WhereAreWe

I'd take the 1 liter Hydro Flask plus a bottle of water. After a day or so you will figure out how much you're actually drinking on the longer hikes and can adjust accordingly.

Sandwiches are fine for a couple hours in your backpack. I try to insulate them a bit by putting my extra clothes around them. In fact when I've gone on longer hikes with my Camelback, I'll fill my Camelback with ice (then water) and put a sandwich next to that. It stays cold for a long time. If your hotel has a fridge, buy sandwiches the night before and freeze them, they will gradually thaw as you hike and be good for lunch.

I don't keep my camera in my backpack, either wear it around your neck or carry it if it's lightweight. The more accessible it is the more pictures you will take, if it's buried in a backpack you will eventually get tired of stopping to retrieve it and will either keep it out or just stop taking pics. Plus you never know when something great will happen and you don't always have time to fumble through a pack trying to get the camera out.

In the desert I wouldn't bother with rain gear. #1 it's unlikely you will need it and #2, yes it will keep the rain off you but you'll probably sweat so much wearing it that you'll be just as wet as if you were letting the rain hit you. Even if you get rained on, you will dry out quickly once it stops. Take something to keep your valuables (camera, phone, etc.) dry but I wouldn't worry about a rain jacket or pants.

SummerSnow1011

Great tips! Thanks everyone.

You would think I would have exhausted my questions after so many posts! But I still have more... Less sites oriented (which is more fun to talk about), and more logistics and preparation now (blah).

Not sure if you guys have any insight, but any recommendations on which company to rent a car from at SLC airport? I haven't done too much research yet, but my guess is that they are all roughly the same price, so if some are easier/more friendly to work, I'd go with that. I think my car insurance and credit card covers our insurance (I will call to make sure), but would you recommend buying their coverage? My husband will be doing the majority of the driving, but I'll still want to option to be able to drive as well in case he gets tired.

spirobulldog

My favorite thing in Utah is a tour www.deserthighlights.com in Moab.

I may have missed it somewhere in here, but another very favorite thing of mine is Goblin Valley and doing the hike at Little Wildhorse Canyon(which is right near the Goblins)

If you have it in you at all, go all the way on Angels Landing. It will get your attention and yes a fall would be fatal. Frankly, it would be very difficult to fall, IMOP. I also Love The Narrows Hike.

Others have given you some good advice.

Myer

Normally, I look for the least expensive car rental from a major company.

In case a second driver is something they rip you off over. I don't understand how they get away with that. It's not like you're both driving at the same time.

Dayle

Summer,

Highly recommend hiking with a lot more water than just a liter. At least to start with until you see how much you want. People tend to get dehydrated here because they don't realize how much water they are losing. Perspiration drys nearly immediately in our climate.

I think most of the car rental companies are fine. I personally would stay away from Thrifty. I've had poor experiences with them in other cities.

Note that even SLC is at 4,000 ft. elevation. You may be feeling it. Again, drink lots of water, eat well, and skip the alcohol for the first couple of days. That will help a lot.

Happy hiking!

SummerSnow1011

Great advice! Thank you all!

SummerSnow1011

I'm not sure if anyone is still reading this, but I just want to say that everyone here gave me great advice and our trip was definitely a trip to remember!!! Needless to say, we will be planning another adventure vacation hopefully sometime in the near future.

A few tidbits - We basically did everything from my revised itinerary. THANK YOU so much for nudging me to spend the night in Bryce. Totally worth it! To think it was initially an "oversight" would have been unfortunate.

We also initially planned to do a sunset hike towards Delicate Arch, but the evening we were there, there was lightening and storm clouds in the distance, so we had to push it to the next morning. That day was jammed packed - we did Delicate Arch, Devil's Garden all the way down to Double O Arch, AND Fiery Furnace! Can you believe it? We actually got walk-on tickets to go to the FF! Thanks to you guys who gave me the heads up to stop by the Visitor Center first thing before checking into the motel.

On our rafting trip, our guide stopped on the smaller side of the river for lunch, which allowed us to take a short hike up to Outlaw's Cave. This is where supposedly 2 bank-robbing brothers hid out to elude authorities. We saw some old bed frames, oven, shoes, tables, etc.

The Narrows hike was my husband's favorite. We went all the way to the end. Definitely recommend getting the rental equipment. My poor husband fell into a deep hole in the river even with the walking stick! Good thing he went first and not me.

We walked across the Mesa Arch in Canyonlands. And Dead Horse Point made for some of the most beautiful pictures. We were taken aback about how quiet it was there. No wind, not many other visitors, just us. It was so unnaturally natural; it was beautiful.

Thanks again.

sludick

Thank you for coming back to report a bit on your experience. We will be making a similar trip next month, and there is so much helpful information on your thread. Sounds like you had a great trip.