Posted by Ed Cordes on January 24, 2007 at 8:31 PM
Hi RMNP,
While not a member of RMNP I am an NPN member. I posted the following in general discussion yesterday and received many helpful responses. It was suggested I post it here as well to amplify the info.
Thanks for any information you can provide.
Regards,
Ed
My wife and I are planning a 2 week South West trip in September. Our preliminary plans are to fly to Vegas and rent an SUV. We plan to make a loop to Zion, Brice, Arches, Canyon Lands and Grand Canyon South Rim. We thought about the North Rim, but it is long loop added to the driving time between Zion and Brice.
Anyway, the whole concept started when we decided we wanted to go to Arches. We then noted that with proper planning we could do so much more. However, we do want to get a good Arches experience. So, are 3 full days in Arches followed by 2 full days in Canyon Lands - staying in Mohab the entire time - enough?
I know it does depend on what we want to do. Obviously we will drive the parks, but we will also do day hikes.
So, what do you think? Are we biting off too much?
Thanks for your input.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 24, 2007 at 8:52 PM
You can do most of the common day hikes in Arches in a day or two, depending on your speed. If you are taking pictures, a day of scouting and getting the lay of the formations will give you two good days of photos. Of course you could make a longer time worth while too.
Moab is a good base for Canyonlands. You'll probably want a 4x4 to get to the more interesting parts beyond the overlooks.
Take a look at the North vs South rim again. It's been awhile since I've been there but the North rim is a pretty easy jaunt from St George. I think it's closer than the south rim once you're in Utak, especially if you plan to go as far east as Moab. Also, the North rim is much less crowded and more photogenic IMO.
As long as you're going between Bryce and Moab consider Capitol Reef National Monument. It's easy to see it's highlights in a day, even if driving through. If you have time the hike to Cassidy Arch is nice as is Grand Wash to the narrows. The drive along Hwy 24 is very pretty as is the whole loop down 191 from Moab to Blanding then across 95 to 24. These roads aren't as fast as I-70 but you'll see some awesome country!
Have fun!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on January 25, 2007 at 12:10 AM
Ed,
I agree that you can get alot of the main attractions in Arches in two days. That said, you could also spend lots of time finding new things to photograph there.
But if you've got the time, I'd recommend that you take a day to go to Needles district of Canyonlands or at least Island in the Sky. There is so much to photograph in this area that I'm sure you'll want to come back. Going to one of the other areas in addition to Arches is a good way to get a feel for what you might like in the area for a return trip.
I hope you have a good trip.
Mel-
Posted by Philip Schwarz on January 27, 2007 at 11:16 AM
Ed
When I plan my trips to the canyon country I usually use these books to plan my trip.
Sandra Hinchman “Hiking the Southwest’s Canyon Country
Laurent Martres “Photographing the Southwest”
Discussion
3 repliesWhile not a member of RMNP I am an NPN member. I posted the following in general discussion yesterday and received many helpful responses. It was suggested I post it here as well to amplify the info.
Thanks for any information you can provide.
Regards,
Ed
My wife and I are planning a 2 week South West trip in September. Our preliminary plans are to fly to Vegas and rent an SUV. We plan to make a loop to Zion, Brice, Arches, Canyon Lands and Grand Canyon South Rim. We thought about the North Rim, but it is long loop added to the driving time between Zion and Brice.
Anyway, the whole concept started when we decided we wanted to go to Arches. We then noted that with proper planning we could do so much more. However, we do want to get a good Arches experience. So, are 3 full days in Arches followed by 2 full days in Canyon Lands - staying in Mohab the entire time - enough?
I know it does depend on what we want to do. Obviously we will drive the parks, but we will also do day hikes.
So, what do you think? Are we biting off too much?
Thanks for your input.
Moab is a good base for Canyonlands. You'll probably want a 4x4 to get to the more interesting parts beyond the overlooks.
Take a look at the North vs South rim again. It's been awhile since I've been there but the North rim is a pretty easy jaunt from St George. I think it's closer than the south rim once you're in Utak, especially if you plan to go as far east as Moab. Also, the North rim is much less crowded and more photogenic IMO.
As long as you're going between Bryce and Moab consider Capitol Reef National Monument. It's easy to see it's highlights in a day, even if driving through. If you have time the hike to Cassidy Arch is nice as is Grand Wash to the narrows. The drive along Hwy 24 is very pretty as is the whole loop down 191 from Moab to Blanding then across 95 to 24. These roads aren't as fast as I-70 but you'll see some awesome country!
Have fun!
I agree that you can get alot of the main attractions in Arches in two days. That said, you could also spend lots of time finding new things to photograph there.
But if you've got the time, I'd recommend that you take a day to go to Needles district of Canyonlands or at least Island in the Sky. There is so much to photograph in this area that I'm sure you'll want to come back. Going to one of the other areas in addition to Arches is a good way to get a feel for what you might like in the area for a return trip.
I hope you have a good trip.
Mel-
When I plan my trips to the canyon country I usually use these books to plan my trip.
Sandra Hinchman “Hiking the Southwest’s Canyon Country
Laurent Martres “Photographing the Southwest”
Have a great trip!
Philip Schwarz
E2311 530th Ave
Menomonie, WI 54751
e-mail: schwarzp@uwstout.edu
web: http://www.photo.net/photos/philipschwarz
web: http://philipschwarz.zenfolio.com/