Forum Discussion

S-n-L's avatar
S-n-L
Explorer
Apr 10, 2015

Utah, S. East or S. West

Hello everyone,

I am planning a trip to southern Utah and can only go to either the S. east side or the S. west side of the state. East we would be visiting Moab, Canyonlands NP and Arches NP. To the west we would hit Bryce and Zion.

We like to hike. No plans to do any four wheeling. Which area would be the most spectacular for hiking?

Thanks,

Stuart
  • lfloom's avatar
    lfloom
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2015
    Several years ago, I was in Bryce/Zion in late September. In Bryce, the overnight high was 19F. Then we took the short drive to Zion, where the daytime highs were in the high 90s.

    I was there last April. Zion was pretty warm, but it was snowing in Bryce.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Apr 10, 2015
    Moab's trails are awesome but not for summer.

    I vote for Zion/Bryce.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Apr 10, 2015
    The answer depends on the season! In summer, you want to stay in the higher elevations -- that would be the Bryce area, Cedar Breaks, etc. Let us know what you decide and we can chime in with recommendations for hiking.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 10, 2015
    I don't think there is any doubt Bryce and Zion have the best trails. In the summer Bryce has the added advantage of being much cooler since it's at 9000 feet. Capitol Reef is the other excellent hiking park.

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