In the News
Mid-June travel breaks my rules, but I found deals
In March, Continental had an unbelievable sale of only $113
round trip from Atlanta to Las Vegas. I bought tickets immediately
for my wife and me for a nine-day adventure to several parks out
West, with departure from Atlanta on June 15. Traveling in-season
is a clear violation of bargain hunting, but June was our only
option for a week off work.
We landed in Las Vegas at mid-afternoon Saturday and picked up
a National rental car for $109 per week. While my wife played
the slots in the airport, I called for a hotel and found the Las
Vegas Hilton for that night for $49. That's a deal.
Sunday morning we drove 90 minutes north on I-15 into southern
Utah and went directly to Snow Canyon State Park near St. George.
This park has fantastic red rock canyons with roads both above
and below for a variety of views. This is a great side trip from
Las Vegas.
From Snow Canyon we headed one-hour east to Zion National Park,
where we discovered the 3-month-old Zion Park Inn (800-934-7275).
We had a standard room, which had a cathedral ceiling with two-story
windows looking out on canyons at the park. Our room was $72,
and was easily the best buy of the week.
We drove into Zion National Park, where we bought a Golden Eagle
Passport. For $25 you get one year's unlimited admission to all
parks and recreation facilities administered by seven federal
agencies. We made back almost double our money in a week.
That night we hiked in Zion until just before sunset. Monday
morning we saw the park on horseback ($12 per hour). Zion is spectacular
and is one of my favorite national parks. But it was one of four
very crowded spots. Bryce Canyon, Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon
parks were all very busy as well.
Gorging on Gorges
Later Monday we drove from Zion to Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Cedar Breaks is a massive gorge extending for dozens of miles.
It was adjacent to Brian Head ski resort and Brian Head Peak.
Take the short side trip on the unpaved road to the top of Brian
Head Peak.
We continued east to Red Canyon, where we went hiking among the
bright red formations. It leads directly into Bryce. After hiking,
we found the Bryce Point Bed-and-Breakfast (801-679-8629). It
was $70 with excellent hosts, a great breakfast, a big outdoor
Jacuzzi and a deck looking out on Bryce Canyon.
Tuesday morning we drove to Kodachrome State Park and went hiking
among the incredible arches, spires and variety of colors. As
the name implies, take your camera.
Speaking of cameras, the most unbelievable part of the trip started
a half hour's drive from Kodachrome. From the town of Escalante
you take Utah 12 north for a 65-mile trip of unparalleled beauty.
You will drive among cliffs that afford unforgettable views. The
road takes you to Torrey, adjacent to Capitol Reef National Park.
There we found brand new Day's Inn with a continental breakfast
for $53.
Wednesday morning we were lucky enough to take a three-hour horseback
ride ($15 per hour, per person) with a cowboy named Allen. He
took us far into the mountains adjacent to Capitol Reef National
Park. Allen has more personality than any 100 cowboys. Call him
at Pleasant Creek Trail Rides, 800- 892-4597.
Next week I'll take you through Capitol Reef, Glen Canyon, Lake
Powell, Mesa Verde, Four Corners, the Grand Canyon and back to
Las Vegas.
Excerpt from Budget Traveler, Clark Howard
