is so beautiful that you will want to stop often just to drink it in.

3 days in Zion is good IMHO, I could spend more but that should be just fine.

I think you will get more detailed opinions but that is my .02 Have a great trip!

One other thing I just realized...you mentioned April. Bryce is very likely to have snow at that time, possibly significant. It will definately be cool...cold is not out of the question.

You can make it to Torrey in 6 hours by taking I-15 up to I-70 and then Hwy 24. That drive is no where as scenic as coming and going though Zion & scenic Hwy 12.

I would be more inclined to do Zion, Torrey and then Bryce so you could drive scenic hwy 12 both directions.

As placeu2 mentioned there could still be snow in Bryce and I don't know how the hiking trails will be.

There is a lot of hiking at Capitol Reef so you might want take one of the nights away from Bryce and spend it at Capitol Reef. There is also hiking on Hwy 12 at Calf Creek to the falls and at Escalante State Park to see the petrified wood. We haven't done the Calf Creek falls trail.

Here's a great website:

http://www.so-utah.com/hwy12/homepage.html

Utahtea

Thanks for the help. So - Capitol Reef should not have any snow? - I'm not up on the elevations there. sue

Hi Sue,

For April:

3 Zion
1 Bryce
2 Boulder
1 Torrey

Bryce will be much cooler (8,000 ft.) and yes there may be snow.

Definitely drive Hwy 12. You will not be sorry. Take your time and see:

Devil's Garden & other sites in Grand Staircase/Escalante Natl Monument including Hell's Backbone and Calf Creek Falls. This is the right time of year for wildflowers and pleasant hiking temps. Very popular area to visit for Utahns in April - we know when to go! Calf Creek Falls is very beautiful, one of the best hikes with a great reward at the end!

Stay overnight in Boulder. Recommend the Boulder Mtn Inn. Wonderful! Advance reservations a must.

Then drive over the mountain through aspen groves to Torrey.

Elevations:

Springdale, Utah 3,912
Torrey, Utah 6,830
Boulder, Utah 6,640
Bryce is starts at 8,000

Utahtea