Information for those wanting to
vacation in the Grand Circle Region of Utah and Arizona
Suggested Itinerary:
I got a Rand McNally map and decided what National Parks to visit (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands) then I used the Best Western Hotel guide which has a map with the hotel locations. I chose my gateway city and then booked my flight, car hire and hotels.
I usually fly into the region via Phoenix and drive to Flagstaff, I have also driven from Salt Lake City which is only 4-5 hours drive to Moab and that drive is good. Grand Junction is only two hours from Moab. If anything Moab is a prettier city than Flagstaff which is awfully congested in summer. Moab is also very close to Arches and Canyonlands National Park.
Hint: Try Flagstaff if you have not been to the Grand Canyon, but if your have already 'done' the Grand Canyon South Rim try Moab instead.
Access by major airports:
Plus drive to destination city (Flagstaff in South or Moab in North):
Gateway airports to: Moab (data from Rand McNally Tripmaker)
- Grand Junction to Moab 113 miles, 1 hrs 57 min
- Salt Lake City to Moab 244 miles, 4hr 49 min
- Denver to Moab 356 miles, 5 hrs 40 min
Gateway airports to: Flagstaff
- Phoenixto Flagstaff 134 miles 2 hr 5 min
- Las Vagas to Flagstaff 247 miles, 4hr 20 min (or 119 miles to St George nr Zion NP)
- Albuquerque to Flagstaff 329 miles 5 hr 10 min
Hint: If you want somewhere quiet and deserted to stay instead of Flagstaff try Anasazi Inn at Grey mountain on 89N from Flagstaff (tel 520 679 2214) this is close to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Ten day tour (via Flagstaff and Pheonix)
This is pretty hectic and it would be best to add a day at Torrey, Moab and Flagstaff.
Day 1: Arrive Phoenix, drive to Flagstaff (I17). Miles 140.
Day 2: Visit South rim of Grand Canyon, Overnight Flagstaff. Miles 188.
Day 3: Drive to North Rim of Grand Canyon, Overnight in Kanab or Mt Carmel Jct [long drive]. Miles 293+
Day 4: Drive to Zion NP, Overnight in Panguitch or Mt Carmel Jct [short day]. Miles 131.
Day 5: Drive to Bryce NP, {Could also stay in Bryce} Drive to Torrey via 12, Overnight in Torrey. [long drive]. Miles 159.
Day 6: Drive to Capitol Reef NP, {Could overnight in Torrey} Drive to Blanding via 24, 95, (Bicentennial Hwy). Overnight in Blanding [long drive]. Miles 204.
Day 7: Drive to Arches NP, Overnight Moab. Miles 118.
Day 8: Visit Canyonlands NP, drive to Blanding, overnight Blanding. Miles 158+
Day 9: Visit Natural Bridges, Moki Dugway, Goosenecks state park, Mexican Hat. Drive through Monument Valley (163) to overnight in Flagstaff [long drive] Miles 268.
Day 10: Drive to Phoenix, and Fly. Miles 140 (could also visit Meteor Crater).
If spare time available try Meteor Crater 35 miles E of Flagstaff on I40. To visit Petrified Forest NP (115 miles E of Flagstaff on I40) add a day to itinerary. When going to Phoenix detour via Sedona on 89A (exit just S of Flagstaff on I17). Stop off at Oak Creek Canyon Scenic view and admire the view and buy your last Indian Jewellery it is quite cheap here. If you have kids stop off at Slide Rock State Park ($5) and take a swim in the stream they will love it. At Sedona turn off to I17. On I17 stop off at Sunset Point Rest Area exit ~252 for your last scenic view.
Total miles 1799+.
The above itinerary is fairly exhausting (you have been warned) you may need to break up some of the days which have a long drive [200+ miles] and make it a 14 day tour by adding additional overnights. It assumes 30 miles for each National Park.
Estimated cost:
£100 / $160 (for two people) per night plus flights.
Costs per day:
Hotel $70 inc. tax
Car hire $30 ex CDW and other insurance's
Gas $10
Food $30 assumes fast food or sandwiches for two people if eating in restaurants then double this to $60 or more
Misc. $20 park admission, maps, guide books, souvenirs, snacks etc.
Total $160/day
Plus spending money, flights, film etc. Try a fly-drive deal.