fjrwillie Loc: MA

[quote=cwhonda]

Great advice....my significant other has a lifetime park pass that we have used extensively. If we get there and that is no longer valid you are right 10 even 25 is a bargain

Willie

fjrwillie Loc: MA

If this happens this year (assuming we can get out of the Northeast with the snow) May is looking like the time frame.
Thanks for providing info.


Willie

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

If you go to Canyonlands go to Island in the Sky, blow off Needles. It's good but Island in the Sky is far better, plus Dead Horse Point is a turn off on the road in. And Arches is right there too.

I would forget the convertible and rent a pickup, 4wd if possible, or at least a SUV with really good ground clearance.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

I do a lot of photographing at these places. The Grand Canyon is nice but not really a photographers dream, Bryce is very photogenic but I would recommend sunrise and sunset for the best imaging there. In order to really see Capital Reef at its best you should really have a true 4 wheel drive in order to see it right, the drive through the Cathedral Valley section of Capital Reef is a wonderful experience, stop at the visitors building for directions and maps, the rangers are very helpful. Arches is a geological wonder. Stop at the visitors center and get the map and ask questions about where to go. If you can hike go to Delicate Arch either at sunrise or sunset but there will be loads of people doing the same thing and at that time of year the heat will be around 100 degrees so always carry water. As far as Canyonlands the one thing to see at Canyonlands is sunrise at Mesa Arch. This is in the Island in the Sky district and there will also be a lot of people there at sunrise. This is a magical experience and should be seen at least once. I only go to Mesa Arch in the middle of the winter, its cold and a lot less people there but people go there for sunrise year round. In Canyonlands there is so much to see it can take a month just to get started. Mesa Verde is nice and the Petrified Forrest is a 2 hour stop. There is so much to see and do. If you are adventurous a 4 wheel drive truck would be an asset. At the time of year you are going the weather can be very hot. Be prepared for hot dry weather. Bring a lot of water and wear a hat. Be careful wherever you go. Dont poke around rocks, be aware of rattlesnakes and always know where you are going and how to get there. Personally I only go to these places when I know that the weather will be cool and you have to be very careful of the rainy season, here is the weather for Capital Reef year roundhttp://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/weather.htm You will have a wonderful time visiting these places. Be prepared to be awe struck at every turn. One drive that i would recommend is Route 12 from Bryce to Capital, one of the great drives in this country. The drive is about 120 miles, easily done in a day and there are places to see along 12. Get a good map of Utah and you will see interesting places along route 12. Have a wonderful trip.

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

A Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer is invaluable.

azburg

As a Tucson resident for almost 30 years I can tell you that temps in
that part of the country in May are into the 90's for the most part.
I'd suggest April or, if possible, October.

Azburg

mtbear

November, it's too hot in spring and summer plus flora is better during the rainy season.

the hiker Loc: San Diego

keep in mind also that it is a 200 mile drive from the south rim to the north rim and the view is much the same on both sides.the only way to really see the Grand Canyon from a different view is to take a whitewater rafting trip but that takes anywhere from 8 days to 13 days.But it is a once in a lifetime trip.there is so much to see in the Southwest your biggest problem will be how much time to spend at each place, I would check out the Train ride from Williams to the South Rim as a one day trip.I hope you have a great trip