Mid February trip to Moab area & Monument Valley

[TrexDigit]

Originally Posted by moonpeep

Sounds awesome. We're actually coming in from Denver after a convention we're attending. I just hope I-70 is clear enough to go, as we're using a rental and have about a week to visit the area from Denver and get back to the midwest.

Not sure if it's in your budget or not but..... We've also done Amtrak -> Grand Junction, rented a car and driven from there. Granted, it adds to the travel time but that leg of the California Zephyr is, quite possibly, the most scenic part. No worries about Vail Pass or congestion at Eisenhower Tunnel. There's a Enterprise rental location just a few blocks from the station in downtown Grand Junction.

[kansan-at-heart]

That's a great suggestion, TrexDigit! The trip through the Rockies and canyons alone is worth it, and eliminates possible weather struggles and the ski traffic. Amtrak leaves Denver at a fairly reasonable time and arrives in Gr. Jct. around 3 p.m., I think. The 110-mile trip from Gr. Jct. to Moab is a breeze.

[kansan-at-heart]

moonpeep, when it gets closer to your time to be in Denver, let me know if you want an update. You can check my comments about Moab in the Living in Moab forum. I've lived here for quite a while and can give you some good info. It has finally warmed up here a little and should probably be nice by February.

[kansan-at-heart]

moonpeep--we haven't heard a "peep" from you. If you are still considering a trip to the Moab area and are getting close to time for your trip to Denver, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading our way. It has been a weird winter and we have had several snowstorms lately--not our usual weather pattern! It is hard to know what the passes will be like west of Denver, although I understand Colorado hasn't had as much snow as we have had here in Utah. I hope you can make it over if the weather is halfway decent. Arches and Canyonlands are beautiful, regardless of the season--it's just that your trip might be inconvenient!

[moonpeep]

Originally Posted by kansan-at-heart

moonpeep--we haven't heard a "peep" from you. If you are still considering a trip to the Moab area and are getting close to time for your trip to Denver, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading our way. It has been a weird winter and we have had several snowstorms lately--not our usual weather pattern! It is hard to know what the passes will be like west of Denver, although I understand Colorado hasn't had as much snow as we have had here in Utah. I hope you can make it over if the weather is halfway decent. Arches and Canyonlands are beautiful, regardless of the season--it's just that your trip might be inconvenient!

Hi, all.

Yes, getting ready to leave tomorrow for Denver. We actually modified the trip a bit so that we go south first, so we can hit Sand Dunes National park. We'll then drive through the San Louis valley, hit the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, back through to Utah and Moab area parks. (then back through I 70 east)

Should be quite the trip. Currently the forecasts are showing clear weather -- but that's still a bit more than a week out. So fingers crossed.

[kansan-at-heart]

That's good news! It should be a really interesting trip. Travel safely!

[kansan-at-heart]

Moonpeep--if you are still checking this, tell us about your trip--what you saw, how the weather was, etc. I would be interested in hearing your impressions of Moab--where you stayed and ate, if you visited Arches and Canyonlands, etc. We continued to have snow almost daily which is unheard of (though the moisture is much appreciated) so I hope that didn't spoil your visit! Arches is beautiful in the snow, but not conducive to hiking.