Suburban Girl

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

That's all folks!

I hope this helps someone plan their trip. Safe travels!

MAPS

U.S. National Park Service, restoration/cleanup by Matt Holly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 8: Finding the Magic in Arches National Park

2021-11-02T19:33:00.012-04:00

Day 8: Finding the Magic in Arches National Park

Fees

Arches ParkVisitor Guide has up to date info on everything from hours, trails, map, and fees.

Get to Arches NP early. Once the allotted number of cars have entered they close and ask you to return in the afternoon. If you miss your entry go to Day 9 and finish Day 8 with Dead Horse National Park (below). You have another chance to get into Arches on Day 9 - Don't miss it!

HIKE 1 DEVILS GARDEN TRAIL

Arrive early and go directly to Devil's Garden Trail at the very end of Main Park Road Build your own hike anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. We did 4 hours. If you do less you can add other things to do.

There is a large parking lot here but it is said to fill up quickly. We were among the first to arrive so there was not problem for us.

Arches National Park*

Start with an easy hike to Landscape Arch. If this is all you do it is a 1.6mi/30 min hike.

On your way back you can add the easy spur trail to Pine Tree and Tunnel Arches. This adds .5mi/20min to your hike

After Landscape Arch there is a difficult climb to get to the spur trails for Partition and Navajo Arches.

This adds.8mi/30min to your hike.

Continue on the main trail to Double O Arch. This adds a lot of time.

On your way back you can add the easy spur trail to Pine Tree and Tunnel Arches. This adds .5mi/20min to your hike

If you hike the entire loop it is 7.8 mi and takes 3-4 hours. We hiked in and out to Double O with all the spurs skipping the return via Primitive Trail because it turned cold, rainy/snowy and very windy. We probably saved about an hour of hiking that way.

The trails in Devil's Garden have minimal markings.*

Arches National Park*

ARCH VIEWING

From the parking are for Devil's Garden backtrack on Main Park Road....

Drive to Skyline Arch (allow 5 min)

Drive to Sand Dune Arch (allow 30 min)

We skipped Broken Arch (allow 1 hour)

Turn into the Windows Section off of Main Park Road

Visit the Garden of Eden for a panorama of 3 arches (allow 15 min)

Continue to the end of the Windows Section to view and hike to multiple arches from the same lot (allow1 hr)

This is where the magic is in case you were wondering.

From inside Double Arch*

Double Arch, My Favorite*

Snap a photo of Balanced Rock as you return to the Main Park Road

HIKE 2 Park Ave Trailhead (2 mi/30 min)

Exit Arches National Park

Dead Horse State Park

Turn Right and make your way to Dead Horse State Park ($20) for Grand Canyon-like views. You can stop at pull offs or build your own hike. In the morning hike the west rim in the afternoon and early evening hike the east rim - this will provide you with glowing light on your view and you won't be fighting looking into the sun.

A perfect short hike is from Dead Horse Point to Meander Overlook and back.
If you want to hike the whole rim start at Dead Horse Point and go either way and this gives you a break at the visitor center about 1/2 way on your hike.

Maps

Arches National Park $Fee

Dead Horse State Park $20

DINNER in Moab. There are a lot of options for Dinner in Moab compared to the previous locations. We ate at Sultan Mediterranean Grill and thought the food was excellent.

HOTEL There are a lot more options here for hotels as well. We earn points at Holiday Inn Express so we stayed there. It was average. I am not a fan of their breakfasts but oh well.

*I packed light. My Canon 24-105L lens stopped communicating with my Canon 5D Mark IV so most of

my photos were taken with a Sony Point and Shoot. I was soooo disappointed.

But lesson learned.

Never pack light!

Click any link to go directly to that day:

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

Go to Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 7 Finding the Magic in Little Wild Horse and Goblin Valley State Park

2021-11-02T19:29:00.014-04:00

DAY 7

Finding the Magic in Little Wild Horse and Goblin Valley State Park

Have breakfast in Torrey and enjoy the 1 1/2 hr drive on Route 24 to Little Wild Horse Canyon via the entrance to Goblin Valley State Park. (If you go via Coal Mine Road it takes longer to get there.) This is a fun slot canyon to hike. It isn't too technical but can offer some fun scrambling.

