San Francisco to Denver (via Utah)

[sparklybeck18]

You people are amazing! Thank you so much!

[Mark Sedenquist]

When you are looking -- I would also look at the Glendale area -- very reasonable rates with upscale neighborhoods.

Mark

[sparklybeck18]

Hi

My friend and I are driving through Utah in August, and we have no idea where to go! We're basically leaving from Las Vegas on August 12th, and are flying from Denver Colorado to New York on August 30th, so that gives us 18 days to get from LV to Denver, through Utah. I know there are loads of National Parks, and I don't really mind which ones we see, but I'd really love to see Monument Valley, but it's kind of out of the way. Can anyone suggest a route through Utah, with or without Monument Valley? Thanks!

[UKCraig]

Welcome to the site. I am jealous of you for having that amount of time to explore - you should have ample opportunity to explore some fantastic sights.

I would suggest that, if you're unsure what you want to see, your best bet is to spend some ime exploring this site and forum and bookmarking the websites of any destinations that take your fancy. Then plot them all on a map (or use Google Earth for this) and see if a route stands out.

To get you underway, how about taking the I-15 out of Las Vegas (maybe stopping off at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a track tour if that sort of thing is interesting to you) and head into Zion National Park via Springdale (a good place to spend the night) and the South Entrance. Take advantage of the shuttle bus service and then leave via the Mount Carmel Tunnel and East Entrance.

When you reach Kanab take the US-89 through the Grand Staircase-Esalante National Monument (phone ahead if you plan on hiking as there is a strict limit n the numbers who can do that each day) and out to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Stop at the dam (very impressive, and with a very good visitor center) and then check out the impressive Navajo Bridge before descending down to Lees Ferry where you can stand alongside the raging Colorado River.

We stopped overnight at a decent little motel in Page at a ridiculously cheap rate, Econo Host, I think? From there we walked to a wonderful restaurant called Ken's Old West Steakhouse - a hilarious little place with a great atmosphere and lovely food (even though it's not recommended by tripadvisor.com at all!!)

The next morning be absolutely sure to watch the sunrise over the spectacular Horseshoe Bend (be VERY careful when hiking out to the edge whilst it's still dark!!)

Afterwards head up to Monument Valley and take one of the Navajo tours around the area. Just have an open mind and you'll find what they tell you really interesting. Spend that evening at nearby Gouldings Lodge

Next morning get up early again and watch the sunrise from the visitor centre. Don't worry about having to pay an additional entrance fee, just park on the campground and climb over the gate. The tour guides will arrive as te sun comes up but they don't seem to mind you being there without paying. Not at that time of the day anyway!

Afterwards you could head up to Moab and base yourself there for a couple of days. There is so much to do in the area. Arches and Canyonlands both deserve a full day of your time and then you can hire an ATV and go off-roading.

Anyway, that gives you a few ideas to consider, the rest is over to you. Go explore the site then come back with any questions you have.

Enjoy!

[sparklybeck18]

Thank you so much, this is fantastic!

[sparklybeck18]

Hi
Does anyone have any suggestions of places to go in Colorado? We'll have about 5 days I reckon to go form Grand Junction to Denver, adn iI don't really know where to go!
Thanks

[Mark Sedenquist]

Does anyone have any suggestions of places to go in Colorado?

The Colorado Nat Monument is very pretty this time of year -- I would also drive the Million Mile Highway and take the train to Durango. If hot water is of interest --go sit in the underground pools where the outlaw Jesse James used to go for R & R.

Mark