Utah Parks Itinerary
We're headed to Utah next Spring and I'm mapping out a route and would appreciate some advice on duration for each of the stops. In relevant part, starting in Las Vegas, the plan is to go (1) to Zion,...
Forum Discussion
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.
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.