HIKE 1:

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon Out and back hike your choice of when to turn around or the full hike 8.1mi/5hr. Have snacks or a packed lunch when through. This slot canyon was magical!!

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon*

Drive 30 min to Goblin Valley

HIKE 2:

Goblin Valley State Park $20 1-2 hours. See hike descriptions Goblin Valley State Park. Goblin Valley sure has the magic too. There are 3 large areas filled with these goblin-like formations.

Goblin Valley State Park*

Drive 2 hours to MOAB If arriving in Moab 2 hours before sunset or earlier you have time to hike. (We were tired and didn't want to add another hike so we drove to the Delicate Arch viewpoint and walked out onto the rock from there.)

Depending on when you arrive at Arches NP the park could be closed to additional visitors. If you arrive between 9 and 2 your are at risk of being turned away. For this reason I switched out my plans to put Arches before Capitol Reef. That way if you don't get in the first day you still have an extra day to try. Just get there early and you will be fine.

HIKE 3:
Delicate Arch 2-3 hr, strenuous, 3 mi, a popular spot for sunset. From Scenic Dr TR onto Delicate Arch Rd. Restrooms here. Uphill strenuous. 3 mi RT/2-3 hrs. You may need headlamps or similar for your hike back.

HIKE 3 ALTERNATIVE:

Corona Arch, an enormous arch outside the parks. This arch is about 20 minutes from Moab, along the Colorado River. Make the 1 1/2 mile hike out to the arch and settle in for a glowing sunset. From Moab, take US-191 N for 4 miles. TL on UT-279 S. Follow UT-279 for 10 miles. Parking and trailhead are N (right-side) of the highway. The trail is a moderately strenuous 3 mi/2-3hr round trip hike.

You might want to stop and look at the Potash Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks on the drive to the trailhead. You pass right by them and they only require a couple of minutes extra to enjoy.)

Dinner in Moab. There are a lot of options for Dinner in Moab compared to the previous locations. We ate at Sultan Mediterranean Grill and thought the food was excellent.

HOTEL There are a lot more options here for hotels as well. We earn points at Holiday Inn Express so we stayed there. It was average. I am not a fan of their breakfasts but oh well.

*I packed light. My Canon 24-105L lens stopped communicating with my Canon 5D Mark IV so most of

my photos were taken with a Sony Point and Shoot. I was soooo disappointed.

But lesson learned.

Never pack light!

Click any link to go directly to that day:

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

Go to Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

MAPS

Crack Canyon Wilderness Study Area Map

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 6: Finding the Magic in Capitol Reef National Park

2021-11-02T19:26:00.018-04:00

Day 6: Finding the Magic in Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef Park Trip Planner has up to date info on everything from hours, trails, map, and fees.

Island in the Sky Hiking Options

We had breakfast at our B&B. We were able to see the sunrise from our window so there was no need to rush out for sunrise photos. I was too tired anyway and sunrises were not that great while we were there. However, the early light really does light up the red rock beautifully.

SCENIC DRIVE 1 After breakfast make your way to Scenic Drive (a dirt road off Route 24) and enjoy the magic of the enormity of the rock features in the colors of early morning. Scenic Drive is accessed via Campground Road at the Visitor Center on the right approaching from Torrey on Route 24. We did not see signage. Get on Campground Road and it becomes Scenic Drive.

Scenic Drive*

Cassidy Arch Trail*

HIKE 1 At the end of the road you can choose to hike the Capital Gorge Trail (4.5 mi RT), the trailhead is at the end of the road. This is where you will find the Pioneer Register and petroglyphs. You can also pick up the Golden Throne Trail (3.5mi RT) here. We turned around and made our way back to Grand Wash on the right. Drive all the way in to the Trailhead for Cassidy Arch. Park where you can. This hike is rated difficult but I would rate it moderate. It begins with rock steps but soon levels out to paths over large smooth rock faces. I definitely liked this hike. Once there, be sure to view the arch from the front as well. I missed that photo op.

