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Alyssa Waggoner
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Day 1: Las Vegas arrival
Arrive in Las Vegas. Depending on your arrival time and appetite for driving, take some time on the strip and have dinner. If you do not want to do a buffet, some family-friendly options on and off the strip include:
From there, drive either to St. George for the night (approximately two hours) or on to Moab (4–5 hours). In St. George, let me book you a basic hotel with free breakfast or get fancy.
Day 2: Moab
Drive to Moab. It’s a long drive, but a straight shot basically on I-70. If you are looking at a shorter trip, this would be the day to go to Bryce. But, head to Moab first thing in the morning.
Once you arrive, you’ll want to dive right into the adventure. We can book you rafting, canyoneering or a first glimpse at Arches or Canyonlands.
After your first expedition, check in and get settled at the hotel, and then walk into Moab for dinner. Might I recommend The Spoke on Center?
Day 3: Arches hike and a swim
Today, you’re heading into Arches! Reminder: If you’re visiting between April and October, you’ll need a timed entry pass. If you don’t have a National Parks Pass, you’ll also need to pay the park entrance fee. Don’t forget to stop at the Visitor Center to get your Junior Ranger packet!
If you want to start light, Devils Garden is located at the very end of the park road, 18 miles north of Arches Visitor Center. The drive time from the visitor center is approximately 30 minutes. We did an easy out-and back and saw Pine Tree Arch, some other Arch and Landscape Arch. There is an opportunity to go a little further to get closer to Landscape Arch, also.
Or, even lighter, you can stop by Double Arch Trail, where this is where Indiana Jos Last Crusade was filmed! (.5 mile trail, level: Easy). There are some other easy hikes that I’m happy to share if you book with me!
Or, you can jump right in and make Delicate Arch your first hike. It’s featured on the Utah license plate, so you don’t want to miss it or the iconic photo opp. The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is three miles (4.8 km) roundtrip and climbs 480 feet (146m). Along this steadily uphill trail, you'll also pass the Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs. This is a steep uphill with a lot of rock scrambling, but the payoff is worth it! Not for those afraid of heights! Also–there is no shade, so bring lots of water!
Head back to Moab for a rest, a swim and dinner–don’t miss the Moab Food Truck Park!
Day 4: Scenic hiking
Grab a coffee or breakfast at Love Muffin and then it’s back to Arches! If you managed to get a pass and reservation for Fiery Furnace, you’ll head back to Arches for your ranger--guided tour. Don’t forget your timed entry pass!
This will also give you a chance to see some of the arches from yesterday, or some new ones (Balanced Rock, The Windows Section) and finish your Junior Ranger packet and get sworn in.
Then, it might be time for a sunset Jeep ride, or some time at the Moab Giants Museum. Or just hanging by the pool again!
Day 5: Canyonlands
Today, it is time for National Park #2 — Canyonlands. While there are four different sections of the park, with different entrances — we’re going to focus on two. Pick 1, or try to do both on a long day! Don’t forget to get a Junior Ranger packet here too.
Island in the Sky is the closest section to Moab. You won’t want to miss Grandview Point Overlook, but you might also enjoy Mesa Arch and/or Whale Rock!
The Needles is further away — about 90 minutes, but a good day trip for your final day in Moab. Cave Spring or Slickrock Trail are two good options. Don’t forget to stop at Newspaper Rock on your way to the Needles.
Hot tip: If you’re approaching sunset on your drive back to Moab, you can stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for its incredible views.
Day 6: Goblin Valley to Bryce
On the road again. It’s a big driving day, but the payoffs are worth it! Here’s how it is going to look:
Moab to Goblin Valley: This is an amazing state park and so worth the stop!!! Don’t miss.
Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef: Not a must-stop, but the kids were happy to get another Jr. Ranger badge. You can do this one as a drive, and just stop at a couple of viewpoints.
Capitol Reef to Bryce: An incredible drive along Rt. 12–a scenic byway. Absolutely stunning!
Overnight near Bryce, so you can enjoy its spectacular beauty tomorrow! If you’re craving a nice meal, check out The Stone Hearth Grille.
Day 7: Hiking in Bryce
Bryce, Bryce Baby! Strong recommend for the combined Navajo + Queen’s Garden Loop, which is about a 3-mile hike. It was beyond stunning. Big switchbacks down into the Canyon, and big switchbacks out — that part was rough. But the parts in the Canyon were beautiful, shady. For those less interested in hiking, you can drive the road/take the shuttle and stop at lookout points.
Bryce is amazing! If you want to spend another night here, I’d understand it! But, we’re heading to Zion this afternoon.
Day 8-10: Extra adventures
There are so many things to do in and around Zion, and I’m going to let you decide how and when to do it! Here are some great choices:
Horseback Riding: Take a one or a 3-hour trail ride inside the park
The Narrows: Obviously, this is sort of “the” Zion hike — you need to have the right gear and make sure your family is ready for it.
Emerald Pools trail — which is about a 3-mile in-and out. A fair amount of scrambling, but nothing outrageous in terms of elevation gain or anything.
The Riverside Walk: If the Narrows are closed, or you have really young kids, you can walk a 1-mile paved path along the river and see it.
Sand Bench Loop Trail: This is a great hike to get away from the crowds! It is a short loop trail that takes you along a little stream and a horse corral. But, it is sand, so keep that in mind.
Stargazing: All of the Utah National Parks are certified Dark Sky International. You can take a blanket and an app and enjoy incredible stargazing, or we can set up a stargazing experience with a guide.
Angels Landing Permit: This hike is permit-only, and not really for young kids, unless they are incredibly experienced hikers. If you do not feel up for Angels Landing, you can hike to Scout’s Landing and then turn around.
If you want something a little different for a day or half a day, Kanab is not far. You could go sand-sledding in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab or take an ATV tour to one of the slot canyons.
Need to know
This trip starts and ends in Las Vegas. You could skip the Moab portion for a shorter trip/less driving. Also, depending on your interests/time, any of the stops could be extended (more time in Moab or Bryce or Zion!) I am happy to customize with you for the exact experience that you want!