Canyonlands vs. Capitol Reef vs. Arches - only time for 1/2 (Sandy: suggestions)

[mike1003]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

The thing is, Capitol Reef really isn't "out of the way" if you're driving from Bryce to Arches. It's right on the way! Even if the OP just drove through what is just generically known as the "Scenic Drive," their trip wouldn't be lengthened by more than an hour or so before they header up to Arches.

Very true

BTW, the same is true for Bryce and Canyonlands with time for short hikes and photos

[irman]

Originally Posted by mike1003

All we did was show our blue placards

The blue placard indicates that you are "permanently" disabled.
The red one is a temporary one.

I should have "corrected" the quote from the official document which does not say you "may" be asked ...

[Beernik]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

The thing is, Capitol Reef really isn't "out of the way" if you're driving from Bryce to Arches. It's right on the way! Even if the OP just drove through what is just generically known as the "Scenic Drive," their trip wouldn't be lengthened by more than an hour or so before they header up to Arches.

I never made the right turn at Torrey when going from Bryce to Escalante to Boulder and I never made the left turn at Hanksville after doing Moab to Bears Ears to Natural Bridges.

The only time I went to Capitol Reef was when I was specifically going there. I don’t think I’d ever specifically just go to Capitol Reef again, which was what I was trying to say.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Beernik

I never made the right turn at Torrey when going from Bryce to Escalante to Boulder and I never made the left turn at Hanksville after doing Moab to Bears Ears to Natural Bridges.

The only time I went to Capitol Reef was when I was specifically going there. I don’t think I’d ever specifically just go to Capitol Reef again, which was what I was trying to say.

I used to think that way until I spent some time at Capitol Reef. It's truly an amazing park, and one of the least conglomerated. The Sulfer Creek Trail at Capitol Reef is out of this world and one not explored by a million other people. True, there are faster ways to get from Bryce to Arches, but if scenery matters, I'd still stick with my original suggestion.

[irman]

Just as a note on the side. As a recreational pilot, I have the means to look at those parks from above.

If any of you have the funds to do a flight over the parks there, It is well worth it ...

[kavm]

Also disagree on the comments on Capital Reef. In a way, Arches is my least preferred park (though I appreciate it a lot) - beautiful no doubt but overcrowded and light on hiking trails of much substance. A bit too easy. Capital Reef is perhaps the opposite. Very light crowds, good hiking, even better if you have 4WD.

[Texas Ag 93]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I used to think that way until I spent some time at Capitol Reef. It's truly an amazing park, and one of the least conglomerated. The Sulfer Creek Trail at Capitol Reef is out of this world and one not explored by a million other people. True, there are faster ways to get from Bryce to Arches, but if scenery matters, I'd still stick with my original suggestion.

Originally Posted by kavm

Also disagree on the comments on Capital Reef. In a way, Arches is my least preferred park (though I appreciate it a lot) - beautiful no doubt but overcrowded and light on hiking trails of much substance. A bit too easy. Capital Reef is perhaps the opposite. Very light crowds, good hiking, even better if you have 4WD.

Not to Hijack, bur regarding Capital Reef- my husband and I are making our 3rd trip to Moab next month. We have always spent our time at Canyonlands (Needles) and Arches. As cool as the formations in Arches are, and as compact the park, we are kind of the same opinion on it as kavm above, so I think we might skip it completely this trip.

Capital Reef is the only park we've never been to, and I want to check it off our box. We are not fans of crowds and prefer privacy and moderately strenuous hikes. In addition to the Sulfer Creek trail, do either of you have any other good suggestions there? We won't have a 4wd, but we will have a full size AWD SUV with decent ground clearance.

[kavm]

In Capital Reef, I’d recommend the Navajo Knobs as well as Frying Pan and Cassidy Arch trails. There are, however, trails that we have not been able to do due to the limitations of our car. If you are going to be near the Grand Staircase area, I’d recommend the Death Hollow, which is perhaps my most favorite hike in all of Utah.

All the best!

[InSandy]

Strike Valley Overlook, Upper or Lower Muley Twist trails are right there as well. You would get to them from the Notom/Burr trail which, while dirt, is usually good for most vehicles. Check at the visitor center.

I also love Capitol Gorge, Cassiday Arch, and frying pan. Grand Wash is okay as is Hickman Bridge.

If you feel like giving Cathedral Valley a try (high clearance needed) or take a tour, it is amazing as well.

[Katzpur]

The Grand Wash is fun and about as easy as a hike could possibly be. You kind of feel at times as if you just stepped onto the moon or some other planet. The whole park just has just kind of a "wild and remote" atmosphere.