Hiking Cassidy Arch*

Cassidy Arch*

Cassidy Arch, My husband on top*

If you feel the need for a pie at Gifford Homestead in Fruita now is a good time as you will pass it on your way back up Scenic Drive. I think it is over rated and personally would skip it and just have lunch/snacks. But if you love pie, go for it.

HIKE 2. Hickman's Bridge (Popular hike, 1.7 mi RT) We did not do this hike, but I rearranged this schedule to how I should have done it and it fits in here if you would like to do it. Another option is to hike to The Narrows from Route 24 access to the Grand Wash Trailhead. Most guides tie this in with Cassidy Arch for a long hike which works if that is what you want. Since I wanted to see as much as possible in the time permitted, I separated The Narrows hike to shorten total hiking time. We ran out of time anyway but I believe the reworking of the schedule as I did on Day 5 and 6 makes this work. The Narrows section of this hike is about 1/2 mile long once you get to it in just over 1 mi hiking from Route 24.

SCENIC DRIVE 2 Driving through Capitol Reef via Route 24 is pretty magical in itself. Just enjoy the views. You will drive this tomorrow so don't feel compelled to do it today.

LESS CROWDED SCENIC DRIVE: Cathedral Valley - rugged, remote, high clearance vehicle needed. Allow 3 1/2 - 4 hrs for a 57.5 mile loop.

Dinner (Call ahead to reserve.)

One night we ate at La Cueva at the recommendation of guests at the B&B. It was very good.

The other night we ate at the Rim Rock Restaurant. It was very good except for Cowboy Cut Ribeye which was pretty tough to chew and not that tasty. My husband had the sirloin for $12 less and it was much better. The side dishes were all fresh and good.

Climbing Around at Sunset Point*

Sunset at Sunset Point or any place where the sun will light the west facing cliffs as it sets.

HOTEL We stayed at Sky Ridge Inn again.

Most of the locations on this trip are also International Dark Sky Parks: Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Capitol Reef NP, Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Zion NP. My trip also coincided with a full moon so I had to time photography before the moon came up.

*I packed light. My Canon 24-105L lens stopped communicating with my Canon 5D Mark IV so most of my photos were taken with a Sony Point and Shoot. I was soooo disappointed. But lesson learned. Never pack light!

Click any link to go directly to that day:

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

Go to Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

MAPS

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 5: Finding the Magic on Burr Trail Road

2021-11-02T19:23:00.012-04:00

Capitol Reef Info: Capitol Reef National Park

Day 5: Finding the Magic on Burr Trail Road

Have an early breakfast in Bryce and get on your way. Pack snacks or a lunch.

This is not what we did, but what we should have done. Route 12 is scenic but not where the magic is...get to Boulder! It will take about 2 hours cause you are gonna be tempted to stop along Route 12 at The Hogback for the 360 views anyway. Then get right to the Burr Trail Road (Route 100) - this is where the magic is folks. Stunning! I promise you, the photos do not capture the magic.

Burr Trail Road (Route 100)*

You have two options

1. Drive in and out on Route 100 from Route 12 in Boulder and enjoy the beauty. Turn around when you've had enough and make a right on 12 to continue to Torrey.

Route 100 - - watch for Long Canyon, Singing Canyon and definitely stop at the overlooks.

2. Or drive in from Boulder to Capitol Reef area, do a couple canyon hikes, check out 'the fold' and then get to Torrey. Travel plus the hike(s) will take most of your day but it is worth it. In this part of Capitol Reef NP the roads are not paved, but the state roads to and from the park are paved.

NPS has an itinerary for traveling the Burr Trail Rd. Count your miles to follow along.

Headquarters Canyon*

To do the hikes you will need to travel down and possibly back on the Burr Trail Switchbacks. A little nerve racking but doable. Do one or both of the hikes:

Burr Trail Switchbacks 12 percent grade on a dirt road. *

Hike 1: Headquarters Canyon - A flat walk to a rocky canyon trail with narrows at the beginning. We met an 82 yo woman with knee replacements hiking in this canyon. So you can do it.
Hike 2: Surprise Canyon - A flat walk to the trail with smooth large rocks to walk over making this trail a little easier.

