Mid February trip to Moab area & Monument Valley (Garden: rental, restaurants)

[moonpeep]

Hi, everyone. Will be able to spend a few days out in southern Utah this winter. Mid February.

Was thinking of staying in Moab a few days to explore surrounding national parks and then heading on down to Monument Valley for a day.

Stand a pretty good chance of not experience poor driving conditions?

From what I've read it's mostly sunny and little precip in the area in Feb. Highway 191 usually in decent condition in this area?

Also... if you have any suggestions on things to see in the area besides the items I've mentioned, let me know.

[Katzpur]

I hope the weather will be good for you. In mid-February, it's going to be iffy, even in Moab. Too bad you're not planning the trip for late March or early April. Anyway, since you've decided to make the trip, do yourself a favor and don't miss the Fiery Furnace hike in Arches. You can't take it alone; you have to go with a guide. Once you've finished it, you'll understand why. I can promise you that it will be one of the most memorable hikes you ever take in your life. You might also want to check into one of the Hummer expeditions over the slick rock right outside the park. The one I'm thinking specifically of is Hell's Revenge. What a trip!

[moonpeep]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I hope the weather will be good for you. In mid-February, it's going to be iffy, even in Moab. Too bad you're not planning the trip for late March or early April. Anyway, since you've decided to make the trip, do yourself a favor and don't miss the Fiery Furnace hike in Arches. You can't take it alone; you have to go with a guide. Once you've finished it, you'll understand why. I can promise you that it will be one of the most memorable hikes you ever take in your life. You might also want to check into one of the Hummer expeditions over the slick rock right outside the park. The one I'm thinking specifically of is Hell's Revenge. What a trip!

Thanks for the tip. Going to be out in Denver for a convention and wanted to do a few other things as well...

I come from an area with lots of snow -- Iowa -- so I'm not too worried. Not nearly as much snowfall in that area anyway.

[kansan-at-heart]

The weather can be fine in mid-February. We have had daffodils blooming by Feb. 15th. Right now it is very cold--was about 9 degrees this morning--the cold just sits here in our little pocket. However, the weather this winter has been pretty atypical so far.

The Fiery Furnace hike is really worthwhile, but if the cold weather continues, it might not be very pleasant, as much of it isn't exposed to the sun and might even have remaining snow. There are other good hikes you can take--to Mesa Arch in the northern part of Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) other, more accessible hikes in Arches (at Devil's Garden) besides the Fiery Furnace hike. You won't be bored. But some of the good restaurants and shops won't be open till March 1st.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Moonpeep, if you go to the Returned from 4 Corners thread on p.2 (can't seem to create a link) you'll find some good suggestions. We did a Thanksgiving trip to Moab and Monument Valley, and it was pretty chilly, but spectacular. I put some pics from the trip on the official pics thread. I suggest going up to Professor Valley and Fisher Towers along the Colorado--a popular Hollywood movie location site, and definitely not overrun by tourists!

[mlb]

Actually, February is a good time to go to Moab/Arches. Closer to spring you've got more crowds to contend with ......and spring flooding.

[Katzpur]

By the way, what is the best month to do the Westwater river run?

[TrexDigit]

Just echo'ing others here.... February would be a perfectly fine time to be there. We've made Moab a Christmas destination for several years now, driving over from Denver. Not exactly what most people would do but that's exactly why we do it!

We've been there in February as well and literally had Arches to ourselves. One of the best Canyonlands' views is actually from a State Park... Dead Horse Point. Also, we usually hike every day and have never had issues (Fisher Towers, Negro Bill Canyon, Corona Arch, Hidden Valley and on and on....).

Now, you got me jealous!

[moonpeep]

Originally Posted by TrexDigit

Just echo'ing others here.... February would be a perfectly fine time to be there. We've made Moab a Christmas destination for several years now, driving over from Denver. Not exactly what most people would do but that's exactly why we do it!

We've been there in February as well and literally had Arches to ourselves. One of the best Canyonlands' views is actually from a State Park... Dead Horse Point. Also, we usually hike every day and have never had issues (Fisher Towers, Negro Bill Canyon, Corona Arch, Hidden Valley and on and on....).

Now, you got me jealous!

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.

[Katzpur]

See, moonpeep, aren't you glad you didn't listen to me? I seriously didn't think the weather would be good in Moab until at least March. I hope you have a great time. Let us know how it went, okay?