Well, I knew this day would come...after so many incredible trips to the Caribbean and the fact that our daughter just studied abroad in Europe and Africa last semester we are making vacation plans to stay in the Good Ole US of A! By the way we were fortunate to visit her in Switzerland and traveled into Italy in October, outstanding!! Funny, we discussed many vacation options including Europe, Iceland and of course the Caribbean, but somewhere along the way we gravitated towards UTAH! At first I said... seriously? UTAH? The more I look into it the more excited I get! We are outdoorsy adventurous types and Utah checks all the boxes.

Our plan is to drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Then on to Monument Valley, then to Moab for a few days to cover the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, then to Zion National Park and back to Vegas. We have plans to white water raft the Colorado, horseback ride, hike and just take in the beautiful sites we've only seen in photographs.

Any must do's is the question? Out of the way places? Actually we will be way off the beaten path most of the trip, but any hidden gems along our route? Thanks for any info!

Leaving in 2 weeks, can't wait to see what we will see! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Sounds like a great trip. You should be there before the summer crowds, but may have to plan for some possible chilly weather. Have not been to Arches or Canyonlands (there are on the list), but just love Zion. Hike the Narrows if you get the chance (depends on weather and water levels and you need shoes and clothes that can get wet). I would also try and add Bryce Canyon to your list. We did a short visit there when moving cross country and it is spectacular. If you go, hike down into the canyon and through the canyon (we did it ourselves; no need for a guide). Get up and watch the sunrise over the canyon and it will be a lasting memory. We still talk about it 23 years later. Utah is beauitiful and almost otherworldly. Enjoy!

Thanks Jane! A couple people have mentioned the narrows!! We are planning for it. We'll take extra pair of running shoes for that walk?? We are early risers so I hope to see every sunrise, especially at the Grand Canyon. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

An extra pair of running shoes should do it. Depending on how high the water is it could be up to your waist and people were carrying packs overhead! Will look forward to your trip report and pictures as you always do such a nice job.

Sounds like a great trip. Don't just blow by Capitol Reef if you have time.
Grand Gorge is spectacular and Sulphur Creek is one of the best hikes you will ever do, if you sure truly adventurous. Or at least stop b the old farm house for fresh fruit pie.
Goblin Valley State park is another gem. Hiking through the goblins is always fun and the Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon loop hike is very special if you've never done a slot canyon hike. Or even if you have.
Dead Horse Point State Park near Canyonlands is also worth a visit - a short loop hike and the views are amazing. Have fun!
-Dave

Thanks Dave, Dead Horse Point is on the list!!! Goblin Valley looks awesome, hope there's time. There seems to be a never ending list of great hikes, can't wait!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Zion and Bryce are not that far apart if you can get them both in, other places that are memorable to me are Pink Sand Dunes, Grand Staircase Escalante, staying in Grand Canyon at El Tovar, the lightning at night was amazing, and then waking up to sunset on the rim was phenomenal. We took a 1700 mile road trip 10 years ago, went in a big circle. It was a great trip.
Have a blast,
Ellen

We love southern Utah (ok northern too) and Vegas! Zion was beautiful as is all the scenery along the way. Have also been to the Grand Canyon which was impressive. Are you planning to hike/ride the donkeys into the Canyon? Have a wonderful time!!

We just flew home last night. It was one of those outstanding trips that I just can't stop looking at the photo's! Thanks for all the advice and I'll be writing a multi-trip report soon. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Beerman--I am definitely looking forward to seeing those photos, for sure! I'm sure they will be fantastic! I know a full report is a lot of work, but maybe you could give us a teaser photo or two??? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />