First Time Road Trip: Boston to Zion

So I am planning my first big road trip, all the way from Boston, MA to Zion National Park in Utah in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I'm going with my older brother (he's 21, i'm 20) and we are each bringing one friend of our choice, so 4 people total. The furthest trip me and my brother have done by road is the roughly 6 hours from Boston to Montreal, so this is quite a journey by comparison. We have just over a month before we depart on this trip.

I have it planned for 14 days right now. I think we will be driving from Boston, to Niagara Falls, to Chicago, to Omaha, to Denver, to Arches and Canyonlands, to Zion, and back. Trying to stop at different spots on the way back and coming back from Chicago through Canada, spending the last night of the journey in Niagara Falls, Ontario for some gambling, drinking, and strip clubs (only half our group is of age to do that legally in the states). -Does this seem reasonable? Is it too much driving? 3 out of the 4 people going can drive and we do intend to switch it up quite frequently.

The main things we are the most excited about are, in a sort of order of interest: camping/hiking for a couple of days in Zion, stopping at Arches and Canyonlands for a day on our way up and possibly camping there, exploring Denver and seeing the Rockies (And enjoying Colorado's legal recreational pot), Seeing Niagara Falls, exploring Chicago, and of course visiting Canada. - What else would you recommend for this trip? Is there anything I shouldn't miss along the way? Anything worth taking an extra day to go see/explore? we like adventurous things usually, not too into historical sites/museums.

We are planning to do mostly camping on the way up (to save a little money and make sure we are all set for camping in Zion) and hotels on the way back, that way we have no reservations and a huge amount of leniency to spend extra days and adjust our pace as we see fit. I would just like to know if anyone has any helpful advice, suggestions on what to see/do/eat along the way, or constructive criticism of my current plan.

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

2 weeks isn't a ton of time for this trip - it really is close to the minimum amount of time you'll need. It's about 2500 miles, which means you need about 5 days each way - especially if you're planning to camp. Even with multiple drivers, you shouldn't plan to drive more than about 600 miles each day, which works out to 10-12 hours on the road. Any more than that, and you'll quickly become exhausted, and even if you don't feel tired at that point, continuing farther sets you up to be both an unsafe driver, and be tired the following days. 4 tired people locked together in a car for 12 hours a day is a real recipe for disaster!

I'd really look at finding two different routes for your trip. Since you want to hit Niagara Falls on your way home, I'd probably hit all of the places you listed on the way back. Perhaps take a more southern route on the way there - say across I-80 through PA, cutting down through Ohio and Indiana to St. Louis, and eventually to I-40. That would let you even swing by the Grand Canyon on your way up to Zion. Come back through Arches, Denver, Chicago, and onto Niagara Falls (via Michigan and across southern Ontario).

Of course, you'll all need passports to visit Canada, and it's worth noting that Canadian DUI laws are even more strict than the US. Fines start at a BAC of .05, drivers under 21 can't have any alcohol in their system while driving.

Besides the problems Michael pointed out such as the need for passports and the strict DUI enforcement in Canada, there are a few other potentially serious obstacles in the way of having an enjoyable and safe trip. Perhaps the first is just the fact of all that enforced togetherness in the cramped confines of an SUV for two solid weeks. The newness and the 'adventure' aspect of this trip is going to wear off sometime during the second day, leaving you another dozen days to put up with each other. Do you have veto power over your brother's guest? Does he have veto power over yours? Have the two of you even talked in detail about what you expect to get out of this trip other than to get stoned or drunk and watch strippers? Have you talked about pacing? Where you'll eat? Where you'll stop along the way? Where you'll spend each night? All four in one room? Have you planned any time to yourselves? Have you discussed how that might affect your ability to complete the trip in a timely manner?

Then there is a serious difficulty with your plan to 'recreate' in Colorado. First and foremost, you must be 21 to legally buy or consume THC products under state law. So you, and presumably your friend and possibly your brother's friend, are all planning on breaking the law. And your brother, who would be doing the buying, is planning on contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Then there's the fact that Colorado has zero tolerance for driving stoned. that means having as little as 5 nanograms of THC in the bloodstream makes it illegal to drive. THC is detectable in the bloodstream up to six weeks after ingestion, so you are planning to break even more laws.

