Any recommendations on whether we should we stick with Rt 12 & 24 for the RV or make Capitol Reef and Rt 12 day trips in the toad and stay more on Rt 89/70 as much as possible in the RV?
Thanks for the help!
Dennis and Barb
1999 Monaco Windsor 40 SS
97 Jeep Wrangler toad
We LOVE SR-12...it's one of the most scenic routes we've ever driven, including roads in Alaska! Don't let people try to scare you away from driving it in your motorhome...it's totally do-able! And Capital Reef is one of our favorite Utah national parks! Trying to see it in a day trip won't do it justice.
There is a length & height limit for the tunnel on SR-9. I don't recall right off hand what they are, but others here probably have that information, or you can go to Zion NP's website to get the information first hand. Assuming you fit within those height and length limits (you may need to unhook and drive the toad separately if you're overlength with the toad hooked up), it will cost you $15 (the last time we went through in 2004...it may be more by now) for them to stop the traffic at the other end of the tunnel so you can drive down the middle.
We stayed at the east side of Zion at Mount Carmel. We then did day trips into Zion. The tunnel at the east entrance is a pain. Just easier to take toad. We then stayed at Bryce Canyon National Park campground dry camping. If you want Ruby's is a nice place to stay. I am just too cheap.
If you are a AAA member, get their "Indian Country" map. It shows the entire Grand Circle Route.
Back to your question, there is nothing wrong with Utah 12 that a little horsepower won't fix. If you camp at Zion, Bryce,Capitol Reef, and the Moab area you will get half of the Grand Circle. From Bryce to Capitol Reef on 12 through Grand Escalante is worth half the motor home I think.
Your route is just a wonderful drive - one of our alltime favorites that we have done at least a half dozen times - towing our fifth wheel!
On 12 - take it easy so the driver can enjoy the experience also and to repeat earlier advice - do not let others scare/talk you out of doing it!
John
There's a tunnel between Zion and Bryce. You will need an escort to go through. You might take a look at that before you go that way. . We went around.
Tallyo
2007 Winnebago Adventurer
W-24, 6 spd Allison
Saturn VUE w/ Brake Buddy Vantage
Drinks-6, Eats-4, Sleeps-2
Semper Fi
Utah Route 12 is in my top 3 of scenic routes in U.S. Good road, but take your time to pull-over once in a while and enjoy the view. The tunnel at Zion is not a big problem. You will have to unhook the toad, they stop traffic and you drive down the center of the tunnel. Costs $15 for a two-way trip (2007). If you like to hike I'd recommend the following: Antelope Canyon @ Page (easy); Angel's Landing @ Zion (difficult, but very impressive): Lower Calf Creek Falls @ Calf Creek Rec. Area (moderate hike, you need to drive your toad to the trailhead because of limited parking). Torrey, UT has 3 good commercial parks and might fit your DP better than Fruita in Capital Reef. Try to get to Sunset Point at Capital Reef about 90 minutes before sunset. I wish I was going with you.
I always recommend Mountain Directory West, www.mountaindirectory.com, or other sources, for slope and curve information on roads in 11 western states.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
I am planning on the same trip this summer but from east to west and skipping Zion for Great Basin and will be doing it pulling my 34'TT with an Excursion. I have been over that route a couple of times solo,but can't forsee any problems with it,but then I have pulled a 27'tt with my "Burb from Olema CG all the way up Ca.1 to Leggett without too many problems...
If you look for problems you'll probably find them and if you don't worry,things will more than likely be ok......
GO COUGARS
2001 Ford 7.3L PSD Excursion
Ride Rite air bags
AFE Stage1 air-inlet
4"MBRP exhaust
Hellwig rear sway bar 2005 Keystone COUGAR 304BHS
Tekonsha Prodigy
1200 Equalizer hitch
2008 Thomas w/Mercedes-Benz 78 pass. school bus
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