In mid-May we are planning a trip to the national parks in southern Utah. We will be traveling from Flagstaff to Page, with first stop at Lake Powell. Will we have any problems on Hwy 89 with a 40' MH and toad?
Are there campgrounds throughout the area of Bryce, Glen Canyon, Canyonlands and Zion? We don't object to boondocking occasionally if there are places available. Will we need reservations this early in the season?
How is Hwy 191 from southern Utah to I-70?
We would appreciate hearing about your experiences and preferences on a trip like this. Thanks in advance.
2Stars wrote: In mid-May we are planning a trip to the national parks in southern Utah. We will be traveling from Flagstaff to Page, with first stop at Lake Powell. Will we have any problems on Hwy 89 with a 40' MH and toad?
Are there campgrounds throughout the area of Bryce, Glen Canyon, Canyonlands and Zion? We don't object to boondocking occasionally if there are places available. Will we need reservations this early in the season? Marilyn
No, good road all the way. If you don't have your heart set on Lake Powell as a first stop a great way to get to Zion is to take 89A west (about 25 miles south of Page). There is a nice USFS CG, Jacob Lake, located at the intersection of 67 (which dead ends at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon), and 89A. The road twists and turns and climbs to 8,000' but is one of the most beautiful drives in the west. Takes you past Lee's Ferry where you cross the Colorado River, out past the Vermillion Cliffs and up the mountain to Jacob Lake. From there Zion is a little over 100 easy miles. When you are in Southern Utah don't take 14 from 89 over to Cedar City as it is narrow and climbs to over 10,000'
Reservations are always a good idea in these very popular parks. I highly recommend the Watchman CG which is actually inside of Zion but you will need a reservation for sure. Try for #55 as it is a huge pull through right on the Virgin River. Go to the Zion website for maps and photos of the sites in Watchman. We were there last june with our friends who have a 40' Class A and Toad and it was no problem.
There are many campgrounds around these destinations. It depends on your style of camping because there are forest service or national park campgrounds and private campgrounds around each area.
You can check the rvparkreviews.com website to check camper's reviews of parks in specific towns.
89 is a good two lane road and you will see many other trailers/motorhomes along this route.
No problems with either 89 or 191, we've done it numerous times. In Page, be sure to visit Antelope Canyon, Upper, Lower or both. Also, Horseshoe Bend. These are magical places for photography, and there are others. This entire srea is full of spectacular scenery. If you've not been before, get ready for a treat.
We are planning our trip out in August around the 15th and plan to stay out in thearea until the end of September. We did the first two weeks of September 2009 in a cruise america MH, one week in the GC (south rim) and one week in Flagstaff. Plan on doing the zion, bryce etc this time not currently planning on doing reservations but may if folks think it's wise that late in the season.
I assume you know but just in case you don't, August in this area (Zion in particular), is very hot. We did Zion the week after Labor day and it wasn't too bad, most of the crowd had gone home and back to school. Watchman, in Zion frequently gets last minute cancelations so don't hesitate to give them a call as they can often accommodate folks with out reservations and it is an awesome location. If it gets too hot just reroute to the higher elevations like Bryce. Enjoy!
I posted this last week or so clicky Info is up to date. We have done the area in our rig and four people, no problems. Love the area. When near Moab, Dead Horse Point is a very nice State Park if you can get in. We were there Easter week in 2011 and no problem but a little cold. First time we camped in the snow. Another site to look at; slickrock, DW looks every morning to check the weather.
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to go". R. L. Stevenson
I'm probably overly cautious, but If I were you, I would make reservations for late May because I think many retired RV travelers aim for late spring and early fall to avoid hottest weather and the heavy school vacation family travel in the three busy summer months.
Especially for the spots mentioned like Watchman and Dead Horse Point that are often fully reserved early on. Also probably the scenic Devils Garden CG inside Arches NP (unless your rig too large there.) You'll find good choices all over that region.
Our trip last year was in mid August to early September in that area and I was surprised at the many Europeans filling campgrounds in rented class Cs. If I recall, many have the month of August off work and so a long trip to US is feasible (with all those strong Euros making it a bargain.)
It's a spectacular area and I can't wait to return. Have fun!
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