Utah camping trip- help!

[Mimitjc@gmail.com]

Hello fellow campers. We have reservations at Sunset campground in Bryce Canyon NP coming up in September. We will be leaving from a little town south of Durango, CO. We would like to see some other areas while we are in the vicinity, whether that is on the way or after leaving is yet TBD. I am overwhelmed by all there is to see. Does anyone have any advice on what to see, where to drive or camp and time needed either from or on the way to Bryce? We want to make the most of our time there. Also, is Zion drivable as a day trip from Bryce. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[profdant139]

Zion is not a good day trip -- too far.

Be sure to visit Capitol Reef and then take Highway 12 to Bryce. Spectacular!!

[Mimitjc@gmail.com]

Is there camping there or just sightseeing/hiking? If Zion is too far for a day trip, should we shorten our stay at Bryce and try to camp at Zion for 1 or 2 nights? Would it be worth it?

[profdant139]

There is camping at both Capitol Reef and Zion. Yes, they are both worthwhile -- if you hike, there is a lot to do. Zion gets hot in the summer months.

Here is a link to a recent blog post about this whole area:

Look, Mom, We're Camping!: Red Rock Utah, Part 1: Capitol Reef, April 2021

That's part I, and you can get to part II (Zion) from the same page.

[randyjames]

You'll be going right past Mesa Verde and if you want to take a short side trip once you get into Utah you can go to Hovenweep if you like Ancient American ruins.