It is faster to return via the way you came to Route 12 to get to Torrey. But if you want to "Loop the Fold" and view the geological water-pocket fold you will continue to Nottom Bullfrog Basin Road then to Torrey. This way has a lot more unpaved road so it will take much longer. However, you will not see much traffic and will have some cool views, not quite like Route 100 though. Be sure to note your mileage when starting because many points on the linked map are not signed.

Surprise Canyon*

Surprise Canyon: He would not let me climb up here to see the surprise
because 'help was too far away.' Such little faith.*

Surprise Canyon*

The Water Pocket Fold from Nottom Bullfrog Road.

HOTEL When finished, get to Torrey and check into your hotel. We stayed at Skyridge Inn. It was nice enough but not your typical B&B. It is managed remotely. The only other people you will see are other guests and the cook making a very good breakfast.

DINNER Have dinner now or after sunset but make a reservation/call ahead! There are not many options. One night we ate at La Cueva at the recommendation of guests at the B&B. It was very good.

Depending on how much time you spent on Route 100 and Capitol Reef hikes, you may have time to check out Goosenecks and Panorama Points, then watch the sunset from Sunset Point. There are wonderful views from Sunset Point.

*I packed light. My Canon 24-105L lens stopped communicating with my Canon 5D Mark IV so most of

my photos were taken with a Sony Point and Shoot. I was soooo disappointed.

But lesson learned.

Never pack light!

Click any link to go directly to that day:

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

Go to Day 6 Capitol Reef National Park

MAPS

Source: BLM.gov

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 4: Finding the Magic in Bryce Canyon

2021-11-02T19:20:00.031-04:00

Day 4: Finding the Magic in Bryce Canyon

Planning Aids:

Bryce National Park

Bryce CanyonVisitor Guide has up to date info on everything from hours, trails, map, and fees.

You can see the highlights of Bryce (Rock formations called Hoodoos in giant amphitheaters) in half a day or stay longer and add on some hiking. We did 1/2 day in Bryce and saved time for nearby Willis Creek Slot Canyon and Kodachrome Basin.

if you prefer to hike in Bryce the Queens Garden Navajo Loop Trail takes you right into the hoodoos. 2.8mi/2-3hrs Strenuous at points.

We arrived in Bryce the evening of Day 3.

In the morning we had breakfast before heading out, again, it was October so sunrise was getting late. And Bryce is cold... We packed snacks for lunch.

STOP 1 Sunrise

Open 24 hrs and no shuttle required means you can get into Bryce bright and early. Arrive before dawn to view the night stars and stay for sunrise. Start at Sunrise Point and take some photos of the light on the hoodoos. Then walk north along the Rim Trail to the magic of Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point and back. (You can start at any of the points) This area will get crowded during the peak of the day and it is better near sunrise or sunset anyway. The amphitheater is where the magic is in Bryce. Then head over to Paria Viewpoint for a distance view of the river cutting through the canyon.

What no photos...? Did I say I was having camera troubles.? Ugh.

STOPS 2-15 Most of these overlooks on Route 63 through the park were unremarkable compared to the points along the Rim Trail. I would recommend hiking the Rim Trail to get the best views or drive to each of the 4 along the amphitheater separately. We did like two of the other overlooks in the other part of the park though, Stop 12: Natural Bridge and Stop 13: Agua Canyon (photos lower down). It's up to you if you want to drive that far to view them.

Distant View from Bryce Canyon NP*

#13 Agua Canyon, Bryce Canyon NP*

#12 Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon NP*

Willis Creek Narrows Trail

*Download driving directions before heading out because you probably won't have cell service.

Here's the scoop on Willis Creek Narrows. No bathrooms here.

