Hi Kate,
I will take the south rim loop from down South Kaibab and return to the rim on Bright Angel, and I plan to start at 6 am, hopefully it can give me enough time to finish by 6 pm. In addition, I decide to still follow my original plan with a change to drive directly to Grand Canyon on 14th, this way I can spend one more day in Arches. When I finish Arches, I plan to stay at Green River, so it can save some driving time next day.
Thanks for all your advice, it is very helpful.
Hi back -
So the plan now looks like this, yes?
10/14: fly to LV. Drive to the South Rim, GC. Overnight at Red Feather
10/15 - S. Kaibab/Bight Angel loop hike. Overnight at Red Feather
10;16: Drive to Arches: overnight in Moab?
10:17: Arches - overnight in Green River
10:18: Drive to Bryce - overnight at Bryce Lodge, Ruby's or other nearby
10:19: morning hike Bryce, drive to Zion - overnight in Springdale?
10:20 Zion - overnight in Springdale?
10:21: drive back to LV and fly home
You might already know this but as you are covering 4 parks, buy the $80 annual pass at the entrance kiosk to the first park you visit, if you don't already have one. If paying entry fees individually, you'd shell out $135. The annual pass costs $80, and is good for 12 months from month of purchase, so you can use it at other National Parks, Monuments, National Recreation areas, etc. until fall of next year.
As well, should you be included to just take a peek at Capitol Reef enroute to Bryce, it would cover the scenic drive there. I'm sad you don't have time to hike some of that one!
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Couple more things? If you enjoy a post-hike adult beverage, Utah has some of the strangest liquor laws EVER...although they've loosened up a tad. You will run establishments classified as restaurants where you must order food, ANY food, to get your hands on that grownup beverage. Bars are different...though you can have some issues finding those.
Fave watering hole in Moab: Woody's Tavern, 221 S Main St. Moab. It's a lovable dive bar that's been there since Hector was a pup and against all odds, given the state's heavy hand when it comes to tipples. None of that food nonsense at Woody's, although they do have food. Kick back on the patio. I will admit to never having eaten nor been there late in the evening.
Zion Canyon Brewery, 95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, has a nice view from the patio, decent food and craft brews: you do have to order food to get hands on a beer. Just want a beer? Evidently their tavern (wasn't there when last I was in town) is separate from the restaurant and doesn't require ordering food.
Yes Kate, the new plan looks right.
I already bought the annual park pass through REI. Based on the time I arrive at Moab and leave from Green River, I may visit Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. By looking at the pictures, they all look magnificent, hopefully I am able to visit.
Thanks for the recommendations on the drinking places, I will definitely pay a visit of them. Thanks again for all the advice and information.
Apologies if you're already aware but I'd keep a close eye on the potential impact on the parks should the federal government shut down tomorrow at midnight.
Utah is pledging to keep the Mighty 5 open but they could experience reduced services.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2023/09/29/national-parks-will-close-during/
Same for the Grand Canyon:
https://apnews.com/article/national-parks-shutdown-grand-canyon-26c55ff175ca703c3118206d01e856e9
Of course a shutdown could be history by the time you will be traveling (crossing fingers!) but they've been known to drag out for awhile. The individual park websites will be your best resource for information should this thing happen.