working on a trip to Utah in april
a few years ago, my NE friend and I visited the north rim, zion and Bryce
this time we want to see arches and Canyonlands
some of you have spent quite a bit of time in Utah, so i'd like to hear what your favorites hikes have been
I realize there is quite a lot to see besides the national parks, and we're open to those places, too
nonot has a nice overview of the arches NP trails: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=11664
the confluence hike in the needles district was recommended by a few folks: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=12778
is natural bridges NM worth a visit? http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1313
any suggestions for island in the sky?
what about dead horse point state park?
coffeshops, gear shops, restaurants and lodging advice all welcome
thanks in advance for any beta
@trekkin gecko
Really enjoyed the confluence hike. Neat to see the two rivers merge with their different colors.We were in Moab when "Jeep Week" was going on.....100's for off road vehicles! Nothing to pass on about lodging or restaurants as were just OK. We did Dead Horse State Park as a drive through, getting out at scenic overlooks...no hiking, but enjoyed and you will drive right by it. Took us about 2 hours.
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
Passing through Moab on the way to Arches, Milt's Stop & Eat is an absolute must for lunch.
Their grass-fed beef burgers are the best we've experienced anywhere!
Yes, it's a long wait for the meal (busy as can be) it's well worth it.
Many folks miss it because it's 4 blocks east of Main Street. (Fourth St & E Mill Creek Dr)
356 Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532-2850
Is there any chance you might post your planned Utah adventure as a HAZ Event? I ask, because Utah is my favorite place in the WORLD, and I'm always looking for an excuse to return. If you'd like some ideas, feel free to check some/all of the Utah photo sets I've posted on Haz, http://hikearizona.com.... For what it's worth I've got more photo sets of Utah, but I never got around to posting them. I was a Utah lover long before I became a HAZer.
Mexican Hat
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San Juan Inn / Olde Bridge Grill (especially Navajo Tacos, Beef Stew, any breakfast)
The pizza place was pretty good, but it was closed the last three times I passed through.
Bluff
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Blue corn pancakes at the little coffee shop (only open in season)
Just about anything at the Twin Rocks Trading Post
The new restaurant at the Desert Rose Inn is pretty good, but a little pricey
Cottonwood Steakhouse is OK, but also seasonal. Somewhere between the trading post and Desert Rose in price.
I love Natural Bridges. Arches will be jam-packed in April. Canyonlands will be pretty busy too, especially Island in the Sky. Lots of hiking options on the lands around Moab too. In Moab Milt's is a good call, as is Eddie McStiff's. Eclectic Cafe or Jailhouse for breakfast. If you are going to be there at the start of April there's a paleontology meeting going on if you want to learn more about the dinosaurs of the area; April 1st-3rd. I lived in Moab for a little bit and have spent a fair bit of time in the area (currently live just up the road in Grand Junction). If you've got specific questions feel free to PM me.
"The only thing we did was wrong was staying in the wilderness to long...the only thing we did was right was the day we started to fight..."
-Old Spiritual
My book, The Marauders on Lulu and Amazon
@Rob del Desierto
I know arches will be crowded, and that will determine how much time we spend there
maybe more time in needles @SAMBA
no, not a haz event; it's hard enough to plan with one other person
will check your photosets
What kind of vehicle? I don't do much of the park stuff anymore; Arches is very nice but will be crowded. Island in the Sky and the Needles will be busy also; again worthwhile depending on crowd tolerance.
If you have a suitable vehicle, SUV type, for Canyonlands I would recommend the Holy Ghost Panel in Horseshoe Canyon. My favorite area is the Maze and you can do some peripheral hikes in there with a moderate vehicle. It does require a little more preparation as you are pretty far down the dirt road on that. I would check with the Hans Flat ranger station on roads and access if you are interested. Going in at the Orange Cliffs section is awesome view filled driving and just stop and pick a mesa top or canyon to hike.
San Rafael Reef area will be busy too but less so than the parks and there is some light to full on canyoneering back there.
I would recommend if able obtain a couple of Mike Kelsey's books, and or Steve Allens' books. There won't be any park trail info in them but are a good start to other places in Utah.
thanks y'all for the ideas and suggestions
this trip is more of a touristy vacation with rental car and motels
lots of hiking, sightseeing, good eats, and getting an overview of this part of Utah
looking forward to a road trip and some time off
I have enjoyed all my trips to Southeast Utah. You would be hard pressed to make a bad choice. Arches is crowded but is better for the inexperienced hiker. In Needles district the west side of the park is more geologically interesting than the east part. The east part of Needles is more cultural/historic though.
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife!
I just drove through S. Utah today from Page to St. George, etc. I was not on a hiking trip but I kind of paid attention along the way. Lots of trailheads and dirt roads and mountains and canyons that are NOT crowded national parks. Looks pretty interesting. I hope to be exploring some areas near Page since I'm living there now.
There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.
@azbackpackr
Just a few to consider--Kaparowits Plateau, Cottonwood Canyon road ( a bunch of hikes off that) off course the Paria ( don't overlook the upper part) and many more
On reading your post I had one reaction, "WHAT"? As long as you've lived in Arizona you've never been to Utah? NOTE to ABPer: there are adventure opportunities (make that "unbelievable adventure opportunities") north of the Grand Canyon. IMHO, everything south of I-70 could/should warrants National Park designation. It's that spectacular.
azbackpackr wrote:I hope to be exploring some areas near Page since I'm living there now.
HOPE??? Just do it! Oh yeah, why don't you post as a HAZ event when you do "do it".
It's a great way to show you are interested in a hike. If somebody else is going, they automatically see your expressed interest and choose to invite you if they want to.
Members may be contacted through the PM (Private Message) system. Be sure to note a members geographical location and hiking ability for compatibility. If you do not receive a response from a member consider it a solid no-thanks.
I always say there's no wrong way to use HAZ. I think that's largely true. But I also think you may be more successful in your quest if you try the above options.
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
@SAMBA
I have hiked Grand Gulch, and have been up to Moab for mtn. biking 3X a decade or more ago. I work in Glen Canyon. But it's in Arizona. Well, at least the undammed part where I work is in Arizona. But I'll definitely start doing some exploring as soon as I have the time. I just moved here and have spent the whole time training for my job. I just finally got my Jeep up here today. So, now I have more than a bicycle to get around on. So if ever I have a day off, someday (!!) I can go hiking!
There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.
@azbackpackr
If you want some company, then give me a few days notice, and I'll be only too happy to join you for whatever you might chose. IT'S ALL GOOD IN THAT AREA.
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