Spring Break National Park trip

[SoCool]

quick national park trip over spring break

The OP requests info for a short trip, and he only gets 47 responses?!?! We need more advice on this thread!

[Scott P]

I hate to start another debate, but personally, I'd recommend avoiding Goblin Valley and Little Wildhorse over Easter Weekend as well. It will be a zoo, guarenteed. Goblin Valley, Little Wildhorse, Moab, and Zion are the most popular Easter destinations in Utah. I don'the mean a few crows, but an actual zoo (Zion is more spread out though, so there are still parts of the park that won'the be bad. There is also a shuttle system, so Zion is very reasonable on holidays). I would not however suggest staying away from Utah though. There are plenty of beautiful areas to see outside those three areas that are still easy to get to. This is true even if you have to go to a National Park.

PS, buy this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Non-Technical-Can ... 0944510272" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Be aware though that the descriptions aren't super detailed (but always adequate in my opinion) and that the author is a fast hiker.

Just flipping through that book will give you plenty of ideas of where to go.

[Le Marmot]

Given the timing I believe it's going to be tough staying away from crowds. If pictographs are your thing, try horseshoe canyon on the northwest side of canyonlands north of hanksville. There is a primitive campground at the trailhead on the canyon rim. Its a nice hike/walk into the canyon to the numerous alcove panels, leading to the amazing ghost panel of barrier style pictographs. If you have time, another nice canyon stroll can be found at natural bridges ntl monument. Three natural bridges in the canyon with ruins and glyphs as well. The campground will undoubtedly be full but few visitors venture into the canyon and take the entire loop. Best of luck!

[Scott P]

Given the timing I believe it's going to be tough staying away from crowds.

Most of Utah is actually empty, even during Spring Break. This is true even is many of the more scenic and get to areas. Most of the use is actually confined to a few areas such as Moab, the Goblin Valley area, the National Parks, and a few popular and well known hikes (such as the Paria or Coyote Gulch).

The book linked in the thread before should give many ideas.

[Le Marmot]

Given the timing I believe it's going to be tough staying away from crowds.

Most of Utah is actually empty, even during Spring Break.

True, I was keeping with the national park topic as the op requested. Arches, Island in the sky, needles, and anywhere near moab would not be suggestions.