Where to spend a week in Utah with family?

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90FJ

90FJ

10 Year
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Oct 24, 2012
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Driving with another family of four down to Utah from Oregon, looking to spend a week total away. We'll be in a Crewmax Tundra with 33s, they're in a Disco II and 31s. I did Canyonlands about 10 years ago with my folks, spent a bout 5 days on Easter weekend down the Flynt Trail out to Dollhouse etc. but I need some good advice on how to stage this trip.

We have young kids and want to stay in a condo or cabin somewhere as base camp then run day trips out to explore, don't mind something cheesy, a pool or hot tub/community would be fine.

Looking to explore mostly by rig (I might trailer my locked FJ62 on 37s) but would like to take the Tundra most places with fam. We could manage some 3-5 mile hikes but kids are 4 & 6 so we're limited.

Where should we go? Want to drive straight there and straight back and spend some time seeing the SW, Canyonlands, Bryce, Moab?

Thanks!
 
Moab, lots of day trips via truck/FJ/foot from there.

Canyonlands, Arches, La Sals, etc.
 
I've done the Maze District (the Flint Trail and Doll House you speak of) twice. It was a blast.

I don't think Bryce will fill the bill to stay in a motel/condo and do runs from there. Although, Ruby's Best Western at Bryce does have a jacuzzi and indoor heated pool.

I mean, Kodachrome Basin is not that big of a deal, running up to Panguitch Lake and Cedar Breaks are scenic but not that big of a deal. You could drive Highway 12 and go up to Boulder Mountain (VERY cool drive, but pavement, unless you do Hells Backbone).
 
calstyl2 said:
Moab, lots of day trips via truck/FJ/foot from there.

Canyonlands, Arches, La Sals, etc.
Click to expand...

that's what I ended up doing, booked on VRBO two days ago for the week of Memorial Day.

Now to order my Bilstein 5100s to level the Tundra and some 295/70R18 Terra Grapplers.

Thinking I'll want some sliders too, anyone have advice for some easy family trails in and out of Bryce or around Arches? I want to see the parks but also integrate some tame wheeling in the family rig.

Would it be worth it to tow the trail rig on 37s if I only took it out for a day while I'm down there? I'm thinking not, but I also don't want to pass up the opportunity to wheel Moab since I'm driving all the way down there.
 
Kofoed said:
I've done the Maze District (the Flint Trail and Doll House you speak of) twice. It was a blast.

I don't think Bryce will fill the bill to stay in a motel/condo and do runs from there. Although, Ruby's Best Western at Bryce does have a jacuzzi and indoor heated pool.

I mean, Kodachrome Basin is not that big of a deal, running up to Panguitch Lake and Cedar Breaks are scenic but not that big of a deal. You could drive Highway 12 and go up to Boulder Mountain (VERY cool drive, but pavement, unless you do Hells Backbone).
Click to expand...

Kodachrome is really nice campground to stay at... Stayed there last summer on my way through. It's also at the head of the cottonwood road, which could be the long way to Zion if you want dirt.

As for Hell's Backbone, I'm planning a trip and will be staying in Escalante and thinking of taking this as a backroad up to Boulder. Is the road doable with a offroad trailer?
 
Are planning to go to Bryce and Moab? The distance between them is quite far. I personally would plan on staying in a different spot most nites, and probably leave the trail rig at home if you only plan on driving it one day. The added expense and slow driving-altitude plus hills.
 
yeah, we'll probably skip Bryce this time and leave the poor neglected trail rig at home.

Thanks for all the info guys, anymore advice on cool, easy trails that might tie into visits to the monuments would be great.
 
Moab would be a great central places...The Needles and Beef Basin are close. sounds like you have already visited Canyonlands.

Other ideas...you might want to check out the yurts in Goblin Valley. Central location to explore the Swell and Robbers Roost.

Torrey, Utah is sweet...A quiet nice place...Moab 50 years ago...You could explore Capital Reef and Swell Area....

Have fun...PM me if you have any questions and/or want anymore insights.

Travel Safe.
 
Burr Trail
 
Rent a JK in Moab and hit Poison Spider/Golden Spike/Gold Bar Rim, and or Hells Revenge.
Kane Creek too.
 
Chicken Corners trail in Moab is easy and gets you to a very scenic spot
 
For off roading I saw a double cab tundra on hells revenge last year and he had no problems he just had upgraded tires a bit larger than stock. That trail pretty much sums up what Moab is all about but really isn't too difficult if you don't try the obstacles. For hiking you could drive in to arches nat park and park and hike the 2 miles to the delicate arch the one on the utah license plate. Thats a great little hike with a truly awesome reward.
 
hedonist said:
Tower arch in Arches is a VERY cool drive. Alittle wheelin, but a high clearence 4wd will do it. Awesome spot to have lunch and spend a day.:cheers:. But dont tell anyone I told you ;)
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Great trail, thanks for the advice it was probably the highlight of the trip. About as far as I wanted to push the Tundra without front and rear bumpers.

10329851_10203734834231355_8184482569195516523_o.jpg


calstyl2 said:
Rent a JK in Moab and hit Poison Spider/Golden Spike/Gold Bar Rim, and or Hells Revenge.
Kane Creek too.
Click to expand...

I almost took the Tundra out to Hell's Revenge but with limited time and armor I opted to rent a RZR and do Fins'n'Things. I would have dented up the bumper on the '14 so I'm glad I took the RZR, good fun and a different wheeling experience for sure. Next time I'm bringing the LC and doing it all proper though. Thanks for the advice.

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DSRTRDR said:
Chicken Corners trail in Moab is easy and gets you to a very scenic spot
Click to expand...

Fun family ride, lots to explore. Thanks!!!

MOABWILLYSUPAMAN.webp
 
What dates are you going to be there?
 
Natty Light, those are my pics. I just got back. Awesome trip, are you headed over soon?
 
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