This is a list of my geology professor’s recommendations for the trip. He teaches field geology in Utah and is so familiar with the area that he’s allowed, unguided, into restricted areas; he knows his stuff! (And his photographs of the area are amazing.)
Bold indicates his must-do/must-see recommendations.
Colorado National Monument
- My professor recommends we leave Boulder around noon on Friday to get here by 4pm to camp [map]
- Bike the rim road
to Moab
- West of Fruita, take the scenic route – 128 south to Moab (follows the river)
- 4WD up Fisher Valley [map]
- Fisher Towers: can do it in a regular car or hike, great at sunset
Arches/Canyonlands
recommended time: 1.5 days
- Fiery Furnace: great ranger-led trip from Arches visitor center – get there very early in the morning to secure a spot.
- long day hike: Delicate Arch at sunset, Landscape Arch, Devil’s Garden
- White Rim Road (need 4WD) / White Rim Trail
- Upheaval Dome: hike the rim or to the overlook
Zion
recommended time: 1 day for scenery
- Some hiking, but cliffy
- Angel’s Landing: a must-do hike – amaaaaazing! (not good if anyone is scared of heights)
Bryce Canyon
recommended time: half a day
- If snowy it’s amazing, if cloudy – meh.
Grand Staircase-Escalante
- Not many people, and amazing – general info
- Old Paria movie set: rainbow sediments! but very far south
San Rafael Swell
- a spectacular Laramide monocline – general info
- Off I-70 near Moab – hiking south of I-70