You might be able to pull this off, but at a cost of endangering your bank accounts and your freedom as well as the lives of those who have to share the road with you. Not a very mature attitude.

AZBuck

wow thanks for the responses. I don't think we are going to do the go-down-south way because it seems to add quite a bit of distance and mileage to the trip, probably going to go up and back relatively the same route, just stopping at different places along the way and going through Canada back.

As for DUI in Canada, we are fairly responsible and I don't think any of us would ever drink and drive, not trying to get in any legal trouble, nothing ruins a trip worse. As for recreational pot in Colorado, I should have known the age was 21, silly me, this changes things a bit, since only half our group would be legal age, and i assume the laws are similar to underage drinking and furnishing alcohol for minors, like i said: NOT trying to get in any legal trouble, especially all the way out in Colorado, and especially not for something as dumb as pot; i guess me and my friend will just have to go without, and be especially careful that none of us could be accused of DUI, fine by me i'm not too into it anyway. I also assume the cops in Utah are looking out for people who bought legal weed in Colorado and bring it to Utah, so ill have to make sure we all know how important it is to keep it all in Colorado. Also i know that since we are going to be a car full of college kids, we are more likely to be pulled over than most other cars on the road, and then more likely to be searched as well. We will be sure to keep it under the speed limit (or at least really really close) and not carry anything illegal with us.

My brother and I have wanted to do this trip for a very long time and put a lot of planning and consideration into it so far. Everyone has very similar expectations and goals, our largest being to explore, camp, and hike in Zion National Park (My brother and I have been there twice, but due to our unadventurous parents, experienced it only through the car window, and through short walks we took while our parent's waited for us at the car; thus giving me a super strong urge to go back and explore the american southwest on my own trips). I'm doing most of the planning, as it's kind of my trip, but my brother and the friends who are coming with us, are very much in the loop, avid hikers/campers and well traveled, all comfortable sharing vehicle tent and hotel rooms for the whole trip, and iv'e been communicating with them quite a bit about it.

That aside, thanks for the advice. More about the attractions along the route would be sweet.

Before your planning goes much further, you all best take this Quiz, then get together after having written your responses individually. Discuss all the responses, and see where each member stands.

Do you have your reservations for camping in Zion and other national parks? Or the back country permits if you are planning on doing that. You will be travelling at peak season.

Lifey

wow that's the quiz? this makes me optimistic about this road trip, as we would all have very very similar answers. We all have been on pretty intense hiking and backpacking trips in the northern appalachians, so camping at real campsites and staying at hotels is way more comfortable than that, as is riding in an SUV as opposed to hiking up and down huge mountains for days on end. I don't think we will have any social, difference of interest, or being too needy problems on this trip.

As for reservations, we are planning to stay at this campsite at Zion which has 126 first come first served campsites. Coming from arches/canyonlands, some 6 hours away, we may stay in a hotel that night if we cant find a site available when we get there. if we do stay in a hotel near Zion that night, we go to Zion as soon as the park opens and get a site as soon as they open when people depart. This sounds ok right? I cant see us not getting one of the first come first serve sites when we are literally like the first people in the park that day, i mean, a lot of people have to leave the campground every day. and worst case scenario, we stay in a hotel and sleep there, visiting the park for a few days instead of camping right in the park.

Although it seems to be already too late to actually reserve camping spots in the park, all the reserved ones were taken for the dates i wanted last i checked, which makes me a bit worried about how packed the park is going to be. it's going be early-mid august. It's probably going to be pretty hot weather, but i doubt hot enough to deter us from our hikes and camping. Id rather be in 100 degree utah than 85 degree boston any day, that dry heat is more manageable, less sticky.

I'm concerned about the park being too filled with people, But i'm sure they can't take too much away from our experience. We plan to be hiking the narrows, Angel's landing, and other challenging hikes if possible, which i think most of the summer tourists in the park are deterred from the challenge, but that's what we are there for.