View from Skutumpah Road

Next head to Willis Creek Narrows Trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument for an easy 6 mile RT hike along the Willis Creek that will take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 hours. The drive there is via a 6 mile steep dirt road, Skutumpah Road, aka BLM 500. The trailhead is across the street from the parking area. I recommend a 4WD SUV for roads like this one especially if it has rained. I loved the magic of this canyon. (*BLM=Bureau of Land Management)

Willis Creek Narrows Trail*

There are a series of really cool, picturesque narrows here. You can do as little or as much as you like and still enjoy a slot canyon type experience. If you hike all the way to Sheep Creek it will be 6 mi RT.

Willis Creek Narrows Trail*

Kodachrome Basin State Park

If you still have time visit Kodachrome Basin State Park- $10, 6am-10pm. 2905 S. Kodachrome State Park Rd. You will receive a trail guide. You can do this towards the evening and stay for the dark skies.

Park Website It has nice bathrooms! Woo-hoo. Park Brochure

Angel's Palace Trail: This is a scenic, relatively easy trail that gives terrific views over the basin. It is 1.4 mi long. I found the magic here. I'm not sure if it was the silence with the beautiful weather we had or just naturally magical. BTW, I would camp in this park. It looked really nice.

Angel's Palace Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park*

Bryce

Head back to Bryce for dinner & sunset. In Bryce catch the sunset at Bryce Point. Yes it is magical here! If there is a full moon it is worth coming back to Sunset Pt when the moon is up lighting the hoodoos. If there is no full moon, enjoy the dark skies instead.

Bryce Canyon from Rim Trail*

Bryce Canyon from Queens Garden Trail*

Bryce Canyon from Rim Trail*
Maybe Bryce Point?

HOTEL: We stayed at Ruby's Inn, nothing special but conveniently close to the park. They also had a gift shop, market and restaurant in their main building.

Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park. I tried my first attempt at astrophotography by placing my camera on the ground facing up. Since the lens was not working properly it was luck to get anything at all. But the sky was jaw dropping compared to what I see at home - a handful of stars.

I've never seen so many stars.
I have to learn astrophotography now.

*I packed light. My Canon 24-105L lens stopped communicating with my Canon 5D Mark IV so most of

my photos were taken with a Sony Point and Shoot. I was soooo disappointed.

But lesson learned.

Never pack light!

Click any link to go directly to that day:

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

Go to Day 5 Route 100, Burr Trail Road

MAPS

Bryce Canyon: Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce Points
overlook the magical amphitheater.

Map of Willis Creek Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/soEEmyG9uA2Nfkvb6

I have lots more photos of Bryce here, Willis Creek here, and Kodachrome here if you are interested.

Apparently this is what you do in Southern Utah.

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 3: Finding the Magic in Zion National Park

2021-11-02T19:17:00.011-04:00

Day 3 Start in Zion National Park End in Bryce Canyon

Finding the Magic in Zion National Park, Part 2

SCENIC DRIVE 1: Sunrise (Since we were here in October sunrise was not unbearably early, plus we were still on East Coast time.)

We picked Kolob Terrace Road. It is about 15 min west of Springdale and provides some magical views in the morning light. We took the road until the 5 MPH turn, you can't miss it, and then turned around. You have more extensive views here than in Zion. If you would rather hike here than in the busy part of the park, check out these options.

Moonset from Kolob Terrace Road*

Have a later breakfast at Oscars. (The waffles were delicious by the way.)

HIKE 1: Choose a hike in Zion. Or see below for Upper East Canyon options.

We chose the West Rim Trail from The Grotto (stop #6 on the Zion Shuttle) which is also used to access the popular hike to Angel's Landing (5.4 mi/3-5 hours RT) Footing for this hike is easy for most of the way as it is paved. The Angel's Landing part at the top is more difficult and very steep. The hardest part of the West Rim Tr hike is the steep incline. If you are cardio-fit you will be fine. I am moderately fit and had to stop to catch my breath throughout. (I am also not used to altitude.) This is a very popular trail that most people do early, we found doing this late morning helped avoid some of those crowds. This worked in October but the summer heat could make that pretty intolerable. You do not have to do the entire hike, a natural stopping point is Scout's Lookout (4mi RT.) Or as the host at our B&B suggested, take the trail to the left from Scout's Lookout, West Rim Trail. Hike until you reach a downhill that you probably will not want to hike back up. Then turn around. There are a lot less people here and its beauty is underrated.

