At this exact moment, we can say, "We're in the Rockies!" Following your sage advise we arrived each morning at Arches around 6:00 a.m. (Ticketed entry begins at 7:00 a.m.) We did the Delicate Arch hike the first morning and the Devil's Garden hike to Landscape Arch in the afternoon. The next day we watched sunrise at the Windows in Arches before heading over to Canyonland and doing the short hike to Mesa Arch and the grueling hike to the Upheaval Dome. Today we stopped at Capitol Reef (I really like this place), ate some mixed berry pie and heading down the scenic drive to the Capitol Gorge drive and hiked the slot canyon there to The Tanks. We are looking forward to the next three days in Bryce (horseback riding into the canyon) and Zion (Narrows hike.) Not bad for a couple in their sixties! And we are probably sitting here looking at the cabin's Cheryl's parents stayed in at Wunderland RV Park in Torry, UT. We can't thank you enough for all the wonderful content you have provided on this channel. It really has made are trip a memorable one.
A wonderful perspective on the over crowding issues for the parks. I realize the need to limit visitors and not open up even larger roads or parking to preserve these places. Your planning services are more needed now than ever. It's difficult to plan a large road trip to a new territory you know nothing about and then to have to deal with scheduling and reservations makes it more stressful. Thanks for all you do for the weary but excited travelers!
Oh by seeing these videos, it makes me want to go back :). Utah is such a beautiful state! I had such a great time last september, great memories! And these videos make the memories come alive again. Thanks a lot for that! Another tip of going to Arches NP in case you don't have a reservation and you don't mind waking up early: make sure you enter the park before opening hours (i think it was 6.00am in september 22). I did that and did the Delicate Arch hike in the dark to see sunrise up there. Finding the trail in the mid section is a bit harder but man oh man, it was really great to see this arch in the morning. Another advantage is, by the time you finished the hike you can go to Devils Garden and I was there before the big crowds arrived and still managed to find a parking spot pretty easy.
You guys have so much on your doorstep, (so to speak). I'm so envious lol. In England our highest peak is only 3209ft. But the views, features and terrain are great. Camping may not be your forte. But one guy who has a channel. Camps those areas in storms by choice. You might enjoy some of his vlogs with his faithful border collie. Is "bushman and blue".
The number of visitors must have gone up considerably since my last visit to Arches 10 years ago. I may come back, but I'm not sure. I normally do not visit places where I have to book ahead, as it prevent me from being spontaneous, if something else come up
Go early. Shoulder season or off season. As long as it’s not raining or snowing it’s an easy place to get around and avoid the crowds. Corona Arch is a better hike anyway
The reservations was going to get people complaining. I don't think many been to these parks when super crowded. If a park is not big enough, it goes to the reservation system.
That's the flipside of marketing these parks too well, it seems. It's the eternal conundrum of travel. How can people appreciate a destination without it also becoming overcrowded?
Moab is fine in the winter as long as it’s not snowing. Went in February 2 years ago. Cold but usually sunny. No crowds. Use poles/micro spikes if there’s ice
Thank you for your informative video's that I am just discovering. We're now going back to that area with our kids so your videos are so helpful. Last time we were out there was 2008-2009 and before that 1995-96. Lot of changes since then and no crowds as I recall. No reservations required including camping. Guess that's nationwide now. You are blessed to live in such a beautiful area and thank you for sharing your travel trips.
I really like how you give good advice on making a park that's crowded, easier to be enjoyed by all. Our visit way back in 2016 didn't seem crowded back then as compared to now. There is always a way to get a great experience in a popular park. Also as you mentioned there are so many other great areas around the parks people can enjoy as well. Great tips 😊
