Inside: Get a family-friendly day-to-day itinerary with inns, eating places, and actions for a nationwide parks highway journey to Utah and Arizona.
Reader remark:
Simply received again from this journey! Used this weblog to plan ALL of it and it was spot on!
This summer season our household visited seven parks in Utah and Arizona–in simply six days. And we had a unbelievable time!
We took this journey with my highschool French change pupil and her household (sure, we’ve stayed in contact for 30 years). They’d been wanting to go to the Western U.S. and thought it could be enjoyable to do the journey collectively.
Since I didn’t know something about Utah or Arizona, I used to be more than pleased to let their journey agent deal with the preparations. However I’m additionally a world-class worrier, so after we received the itinerary, I used to be anxious about just a few issues:
The tempo. I used to be nervous that visiting six parks in six days can be exhausting. BUT I’m truly very glad we noticed a lot. Positive, we might’ve been pleased with an additional day in Zion, however in any other case, we had been prepared to maneuver on and see the following park every day.
The driving. The parks are 2-5 hours other than one another, so there’s lots of driving concerned. BUT our household rented a minivan, so we had loads of room to unfold out and be comfy (and each households may take quick journeys collectively in a single automobile, which was good). Plus, the surroundings was so breathtaking, and there have been many scenic locations to cease alongside the way in which, it actually made the time go by rapidly.
The children. Regardless that our youngsters are older (ages 11 and 15 after we took this journey), I nervous they wouldn’t have an interest within the views or that the mountain climbing can be too strenuous. BUT I used to be fallacious! They took all of it in, did simply effective on the hikes, and appeared to genuinely respect the wonder.
The warmth. We had been in Utah and Arizona the primary week of August, so I used to be bracing myself for the climate. BUT in addition to the warmth on the sand dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, the temperatures weren’t too dangerous. It was even cool (within the 70s!) on the Grand Canyon.
A couple of essential factors about our itinerary:
- We didn’t camp. We don’t personal tenting gear and knew we might be extra comfy staying in inns. All of us slept nicely every night time and had been grateful for warm showers, clear sheets and towels, and delicate beds.
- We weren’t on a decent price range. We had been in a position to make use of airline factors to fly (virtually) free of charge, however the inns, actions, rental automotive, and meals did add up. There are definitely loads of methods to see these parks cheaper, however we determined to splurge on this trip and never stress concerning the price range a lot.
- We had been spontaneous with meals. We ate lots of lunches within the van with the groceries we purchased. I took on the duty of selecting the restaurant every night time for dinner, however did my analysis on the fly as we had been driving into city. I’ve indicated beneath the locations we particularly loved and those that had been simply okay.
- Our households used this journey information ebook: Lonely Planet Western USA in planning the place to go and what to see.
There are one million other ways to see these parks, however I hope this provides you some concepts–or a minimum of conjures up you to see these superb parks too!
Our Nationwide Parks Highway Journey Itinerary
DAY 1: Zion Nationwide Park
- Arrive at Las Vegas Airport within the morning
- Hire automotive: We opted for a minivan so we might have more room and will share some rides with the household we traveled with
- Head to Zion Nationwide Park in Springdale, Utah
- LUNCH: on the highway (we stopped at a Panera exterior Vegas)
- Cease at grocery retailer between Las Vegas and Springdale to purchase groceries (see the grocery checklist at backside), plus a styrofoam cooler and ice. We’re not usually Wal-Mart buyers, however that’s what was most handy. There are a number of alongside the path to Zion.
- HOTEL: Majestic View Lodge, positioned in Springdale on the entrance to Zion Park. There’s a small pool and a restaurant, plus a enjoyable little museum in the primary lodge. This was the view from our first-floor room:
- Choose up rental gear for mountain climbing The Narrows (neoprene socks, waterproof boots, and a strolling stick) at Zion Clothes shop.
- DINNER: Meme’s Café or different close by restaurant. There are lots of choices close to the lodge.
DAY 2: ZION, CORAL PINK SAND DUNES STATE PARK & BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
- Up at 6am.