View from West Rim Trail*

From Scout's Lookout, West Rim Trail*

Hikers on Angel's Landing*

*Angels landing was a beehive of activity. There was a park guard regulating the number of people permitted at one time. Decide if you really need to do this or not.

West Rim Trail from Scout's Lookout*

West Rim Trail*

SCENIC DRIVE 2: Upper East Canyon (East entrance to Zion). Route 9 leaving Bryce.

After hiking grab lunch or snacks and make your way to Bryce Canyon.

And here is the magic leaving Zion on Route 9 East....

of course if you are entering from the east you will see this first.

Wow!*

I sure wish I had know about this before I left!*

Such cool formations.*

The road is surrounded with this beauty.*

Checkerboard Mesa*

I am just going to say I wish I had allowed more time to explore Upper East Canyon. Leaving Zion on our way to Bryce, this drive was where the magic was for me. It was stunning! I would return to Zion to explore this area. I would suggest to choose from this list rather than do the crowded West Rim Trail above. You can also look for these slot canyons on the east side. Our B&B host recommended East Mesa Trail to Observation Point (top down). Observation Point trail from the bottom up is closed.

Allow 2 hours to Bryce plus time to stop and savor the views. Or add some additional/alternative hikes if you've allowed the time.

If you arrive in Bryce in time for a sunset:

Sunset Options in Bryce

1) Bryce Point*** 2) Inspiration Pt.** 3)Sunrise Pt* (less crowded than Sunset Point!)

Check into your hotel. Ruby's Inn is close and pretty much the spot to be. It is a large Best Western but still family owned. It is nothing special but it serves the purpose in a location that does not have a lot of options.

Dinner: There are not a lot of restaurant options either, we knew this in advance, so we saved our delicious leftovers from our meals in Zion to have here. (Yes leftovers on vacation. What can I say?) Rooms have fridges and microwaves.

*Most of the locations on this trip are also International Dark Sky Parks: Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Capitol Reef NP, Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Zion NP. My trip also coincided with a full moon so I had to time photography before the moon came up.

*I packed light. My Canon 24-105L lens stopped communicating with my Canon 5D Mark IV so most of

my photos were taken with a Sony Point and Shoot. I was soooo disappointed. But lesson learned. Never pack light!

Click any link to go directly to that day:

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

Go to Bryce Canyon National Park

MAPS

Bryce Canyon

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 2 Finding the MAGIC in Zion National Park

2021-11-02T19:14:00.011-04:00

Day 2 Finding the Magic in Zion National Park

Day 2 Overview

Early Hike or Sleep In -whichever is most magical for you.

Later Breakfast at Oscars

Hike The Narrows

(And/Or choose multiple other hikes to your liking)

Dinner at Bit and Spur (make reservation when you know your arrival time)

Sunset

HIKE 1: Sunrise Hike - Canyon Overlook Trail (No shuttle required) We were still on East Coast time and woke up very early so we headed out for a sunrise photo-op with head lamps. (Bless my husband's heart.) Just after exiting the tunnel on Route 9, you’ll see the trailhead on the left across from a parking area on the right for the Canyon Overlook Trail. There is additional parking on the left further along the road and street parking that fills up as it gets more crowded. An easy 1-mile hike ends with a view of Zion Canyon. (Look to the left of the official lookout point for another hidden vantage point.)

Orion Dancing Over Zion
Canyon Overlook Trail*
First attempt at photographing stars.

Zion Canyon at Sunrise
Canyon Overlook Trail*

HIKE 2: After a late breakfast, we chose to hike The Narrows via Riverside Walk next. The shuttle ride to The Narrows is 30 min from the park entrance. Exit the shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava stop. (This hike will likely take up the rest of your day unless you cut it short.) As our B&B host explained, it really is better to start after the mob at the popular spots. We found the mob returning as we were hiking up river. On our return there were times when we had sections of The Narrows completely to ourselves. This is definitely the better option in October because it also warmed up a bit by this time!

Or Choose an alternative hike.

