Researching another possibility for a spring trip, would that be a good time to visit Utah canyon country? We would leave Minnesota in mid-March returning mid to late April. Initial thought is to go west to Salt Lake City, then down to Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion. From there circle back east to Monument Valley, Canyonlands, and Arches before heading home. Will reservations be needed at campgrounds and are boondocking opportunities available? Any other thoughts please.Thanks

Some of these areas are at high altitude (Bryce, for example) so you may still encounter snow and cold overnight temperatures in some places (depends on how the winter goes.) SLC that would definitely be true.

Busy time of year for Utah parks. Everyone seems to know the weather is great. (as noted, Bryce might be the exception) Popular for spring break vacations, whether it's families or college kids.

4runnerguy wrote:Busy time of year for Utah parks. Everyone seems to know the weather is great. (as noted, Bryce might be the exception) Popular for spring break vacations, whether it's families or college kids.What he said. Plan your trip. Check rvparkreviews.com for parks. You may need reservations at some places. Utah is a big beautiful place. We started going there in 2004 in the spring and fall. We spend about 5-6 weeks a years there. Lots and lots of boondocking opportunities.It would be helpful to know your activity level. We can suggest activities and places from car window tourism to extreme adventures.

countrykids wrote:Researching another possibility for a spring trip, would that be a good time to visit Utah canyon country? We would leave Minnesota in mid-March returning mid to late April.This time would work just check ahead in Moab as they have a number of annual events that will fill it - also check the local schools for spring break.Initial thought is to go west to Salt Lake City,That will work just watch the weather.then down to Capitol Reef, Take the time to drive through Goblins SP? Bryce, As has been noted because of the higher elevation keep an eye on the weather - I can say from personal experience that the snow is just beautiful contrasting the Hoo Doo's and the Red Rocks - so keep that in mind if you are good to go in the snow. and Zion. North Rim? Lake Powell? (weather permitting no plows) Slot Canyons? Canyon de Chelly? any of these might be added to your trip, as they are all special, just add another week or two.From there circle back east to Monument Valley, - Mexican Hat? is on your route. Canyonlands, and Arches before heading home. Be sure to get into the Mountains around Moab. will still have snow on the tops, do not miss the drive on Rt 128 along the Colorado River out of Moab. Will reservations be needed at campgrounds and are boondocking opportunities available? Boondocking is always available - keep the propane tank full, and have good batteries - My brother did a part of this just last year - LOVED IT!!! - had no problems with no reservations, but mentioned he just missed a big rally in Moab, so you might check on those.Any other thoughts please.ThanksSounds like a great trip - perfect time to go - still cool - maybe even cold so be prepared as you will go from shorts to fleece on same day - One year we did Zion to Angels Landing in shorts and they drove to Bryce in 10 inches of snow, to have a Sunset with that was to die for - Beautiful sunset with snow covered Hoo Doo's and the Red rocks - Never forget it!SLC and it's mountains should still be covered in snow and might just be fun ti visit a few of the Ski Resorts.Let us know what you decide - as many on this forum are experts.Best of Luck,

One other thing of note is Moab you will want to find out when the annual Easter Jeep safari is and plan on not going there then, unless that is your purpose for going. It will be packed full. If you do choose to go then you better make reservations soon as they will be full.

Utah canyon country | Good Sam Community

RedRocket204
Explorer
Nov 08, 2016
Lots of good info already posted.

I would heed the advice given by others by, if possible, avoiding the Moab/Arches area during the dates of the Jeep Safari.

Jeep Safari 2017 April 8-16, 2017

Also, be very prepared for snow during that time on your trip especially when travelling to and from the area. It is well known that spring brings the heaviest snow fall events in the Rockies so be mindful of the weather for approaching storms with contingencies for re-route if necessary.

One other thing is I would disagree with the statement of Jeeping/ATV/SxS prime time in UT being summer. Spring and Fall is the prime time as it is not hot as it is in the summer.
4runnerguy
Explorer
Nov 08, 2016
The backups at the entrance to Arches is just one problem. I was out there for a couple of weeks in October, and on several days, there were two lanes of traffic heading into Moab from the north was backed up nearly to UT 279 (the road up to Canyonlands)! One time it took nearly an hour to get into town (3 miles). Spring, fall, it's a popular and busy place to visit.

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