Long road trip, need help...

[glc]

Go back up to I-70, take that to UT-24 through Hanksville past Capitol Reef to Torrey, take UT-12 to Bryce Canyon. UT-12 is one of the most scenic drives you will find anywhere. Depending on time, you could then go to Zion or go through Panguitch to UT-143 through Cedar Breaks (IF IT'S OPEN) to UT-14 to I-15.

[AZBuck]

If you plan to visit both Canyonlands and Arches, as well as cover the over 500 miles between Moab and Las Vegas (including 'detours' to the two parks, then an additional overnight stop on the night of the 22nd is pretty much a necessity. Since both of the parks you've named are in the Moab area, that overnight stop will also need to be much closer to Moab than to Las Vegas. The Salina UT area offers a wide array of motels, both chain and boutique, in a number of price ranges. At roughly 215 miles from Moab (again, including getting to the two NPs near Moab) it could still be reached in a relatively easy day. Then from Salina to Las Vegas, you'll have the opportunity to visit Zion NP as well.

AZBuck

[Southwest Dave]

Ok, more things are finalized and I expect to leave home with the following itinerary.

Depart home ...............................Tuesday, April 20th
Somewhere in Kansas.................Tuesday night.
Gunnison, Co......".........................Wednesday, April 21st.
Moab, UT ".".................................Sunday, April 22nd

Now, from Moab, UT, I need to get to Las Vegas. I plan to see Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, then head to Las Vegas but need help find a path with any other sights. I could stop overnight somewhere between Moab and Las Vegas on the 23rd night after seeing those two parks, get into Las Vegas on 24th night. Please suggest.

I agree with glc's route, it's a spectacular drive but again it's about timing. If you plan to drive to Moab from Gunnison for just one night and you want to visit Arches and Canyonlands, you won't be leaving Moab until mid to late afternoon on the 23rd so getting to Vegas on the 24th is possible, but not with much time for sightseeing. If you could get to Bryce canyon via UT12 for the night (leaving Moab around 2pm)it would give you a chance to drive down the canyon the following morning and explore a few viewpoints on the way back up (doing it this way puts all the pull outs on your side of the road) then head for the Mt Carmel tunnel through Zion on route to Vegas. An extra night would be really beneficial for this part of the trip. An alternative route would be to head south on US191 and head through Monument valley and take the east entrance into the GC and out of the south to I-40 and on to Vegas. One thing for sure, it's not a case of "could stop another night", if you want to see anything at all you will have to.

[ZeeBabar]

Thank you all. So the plan is to spend a night in Moab, see Canyonland and Arches the next day and spend the next night in Salina, UT. The following day, drive to Alas Vegas. Much thanks!

After spending 3 nights in Las Vegas, plan to head to San Francisco. Can stay overnight some place (Bakersfield, maybe) so with a one night stay in between, what’s a nice scenic route to San Francisco. Have been to Yosemite often (used to live in Fresno) so it does not need to be included.

[landmariner]

If you plan to visit both Canyonlands and Arches, as well as cover the over 500 miles between Moab and Las Vegas (including 'detours' to the two parks, then an additional overnight stop on the night of the 22nd is pretty much a necessity. Since both of the parks you've named are in the Moab area, that overnight stop will also need to be much closer to Moab than to Las Vegas. The Salina UT area offers a wide array of motels, both chain and boutique, in a number of price ranges. At roughly 215 miles from Moab (again, including getting to the two NPs near Moab) it could still be reached in a relatively easy day. Then from Salina to Las Vegas, you'll have the opportunity to visit Zion NP as well.

AZBuck

There is a hotel/motel right off the interstate and across the huge parking lot is a decent restaurant. Haven't been there in a few years but the best tamales ever.
Super 8 by Wyndham Salina/Scenic Hills Area and
El Mexicano Restaurant - Salina

Rt. 12 is one of the best scenic drives around. Near Escalante is the Kiva Koffeehouse, for some good coffee and grub, and anchored by three canyons.

[glc]

I would really try to make the time to drive UT-12 between Torrey and Bryce Canyon. You have a great car for it!

[ZeeBabar]

Once again, thank you all. Perhaps I will do a trip report as I go on.