Utah sites

[snowbirds R us]

Could I get from the members here, the following preferred National Park sites in Utah, in the order of preference. We don't have time to see them all so we need to find the most liked. We will enter Utah, westbound, at Grand Junction in Colorado on our way to Portland, Oregon. Sites are: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion. This will be our last trip out west for quite a while. Thank You all for your input.

[jsb5717]

I can't speak to all of those on your list since we haven't seen all of them either. Last Spring we visited Bryce and Arches and plan to see Zion next Spring. Arches has a lot of very amazing things to see, definitely worth doing. But Bryce was breathtaking. Every angle and the changing shadows throughout the day just made us want to stay and take it in. We stayed at Ruby's RV Park just outside of Bryce. Very nice park and very convenient to Bryce. So, for now, if you haven't visited Bryce I would highly recommend it.

But since we are still visiting these places ourselves there could well be others equally amazing. I'm sure others will have personal experiences to share.

[twindman]

You could stop at Arches, Canyonlands, and Capital Reef kind of a little off your path. I know that Arches has only reservations to enter something like 8 am to 4 pm. so be aware.

[snowbirds R us]

Originally Posted by twindman

You could stop at Arches, Canyonlands, and Capital Reef kind of a little off your path. I know that Arches has only reservations to enter something like 8 am to 4 pm. so be aware.

Didn't know about the reservations at Arches

[MandK]

Originally Posted by snowbirds R us

Didn't know about the reservations at Arches

We are going to go next year hopefully.
Many of the national parks are going to timed entry because of the crowds. Here’s some info.
https://www.discovermoab.com/reserva...SAAEgKCK_D_BwE

[jsb5717]

Originally Posted by snowbirds R us

Didn't know about the reservations at Arches

Yes, we made reservations for Arches a couple months ahead and it worked out great. Almost no line to get in.

Many of the parks have shuttle systems to all of the main viewing areas, Arches does not. That could be part of the need for reservations.

[prndl]

I seem to remember that if you get in line early, like 6-7AM you can get in without reservations. They might have changed that policy though.
If you want to see rainbow arch you MUST get in early and when you get into the park drive without stopping all the way to the end which is the parking area for rainbow.
You will have plenty of time to see all the other stops as you drive back.

[snowbirds R us]

Thank you all for the useful information.

[utah997]

Originally Posted by snowbirds R us

Didn't know about the reservations at Arches

Glad someone mentioned this. Make sure and get on the website ahead of time and book your reservations.

Honestly, not sure how much time you have, but between Arches and the surrounding Moab area, you could spend a week there and still be wanting for more. All depends on if you are wanting to see stuff from the car, or get out and hike.

If you are interested in hiking, PM me and I'll send you a list of some great hikes. Have fun!

[Keith Schweizer]

Time of year might be a factor as the southern part of Utah will be HOT July, August, September. Also this time of year Flash flooding can be a factor in Zion on any given day. Same for Arches Moab area.
Page Arizona/Utah has many slot canyons as well many on Navajo Nation land where they will take you to the areas of interest.
As stated above, a week might just be enough for some. Some visitors could stay a month, OR more.

Enjoy!!

[TWC84]

For Capital Reef, we stayed at Wonderland RV Park. For Bryce Canyon, we stayed at Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground. For Zion, we stayed at Zion River Resort. Just remember that depending on the size of your RV, there's a height-restricted tunnel on Highway 9 coming into Zion from the east. I don't remember the clearance but we were too tall at 13'5".

[Coddiwomple Travelers]

We just made a trip through there this past spring. We would recommend Arches, Bryce and Zion. Just our 2 cents worth

[sthartle]

You definitely need reservations to Arches and plan for a 45-60 minute line before you get to guard station for your reservation. If you go before or after operating hours you can usually drive in. There are several RV Parks in Moab. They are expensive, around $100-125. You could base in Moab and drive to both Arches and Canyonlands. It is very hot in the summer. Stay hydrated. Seems basic but there has already been a couple of deaths because people didn't take enough water on their hike. If you like to hike, there are several trails at both locations. If you don't, you can still see plenty from your vehicle. Arches can be seen in a day and Canyonlands can be seen in half a day. Shaka Guide App has audio tours if you like that kind of thing.

