Utah Anniversary Trip

I'm planning a trip to Utah in May. (It's our 25th anniversary). I would really appreciate any info on possible lodging (nicer), and obviously the "don't miss" photo ops. I'm definitely hitting Canyonlands, and Zion, but wondered about other possibilities. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks j

Well early May can be a good time for wildflowers in Arches NP if the conditions cooperate. May is also a good time to hit the slot canyons in the Page area if you're willing to drop down into northern AZ. I'm sure others will chime in with other possibilites. You didn't say how long you'll be there, but I'd advise not trying to cram in too much as you don't want to suffer from road weariness on your anniversary trip!

You owe it to yourself to get the book titled 'Photographing the Southwest-So. Utah.
That book will help answer most of your questions re: 'don't miss' spots, and I think you'll really enjoy researching and planning your trip using it.

Jeff, how long do you plan to be in Utah and what's your preference with regards to hiking distance/difficulty?
There's a LOT of country between Canyonlands and Zion. More than you will see in a lifetime. If you're comfortable with hiking a few miles, I would definitely suggest exploring Cedar Mesa (Mule and Road canyons offer some great day hikes to some of the more well known ruins).
If you want a truly nice/classy place to stay that's way out of the beaten path, I would suggest the Torrey Schoolhouse B&B (close to Capitol Reef and Boulder Mountain), and/or the Boulder Mountain Lodge (other side of Boulder Mountain and closer to Escalante).
In Torrey you can have a great dinner at the Cafe Diablo. The Boulder Mountain Lodge has its own excellent restaurant. Either one will give you top notch lodging/dining in a small town and away from the tourist traps.

Guy

Lots of nice places to stay in Moab but avoid "jeep week". Call well ahead for reservations because it is a popular place. Don't skip Arches NP, same area as Canyon Lands.

Jeff, in May last year (just!) my wife and I did pretty much what you have in mind - started in Denver and then basically drove across Utah - Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion - ending up in Vegas just over a week later. For Canyonlands/Arches we stayed at Red Cliffs Resort - wonderful setting on the banks of the Colorado but I understand that Sorrel River Ranch is also well rated - both are at the top end of the scale price-wise and a bit of a detour from Moab, but for that special occasion ........... For Capitol Reef and Bryce we used Best Westerns for convenience as much as anything else and finally stayed at Zion Lodge, another noteworthy lodging. While it was all perfectly doable in the time I should point out that I have osteo-arthritis in both knees so that limits my hiking exploits these days, otherwise we would have concentrated more in one locale - for example I'm pretty sure we could have fully occupied our time based in Moab visiting Canyonlands and Arches, so it all depends on whether you want an overview of the Utah Canyonlands (as we chose to do) or take full advantage of the hiking opportunities on offer.
In 2009 (April) we will be back revisiting Canyonlands and Arches (really did not have the time to do them justice in 07) but this time pulling in Monument Valley (new hotel - The View - directly overlooks the Mittens) and GC (last visited in the mid 80s in my pre-digital SLR days), this time spending a couple of nights at each and hoping to spend a little more time exploring photo opportunities.
I'm sure many others in NPN have more intimate knowledge to share but hope this helps

Jeff: There are a few nice lodging options in the Moab area. I'd suggest the Gonzo Inn, Moab Springs Ranch or Red Cliff Resort. Whatever you decide on I would make reservations ASAP as lodging fills to capacity quickly during peak season.

You may well find some nice wildflowers around here at that time of year, too.

Thanks for all the feedback...you guys are awesome! Sorry I hadn't responded sooner. I have a yearly tradition of cycling my age +1= (50), and I just finished the birthday ride with two flat-tires and a pitbull pursuit! As far as the amount of time...we will fly from Atlanta to Salt Lake City,and spend at least five days. I'm dealing with Uncle Art..ritis also, so hiking tends to be no more than a 4 miler, but I think I would rather explore a smaller area, rather than an entire state. I'll definitely check out the B&B angle, (my wife really likes these.) I'm more Best Western I added a image from RMNP this past fall. (Alluvial Falls)