Summer trip

[Mishlg]

So I took a little of everyones input and have booked my 11 day trip! Its all on a word doc dont think you want to see it to comment. But doing phx/utah/las. Excited and thank you all!

[Southwest Dave]

Hi and welcome back. Glad to see you have it sorted and looking forward to the trip !! If you want to write up the outline of your itinerary we will be pleased to read it and offer any little 'nuggets' of info we may have. If not (and you have no further questions) please drop by after your trip and share some of the details, and pictures if you like !! Its always nice to follow other members adventures while not on the road ourselves, you could add a brief description here or do a full report on our Roadtrip field reports section.

Dave.

[Mishlg]

Hi and welcome back. Glad to see you have it sorted and looking forward to the trip !! If you want to write up the outline of your itinerary we will be pleased to read it and offer any little 'nuggets' of info we may have. If not (and you have no further questions) please drop by after your trip and share some of the details, and pictures if you like !! Its always nice to follow other members adventures while not on the road ourselves, you could add a brief description here or do a full report on our Roadtrip field reports section.

Dave.

Awe ty!! I attached a picture of a dummy down version. Not sure i did it right.

[glc]

No good. Copy and paste it into your post.

[Mishlg]

No good. Copy and paste it into your post.

Road Trip 2021
Annual park pass
Day 1 8/15
1. Old Town Scottsdale (17min)
it is Old Town Scottsdale! Scottsdale is well-known as a getaway great eats, fantastic shopping, good golf, and world-class nightlife and there is no better place to experience all of that than in Old Town Scottsdale!
. If you love to shop, then you’ll enjoy checking out all of the boutiques in the area. If you’re a fan of nightlife, then this is the area to go out in. If you are after a great meal, then you need to head to some of the area’s top[-notch restaurants. Have lunch at Barrio Queen
Do the Public Art Walking Tour
2. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (1 hr 44) closes at 5
Waterfall Trail is about 300 feet long, ends at waterfall cave. Uneven steps. Allow 15–20 minutes.
3. Montezuma Castle National Monument (1 43)
4.Sedona (36min)
Sedona Village Lodge –
Cathedral Rock.
Our top picks for dinner are Mariposa, The Hudson, Vino Di Sedona, and Elote Café. Make your reservations in advance.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Mariposa’s Latin Grill
Day 2 & 3 8/16-18
5 Flagstaff (48)
Walnut Canyon Rim TrailDistance 0.7 mile round-trip 30 minutes round-trip The first part of the trail, leading to the first canyon overlook, is paved and accessible. Ask at the visitor center before proceeding further.
6. Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona (44)
7. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (57) closes at sunset
Bonito Vista Trail

Comfort Inn Mon, Aug 16. - 18
8. Williams (57min)
There are quite a few activities and attractions in Williams including the Historic Train Depot, Route 66 Zipline and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. 6pm 8 min away
Day 3 56min 8/17
Grand Canyon railway
Morning: Hike out to Ooh Aah Point or walk the Rim Trail. Mather point
Midday:Have lunch. Take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon (midday is the best time for photography) or visit the viewpoints located around Grand Canyon Village.
Afternoon: Walk, bike, or take the shuttle to the viewpoints along Hermit Road.
Evening: Have dinner. Watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon.
Day 4 8/18
10. Page (2hr 26min) Get up early have tour booked
(no tours) 10.Glen Canyon Dam Overlook )which holds back an amazing 9,000,000,000,000 gallons of water! Follow the trail down steep, uneven rocky steps to views of Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River. Hand railing provided intermittently.
Few shade pavilions. Steep cliff edge in some parts; Use caution.

