Heading to S. Utah, any suggestions?
littlewoodhorses
Reg. Jul 2007
Posted 2007-07-22 12:56 PM (#64223)
Subject: Heading to S. Utah, any suggestions?


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Posts: 14

Location: Shoshone, ID
We are heading to AZ to pick up our "new" horse trailer, coming back through the Grand Canyon, then up I-15 back to Idaho. Any "don't miss" suggestions, or "don't try to camp there" guidance? We'll be travelling with 3 kids, 2 dogs, no horses, and a 24' trailer. Any info greatly appreciated!
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Painted Horse
Reg. May 2005
Posted 2007-07-22 7:05 PM (#64237 - in reply to #64223)
Subject: RE: Heading to S. Utah, any suggestions?



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Well how much time do you have and how big a hurry are you in.

If you are stopping off at North Rim of the Grand Canyon,  Jacobs lake area. It's very pretty and covered with large Ponderosa Pines. 7200 feet elevation and lots cooler than South Rim and the drive over Page.  Driving through Page will take you past Lake Powell. Unless you are going to rent a boat, You will just be looking at large lake in a desert when you go past Powell.

I prefer to come up Hiway 89 vs I-15.  A little slower,  but a whole lot more scenic.  89 is a two lane hiway that follows the Sevier River . There are several roads that you can use to cross over to I-15 from Hiway 89.

Hiway 14 at Long Valley.  Climbs up past Duck Creek, Navajo Lake and down into Cedar City.  The decent into Cedar is pretty steep and if you are not comfortable with your trailer my not be the best first time drive.  But I have hauled my horse trailer over it several times. And there  are lots of RV and 5th wheelers that use this road. 

Hiway 20 (Bear Valley Junction north of Panguitch) is a favorite with the truckers cutting between I-15 and 89.  It does gain a lot of elevation. Has some steep parts. Gives you a great view when you pass over the pass. And it's an easier drive than hiway 14.

Personally I'd stop at Ruby's Inn, Eat their Buffet dinner and enjoy a few hours in Bryce Canyon and Red Mountain. They are not far off Hiway 89.  It may even be a good half way point for your trip. Stay the night in your new trailer or rent a room. Then use Hiway 20 to cut over to I-15 for the rest of the trip home. Ruby's Inn has a Rodeo ground and horse motel. You can easily park your trailer there while you drive into the Park or do some area sightseeing. The grand Staircase National park is also very nearby.

The Milford Flat fire has Burned A LOT of the area along I-15 ( almost 600 square miles) So a lot of the drive between Beaver and Fillmore is just black. Staying on Hiway 89 will avoid most of the fire damage and let you enjoy the mountain scenery. You can take Hiway 50 from Richfield to Scipio or hiway 28 from Gunnison to Levan to cut back over to I-15 farther north of the Burn area.

If you are a Shakespear fan.  Catch a play in Cedar City are.

 



Edited by Painted Horse 2007-07-22 7:09 PM
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jdzaharia
Reg. Apr 2006
Posted 2007-07-23 9:12 AM (#64264 - in reply to #64223)
Subject: RE: Heading to S. Utah, any suggestions?



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If I were traveling there, I would plan to spend at least a day in Zion National Park. I don't remember how the long trailer would work out for you, but generally everybody parks at the visitor center and takes the shuttle buses in to all the sights and hiking spots. No dogs are allowed in National Parks, so I would leave them at home. North Rim and Bryce Canyon would also be off-limits for the dogs. Personally, I would rather see the Parks than a dog, anyway. Ha ha.
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littlewoodhorses
Reg. Jul 2007
Posted 2007-08-07 11:38 AM (#65318 - in reply to #64237)
Subject: RE: Heading to S. Utah, any suggestions?


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Posts: 14

Location: Shoshone, ID
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littlewoodhorses
Reg. Jul 2007
Posted 2007-08-07 11:43 AM (#65319 - in reply to #64237)
Subject: RE: Heading to S. Utah, any suggestions?


Member


Posts: 14

Location: Shoshone, ID
Thank you for the tips. We made a fast trip (3 days there and back). The scenery was fantastic!!! We did go around through Paige, then up 89 to 20. Oh WOW. Next time we want the horses so we can ride those canyons.
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IcePonyGoddess
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2007-08-07 11:55 PM (#65376 - in reply to #64223)
Subject: RE: Heading to S. Utah, any suggestions?


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Location: East Tennessee, USA, Planet Earth
Originally written by littlewoodhorses on 2007-07-22 12:56 PM

We are heading to AZ to pick up our "new" horse trailer, coming back through the Grand Canyon, then up I-15 back to Idaho


One of my friends drove her trailer through Grand Canyon and said that she would never do that again. You may want to call ahead to make sure your trailer is allowed on some of those roads. My friend was ticketed for not having a permit to drive a trailer on one road in the park.

Good luck, stay safe and have FUN!

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