You won't be able to drive to the Narrows, but the park has a good shuttle bus system, which also runs out into Springdale. The only place you can drive in the summer is on Route 9 itself.

The parks are very popular, especially in peak season but you shouldn't have to much trouble finding quiet spots off the beaten path away from the crowds. If you have no luck with camping look for lodgings in Springdale, it's a lovely town and the free NP shuttle bus runs from town into the canyon, which is the only way to get to the canyon area.

Between Arches and Zion you have could take a very scenic drive along UT24/scenic 12 and make quick stops at two more incredible parks, Capitol Reef and Bryce canyon with time permitting. [??] If you end up visiting 4 or more National parks this trip, or in the coming year including this trip, the you will find the annual parks pass for $80 good value.

There's a privately-owned campground/RV park in Springdale, right on the edge of the Zion NP property, called Zion Canyon Campground/RV. You could try for a spot there. It has river-side tent spots *and* shower facilities.


Donna

oh wow so we cant even drive on the main road through the park? which would mean we would have to leave the car in Springdale and bring all our camping gear via shuttle to the campground within the park, then still possibly not find an available spot? Camping right in Springdale definitely seems to be the best bet if that is the case. It is such a beautiful area i don't think any of us would really mind camping/lodging there instead, especially if it were that much easier.

as for Capitol Reef and Bryce, i was going to do that, but we had sort of a vote as to what was the priority and we chose Canyonlands and arches, especially due to their rather close proximity to each other and the route to Zion, and it seems like Canyonlands has some pretty awesome day hiking routes. Our return plans are so lenient that we may decide to take an extra day or 2 to see Bryce canyon and Capitol Reef, but it will prob depend on how we feel when we are actually down there.

After talking to my parents about the trip they said it would be really dumb to take my own jeep on such a long journey, because if it breaks down we will be screwed, so we are renting an SUV instead, should have better mileage, be much less likely to run into problems, and if it does, the rental place will just give us another one. Rental car is the way to go right?

Thanks for the advice so far it's been very helpful

The main road through Zion is Route 9, that you can use. You can't drive the canyon road.

Renting a vehicle is going to be very costly, because there is a daily surcharge for each driver under 25, and those under 21 may not drive it at all. If your car is in good shape, no reason not to take it, and I'd get a AAA membership.

I believe you can drive to the campground if you have a reservation or they have a space for you. Otherwise, the RV's would never get there. :-)

Here's the link to the one just outside Zion, tho, Zion Canyon Campground/RV.


Donna

The main Watchman campground is near the entrance and the town of Springdale which you can drive to. You can also drive part of the way into the canyon if you are staying at the NP lodging, but if you end up staying in town, there is no point going in by car just to park up near the campground and then get the shuttle, just get on it from town.

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Originally Posted by twilly123

oh wow so we cant even drive on the main road through the park? which would mean we would have to leave the car in Springdale and bring all our camping gear via shuttle to the campground within the park, then still possibly not find an available spot?

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No, Zion's campgrounds are located along UT-9, right by the visitors center. It's the road back into Zion Canyon that is shuttle bus only.

Being that you're already pushing the limits for what you can fit into 2 weeks, I think leaving off Bryce and Cap. Reef is a good idea.

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Rental car is the way to go right?

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Not necessarily. First, have you priced out a rental car yet, with all the fees? Rental car companies typically charge about $20-25 a day for each driver under 25, and most completely forbid drivers under age 21. That means you'd be down to 2 drivers, and could still be paying $50 a day just in underage fees. You'll also have to make sure you don't have any geographic restrictions, especially because you hope to go into Canada. And actually, many companies consider an SUV to be a specialty vehicle, and they won't rent them to anyone under 25.

A rental does have the advantage of getting a nearly new car, and you wouldn't have to worry about repairs.