- BREAKFAST: Eat in room from groceries bought yesterday (we had bagels with peanut butter, milk packing containers, and fruit).
- Drive to car parking zone behind Zion Clothes shop free of charge Zion shuttle. We had been in line no later than 7am (it will get crowded and we had been suggested to be within the lot by 8am FYI!). Pack snacks and water.
- Hike The Narrows as far in as you need—it’s a method out and in! Once we had been there in August, the water was cool however not chilly, and the deepest level hit my 11-year-old on the waist. We did two hours in, two hours out.
- Take the free shuttle bus again to the lot and return gear to Zion Clothes shop.
- LUNCH: Purchase groceries (comparable to bread, lunch meat, fruit or ready sandwiches) on the meals mart subsequent to Zion Clothes shop and eat exterior below awning.
- Drive to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Hire sled ($25 for 3 hours) and experience down sand dunes. Put on close-toed sneakers (not sandals!) and hats and produce plenty of water.
DAY 3: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK & ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
- BREAKFAST: Free breakfast at lodge.
- Drive to 3 scenic factors in Bryce (Inspiration Level, Sundown Level, and Dawn Level). Park at every to view the canyon. We walked the Navajo Loop at Sundown Level, which took us about an hour. It was steep on the way in which again up!
- Drive to Moab. Take scenic route 12—one of the crucial scenic roads in America! It is going to add time onto your journey however be value it. Cease at Kiva Koffeehouse for a pit-stop. Cease once more at mini-mart the place Rte 12 meets Rte 24 for a loo break.
- LUNCH: in automotive with groceries. (For just a few days of this journey, we ate giant breakfasts and dinners and used the groceries in our van to maintain us in between. We ate lots of PBJs! It labored for us. You could need to do it in another way.)
- HOTEL: Greatest Western Plus Canyonlands Inn Moab
- DINNER: The Spoke throughout the road from the lodge. It was effective, however there are many walkable eating places across the lodge, together with Italian and Thai locations.
Day 4: ARCHES & MONUMENT VALLEY
- BREAKFAST: Free breakfast in lodge.
- Adrift Adventures: 4×4 tour of Arches Nationwide Park. I might go for a distinct exercise if I may do it once more. It lasts greater than 4 hours and also you solely see one arch up shut, and it’s not supreme for carsick-prone children (like mine!).
- LUNCH: Cease within the cute espresso store subsequent door to Adrift Adventures for drinks and snacks.
- Drive to Monument Valley (Observe: Monument Valley is a Navajo-operated park, so you can not use a Nationwide Parks Cross for entrance. There’s a separate charge concerned.) On the way in which, cease at Valley of the Gods and Needles Overlook pictured beneath (each are superb and value the additional time!).
- HOTEL: The View Lodge. Get a room with a view—you possibly can sit exterior in your little terrace. Right here’s the view from our balcony:
- DINNER: Get take-out from the lodge restaurant and sit on the patio to eat it. The parts are enormous (my teenage son and I shared a burger and nonetheless had leftovers).
- Star-gaze! This was essentially the most spectacular show of the night time sky that we noticed on our journey.
Day 5: MONUMENT VALLEY & LAKE POWELL
- BREAKFAST: Buffet at lodge. It’s not included in your keep and a bit expensive, however we sprang for it in lieu of shopping for lunch.
- Monument Valley on horseback, in a bunch. Supervised by a Navajo information. This lasted two hours and was our youngsters’ favourite exercise of the journey!
- Return to View lodge for a cease within the loos and to go to reward store.
- LUNCH: in automotive with groceries.
- Drive to Lake Powell.
- HOTEL: Lake Powell Resort. This lodge is within the park itself and we had a pleasant view, however you might keep exterior the park at a cheaper lodge. Right here’s the view from our room:
- Antelope Canyon Tour: This is likely one of the most photographed websites in Western America and is often known as “Corkscrew Canyon”. You’re taking a 20-minute experience in an open 4×4 to get there, then spend 1 hour strolling within the canyon, which is cool and shaded. This was a superb and exquisite tour!
