Help w my Utah Trip Itenerary

shaggy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 02:30 PM

Too much to see , too little time!! I had a lot of help oy but still confused so I know my expert buddies will help me out. We had originally planned 2 days at Zion, 2 days at Bryce, 2 days at GC North Rim but the concensus is that we don't need to do 2 days at Bryce & Zion since I can't do much hiking because of my leg.

We arrive in Las Vegas on Thurs Sept 18th early enough to maybe stop at VOF on way to St George where we are staying at the new Coral Ridge in Hurricane. The only thing we have to do is is spend the night at a cabin on the rim at the Grand Canyon on Monday . Other than that we are open. I'd like to stay at the ts as much as possible but I've been recommended to see Escalante area . We could do that maybe after NRGC ? Just trying to make the most of our time without too much backtracking. And how am I going to see Hwy 12 and stay at the ts? ARRRRR!! Help.

Thanks, please rescue one confused Shaggy!!

I forgot we are spending Friday night in Vegas as we have an early flight out on Sat.

Pstreet1 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 05:15 PM

Since you won't be hiking, you will be "doing" the parks rather quickly. In my opinion, you may start to overdose on the gorgeous red rocks; before long as you are just driving through them, they can take on a similarity. Don't know if there is any way to do it, but if you could space "the rocks" with some other sights, I think you'd enjoy them more. Have you given any thought to going to Salt Lake? The lake itself is interesting, and the Mormon history is very interesting. If you can manage to be in Salt Lake on a Sunday morning, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearses for 30-45 minutes (and it's free to attend the rehearsal) before their radio show. You may remain for the radio show (30 minutes) if you like. The Beehive house is interesting; some of the sites used for the Olympics have tours and are interesting; touring Temple Square (a low walking tour) is interesting. A little east and south of Salt Lake is Robert Redford's Sundance, where the film festivals are. That's interesting. There's a dam a little north of Salt Lake....maybe Flaming Gorge--just can't remember the name...it's interesting.

Out of Las Vegas, there's the Hoover Dam, and it's well worth touring.

Anyway, those are some ideas that might help to break up the rocks a bit. I love the rocks, but when you see too many, they can start to look like "just another rock," and that's a shame.

shaggy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 08:17 PM

Pat, we will be stopping at each overlook to take pics and also do some short hikes, but nothing too strenuous. I know what you mean by overdosing. The last time I did this (my neighbors first trip) Kelli said if I see one more rock I'm gona scream. I don't want to go as far as Salt Lake but I do thank you for your input. shaggy

btcctomtb · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 11:15 PM

I have wanted to return since the day I left and that was over 10 years ago. 1 Day at Bryce and 1 at Zion probably is enough. Although I think I could do 2 at Bryce. Zion still only 1. Driving in Zion at night is very scary.

The one thing I will most certainly do when I return is spend some time at Lake Powell and rent a boat for a day as this is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas - America's Favorite Houseboating Destination

I would also like to spend a little time at Dixie National Forest as there were some beautiful views and even some snow caps for the first week of June. I did not get to Arches National Park but will go when I get back

RESORT2ME · #5 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 10:19 AM

I think you will be surprised at how close these places are to each other.

Since you have a reservation at NRGC, along with that excursion, drive over to Page. Go up-top for a view over the country below. While up there, go to the back side of town to view high-country desert.
Do stop to see Glen Canyon Dam.

I also concur with the Lake Powel suggestion, if you can spare the dime and time.

Time your stay at the rim so you can witness the sunset and then get up EARLY (5 am) to witness the canyon lit from opposite direction (altogether different hues).

I suggest a drive up interstate 15 then east on 70 to exit 149 and come back on 24 to Torrey and take 12 to Bryce. To give you an idea of what is out there, these photos were taken as we headed eastward from Bryce toward that exit 149: Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - US-12 East of...#

Take in Bryce the rest of the day:
Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - BRYCE CANYON,...#

After that, you may wish to stay the night near Bryce, so as to take in more of it in early daylight.