Trailhead: From Highway 89, turn west on Scenic View Road about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Take the first road to the right and park in the parking area at the end of the road.
The Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell
11.Horeshoe bend at sunrise, (24)
12.Antelope Canyon.(24min) tour booked for 325 must be there 30 min prior
Many visitors suggest heading out there at sunrise over sunset because the lighting is much softer but don’t think getting there early will mean less people.
• Eat at Big John’s Texas BBQ in Page, Arizona (delicious!)
• Mexican restaurant called El Tapatio

Day 5 & 6 8/19 and 20
UTAH THE Mighty 5 4 HOURS
13. Monument Valley (2hr 3 min) )half way point)
The Wildcat Trail is a 3.2-mile Wildcat Trail trailhead sign at the northwest corner of the visitor center parking area. (should be small place to eat there too)
At 1.7 miles you will find yourself standing in the center of the two Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte for a great panorama.
14. FORREST GUMP POINT located at mile 13 of the Federal Route 163. 19min
15. Hole N" The Rock (2hrs) (other half)
La Quinta inn Moab (Itinerary # 72123644908267) (2.7) . 15min
16.*Arche National Parks (11) Your two national parks on this trip sandwich the city of Moab an sunset scene
Day 2 in morning
17.*Canyonlands National Park. (30) Drive the entire scenic road through the park, hopping out to hike or take photos from the numerous scenic overlooks.
Grand View Point -2 miles 1.5 hours A stunning out-and-back trail, this walk showcases spectacular panoramic views as it follows the canyon edge.
18. Dead Horse Point State Park.( 17 min) The lookout at Dead Horse Point Overlook is a must-see!
try some delicious Mexican food at El Charro Loco Mexican Grill
Quesadilla Mobilla food truck where I devoured a cheesy, spinach, and sweet potato combination
Fiesta Mexicana, Miguel’s Baja Grill, Jailhouse Café, TRY FRYBREAD
Spend the 2 night Moab
Enjoyed VRBO just outside town—the stargazing is crystal clear!
Day 7 8/21
19. *Captial Reef (2 .39)
Hiking to Hickman Bridge and photographing Fruita Barn are your top two must do activities.
• Continue on a short drive until you reach the Hickman Bridge hike trailhead. Crack out the short hike and once you get back to the car it’s time to head out of the park to the West.
• Head to Fruita and explore the Gifford Homestead (grab a pie while they still have them!) including photographing the barn. If it’s the right season, find an orchard with the ‘U-Pick Fruit’ sign and pick some fruit.
18.Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• A Lower Calf Creek Falls 1.21
A. Devil's Garden hike 42
Kiva Koffeehouse
Bryce Canyon Log Cabin (no bkft) (Itinerary # 72123649998851)
20*.Arrive Bryce (small) COOLER .Bryce Canyon National Park - (1 hr 33) (24hrs)
Queen’s Garden
Sunrise Point(not a loop), 1.8 mi The least difficult trail that descends into the canyon. See Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail.
Rim Trail
Walk the rim of (not a loop), 1.0-11.0 mi
View the hoodoos from above. Trail paved between Sunrise and Sunset Points.
Day 8 8/22
21. *Zion National Park - Spend the night in Zion (1.25)
2. CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL
3. Pa’rus Trail
4. RIVERSIDE WALK
Sleep Inn & suites Hurrican
Breakfast – Springdale: Deep Creek Coffee Company Hurricane: River Rock Roasting Company
Lunch. Red Rock Grille in Zion Lodge, Dinner. http://gulrich.com/bitandspur.com/ http://switchbackgrille.com/ Springdale: Oscar’s Cafe Hurricane: Stage Coach Grille.

Day 9/10/11 8/23-25
Do Zion in morning -then head to vegas Las Vegas 2.5 hours
5. Lower Emerald Pool Trail
Head towards Vegas
22. Valley of Fire
23. Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. park in lot .See hoover dam
Planet Hollywood Resort View Vegas Strip
24.Las Vegas see popeye statue at the winn

[Southwest Dave]

You seem to have a good grasp on things with lots of options. Its good to know whats around you but important not to bust a gut trying to do it all, take your time to enjoy where you are without worrying what you might miss. It'll be there for another time ! Here's a couple more to note. On route to Flagstaff from Sedona you will pass Slide rock SP which might tempt you. On US89 you will find the Cameron Trading post and although a bit touristy it does make an interesting stop I think. After Capitol Reef heading south on scenic 12 there is the Larb Hollow overlook. Its a quick pull out visit but great view ! At Bryce, if you drive to the far end of the canyon and stop at the viewpoints coming back up they will all be on your side of the road and will save you having to keep crossing traffic. Another short trail in Zion is Weeping rock if you have time.

