Travel Advice

[wadesworld]

I have a friend who lives in Salt Lake City and we're planning on trying to do some of the bigger site seeing things in that general area, including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and if we have time hopefully Maroon Bells and maybe making our way to Denver over the course of a week or so.  Haven't started to do much planning yet because I wanted to get people's thoughts on what the best time of year might be to do this and any suggestions as to the best way to go about this/best route to take/any other can't miss things we should see while doing this.

Again, haven't really planned anything for it, just know we want to do it at some point in 2016.  Not sure if it'll be mostly camping or if we'll be getting hotels, don't know what kind of hotel options there are in these areas or what.

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated, as Scoopers were very helpful in my trip to the Pacific NW this past May.

Thanks much.

[MUsoxfan]

I'm on a similar trip right now. I've made my way to Telluride, CO after starting my trip in La Jolla and Temecula.

We skipped the Grand Canyon, but the San Juan mountains are out of this world.

Spent last night in Kayenta, AZ and was really close to Monument Valley and Four Corners

[brandx]

I have a friend who lives in Salt Lake City and we're planning on trying to do some of the bigger site seeing things in that general area, including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and if we have time hopefully Maroon Bells and maybe making our way to Denver over the course of a week or so.  Haven't started to do much planning yet because I wanted to get people's thoughts on what the best time of year might be to do this and any suggestions as to the best way to go about this/best route to take/any other can't miss things we should see while doing this.

Again, haven't really planned anything for it, just know we want to do it at some point in 2016.  Not sure if it'll be mostly camping or if we'll be getting hotels, don't know what kind of hotel options there are in these areas or what.

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated, as Scoopers were very helpful in my trip to the Pacific NW this past May.

Thanks much.

Moab, Utah is always my stop off destination. Right by Arches and Canyon Lands Nat'l Parks. And you're only a half hour from the Interstate to head off toward wherever your next destination is whether going southwest to the Canyon or northwest to SLC.

And, lots of camping sites in small campgrounds along the Colorado river. Great hiking, biking and rafting area. Rafting is really great in the spring.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Horseshoe is pretty amazing

[keefe]

Moab, Utah is always my stop off destination. Right by Arches and Canyon Lands Nat'l Parks. And you're only a half hour from the Interstate to head off toward wherever your next destination is whether going southwest to the Canyon or northwest to SLC.

And, lots of camping sites in small campgrounds along the Colorado river. Great hiking, biking and rafting area. Rafting is really great in the spring.

This is an outstanding recommendation. Moab is one of my favorite places in the world. Arches is mystical, especially if you are into Edward Abbey (Desert Solitaire is a must read.)

Moab offers world class rock climbing with hundreds of routes throughout the area catering to a range of skill and experience. My favorites are Indian Creek, Castle Valley, Fisher Towers, and Negro Bill Canyon. Local guides can hook you up with everything you need. Optimal climbing seasons are Spring and Fall; in fact, late October is one of the best times to go.

When in Moab do your drinking at Woody's. Now that is a bar. And I mean that quite literally. The bar is a magnificent slab of wood into which gentlemen, outlaws, fugitives, and scoundrels have been carving their initials for over 100 years. Woody's attracts a genuinely authentic collection of humanity who come to find solace, companionship, or laughter in that oasis in a vast salt water ocean  of parched LDS rectitude.

[NavinRJohnson]

Made a run from Denver to Vegas via Utah a coupe years ago...West across CO to Salt Lake, then south to Zion National Park, the onto Vegas and flew home.

Highlights were

Vail
Park City
Bryce Canyon
Zion/Spingdale UT (For sure!)

[StillAWarrior]

I will always be partial to Durango, Colorado.  If you're heading that way, I could make some recommendations. 

[wadesworld]

Outstanding.  Can always count on Scoopers.  When I start to solidify a route I will throw that up there and see what recommendations there are.

Has anybody done Antelope Canyon?  Have seen pictures and it looks incredible.

[keefe]

I will always be partial to Durango, Colorado.  If you're heading that way, I could make some recommendations.

I gotta say it...Durango to Cleveland?? Did you lose a bet?

Seriously, though, Durango is a real gem. And Purgatory is one of my favorite places to get off piste.

[brandx]

I will always be partial to Durango, Colorado.  If you're heading that way, I could make some recommendations.

Durango is great. And the drive from Durango up to Silverton and Ouray is one of the most scenic in the country.

[StillAWarrior]

I gotta say it...Durango to Cleveland?? Did you lose a bet?

Seriously, though, Durango is a real gem. And Purgatory is one of my favorite places to get off piste.

I'm not sure this makes it any better -- actually it probably doesn't -- but it was Durango to Tamuning to Milwaukee to Cleveland.

Sure, I downgraded, but "Milwaukee to Cleveland" doesn't sting quite as bad as "Durango to Cleveland."  The things we endure for the love of our life -- living in Cleveland has been a small price to pay for what I've received in return.  But damn, it would have been nice to have the best of both worlds.

[keefe]

I'm not sure this makes it any better -- actually it probably doesn't -- but it was Durango to Tamuning to Milwaukee to Cleveland.

Sure, I downgraded, but "Milwaukee to Cleveland" doesn't sting quite as bad as "Durango to Cleveland."  The things we endure for the love of our life -- living in Cleveland has been a small price to pay for what I've received in return.  But damn, it would have been nice to have the best of both worlds.

There is always a woman behind the head scratchers, hey?

[ChicosBailBonds]

I will always be partial to Durango, Colorado.  If you're heading that way, I could make some recommendations.

Durango is great.  +1