As you leave Bryce to head for the ts, don't forget to run up to see Cedar Breaks National Monument. From Bryce jog north a bit to Panguitch and take 143 and 148 into the monument. To get some idea, see the first 23 photos of:
Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Cedar Breaks ...#
The remainder of shots at this link were taken as we traveled thru Red Rock Canyon and then on 12 and 14 and I-70 toward Denver.

Zion can be seen any day you are at the ts. It is real close by.

shaggy · #6 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 12:25 PM

Robert, that you so much for the suggestions and the most gorgeous pictures . I'm not an early morning person but I do plan on getting up at the GC. I love the suggestion of going up 15 and over to Torrey. The pics are absoultly gorgeous. If I can come back with some half as good----

By the way do you think I need to buy a zoom lense? shaggy

tonyg · #7 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 12:51 PM

If you need any specific info Shaggy, PM/e-mail me. I have a friend who owns out there and has toured the state extensively. He also keeps very detailed records for future reference.

RESORT2ME · #8 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggy

... I love the suggestion of going up 15 and over to Torrey. ...
By the way do you think I need to buy a zoom lense? shaggy

That suggestion was up 15 and all the way across I-70 to exit 149 thenonto 24. 24 meets I-70 west of this exit also, but you need to go to 149 then back to the south and west till Torrey to see the section of Utah I suggest.

Zoom for GC may get you shots of trails at the bottom. There's also a river down there. Many chose to get a zoom. If you do so, get a good tripod and shutter release also. Too easy to get blurry pictures from any slight shakiness.

These were taken without zoom:
From SR: Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Grand Canyon ...#

Some of the same and others:
Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - GRAND CANYON#

iconnections · #9 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btcctomtb

I have wanted to return since the day I left and that was over 10 years ago. 1 Day at Bryce and 1 at Zion probably is enough. Although I think I could do 2 at Bryce. Zion still only 1. Driving in Zion at night is very scary.

The one thing I will most certainly do when I return is spend some time at Lake Powell and rent a boat for a day as this is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas - America's Favorite Houseboating Destination

I would also like to spend a little time at Dixie National Forest as there were some beautiful views and even some snow caps for the first week of June. I did not get to Arches National Park but will go when I get back

This is an excellent idea. Our neighbors used to go here every summer and slept on their boat. It is beautiful any time of the day or night if the weather is good. There are many little hiding places so nobody will see you. The pictures he showed us were out of this world.

Make sure you have a compass with you because you can get lost and a big flashlight too in case you get back too late.

RESORT2ME · #10 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 01:09 AM

Thursday..... getting there.
Friday ......... Enjoy TS and Zion
Saturday ..... Enjoy TS and Cedar Breaks National Monument
Sunday........ Hurricane thru Zion to Page, AZ 2hr -39 min, 140miles
Page, AZ to NR Grand Canyon, 2 -44 min, 121miles
Total ----------------------------- 5 hrs - 23 min of driving, 261 miles

Monday...... See GC then 2hr - 51 min, 128 miles thru Zion to TS.

Tuesday ...TS up I-15, across I-70 to exit 149. Down 24 to Torrey.
5.5 hrs 353 miles

Wednesday.. take in hwy 12 & Bryce Canyon 2 hrs - 21 min, 109
Bryce to Cedar Breaks NM 1 hr - 20, 59
Cedar Breaks via Cedar City to ts 1 hr - 20, 64
Total -------------------------------------- 5 hrs - 232 miles

A packed tour.
How many drivers? What time is your return flight?

ps... On Tuesday you can simply ride thru Zion, up 89 to Bryce and up 12 to Torrey, west and north on 24 to I-70 and back down I-15 to TS. You can do that in one day if you don't want the overnight at Torrey (suggested earlier). That will also give you Wednesday free at TS.