[traveldawg]

Originally Posted by snowbirds R us

Could I get from the members here, the following preferred National Park sites in Utah, in the order of preference. We don't have time to see them all so we need to find the most liked. We will enter Utah, westbound, at Grand Junction in Colorado on our way to Portland, Oregon. Sites are: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion. This will be our last trip out west for quite a while. Thank You all for your input.

All things considered I would suggest things in this order.....
1. Moab - Arches & Canyonlands: You can actually experience most of Arches in one day if you stick to the sites closest to the road (most all major sites) and not take long hikes. Anything more than that and you can pick one or two hikes you might want to take. Pack a lunch, go in really early - get an early pass or go in before the pass times start (hint - go about 30 minutes after you pass time and avoid a wait for those lining up early).

2. While in Moab visit Canyonlands - another day visit to the most popular sites. Stay for a sunset and enjoy some dark sky watching. Or go in before sun up and visit the Mesa Arch sunrise - then explore the park.

3. While in Moab - take the Cowboy Dinner and Evening Cruise on the Colorado river. Great experience. Or go up to Red Cliffs Lodge for a sunset dinner. Got more time - hike Grandstaff trail; get there early for a parking spot; not too hard a hike with an arch at the end.

4. Head to Torrey, UT and visit Capitol Reef. Spend another day for the high spots or a few days to take in some hikes.

5. Visit Bryce. if you don't mind curvy roads take UT12 - an unforgettable experience and sights. Bryce is a day is doable too (or take 5 days and hike IN the 'canyon'. Stay at Ruby's. Take the park buses without the need for a car. Take the bus into the park, walk along the rim toward the entrance and when you get tired of that get back the bus at one of the stops.

6. Crowded, packed busses, overrun with bikes. If you aren't planning one particular hike just skip this park.

If time is short then head toward Portland after Torrey (Capitol Reef).

[Jerart]

If you stay in Moab you can visit arches and canyonlands very easy we stay at Spanish trails nice friendly campground

[allenclme]

Originally Posted by snowbirds R us

Could I get from the members here, the following preferred National Park sites in Utah, in the order of preference. We don't have time to see them all so we need to find the most liked. We will enter Utah, westbound, at Grand Junction in Colorado on our way to Portland, Oregon. Sites are: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion. This will be our last trip out west for quite a while. Thank You all for your input.

If you do one thing and are able to, the hike up to delicate arch in arches is breathtaking. Bryce is excellent as is Zion. Canyonlands is good by Jeep and I’d recommend driving Schaefer Trail from Potash up to the Island in the sky entrance. I live here so I’m slightly biased. It’s hot in the summer so May or early October are good times

[marric1]

As others have said, you should start by staying in or around Moab. You can hit Arches and Canyonlands which has two separate areas, Island In the Sky and Needles Districts. You'll need 3 or 4 days to see these 3 areas. Also when going to Island In The Sky you will pass by Dead Horse Point State Park which is also a must see while in the area.
When you head toward Capitol Reef if you go to I-70 then down Hwy 24 you'll pass by Goblin Valley State Park. If you go that way you should definitely stop there. The other option to get to Capitol Reef is to go south from Moab to Blanding then take highway 95. This will add about 2 to 3 hours to the trip but that drive is amazing. That way you go right by Natural Bridges National Monument, which is another good stop. Then you can head on in to Capitol Reef.
No matter which way you go you'll find some interesting sights. If you do decide to go to Bryce the most scenic is Scenic Byway Highway 12. Many don't like the hilly winding road but I have pulled my Montana over the road 4 times and never had a problem and it is a very beautiful drive. Try to stay at Ruby's Inn RV Park. Very nice place. Happy and safe travels.

[shredder22]

Great info on this thread, thanks!