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Post by AN on May 19, 2016 1:58:44 GMT
My husband and I are going to take a little weekend trip, driving from Salt Lake City to either Moab or Zion National Park from a Friday through Sunday in early June. We like pretty scenery, maybe driving some ATVs (but not major offroading/jeep), moderate to easy hiking, and general relaxation. We'll likely look to rent an AirBNB or VRBO place. Bonus points for interesting places to stay - for example, a wolf sanctuary AirBNB near Zion has excellent reviews and would be the type of place we'd enjoy staying (vs a hotel).
Would you recommend Moab or Zion, and why? The pictures of Zion look more beautiful (to the point where I keep going... that is a painting, not a photo, right?), but Moab gets high marks for more things to do.
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Post by refugeepea on May 19, 2016 2:01:40 GMT
I've never been to Moab.  It's so out of the way. I'd still probably pick Zions. I would try to find a way to go to Bryce Canyon while you are there. More amazing that Zions by far!  You feel like you are on another planet! |
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Deleted
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May 19, 2024 4:37:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2016 2:07:33 GMT
Moab Moab Moab
(But I've never been to Zions)
But you know all that anyway.
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Post by Scrapper100 on May 19, 2016 2:27:44 GMT
Haven't been to Moab but Zion is our favorite national park out of all the ones we have been to. It has been way too long since we have been. It is gorgeous and the different areas of the park are so different from each other. We love the narrows.
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Post by Scrapper100 on May 19, 2016 2:28:53 GMT
Funny about Bryce. I love it there to but now love Zion more but both are awesome.
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Deleted
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May 19, 2024 4:37:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2016 2:30:02 GMT
Of the two, Zion.
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Post by holly on May 19, 2016 2:42:40 GMT
Haven't been to Moab and only drove through Zion but loved Zion. Thought it was prettier than the Grand Canyon. Driving through the little town, it seemed like it was a little "artsy fartsy". But looked like a cool place to hang out for a few days, I'd love to go back someday. It's was breath taking.
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Post by ~summer~ on May 19, 2016 3:28:53 GMT
I absolutely love Zion and Bryce. (Never been to Moab)
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Shel
Full Member
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Jul 16, 2014 0:32:12 GMT
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Post by Shel on May 19, 2016 3:40:02 GMT
We've been to Moab twice and absolutely loved it. Never been to Zion but from what we've heard I don't thing you can go wrong there! Have fun no matter what you choose!
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Post by jesq on May 19, 2016 4:00:06 GMT
I've never been to Moab. It's so out of the way. I'd still probably pick Zions. I would try to find a way to go to Bryce Canyon while you are there. More amazing that Zions by far! You feel like you are on another planet! Totally agree about Bryce over Zion. I haven't been to Moab, so can't opine about that. Helpful, right? |
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Post by ~summer~ on May 19, 2016 4:27:50 GMT
I also ADORED Bryce - that would be my first pick. And the Navajo Loop is a perfect short hike - you can combine it with the queens garden for a longer one too   |
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Post by tenacious on May 19, 2016 4:34:29 GMT
I love Bryce, haven't spent much time in Moab, but, I am in love with Zion. It takes my breath away every time I go. There are all different kinds of hikes--from very easy to challenging, and you can do several in one day. I love The Narrows, too.
Like someone said, you really can't go wrong with any of these choices. Be warned that Bryce is pretty far out of civilization. There are very few food options, so, if eating out is part of your vacation thing, Zion or Moab will offer more options there.
Enjoy!
Erin
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Deleted
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May 19, 2024 4:37:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2016 12:39:26 GMT
We have traveled all over the country to National Parks. Love road-tripping with our kids. That said, Zion is really one of the most beautiful places in the country. The hiking is amazing, and the views stunning. Can't go wrong there.
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Post by lisacharlotte on May 19, 2016 13:37:27 GMT
We are road tripping to the Grand Canyon North Rim this summer. We're adding Bryce to our trip since it on the way. We are also considering Zion. Mostly we have to figure out our timing.
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643 
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on May 19, 2016 13:44:30 GMT
I've been to Moab, Zion, and Bryce. For a weekend, any will be good (if you were doing a longer trip, definitely Moab). I think Zion is a little more of a hassle because you have to use the shuttle in the park. The actual park itself is not very big. The most popular hike is Angel's Landing, although some just stop at Scout's Landing if they are afraid of heights. The Narrows is the other most popular hike - requires hiking in the Virgin River and renting gear. Emerald Pools is an easy hike and Observation Point is another good one (across the canyon from Angel's Landing, without the crazy final ascent). Bryce is easily visited from Zion - best at sunrise if you can swing it. There are some trails that go down among the hoodoos that are nice. If you are looking for variety of activities, Moab has more to offer (since you mention ATV). Arches National Park is fantastic (although can get crowded, go early). Lots of hikes/walks to choose from. The longest is Devil's Garden - can either do a loop or an out and back to Double O Arch. Also nearby are Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park, and some other hikes on BLM lands like Corona Arch. I've been to Moab several times and these are the pictures/trip notes from my most recent trip last year: Moab 2015From Bryce Canyon a few years back: Bryce CanyonOur last trip to Zion was mostly canyoneering and I have pics/notes posted, but probably not useful. Zion and Moab are both beautiful, but in different ways. Zion is a gorgeous canyon and Moab has amazing arches and rock features, especially at sunrise and sunset.  The forums for Utah on Tripadvisor are useful and there are a lot of posts about these parks - definitely check them out. Enjoy! |
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Post by yodutchess on May 19, 2016 13:46:19 GMT
I have been to Bryce and Zion so I vote for those.