Have fun and let us know how things go !

[Mishlg]

You seem to have a good grasp on things with lots of options. Its good to know whats around you but important not to bust a gut trying to do it all, take your time to enjoy where you are without worrying what you might miss. It'll be there for another time ! Here's a couple more to note. On route to Flagstaff from Sedona you will pass Slide rock SP which might tempt you. On US89 you will find the Cameron Trading post and although a bit touristy it does make an interesting stop I think. After Capitol Reef heading south on scenic 12 there is the Larb Hollow overlook. Its a quick pull out visit but great view ! At Bryce, if you drive to the far end of the canyon and stop at the viewpoints coming back up they will all be on your side of the road and will save you having to keep crossing traffic. Another short trail in Zion is Weeping rock if you have time.

Have fun and let us know how things go !

Thank you. Will def note the info above. Also I was going to do weeping rock but it is closed till futher notice. Falling rock i think

[DonnaR57]

Day 1 8/15
1. Old Town Scottsdale (17min)
it is Old Town Scottsdale! Scottsdale is well-known as a getaway great eats, fantastic shopping, good golf, and world-class nightlife and there is no better place to experience all of that than in Old Town Scottsdale!
. If you love to shop, then you’ll enjoy checking out all of the boutiques in the area. If you’re a fan of nightlife, then this is the area to go out in. If you are after a great meal, then you need to head to some of the area’s top[-notch restaurants. Have lunch at Barrio Queen
Do the Public Art Walking Tour
2. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (1 hr 44) closes at 5
Waterfall Trail is about 300 feet long, ends at waterfall cave. Uneven steps. Allow 15–20 minutes.
3. Montezuma Castle National Monument (1 43)
4.Sedona (36min)
Sedona Village Lodge –
Cathedral Rock.
Our top picks for dinner are Mariposa, The Hudson, Vino Di Sedona, and Elote Café. Make your reservations in advance.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Mariposa’s Latin Grill

I'm not sure if you have figured in drive-time between those 4 places.

Scottsdale to Tonto Bridge is over 90 miles and will take you at least 1 hr 45 minutes between.

Tonto Bridge to Montezuma Castle is about a 75 minute drive - AT LEAST - it's 50 miles but parts of the road are a bit windy, if memory serves.

Montezuma Castle to Sedona is another 45 minutes up the road, depending a LOT on traffic.

BTW, note: August in Arizona, until you get up to Flagstaff, is HOT. Expect triple digit temperatures. Stay hydrated.

If things are a bit tight, consider dropping Tonto Bridge and stick to Scottsdale, the Castle and Sedona.


Donna

[Mishlg]

I'm not sure if you have figured in drive-time between those 4 places.

Scottsdale to Tonto Bridge is over 90 miles and will take you at least 1 hr 45 minutes between.

Tonto Bridge to Montezuma Castle is about a 75 minute drive - AT LEAST - it's 50 miles but parts of the road are a bit windy, if memory serves.

Montezuma Castle to Sedona is another 45 minutes up the road, depending a LOT on traffic.

BTW, note: August in Arizona, until you get up to Flagstaff, is HOT. Expect triple digit temperatures. Stay hydrated.

If things are a bit tight, consider dropping Tonto Bridge and stick to Scottsdale, the Castle and Sedona.


Donna

Hi- yes the numbers in () are the time it should take to get there. Thank you for the tip about tonto Bridge

[Mishlg]

Hi- if you had a preference driving from Flagstaff to Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona would you stop at Walnut Canyon or Grand Falls? Currently my itin says Walnut but I thought since I am doing a lot of canyons and State park that maybe I should stop at Grand Falls instead? Any input?