Utah Parks Itinerary

I would suggest more time at Zion. I would also consider a day trip down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon if the timing works out. I believe they didn't open until mid-May this year.

Your activity level and interests are pretty close to ours when we first started to really explore Utah's National Parks. You are not allowing enough time in most places. All you are going to do is wet your appetite.

Two full days in Bryce will work. There is a major figure eight hike at the bottom of the canyon. You have to drive the canyon rim as well. There is another hike up canyon in Red Rocks State Park nearby. Almost as scenic but without the people. And don't forget Kodachrome Basin. Also, lots of hikes in Escalante National Monument.

We've spent a total of probably 10 days hiking Zion. I would think you can do the very best hikes in a total of 4-5 days.

We've been to Capital Reef 4-5 times. Once, we spent 12 days there hiking. Just an awesome place. 4-5 major hikes worth doing inside the Park. Then there are a bunch of canyon hikes on the back side of the Water Pocket Fold.

You can do the best of Arches in 3-4 days.

Canyonlands is a totally different matter. You can spend weeks hiking it. If you want to have your socks totally knocked off, look up the Great Panel in Horseshoe Canyon. This is near the place where the guy cut off his own arm. Hiking the Needles and Maze Districts were great.

Don't forget Natural Bridges. There is a beautiful long loop hike at the bottom of the canyon walking under enormous natural bridges. It is a single day park best accessed from Blanding.

PM me and we can talk more if you would like.

All the activities you want to do and a "couple of days" at each stop? Very tough. Zion, for example, means finding a parking place (maybe as far as Springdale) and riding a shuttle. Or driving time to get to the places of interest from where you might be staying.

And going back and forth for the dogs.

Our favorite is Bryce and the Queens Garden Trail...not long but steep. Hiking at Zion would be especially tough for you due to the parking / transportation / dog issue as the hikes are longer in duration.

And we like Cohab Canyon Hike in Capitol Reef.

You have picked some great spots and we have been to them all several times. Feel free to email or PM me for more info if you would like.

The shuttle system at Zion is superb. Takes all the hassle out of driving and parking.

Go to Adventure Caravans and read the itinerary for their Western Parks trip. They know best where to go and how long to stay. We took this tour several years ago.

I forgot to mention that if you go to Blanding to bag Natural Bridges, you can also day trip Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods and Hovenweep.

I agree with Thunder Mountains last two posts.

I was mentioning it from a time consuming standpoint. And, looking at OP post, they want to go back and forth to the dogs, etc. Which, if they really are yappy, the neighbors would greatly appreciate!

Utah's parks could take up the rest of your life. We have been there 7 times in the past 10 years for anywhere from 4 days to 7 weeks and would go back again in a heartbeat. Three or 4 days in each of the parks you mentioned will give you a taste but there is so much to see in that area you will want to come back. The dogs may present a problem. These parks are vast and popping back to check up on the yappers is not going to be practical. It can get very warm even in March so that will have to be taken into account when leaving them. Plan for as much time as possible and enjoy your trip.

How often do you think you'd do this trip?

I'd suggest at least 3 days at each spot but we'd do at least a week, especially if you're interested in hiking and photography.

You'd have a better, relaxed time if you could leave the dogs at home. They will definitely cut into your hiking experiences if you have to rush back to them. Plus, if, indeed, they're yappy, they won't be appreciated in the campgrounds.

I also agree with Thunder. But I would set aside a week at each for weather, it can be cold, windy and maybe snow. Bryce is at 10000 feet so prepare for some cold until late spring. With a week for each you can have a couple alternates if you get done early at one or two places. There are so many places to see within a couple hundred miles.

LEN