Community Forums

Clements02 · 07-26-2017, 01:35 AM

We'll be traveling to the big 5 next week. From Amarillo, TX to Zion River resort first. We'll be using the toad in and around the parks. We leave Zion River to thousand lakes Rv park for Capital Reef then to Portal RV resort in Moab for the rest. My question is does anyone have any advice on routing between these destinations in my motorhome? Any roads to avoid, etc...

Busskipper · 07-26-2017, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clements02

We'll be traveling to the big 5 next week. From Amarillo, TX to Zion River resort first. We'll be using the toad in and around the parks. We leave Zion River to thousand lakes Rv park for Capital Reef then to Portal RV resort in Moab for the rest. My question is does anyone have any advice on routing between these destinations in my motorhome? Any roads to avoid, etc...

Hoping you have a lot more than a WEEK!

It would take me a week just to get there from Texas.

Canyon de Chelly
Monument Valley
Page
Lake Powell
Antelope Canyon
North Rim

Sorry - but I'm not much into RV parks as destinations so I can't really help with your travel Plans.

But if you are starting in Zion, generally the route would be through the Tunnel to Bryce - then out Rt 12 to Kodachrome - Escalante - Boulder then Rt 12 the Hog Back on to Capital Reef then to Goblins on to Moab - Arches (Construction so traffic will be an issue) - Canyonland - Island in the Sky - RT 128 and the Colorado River - Will be Hot so plan to do most of the Hikes in the early Mornings or Dusk - then out through the San Juan's to Cool Off - but by that time it should be September.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help, Enjoy Utah.

Bilgerat · 07-26-2017, 09:11 AM

I agree with Busskipper, I can't give advise on where to stay, but I would not recommend staying on the west side of Zion, with only 5 days to a week you will use valuable driving time moving the RV to your next camp Ground. Sight Seeing is a Premium, don't waste time driving, you will regret it.

Please review the Zion Tunnel info page I have included below.
Also check with Zion as to reservation requirements to get into the NP.

I also shared a RV Parky link listing RV Campgrounds on US-89 which I think is an easy run north from Zion to Bryce NP.

One thing is a Guarantee: You will return home and begin planning your next trip out, to see what you missed. We are going back this Sept

.

https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvis...mel-tunnel.htm

https://www.rvparky.com/search?l=Mou...67972600000002

twogypsies · 07-26-2017, 11:56 PM

According to your Profile you have a 41' RV. Read the Zion Tunnel web site:

https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvis...mel-tunnel.htm

I don't know what your planned route is to get to your first stop for Zion but this is what I'd recommend coming from Texas. Take I-40 west to Flagstaff, AZ then pick up 89N to Page, AZ to Kanab, Utah then a little south back into AZ to Fredonia, AZ. Then pick up AZ389 west which becomes UT59 to Hwy 9 to Hurricane, UT. This is a very good route with a big RV.

Leaving your Zion park take Hwy 9 west to UT I-15 north to Hwy 20 at Circleville, UT then take it east to Hwy 89 and south to Hwy 12 east to Bryce Nat'l Park if planning to stay in that area. Then take Hwy 12 to Capitol Reef. From I-15 don't be tempted to take UT14 to 89. It's very narrow and steep. Hwy 20 is much easier.

To get to Moab from Capitol Reef take 24 east to Hanksville then north to I-70 and east to 191 then south on 191 to Moab.

**Lt Dan** · 07-27-2017, 12:40 PM

I would avoid the tunnel and come into Zion from the west side. I've been through the tunnel on a motorcycle, but we avoided it coming in. There is no way I would take my motor home through it. They have to shut down traffic so you can ride the center line and there is still only a little over 13' clearance in the center of the lane. In addition, you can only go through during certain times of the day, vehicles over 40' or combinations over 50' are not allowed at all. They had a ranger there with a tape measure when we went through several times on the MC and Jeep. The drive from the west through Hurricane is not bad.

Also, you need to add Bryce Canyon to your visit list. One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

ArmandV · 07-27-2017, 01:19 PM

Definitely a week to see all those places is not enough.

On the Zion Tunnel, they also charge an "escort" fee of $15 or $20 (I forget which).

If you really want to drive the tunnel, do it in your toad. Also, there's the Bryce Zion Campground in-between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. We stayed there twice when it was a KOA.

Their website: Bryce Zion Campground

Clements02 · 07-27-2017, 11:33 PM

We actually have 18 days(wish we had more). Thanks twogypsies for the advice. Sounds like you have experience with this route. I am both planning on attempting the tunnel in Zion. We will be doing all the driving in the parks in our jeep.