What do you have for a Jeep? Is it roadworthy for a cross country trip? Certainly, any vehicle can have the potential of breaking down, and breaking down on the road isn't the most fun. But highway miles are actually easier on a car, and as long as you can afford to make the repairs (and also have AAA or some other coverage to pay for a tow), it wouldn't be the end of the world. There are advantages to your own car too. You know how it operates and handles, and with your Jeep, you're free to go off the beaten path, whereas in a rental car you have to stick to paved roads and there are some gravel paths in Arches and Canyonlands you wouldn't be able to take in a rental.

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and it seems like Canyonlands has some pretty awesome day hiking routes.

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Keep in mind that Canyonlands is sliced into big chunks and other than the Islands in the Sky section, it is quite remote and not easily reached from Moab/Arches. Considering the time you have available, are "day hikes" on the agenda ? In the 'Islands' section of the park you can drive down to Grandview point and walk to the end of the Mesa which doesn't take too much time and reveals great views. You should also stop at Mesa Arch for some photos of the 'Washer woman' rock through it and you could also take a quick detour to Dead horse point State park if time permits.

After looking into rental cars it turns out Hertz will let me be an authorized driver even though I am 20, and for the same price as my 21 year old brother and our 24 year old friend. its 13.50 extra per day for each of us for being under 25. Hertz was the only rental place I could find that allowed under 21 year old drivers. Money is luckily not too much of an issue for this trip, so we are going to do that. My jeep has 145,000 miles on it and repairs away from home (where we cant get junkyard parts and fix it ourselves) could cost close to the total value of the car. I feel more comfortable with the rental, because breaking down in an area with miles upon miles to the nearest service, is a fear id rather not accompany me on this trip.

Sounds good about the route 9 through Zion, we will hopefully be able to get to camp right in the park for a couple of days.

We are planning to stay in Moab the night before we get to Zion. Leaving from Denver that morning (about 6 hours away by I-70 to UT-191, right?) we should have at least a couple hours check out Arches National Park that afternoon, then chill in Moab for the night, and prob see Islands in the Sky before our roughly 6 hour (right?) drive from there to Springdale and Zion.

Will Hertz allow you to take the car anywhere in the lower 48?

If you are going from Denver to Moab, instead of taking I-70 all the way to US-191, cut the corner on UT-128, that's a very scenic drive and doesn't take any longer.

If you have to stay in a hotel in Moab, note that they are very expensive. Even the Motel 6 is $120 a night.

If you can spare the time, I'd highly recommend taking UT-12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, it's one of the most scenic drives anywhere.

Hertz will let us go anywhere in the U.S. and even Canada so that we can go through it on our way back from Chicago to Niagara Falls.

Thank you for that tip of taking UT-128 instead, seems more direct and if it's more scenic that is a huge plus, as the more beautiful the drive the less we all mind driving/sitting in a car. Our 2 friends accompanying me and my brother have never been to the american southwest, I cannot wait for them to see how beautiful that area is. It really is one of the coolest places in the whole world.

Id love to go through that UT-12 route, but it just seems so far out of the way. maybe on the way back if/when we decide to spend extra time there.

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Originally Posted by glc

If you have to stay in a hotel in Moab, note that they are very expensive. Even the Motel 6 is $120 a night.

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The Lazy Lizard Hostel in Moab is less than $25 for a dorm bed, and a private room for four is less than $50. I stayed there in 2001, and loved it. Then it was the cheapest hostel at which I had stayed, and it still is amongst the cheapest.

Lifey

Edit: Looking at the hostel website, you can rent a whole house to sleep 13 for the price of a room in Motel 6.

Another thought in Moab is the Apache Motel. We stayed there about 3 years ago, and found it to be comfortable for us. Yes, it's an older property, but many of the lesser expensive mom-and-pops are. We were in a King Room, but the double-queen tops out at $105 these days (which would mean room for 4 if you don't mind sharing).

UT-128: I will second that as being a gorgeous drive. At first you think you're going to pass through the town of Cisco, but it's really not much, almost a ghost town. Then you see the BLM signs. As you drive, there are places where there is a sharp contrast between the red rocks and the green grass of the resort below. (My husband was reminded of an old movie, The Eiger Sanction, as we drove through. We believe it was one of the many movies filmed in the area.) There are also places where the passenger may not want to look DOWN. Before you get to Moab, there are several BLM campgrounds along 128 that were not being utilized! We commented that we'd have probably grabbed one of those sites, had we still been tent-camping.



