SingleRoadTrip: Leg 5 – Moab to Seattle
Catch up on Leg 4 of my trip here.
Day 19 – Moab to Capitol Reef National Park to Richfield, UT – 219 miles
My plan was to go from Moab to Capitol Reef National Park in central Utah where I would camp overnight. When I arrived at the park around 1:30pm, it was starting to rain. I headed in to nearby Torrey to grab some lunch and hope for the weather to pass. On my way back in to the park I received an emergency alert on my cell phone warning me of potential flash flooding.
There are a couple of short hikes (Gooseneck, Sunset, and the Petroglyphs) I was able to do between rain showers.
Unfortunately the main scenic drive through the park was closed and I was told it likely would remain closed all weekend. Having done most of what was open in the park, I arrived at my campsite around 4:30. It was a muddy mess and I made the quick decision to book a hotel for the night.
Day 20 – Richfield, UT to Bryce Canyon National Park – 101 miles
I arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park and grabbed some lunch at the Lodge (the restaurant was only offering take out due to COVID). As it was cooler and a bit rainy, I decided it would be a good opportunity to do the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Trail to Wall Street hike. The hike takes you down into the canyon where you walk among the Hoodoos.
The first night at Bryce Canyon I stayed at the Best Western.
Day 21 – Bryce Canyon – 0 miles
I spent the day in the park — traveling the scenic drive, stopping at viewpoints, and hiking a few trails. That evening I spent the night at the Sunset Campground in the park.
Day 22 – Bryce Canyon to Park City – 287 miles
After three weeks on the road, it was time to start my drive back home. I drove to Park City, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City. I met some friends for dinner and stayed the night at the Hyatt Place — a less cookie cutter property of the chain.
Day 23 – Park City to Boise – 395 miles
On my way out of Park City, I drove through Salt Lake City to Antelope Island State Park. Antelope Island is the biggest island in the Great Salt Lake, and true to its name, has many wild antelope living on it. It also is home to a herd of about 700 wild bison (non-native, they were introduced in 1893 and have thrived).
I got in to Boise in time for a stop at the capitol building before dinner. I was surprised how good Boise’s restaurant scene is in the downtown area.
I stayed the night at the Hyatt House Downtown Boise.
Day 24 – Boise to Seattle – 493 miles
On my final day of the trip the goal was home. While I loved being on the road, there is something nice about being back in my own home, not having to pack up my things every day and live out of a duffle bag. Thank you for following along on my trip!
Total Miles: 4,403
You did it!