Things To Do/Extended Vacation Ideas
Utah's Great Five
First, head Southeast to Moab where you can enjoy 2 of Utah’s beautiful red rocks in 2 of it’s iconic National Parks: Arches and Canyonlands. We recommend spending a day at each park. Then head west towards Springdale to visit Zion National Park. On the way, we recommend driving through Capitol Reef National Park to stretch your legs and pick up the best pies Utah has to offer. Next, continue on to Springdale. We recommend sleeping overnight in one of Springdale’s many hotels so you can wake up refreshed and ready to tackle all that Zion NP has to offer! We recommend planning an entire day for Zion. Then, spend the night in Springdale after exploring Zion. In the morning, you can wake up and head on to the last of Utah’s “Great Five,” Bryce Canyon National Park. We also recommend planning for a full day in Bryce. Bryce has some of the most gorgeous sunsets in Utah. If you can try to stay at the National Park’s hotel on sight so you can catch it. Finally, head North to Salt Lake.
Moab
Moab features two of Utah's National Parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Timed entry tickets are required for Arches National Park. Be sure to book ahead as they book up fast! For an approachable hike for all abilities, the couple recommends: ❀Mesa Arch (Canyonlands NP) ❀Corona Arch ❀Windows District of Arches NP ❀Double Arch ❀Balanced Rock ❀Sand Dune Arch (Arches NP) ❀Landscape Arch (Arches NP) ❀Dead Horse Point Overlook (Dead Horse Point State Park) If you’re up for a challenge: ❀Delicate Arch (not very strenuous; however, if you are uncomfortable with uphill, this will present a challenge. Still safe for little ones). ❀Double-O-Arch (Arches NP) ❀Druid Arch (Canyonlands NP). This trail is sparsely marked, not recommended if you are unfamiliar with route finding. If you’re dining in town: ❀The Spoke on Center ❀Proper Brewing & Burger Co. Please click "View" to see more details of all the hikes recommended above
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park to stretch your legs and pick up the best pies Utah has to offer. Capitol Reef features some fun small hikes such as: ❀ Hickman Bridge ❀ Cassidy Arch After you’re done stretching your legs, you have earned yourself a sweet treat! Along the way you can swing by Fruita orchard to pick fresh fruit (it is free to eat in the orchard, but if you’d like to take some home you can purchase as well) and the historic house that sells Capitol Reef’s famous pies! Please click "View" to see more details of all the hikes recommended above
Zion National Park (Springdale)
Zion NP can be hard to access due to the shuttle. We recommend reserving bikes with Zion Outfitters so that you can enjoy the park at your own pace. For an approachable hike for all abilities, the couple recommends: ❀Narrows Riverside walk ❀Pa'rus Trail If you’re up for a challenge: ❀Emerald Pools Trails (not very strenuous; however, if you are uncomfortable with uphill, this will present a challenge. Still safe for little ones.) ❀Angel’s Landing (a permit is required and can be purchased through the NPS; you can lock your bike at this trailhead) ❀The Narrows (please check for algae conditions before going. We also recommend renting water equipment through Zion Outfitters; you can lock your bike at this trailhead). If you’re dining in Springdale: ❀Hangry Goat ❀Zion Canyon Brew Pub ❀Deep Creek Coffee Co. Please click "View" to see more details of all the hikes recommended above
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce is known for its Hoodoos, tall, slender spires of red rock created by freeze-thaw weathering and acidic rain. For an approachable hike for all abilities, the couple recommends: ❀ Thor’s Hammer ❀ Hiking the Rim Trail from Sunrise to Sunset Point. ❀ Queen's Garden & Navajo Loop Combination (not very strenuous; however, if you are uncomfortable with uphill, this will present a challenge. Safe for little ones, but not paved for strollers). If you’re up for a challenge: ❀ Add on Peekaboo Look to create the Queen's Garden, Navajo Loop & Peekaboo Loop Trail Combination (this is an all-day affair, but by far the most efficient way to see all the hoodoos, arches, and seep caves. Please prepare with plenty of sunblock, water and snacks) Please click "View" to see more details of all the hikes recommended above