Riverside Walk
an easy, flat, scenic paved walk.

This hike begins with the Riverside Walk and then takes you wading up the Virgin River between canyon walls. Most people, like us, turned around at some point.and made their way back the way they came. This way you control your time and distance. Or you can continue on for a full RT hike of 9..4 miles and take up to 8 hrs. We hiked to Floating Rock when the water reached our waists, that was our turn around point.

*You can also hike The Narrows from the top down but that requires a permit.

The Narrows in Zion

The difficulty hiking The Narrows is affected by the cubic feet per second of discharge. The higher the water level the more difficult the hike. When we hiked it was in the 50s cfs. Check that info here. Lower than 70 cfs is doable with potential water levels to your waist. Over 70 cfs is more difficult with potential water levels to your chest. The Narrows is closed for flows of 150 cfs and above.
You should not hike The Narrows if there is a chance of a flash flood, that forecast is here.
Carry any electronics in a water safe container.
Yes you do need a slip proof, closed toe shoe for this hike along with a rubber tipped hiking pole.
Check with rangers about the possibility of flash floods as this can affect your plans.

Alone! The advantage of outsmarting the mob.

Alternatives or HIKE 3. If you didn't do the full Narrows hike you have time for something else. Choose an afternoon hike. We spent the rest of our day in The Narrows but this was my alternative option:

Return to the shuttle for a 15 minute ride to Emerald Pools Trail Stop 5/Zion Lodge on the shuttle. From the Zion Lodge Shuttle Stop, walk southeast past the lodge to the bridge crossing over the Virgin River to the trailhead.

There are 3 pools:

Lower Pool

Rating: Easy

Hiking Time: 1 hour
Distance: 1.2 miles, round-trip
Elevation Change: 70 feet

Middle Pool

Rating: Moderate
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 1.7 miles, round-trip
Elevation Change: 150 feet

Upper Pool and Falls

Rating: Moderate
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Distance: 2.2 miles, round-trip
Elevation Change: 200 feet

Dinner Break

King's Landing Bistro TA #3 5p-9p

*Oscar's Cafe TA #2 7a-9p (Awesome breakfasts)

Deep Creek Coffee TA #4 Br&Lu

Spotted Dog TA #5 5a-9p

MeMe's Cafe TA #7 8a-10p (It was OK. Slow service.)

*Bit and Spur (Very good dinners, excellent and prompt service.)

The Classic Sunset is at Canyon Junction Bridge. Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy., Hurricane. You'll face south, and shoot down the Virgin River to The Watchman focal point. Sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge is popular for photographers, so get there early to find your perfect vantage point.

OR if you (like me) hate a bunch of photographers stressing about their vantage point and getting the perfect shot and ruining yours, go somewhere else for sunset. Photographers can be rude that way. The east side of Zion is stunning, I can't imagine not getting great images there from any number of locations.

*I packed light. My Canon 24-105L lens stopped communicating with my Canon 5D Mark IV so most of

my photos were taken with a Sony Point and Shoot. I was soooo disappointed. But lesson learned. Never pack light!

Go to Zion National Park 3rd day

Click any link to go directly to that day:

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park

Day 7 Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse

Day 8 Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 9 Canyonlands National Park

Day 10 Travel Home via Salt Lake City

MAPS

The First Timer's Visit to Utah's 5 National Parks, Day 1 & Planning Your Trip to Magical Southern Utah

2021-11-02T19:08:00.022-04:00

That would be us:

first timers in Utah.

Check one-off of the bucket list.

I researched this trip extensively

and here is what we did.

The Narrows in Zion

The Full Trip Itinerary Overview

We flew Southwest, not the cheapest airline, but we prefer them. (I selected our dates using the low fare finder options to and from Utah.)
I traveled with my husband in the second half of October.

We traveled Zion to Arches,

but with some tweaks you can reverse the order.

Click any link to go directly to details for that day.

Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas NV drive to Springdale UT

*If you have time stop at Valley of Fire on your way to Springdale.

None of the itineraries I read suggested this and I wish we had.

Day 2 Zion National Park

Day 3 Zion National Park