Arches NP
Nov 7, 2014 08:09:43 #
Teacher
Loc: Alabama
Fly in to SLC and rent a car. Around Moab are some unknown (to most folks) petroglyphs on the way to Dead Horse State Park. Inquire about them. The view at DHSP of the Colorado river is outstanding. Drive a few mile further and catch a sunrise at Mesa Arch which is just off the road (Best to do this in reverse order). In Moab, you can get a photo guide as to what time of day (sunrise or sunset) you need to be at various arches. Most of this can be googled. Oct, Apr. May are all good times to visit. Very different world from Tenn. Enjoy!
Captain Jim wrote:
I am planning a trip to Arches National Park. I was wanting to know the best time of year to visit the park. I will fly in from Tn. and rent a car.. is Grand Junction the best site..or is there other airports ....
Nov 7, 2014 08:49:28 #
We were there 2 years ago in mid April. Best time for spring flowers,though may be a little early. Weather was perfect.
We flew into Grand Junction,it is less that 2 hour drive to Moab.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore Arches,Canyonlands,and Dead Horse Point. We spent 10 days and did not even come close to seeing everything. I really want to go back,it is one of my favorite National Parks. Enjoy! Go to the visitors center in Moab and pick up info. I got a brochure that told best time to be at different features (sunset/sunrise etc) this was a big help in planning each day
We flew into Grand Junction,it is less that 2 hour drive to Moab.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore Arches,Canyonlands,and Dead Horse Point. We spent 10 days and did not even come close to seeing everything. I really want to go back,it is one of my favorite National Parks. Enjoy! Go to the visitors center in Moab and pick up info. I got a brochure that told best time to be at different features (sunset/sunrise etc) this was a big help in planning each day
Nov 7, 2014 10:15:00 #
try to avoid the weekends at Zion. We were there two years ago and couldn't find a place to park in the park or the additional parking outside.
All NV, AZ UT cars on a sat.
All NV, AZ UT cars on a sat.
Nov 7, 2014 10:32:17 #
Flew from Knoxville to Durango, CO in late April. Easy drive to Moab and you go right by Mesa Verde National Monument. Also flew to Denver in May and though it is a longer drive to Moab, it is quite gorgeous along I-70. You go right by Vail and Aspen.
Nov 7, 2014 10:50:26 #
Captain Jim wrote:
I am planning a trip to Arches National Park. I was wanting to know the best time of year to visit the park. I will fly in from Tn. and rent a car.. is Grand Junction the best site..or is there other airports ....
I prefer mid-April. Less people.
Nov 7, 2014 11:00:00 #
I've been a couple of times around early and mid-April, as well as in the fall. I would recommend the month of April when there are fewer people, cooler weather, and hopefully snow on the distant mountains which add nice effects to the photos. Bryce NP during that time of year can also be really nice, especially if there is a dusting of snow on the canyons.
Also, check ahead for events going on at Moab. I stopped by Arches once when in the area and there were thousands of extra people in Moab for a big Jeep ramble event, causing bumper to bumper traffic in Arches.
Also, check ahead for events going on at Moab. I stopped by Arches once when in the area and there were thousands of extra people in Moab for a big Jeep ramble event, causing bumper to bumper traffic in Arches.
Nov 7, 2014 11:42:47 #
My husband & I flew from Atlanta to SLC in mid June a few years ago, rented a car, and made great use of our Senior National Park Passport -
Moab was one of our favorite spots. We went to Arches early one Sunday morning and it was fantastic. We went to church in Moab and one of the locals told us not to miss Potash Road. (so named, I believe, because a potash plant is, or used to be, on the road.) It was unbelievable. Have Fun.
Moab was one of our favorite spots. We went to Arches early one Sunday morning and it was fantastic. We went to church in Moab and one of the locals told us not to miss Potash Road. (so named, I believe, because a potash plant is, or used to be, on the road.) It was unbelievable. Have Fun.
Potash Road
Nov 7, 2014 12:25:45 #
Effate
Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.
Grand junction is about 2 hours closer drive than Salt Lake City but as other's have stated Grand Junction will probably require a transfer in Denver. I have been in late April and just spent a week in Moab the first week of October. Both times of year were pleasant however I believe I read that October is on average the most inclement (barely over an inch for the month) and we were treated with some clouds. October was not that crowded especially as first light.
Nov 7, 2014 14:43:29 #
I just got back from Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce and Zion. keep in mind they are all at very high elevations. Even in late summer it can be cool in the early morning so bring a jacket! Don't miss the views from Canyonlands they are spectacular. Look for a brochure on Indian Art and go on a hunt near Moab. You don't have to travel far to find it.
Captain Jim wrote:
I am planning a trip to Arches National Park. I was wanting to know the best time of year to visit the park. I will fly in from Tn. and rent a car.. is Grand Junction the best site..or is there other airports ....
Nov 8, 2014 11:41:44 #
Best time any time of year with the changing seasons. Best time Sunrise and Sunset.
Nov 8, 2014 15:40:39 #
waykee7 wrote:
Mid May is very good.
Wayne
Wayne
So, my question revolves around a mid-May drive from San Jose, CA to Canyon country. Do I need the Jeep or can I get by with the Chevy Volt?
And, is an overnight in Las Vegas OK?
Nov 8, 2014 18:06:55 #
You only need a jeep if you want to access really remote places. If this is your first trip to canyon country there's at least 50 days worth of backcountry that can be accessed without a jeep.Such as the enclosed photo not that far (75 miles) from Moab.
Nov 8, 2014 18:19:19 #
I used Salt Lake City. My preference is late fall, that place can get really hot. You'll be in driving distance of Canyon Lands and not very far away from Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Nov 8, 2014 19:27:11 #
Thanks cononpicguy and wilderness. I am planning on taking two days to get there and this is an option. now to see where to stay in canyon country that is central to the parks, if that is at all possible.
Nov 8, 2014 19:34:09 #
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