Donna

That hostel in Moab seems like a gem, and even a cool change of pace from camping/hotel rooms. Looks like a place where a lot of similar groups to ours pass through, which means we might meet some cool people out there. As long as there are beds it beats camping in terms of comfort, and is actually cheaper than staying at one of those KOA campgrounds.

Speaking of KOA campgrounds, ive never stayed at one, but am thinking about reserving some sites with them for our way to zion, due to their perfect locations in accordance with our planned stops. What's your take on KOA campgrounds?

I don't think you'll like KOA campgrounds. They're the exact opposite of the kinds of campgrounds I look for, especially when I'm hitting the road with my friends. Typically they are expensive, their tent sites usually very small, close together, with little privacy. Much like an Applebees, they are great for families in RV's who want the same experience and amenities every place they stop.

My thoughts for Moab were very similar to Donna's. There are tons upon tons of campsites around Moab. My last trip there, there were several campgrounds that were completely empty (during peak season). Most of them are very basic, many of them don't even have running water, but they are run by the BLM and are very cheap.

Chiming in again, this time as a daughter of an ex-KOA owner: KOA's are great for RV'ers who want Elec-Water-Sewer hookups, good power to run an A/C, level sites, and a clean building full of showers. KOA's, though, are not always built with tenters in mind. Sometimes, especially in the older parks, tent sites were an after-thought, located underneath big sodium lamps, far away from the shower/restroom building. As Michael said, they are typically expensive. My dad and his partners made a decent living while owning one, but it was *hard work* and took all of us. Even us kids worked. If we weren't old enough to work the stores, we'd walk the sites (to check availability, whether everybody paid, etc), water the trees, etc.

You're almost better off doing what we did: when we were traveling, if there was no tent campground nearby, we'd stay at a cheap motel. We also made sure that we stayed in a motel every 3 or 4 nights, or at least a private campground with a shower building, so that we could have showers.


Donna

Ok so it seems like we will be avoiding KOA's on this trip.

Plans have changed, now we are going to be driving the rental there, and flying back from Salt Lake City to Boston. This way the trip is estimated at just a few hundred dollars more expensive total, but we get to spend a whole week exploring Utah, don't have to drive all the way back, and the drive to Utah is a 6 night journey instead of a 4 night journey, so less driving and more enjoying the places we go along the way. The original plan we would spend more time going to and from Utah than actually there, This way we get to spend more time there than on the road, very preferable. People are like, why not just fly there? Then it wouldnt be an epic road trip it'd just be a regular vacation. This is a nice compromise, Still an epic road trip, but we get to fly back.

If you've rented your vehicle already, you should check about an add-on fee for a one-way drop-off. If picking up in Boston and dropping off in SLC, it could cost $300-1000 more for the rental. I don't blame you for the thought of trying to save the driving so you can experience more when you're there. Another thing to think about, is how to get everything back to Boston. If you've got tents, etc., you'll have either extra baggage on the plane to pay for, or extra shipping via another method. This can be an issue if you are packing a gas or propane stove or burner of any type, because the USPS won't ship it (and the airlines probably won't, either).


Donna

I have never heard of a stove not been able to be shipped - anywhere, anyway. Airlines will take it. I am sure USPS will also ship it, as they would if you were to buy it online. It is only the fuel which is an issue. So make sure you use it all, or give it to other campers at the end of your trip.

That sounds much more like a holiday trip. I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot, and see so much more, even along the road. If you can afford the extra cost involved, I'd say, go for it. Be sure you have your maps and all the information you have gained from this forum.

Have a safe trip.

Lifey

I've done several fly, drive, and camp roadtrips and I've always left the stove at home. The problem is the fuel, and not the stove itself, but if the stove uses any kind of liquid fuel, it will almost certainly leave a residue that will be flagged by security. Propane stoves might be ok, since the fuel is a gas, but I've never risked it.