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on May 19, 2016 13:48:55 GMT
I would choose Zion only so I would be close enough to go to Bryce. Otherwise I would go to Moab. I've never been a huge fan of Zion. I love Bryce though.
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Post by circusjohnson on May 19, 2016 14:10:41 GMT
we love both! The scenery is different at each one. Both have beautiful hiking. In Moab you could do a whitewater trip as well. We did one last year and it was a lot of fun. Zions is always crowded. But the Hiking is spectacular. I don't think you could go wrong at either both are worth your time.
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Post by AN on May 19, 2016 14:18:29 GMT
Thank you all!! The choices are overwhelming, but it sounds like we can't go wrong either place. And I go to work for Utah All.The.Time, so it's not like we'll never have another chance - the drive from SLC makes a good weekend trip.
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smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,320
Location: MN
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Post by smcast on May 19, 2016 14:24:15 GMT
Ooooh, can't wait to go to these places someday. Maybe next summer. Awesome thread.
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shawallapea
Full Member
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Jun 28, 2014 21:28:33 GMT
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Post by shawallapea on May 19, 2016 14:40:25 GMT
I'm so excited! I'm going to be in Moab in a month :-) visiting family so only a day trip there. I hope to visit other sites in the future. I have no input to help you AN but am excited for us both!
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Post by AN on May 19, 2016 14:47:52 GMT
Okay, I think we'll do Zion Friday & Saturday, and then Sunday on our way back to Salt Lake City, go to Bryce for awhile. It doesn't add much to the trip and will give us a different route back to SLC. Bryce does look amazing and really different, and we're fine if we only hit a couple highlights in the park, rather than going in-depth with hiking.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
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Post by malibou on May 19, 2016 14:56:50 GMT
Pudgy nailed it.
J
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Post by FLA SummerBaby on May 19, 2016 15:11:13 GMT
pudgygroundhog -- I want to be tucked in your backpack for one of your trips. You go the most beautiful places and take the most amazing photos!!
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on May 19, 2016 15:16:58 GMT
Okay, I think we'll do Zion Friday & Saturday, and then Sunday on our way back to Salt Lake City, go to Bryce for awhile. It doesn't add much to the trip and will give us a different route back to SLC. Bryce does look amazing and really different, and we're fine if we only hit a couple highlights in the park, rather than going in-depth with hiking. Thanks for all the suggestions! Bryce is a park that is easy to see without hiking. The main attraction are the hoodoos which you see from the Rim trail and lookout points. If you have time to hike, it's nice to walk down among the hoodoos, but it's not necessary. Most people only spend one night at Bryce - it's not very big and easy to see in a day. I know sunrise is really early, but if you are up for it, it's awesome to see the hoodoos in the morning - when the rising sun hits them they are a beautiful orange color. The hoodoos are beautiful in the early morning light if you get there later, but sunrise is really special. |
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on May 19, 2016 15:17:19 GMT
pudgygroundhog -- I want to be tucked in your backpack for one of your trips. You go the most beautiful places and take the most amazing photos!! Thanks.  |
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Post by jumperhop on May 19, 2016 15:18:11 GMT
I would do Moab but drive do a drive through Zion's either on the way to Moab or the way back to SLC. Yes it will be out of the way but worth it.
Jen
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Post by FLA SummerBaby on May 19, 2016 15:37:26 GMT
AN -- sorry I don't have any knowledge to add to this but hope you have a great trip wherever you decide!!
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Post by tenacious on May 19, 2016 16:03:34 GMT
We did not rent equipment when we did the Narrows. Most of the people around us were wearing dry suits and hiking boots, but, honestly, our whole family, kids included, did it in Tevas and shorts. I maybe wouldn't recommend that if you are afraid to get wet/a little cold, but, depending on how you roll, you can at least hike a good portion of the narrows without getting fully fitted in gear. This applies to bottom up, only. Nothing wrong with renting the equipment, if I did it again, I might rent the boots, but, eh, maybe not even those.
Also, if you don't get a chance to do Bryce this time, consider taking a weekend trip when there is snow. We went last Thanksgiving and it was absolutely breath-taking with the snow and red rock.
Have fun!
Erin
Pudgy-your photos are spectacular!
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on May 19, 2016 16:38:58 GMT
We did not rent equipment when we did the Narrows. Most of the people around us were wearing dry suits and hiking boots, but, honestly, our whole family, kids included, did it in Tevas and shorts. I maybe wouldn't recommend that if you are afraid to get wet/a little cold, but, depending on how you roll, you can at least hike a good portion of the narrows without getting fully fitted in gear. This applies to bottom up, only. Nothing wrong with renting the equipment, if I did it again, I might rent the boots, but, eh, maybe not even those. Also, if you don't get a chance to do Bryce this time, consider taking a weekend trip when there is snow. We went last Thanksgiving and it was absolutely breath-taking with the snow and red rock. Have fun! Erin Pudgy-your photos are spectacular! Thanks! Gear for the Narrows depends on time of year for water temperature and flow (they actually close the Narrows above a certain flow rate), how far you plan to hike, and your comfort level. Earlier in the season with runoff the water can be cold. How did the Tevas work? I personally would only do close toed shoes given the rocks and how easy it could be to stub a toe. Both times we did it we rented the canyon shoes, which were good. First time we were going top down in November and did dry suits (what a PITA) and the second time it was end of May and we did wetsuits. Even if I didn't need wetsuits/drysuits, I would still probably rent the canyon shoes and a walking sticks (I think better than normal trekking poles as they can't get wedged in between rocks as easily). We want to do the Narrows again and take our daughter. It's so spectacular! |
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It's so out of the way. I'd still probably pick Zions. I would try to find a way to go to Bryce Canyon while you are there. More amazing that Zions by far! 
You feel like you are on another planet!
