Utah's big 5

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

As you are staying in MV and Grand canyon village the east entrance into the Grand canyon would be on the natural route anyway. There is plenty to see and do in Zion so whether or not to do a tour is a personal thing. I like to find my own way around rather than be led and I don't really enjoy tours, especially expensive sounding ones. That doesn't mean it's not right for you and others to enjoy. I think you might want to spend a bit more time in Arches NP during your time in Moab but thats a judgement call you can make when you are there. The Island in the sky section of Canyonlands is the easiest to access and the walk out to Grandview point at the end of the Mesa is well worth it. On the way you can stop at the Shafer canyon overlook, Shafer trail viewpoint and Mesa arch, you could also detour to Dead horse point SP. Capitol reef. Just off UT24 heading towards the visitor centre there is a right hand turn to Panorama point. When you have taken in the view continue on the gravel road to Goosenecks overlook and take an easy walk to Sunset point, it's often overlooked but has great views. After this you will come to the visitor centre, turn off there and head to the Gifford Homestead and take the scenic drive.

When visiting Bryce canyon, drive to the far end of the canyon and stop at all the viewpoints on the way back, this will put them all on your side of the road and you won't have to keep crossing traffic. It's a shame you can't swap a night in Kanab for one at Bryce canyon as it's right on route to Torrey.

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Thanks again, i will add these tips to my itinerary. I really wish I would have asked about locations to stay before, I wish I went with a place in Springdale and then moved to the Bryce area. But the place we are staying in Kanab is an Airbnb and if I cancel its a big cost. So I will just enjoy the scenery on the drive each day. We originally were not going to the South Rim of the GC, but then my dad funded a helicopter tour for my daughter and I as a graduation present for her. It leaves from the S Rim so that changed our trip and then she added on Sedona. Again - thank you so much!! I think our trip will be fantastic with this extra info.

As you have mentioned, there is plenty to do in Zion but if you fancy seeing the Grand canyon from a different viewpoint then here's some news for you from the National parks !

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The entrance gate to the North Rim is Closed. It will reopen 6:30 am on May 15, 2021.

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I am sure you will have an amazing and memorable trip and we would love to hear all about it when it's done. Enjoy !

Dave.

One tip we've learned over the years: never prepay for overnights unless you absolutely HAVE to. You may save a couple of bucks, but then you are stuck. Many prepaid's come with "non-refundable" on it. If you decide to go another direction, your car needs a repair, you have a family emergency, or you just find something and want to stay extra time, you lose the money. Such a shame!

We look for places where you can cancel up to 4pm of the day of arrival. Sometimes we have to take a place that requires 24 hours notice, which can be tricky. It's usually in a resort area, or a weekend in a college town or something like that.


Donna

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Originally Posted by Jdailey98

I wish I went with a place in Springdale .

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On your drive through if you are hungry -- I REALLY RECOMMEND Oscar's Cafe. I've eaten a couple of meals there in the last month. The food and service is excellent and unlike many places in Springdale, there is plenty of parking!

And if your plans change, I really liked staying at the Driftwood Lodge. Nice restaurant here too. Best room: #515 for the view.

Mark

We are back from our trip and I wanted to thank you for your help in planning this. It turns out that we loved Kanab, visited Best Friends and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. We had a wonderful meal at Rocking V's for lunch. I am so thankful for your guidance and knowledge about the area.

When we were diving from Monument Valley to the S Rim of the Grand Canyon we took a turn and went to Page, visited Horseshoe Bend and then went to Lake Powell to kayak and got to hike part of Antelope Canyon. The entrance through the Native Park was closed but if you Kayak to the other side you can hike there. It was an awesome detour.

Thanks Again,

Hi. Thanks for dropping by with an update, it sounds like you had a great time. Its such a beautiful area with som much to do and see, you could back time after time !

Dave.