Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 My wife and I are planning next year’s vacation and would like to visit southern Utah. The Big Five national parks have appeal, but can also get quite crowded. what places would folks suggest to enjoy the natural beauty but avoid crowds? State parks? What interesting towns, restaurants, or sites should we see? We’ll be staying in hotels or BnBs. Any interesting lodges that offer exceptional views? Our plans are to travel in late September or October. I appreciate any insight the Saloon can offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cholla Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 Brush up on your early John Wayne westerns and visit Goulding's Trading Post. They have a motel, restaurant, and RV park, as well as the original trading post which was used in a few of the early movies, plus you're in the middle of Monument Valley. The Arches, and other more remote NP are right next door. https://utah.com/monument-valley/gouldings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I escorted a group of college students through there a few years ago. Goblin Valley State Park was nice. Bryce Canyon National Park is awesome, but was a little crowded. Lots of activity in the surrounding area. Horseback riding, big lodges with great dining. Hiking trails everywhere. The Arches National Park is great, but again...a little crowded. An out of the way place to eat is Blondies Restaurant in Springdale, UT. Super great food and great service in a picturesque location. We also visited the northern rim of the Grand Canyon while on our way back through Arizona. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 John Browning Museum OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 3 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said: John Browning Museum OLG Absolutely. It's down in the old railroad station at the west end of 24th and 25th streets. It's fun to walk through it saying " I have one of those and one of those, had several of those, had one of those, the Army Marines, etal, issued me one of those, we had those on our ship," etc. Also look into some of the lesser known canyon parks, like Cedar Breaks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 What time of year is most comfortable temperature wise? And do the crowds decline noticeably once Summer is over? My Missus and I are discussing the same trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 4 hours ago, DeaconKC said: What time of year is most comfortable temperature wise? And do the crowds decline noticeably once Summer is over? My Missus and I are discussing the same trip. I recommend October. The summer rainy season is over, temperatures have declined but winter weather has not started. Spring also has comfortable temperatures but many afternoons have strong winds. Fall in the Southwest is not a windy season. I can't comment on crowds. Crowding has increased over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex M Rugers #6621 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 5 hours ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said: Absolutely. It's down in the old railroad station at the west end of 24th and 25th streets. It's fun to walk through it saying " I have one of those and one of those, had several of those, had one of those, the Army Marines, etal, issued me one of those, we had those on our ship," etc. Also look into some of the lesser known canyon parks, like Cedar Breaks. In Ogden. (just in case ) The Browning Museum. No idea about Cedar Breaks. Rex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creeker, SASS #43022 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 Zion National Park is one of the prettiest places upon Gods green earth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 October is a great time. Definately don't miss Monument Valley & Gouldings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 1 hour ago, Rex M Rugers #6621 said: In Ogden. (just in case ) The Browning Museum. No idea about Cedar Breaks. Rex Check it out. It's where God goes on vacation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twelve mile REB Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 October has the Senior Games which is a great cowboy match and its near several of the parks you wish to see. The Browning Museum is in Northern Utah worth the visit especially if you also include Hill Air Forces Museum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattlesnake Slim Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 What! Nobody has suggested Kanab? One of the most Cowboy places on earth. The whole town is dedicated to filming cowboy movies and early TV shows. They even have the movie set cabin from Josie Wales, you can stand inside and shout "Anyone gets hit, sing out. Slap iron to it. It's the fastest way to stop the bleeding.". There are several hotels and motels in town, a couple of very nice RV Parks. Also some restaurants and a couple of grocery stores. We spent a week here and were never bored, about an hour from the south entrance of Zion National Park if I remember correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derringer Dan Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Goosenecks State Park, near Mexican Hat, is one of the most inspiring places I have ever seen. YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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