travellyn

My husband and I are taking a last minute (for us) trip to Zion and Bryce, in early June. We'll have 7 nights on the road. The trip starts in Durango on a Saturday morning, and ends in Albuquerque the next Saturday afternoon.

So far, we have a night in Monument Valley at Goulding's, 2 nights camping at Zion, 2 nights camping at Bryce, maybe 1 night in Page, before the long haul to Albuquerque. We have reserved Gouldings for the first night, and have to pick up our son at the ABQ airport at 6pm the last day; everything else is up in the air.

What else needs to go into this itenerary? Capitol Reef, Acoma Pueblo, Canyon de Chelly?

Thanks!

sart29

I'm assuming that while you're in Page you'll be seeing Glen Canyon/Lake Powell. Beyond that I would say to visit every National and/or state park that you can in Utah. We've made several trips and just can't get enough. Everyone should see Zion and Bryce once, so if you haven't you should, but everything in Utah is worth seeing. We especially liked Arches (we hiked up to Delicate Arch -- really strenuous but well worth the climb!)and Canyonlands. And as far as I'm concerned the view from Dead Horse Point State Park near Canyonlands is not to be missed if you're in the area. You'll find the other parks less crowded than Zion and Bryce.

utahtea

Your route so far sounds good but I would suggest a stop at Mesa Verde between Durango and Monument Valley.

On the way from Page to Alburquerque Canyon de Chelly would be a great place to spend a night and take a tour.

If you decide to include Canyon de Chelly after leaving Page take Hwy 89 south and then Hwy 160 to Tuba City, AZ. From Tuba take Hwy 264 throught Keams Canyon. This is a beautiful drive.

I've never been to Acoma Pueblo but would love to go some day. Capitol Reef is also an excellent choice but would be out of the way.

Utahtea

travellyn

Thanks for the replies so far. I should have mentioned that we don't want to include Mesa Verde and the Moab area on this trip because we live so close (7 miles west of Durango) that they are easily accessible on shorter trips. (And I love Dead Horse Point!) We don't want to include the Grand Canyon this time, either, because we like to stay there for longer periods.

Although I have visited Bryce and Zion, my husband hasn't; thus this trip. I wouldn't choose June as an ideal month for this trip, because of the heat, but it works out well for us in terms of free time.

It sounds like Canyon de Chelly would be right on the way, and an interesting stop.

Here's another question. Is it worth going to Antelope Canyon if we also plan to hike the Narrows at Zion?

quimbymoy

Definitely stop at Canyon de Chelly and take a jeep tour into the Canyon, even if for a partial day. In June, morning would be preferable.

Acoma Pueblo is very interesting as well and that can be done on your drive back to Albuquerque. The tour there takes only an hour. If you go there, be sure to look at the pottery. It's amazing. And sample the local hot tamales too!


Oh and when you're in Monument Valley, take a tour with Trailhandler's Tours. Harold was an excellent guide! We took a sunset tour and the sights were amazing.

I just posted some of my trip pictures on a web site that you can check out:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/quimbymoy/index.html

Have fun!
Tina

utahtea

Tina,

I tried your link but it said:

Access Denied
You must have an invitation to view this article. If you did receive an invitation, use the exact URL given in the invitation e-mail.

I would really like to see your pictures.

Utahtea