Zion to Bryce (the long way...)

[andreatrib]

Looks like lodging prices for Moab during that time are increased 40-60%!! OUCH! So with that, and the crowds, I've decided to pass on that area and I'm mourning the loss. When I get past all the stages of grief I'm going to look into Colorado NM and your other suggestions. :)

Be back in a few days!

[glc]

Using the RTA hotel search, I found you a room in Moab at the Silver Sage Inn for $82 a night on April 7th and 8th. The Motel 6 in Green River is also available at $52 a night, that doesn't show up on any of the booking sites, Motel 6 does not list with any of them, you have to use their own website. The Motel 6 in Moab is already booked out.

[andreatrib]

Thanks glc for going the extra mile!! I'll consider the rooms you located. I appreciate your help!!

-Andrea

[andreatrib]

Next piece of the trip we're looking at is after we leave Moab. We've decided to take Rocky Mt NP off the list for this trip and try that another time when the weather is warmer and the Trail Ridge road is open.

Since my daughter really wants to stop at Dinosaur NM on the border of UT and CO our plan is to head there next (with a possible stop at the Colorado National Monument on the way as you suggested Southwest Dave.) From Dino NM we would head toward South Dakota.

My concern is road conditions at that time of year (snowstorms, winter road closures, etc.)... I imagine the Interstate is my best bet, but Google Map has me taking smaller highways. So I'm looking for feedback/options to make the drive from Dino NM to South Dakota.

Two options I see are...

Rawlins, Casper & Gillette... From there we could visit the Devils Tower (Close Encounters) NM then head down to Rapid City, SD and go from there.

Rawlins, to Laramie, to Cheyene and go up through Nebraska.

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!!
-Andrea

[glc]

As long as the weather permits, I'd take US-40 to Craig, then CO-13/WY-789 to I-80. At Rawlins, take US-287/WY-220 to Casper. From there, there are several ways to go depending on your interests. All the state road conditions websites are accessible from safetravelusa.com.

[andreatrib]

Thanks glc,

I'll look at safetravelusa.com. and the routes you suggested!!

-Andrea

[Saltygirl]

If staying in Monument Valley area, I would suggest staying at Goulding's Lodge as it is the closest lodging and has wonderful views of MV from the on site restaurant, motel and campground.

If you have the time between Natural Bridges and Capitol Reef...let me suggest a wonderful side excursion outside of Hanksville that it not well known, just a half hour north of Hanksville is a turnoff to a place called Goblin Valley N.P. It is approx. another 20-30 minutes of travel along a well maintained dirt road, it is much like Fiery Furnace in Moab (which I hiked before it became "guided only" and became quite lost very quickly ;) Goblin Valley is on a much smaller scale and doesn't require a guide or appt. to explore. Also right outside of Goblin Valley is a slot canyon called Little Wild Horse Canyon...of course this is a place you would NOT want to hike in flash flood conditions, there are two different courses to take. One is approx. 3 hours and the other is approx 4-5 hours. I highly suggest consulting with a park ranger at Goblin Valley before taking this hike, as it is self guided but I took my 9 year old along and while I found it a little challenging in a couple of spots it was overall a fairly easy hike.

Highway 12 from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon is one of the most scenic drives I have ever been on, you go from quakies and pines to desert and the views are wonderful! Just a warning though...along the route is a spot called Hogsback and for less than a mile you will drive along a stretch with drop offs on BOTH sides...feels like you are floating on air for a bit ; )

ETA: Moab is super busy in the spring (with April being the busiest) getting reservations ahead of time is a MUST in this area if you are planning on arriving Thursday nights through Sunday nights.

[vermilye]

2X on Goblin Valley State Park - walking among the "Goblins" is a unique experience.

If you have time check out the view at Gooseneck State Park on US 163. For another interesting experience, drive up the Moki Dugway on UT 261. At the top take the dirt road out to Muley Point. The view at the end is magnificent.

Images are Gooseneck State Park, Moki Dugway, & Goblin Valley.