I think the fly one way is a great idea with the time you have. However, you might consider reversing things, flying there and then driving home. That could make the packing issue much easier. You'd be able to figure out what you can fit onto the plane from the comfort of your home, and anything extra you pick up along the way, you'd only have to worry about fitting into the rental car to bring home.

Michael makes a good point. You can buy your camping gear and such in SLC at a thrift store or a big box store such as Walmart, and when you get home you can either keep it or donate it back to a thrift store.

we are actually going to drive back from Las Vegas, since a day in Vegas would be preferable to SLC, and its only like a 3 hour drive from Zion National Park.

For camping fuel we have a little mini stove that takes these little mini propane tanks. It's called like a rocket stove, we use it on backpacking trips all the time. we will prob leave behind any leftover cans, and try to prevent having many/any for the fly back.

Id rather drive there and fly back, because if we flew there everyone would want to fly back too and screw the road trip completely. I really want to do a road trip, and a road trip there seems more preferable. Driving home is a less enjoyable experience than driving to somewhere amazing. Driving home is always sad because your'e leaving your primary destination you love so much. I think everyone will be way more excited driving towards a beautiful far away place, than they will driving from it.

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Originally Posted by twilly123

For camping fuel we have a little mini stove that takes these little mini propane tanks. It's called like a rocket stove, we use it on backpacking trips all the time. we will prob leave behind any leftover cans, and try to prevent having many/any for the fly back.

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When I had fuel left over one time, I put it free on Craigslist (in Boston). It was snatched up in a couple hours. Charity shops such as Goodwill will take the stove, but not the fuel.

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I'd rather drive there and fly back, because if we flew there everyone would want to fly back too and screw the road trip completely. I really want to do a road trip,...

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This sounds rather troubling. Have you all independently and seriously taken the compatibility quiz? It sounds to me that you did not take it seriously, or that you are ignoring any negatives which may have shown up. *You* may really want this roadtrip, but what about the others? Will they end up feeling that you are imposing this trip on them? That could cause serious tension and problems along the way, which should be cleared up before you leave. Have a serious and honest discussion with the others. Being stuck in a car for days on end can ruin the most loyal friendships.

This could end up being a memorable roadtrip - for all the wrong reasons.

Lifey

we all had a talk and decided to scrap driving out there completely. We will fly to Vegas and begin our trip there, probably spending our first day there. From there we can go to the grand canyon and camp/stay there for possibly a few days, that way we can have an epic hike in the grand canyon. Then we will probably go up to Moab and spend a night or 2 there, exploring Arches National Park and Canyonlands. Then we will probably go see Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef before heading to Zion, where we will spend at least a couple days, and then it's Back to Vegas to fly back.

This way is still kind of a road trip due to the multiple destinations and large amount of travel, but it is cheaper, and we get to do a lot more cool stuff while we are there, like the grand canyon for example.

Sounds like you've changed your plans. I did read that you tried to make reservations in Zion at Watchman Campground and it was full. Keep checking on line for cancelations! They happen all the time and keep checking up to the night before you arrive if you haven't been able to get a spot by then. We got 14 days with cancellations this spring but had to move 4 times! Our last night reservations was made just the night before. There are some BLM campsites not to far outside the park near Springdale, so ask at the visitor center about them.

Most first come first serve campgrounds in the national parks fill up by early afternoon. Just outside of Moab are a lot of BLM campgrounds along the Colorado River on both the Potash Road (Hwy 279) and scenic Hwy 128. I doubt you will be able to get one in Arches or Canyonlands, Island in the Sky district. If you can't find a campsite at Capitol Reef ask at the visitor center about BLM camping just outside the park.

I would recommend three nights and on full day for each Arches and Canyonlands, Island in the Sky District.

Utahtea

Yes now we are going to book a 10 day trip flying to and from Las Vegas, in which case we will see a lot more than we originally intended while we are there. I would love more advice as to what to do while we are there.

The idea now is a 10 day loop from Vegas, consisting of the Grand Canyon, Moab (with Arches and Canyonlands of course), Capitol Reef, Bryce canyon, and of course the place we are most excited about exploring: Zion National Park.

