Looking for the unexpected!

Don't just drive UT-12 between Torrey and Bryce. Take time to explore it. Calf Creek Falls and the Burr Trail were mentioned, but there are many other great places along UT-12 and other Scenic Backways besides the Burr Trail. Also check out the Fishlake Scenic Byway just West of Torrey.

Thanks for the additions about Great Basin and the links to great websites! Now, if only the sequestration doesn't go through....if so, I guess we get to have fun figuring out new places to go :)

The whole southern half of Utah should be declared a National Park. You could spend months and still not see all the main attractions let alone the lesser known secluded areas. If you're into day hiking here's a few of the best, IMHO.
Some of the Best Utah Day Hikes

You'll get lots of ideas for the other parks, so let me pipe up on Great Basin NP. First, pay attention to some of the artwork along the side of the road on your way into the park. Of course there's the caverns and the drive up the Wheeler Peak Drive, but once you're up there, take the hike to the Bristlecone Pine Grove and then beyond to the Rock Glacier. They have labeled some of the trees with plaques telling you how old individual trees are. The rock glacier beyond will make you think you are in the Sierras of California, not the deserts of Nevada.

I'm wondering if the steep climb rbtglove was thinking about was to Wheeler Peak CG, not Upper Lehman. The road to Wheeler Peak has grades up to 8% and vehicles and trailers over 24' aren't allowed. We have mostly seen tent campers up there. The CG's in the park are OK (Upper Lehman is better than Lower Lehman), but we now stay at Cave Lake State Park outside of Ely. Ely is an interesting old mining town to poke around in, and the Northern Nevada Railway still runs weekend trips in October. Check out one of the steam powered trips.

Another vote for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at Kanab, Utah. . . a fantastic experience just to drive through or take their tour. It's in a beautiful setting and they do have a couple RV sites for rent - if you're lucky.

The area has many slot canyons for hiking In Escalante try Peek-A-Boo or Spooky canyons. Be sure to check weather conditions first for hiking any slot canyons. Even if it's rained 50 miles away it could be dangerous in slots.

Here's a good site for the Southwest, including slot canyons:

Southwest in General & Slot Canyons

Thanks! You guys are helping to keep my excitement going until it is time to go!

We LOVE southern Utah. We'll be in Zion the last weekend in Oct. :) Some of my recommednations: Not sure how much hiking u do but...Kodachome Basin ST. Park. Great place to camp as well as good hiking & an easy and beautiful slot canyon not far from there is Willis Creek). Grand Escalante Staircase great slot canyons a well...if u guys r in decent shape, Peekaboo & spooky slots r awesome....but VERY narrow, I had to turn sideways in some spots & I'm 6' 170)Devils garden is also down the same road (hole in the rock),. Hike to lower calf creek falls is fairly easy & flat but sandy...worth the effort. Do at least 1 hike down into Bryce canyon. Burr trail is an interesting drive. Be sure to do the cave tour in Great Basin. Check out both sides of Zion NP as one is very different from the other...(I wouldn't hike the narrows in Oct., water too cold for me).
You'll have a great trip...oh, if u don't already have them, I suggest reservations for Zion NP. Oh, if the N. rim is closed....assuming there isn't alot of snow, you can still see the north rim by goin into the Kiaba N. F. ie Crazy Jug Point (we camped here in our 5th wheel all by our selves for a few days a couple of years ago....was great but a chore getting the camper back there....not an issue for a car or truck tho.

Keep adding to my list. Now, to look at the map also and see what's what or rather's what's where :) Kids are both in college so our first trip where we can be more flexible! We are hoping to do the Narrows, but won't do Angels Landing. I am fit, but scared of heights. dcason we will hopefully meet you at Zion.

Southern Utah is one of our favorite destinations. Zion: Watchman campground if possible, hike to Angel's Landing if your fit. Bryce: dinner at Lodge, hike into Canyon (Navaho Loop). Utah route 12: beautiful drive (don't let people scare you away from this it not bad and a good road), hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls from Calf Creek Rec. area (try to do this so you're at the falls about noon for best photos). Capital Reef: pie at homestead, nice campground at Fruita. North Rim of GC: Not far from these other sites but may or may not be open in October.

Hope you have a great trip.

We loved Capitol Reef, simply awesome with those majestic granite formations rising up from the canyon floor. While you are at Capitol Reef be sure to have a piece of the delicious fruit pies locally made and sold at the Gifford Homestead!!! We stayed a Wonderland RV Park in the Torrey area which was small,32 sites, but very well kept and clean, with lots of green grass which our dog loved.

Bryce Canyon is so beautiful. If possible head there for a sunrise for a beautiful sight. While at Bryce we stayed at Ruby's Inn Campground. Huge over 150 sites, desert like with lots of dirt and gravel but well kept and some trees.

Enjoy your trip, take lots of pictures, and prepare for some cold desert nights in October!!! Average Oct. temps at Capitol Reef are 60's daytime and 20's at night.