- DINNER: Fiesta Mexican Restaurant throughout the road from Antelope Canyon Excursions. It is a enjoyable and inexpensive Mexican restaurant. Parts (and margaritas!) are huge. Get there earlier than 7:30 to keep away from a wait.
Day 6: LAKE POWELL & GRAND CANYON ·
- BREAKFAST: Canyon Crepes Café. We cherished this little place, tucked away across the nook from the Antelope Canyon Excursions workplace. We received crepes (savory and candy) and smoothies.
- Tour of Glen Canyon Dam. The tour lasts 45 minutes and prices simply $5. Make advance reservations. For those who don’t do the tour, you possibly can nonetheless cease and take a look at the museum and take a look at the dam. It’s spectacular!
- Drive to Grand Canyon. Alongside the way in which, cease at Horseshoe Bend ($10 to enter) on the way in which, which includes a 25-minute hike to the scenic overlook. Test it out beneath. Attractive!
- LUNCH: in automotive with groceries.
- HOTEL: Yavapai Lodge East on South Rim of Grand Canyon.
- Head to Rim Path for a 1-hour stroll.
- DINNER: Yavapai Lodge cafeteria (you might discover another choice, this was simply shut and straightforward for us.)
Day 7: GRAND CANYON & DEPART
- Up by 6:30 to pack van and take a look at.
- BREAKFAST: Yavapai cafeteria.
- Take free shuttle bus throughout avenue on Blue Path to Hermits Relaxation Route Switch to Brilliant Angel Trailhead. Hike down 30-45 minutes and again up.
- LUNCH: in van with remaining groceries on option to airport.
- Cease at Hoover Dam on the way in which if there’s time.
- Return rental van.
- DINNER: At airport earlier than night flight.
THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR A Nationwide Parks Highway Journey
- Purchase a Nationwide Parks Cross ($80 for one yr for a household of 4) to economize on entrance charges for those who’re visiting a number of parks.
- Try the FREE parks cross that’s obtainable to all fourth graders: Each Child Open air
- Participate within the Junior Ranger Program, which we didn’t have time to do however is meant to be enjoyable for teenagers. They get passport-type stamps at every park.
- Convey some video games for the automotive. I printed out a License Plate Recreation (like this one), and my teenager truly ended up being essentially the most enthusiastic about it (and he discovered 42 states!). Subsequent time, I’d print out extra video games like that one.
Objects to Pack for A Nationwide Parks Highway Journey (Summer season)
I like these packing cubes. I purchased them in several colours, and every member of the family used a distinct shade. They characteristic a “compression zipper”, so that you save much more house. For those who’re flying, right here’s my favourite curler bag: We now have this extremely light-weight suitcase in two totally different colours, and you may both examine it or carry it on.
- Hats (ideally wide-brimmed)
- Sun shades
- Climbing sneakers or tennis sneakers with sturdy soles and good socks
- Pants and shorts
- Lengthy-sleeved shirt or gentle sweatshirt
- Rain jacket
- Day pack
- Water bottles and/or hydration backpacks
Grocery Checklist Concepts for Nationwide Parks Highway Journey
- Syrofoam cooler + ice (you might additionally pack a soft-sided cooler in your baggage, however we didn’t have room)
- Sizzling/chilly insulated bag (this made it simple to get ice from lodge ice machines plus retailer additional drinks, and so forth.)
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Bread
- Bagels
- Crackers
- Apples
- Shelf-stable packing containers of milk
- Beef jerky
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Granola bars
- Small bottles sports activities drinks (I’m not usually a fan of sports activities drinks for leisure actions, nevertheless it was useful with the warmth and exercise!)
- Bottled water (we largely used our reusable bottles, however this was useful to have in a pinch)
- Half-sized cans of ginger ale (in case of automotive illness)
- Native beer (we saved this chilly within the cooler and loved it on the balconies of our inns with our mates)
- Laborious sweet and/or mints for hikes
- Sunscreen (stick for face, spray/cream for physique)
- Hand sanitizer
- Roll of paper towels
- Wipes to wash arms and different issues
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