poseypatch

My husband & I are planning a trip to visit the Utah National Parks (the Mighty 5). We have approx. 15 nights (between Oct 6 - Oct 20 (or 21). We like to hike but nothing too strenuous (I'm 60 my husband is 80 but he's in PHENOMENAL shape and definitely can out-do me

I'm having trouble coming up with the number of nights to allow each park (Zion, Cayonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef & Bryce) and which order to see them. We are thinking of starting and ending in Las Vegas since rental car seems so much less expensive than in SLC. This is what I'm thinking -- I have a couple more nights to add... where?

Zion -- 3 nights
Moab -- 7 nights (seeing Canyonlands, Arches & Capitol Reef)
Bryce -- 2 nights
Las Vegas -- 1 night before home

Thanks in advance -- I really appreciate any help and suggestions!

emalloy

This map from another Fodorite with distance/time chart might help you with your planning:

http://ohiohickstraveltips.weebly.co...-utah-map.html

I would add nights at Grand Canyon, north rim is likely to be closed at the end of your trip, but the south rim will be open. See where you can get lodging now, but if that is full, make a cancellable reservation close for all the parks then call back frequently as people find they can't make the trip.

You might do a Vegas>Zion>GC north rim if chosen>Bryce>Capitol Reef>Moab>GC south rim if chosen>Vegas. Or do in the opposite direction if lodging works better.

Remember the time traveling between parks takes away time in the parks

poseypatch

Thanks emalloy.... we've been to the Grand Canyon a number of times so we actually weren't planning on doing it this trip. I will definitely look at the link you provided. I'm from Ohio too

RVvagabond

Add
1) Cedar Breaks
2) Goblin Valley
3) Highway 12 scenic drive (Stay in Boulder. There are basic motels and one more modern motels)
In Boulder, visit Anasazi Museum


Vaga

peterboy

You need to map out your route. Bryce is on the way from Zion to Bryce and Capital Reef is between Bryce and Moab. You wouldn't want to use Moab as your base for Cap. Reef for instance. 7 nights in Moab seems a bit much. If you are interested in ancient culture, you could take some time from Moab and go to Mesa Verde for instance.

peterboy

Bryce is on the way from Zion to Moab is what I meant.

peterboy

Her are a couple of trip reports you might find helpful.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_tr

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah_2012_trip_report

StantonHyde

Please note that Utah schools will all be off October 19-22 for "UEA Weekend". The parks will be CROWDED!!!!!! Putting Bryce last on your itinerary is good because it is less visited than the others. You will NOT want to be in Moab or Zion on October 20/21.