Hi Alena,

I have 2 days to get to Las Vegas from Vail, Colorado. Bryce Canyon impressed me as something I would really like to see, but I need to choose a park to stay one more night in. Forget Zion and Moab because I’ve been to both. Canyonlands, Capitol Reef…. which did you prefer? Any other must see suggestions?

Derek in Colorado

It’s always tough for me to recommend one national park over another as each is special in its own way. Bryce Canyon is absolutely stunning and you could easily spend two days there. Watching sunrise and sunset over the hoodoos and hiking into the canyon among them really add to your experience. That said, if you have your heart set on visiting two parks, I’m going to suggest you visit Capitol Reef. This will be a more effective use of your time as Canyonlands is 6 1/2 hours from Bryce while Capitol Reef is only 3. I also think it will give you a more diverse combination of scenery and sights. As far as what to see along the way, the drive between Bryce and Capitol Reef takes you over scenic Highway 12 which passes through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This is one the most beautiful drives I’ve ever been on and I guarantee you’ll want to pull over and take it all in more than once.

Have a great trip!

Send your travel questions to alena@followalena.com