I'm scared of making any reservations for campsites for the trip. My reason being, It is going to be the beginning of August, and therefore its going to be pretty hot outside. We all want the option of being able to choose to stay in air conditioned hotel rooms, if we decide when we are there that it would be too uncomfortable to camp. We all have plenty camping experience, but none of which is in the desert in the middle of summer.

You may get away w9ith winging it for some of the others, but I would try to book accommodation at the Grand Canyon before you leave. See if you can pick up a cancellation, or something close by. If you are going to do any serious hiking you will want a shower and comfy bed afterwards. (You do know, I take it, that to hike to the other rim, you have to book well in advance. But there are dozens of great hikes available.)

Lifey

You can probably wing it for all but Grand Canyon and Zion as long as you're not in Moab starting on a Friday or Saturday night. Moab has something going on almost every weekend now that draws crowds of people.

I just learned something new! I just checked and there is no longer first come, first serve camping for Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon during peak season. You have to make reservations for August if you want to camp here! This campground is at 7,000 ft. elevation so while it might be hot on the hike down into the canyon, it's usually cooler on the rim. Mather is located at the Grand Canyon Village and the beauty of this campground is you can just walk to the shuttle buses and you won't have to worry about finding a parking place. They do have showers at the campground. http://www.reserveamerica.com/campin...O&parkId=70971 Desert View Campground is first come, first serve but it's a ways from the Grand Canyon Village and there are only 50 sites.

In Arches you're going to want to do Delicate Arch hike and possibly the hike out to Dark Angel. http://www.utah.com/hike/dark-angel-trail

In Capitol Reef the Rim Overlook trail was awesome but strenuous for us old folks. If you're good hikers you might want to continue on past the Rim Overlook to the Navajo Knobs. http://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/trailguide.htm

Utahtea

I think it's worth booking campgrounds where possible, at the end of the day if you forfeit your $15-20 and stay in a hotel occassionally it'll be worth it, especially when you divide it between you. It also gives you the option of some camping and some not if it's a split decision.

I think your new plan is the way to go and whatever way you look at it, it's an epic roadtrip !! You haven't got to drive loads of miles to have one, it's about the rewards you will get along the way. From GC to Moab take US163 through Monument valley and make time for a stop. UT24 and scenic 12 to Capitol Reef and Bryce canyon are awesome roads and now you get the time to enjoy it !! With 6 National parks on your list, purchase the annual pass for $80 as it will save you money on this trip and be available to use for 12 months after purchase.

Mather campground in GC is pretty well shaded in the woods and the Watchman does have some shade and you may be able to get a riverside site. [I know you can in an RV] Bryce canyon is at high elevation and should cooler.

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

... Bryce canyon is at high elevation and should cooler.

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It was early August when I arrived at Bryce. At the visitor centre i was told just to look for an unoccupied camping spot. Check them out, you may also find that they are nowhere near booked out. Bryce is also a great place to take some hikes among the hoodoos.

Lifey

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

the Watchman does have some shade and you may be able to get a riverside site. [I know you can in an RV] Bryce canyon is at high elevation and should cooler.

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Just checked and all of the Watchman river side campsites in Zion are booked for all of August except for Aug. 31st. There aren't any sites open for the first two weeks, but there are some open starting August 17th for tents. Check each description and picture to see if you will have shade or not. All the hike in spots in F loop are in the sun! I would not give up hope of getting a spot at Watchman....you just have to be vigilant and keep checking! http://www.recreation.gov/camping/wa...O&parkId=70923

Utahtea

Utahtea,

Nice to see you here on the Trip Advice forums -- I've been away for a couple of days -- wandering on back roads in Kentucky.

Mark

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist

Utahtea,

Nice to see you here on the Trip Advice forums -- I've been away for a couple of days -- wandering on back roads in Kentucky.

Mark

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Thanks Mark, The back roads of Kentucky sound like fun. We've been having a lot of great adventures too. I'll try and post more often. :)

Now back to the thread,

Utahtea