Utah National Parks Adventure: SLC Gateway Getaway

Hey,
Do note this event is cross-posted.

Flight Details ->
Delta round-trip flight between Seattle (SEA) and Salt Lake City (SLC), with the lowest price found being $247 for the Basic Economy fare. The outbound flight is on Thursday, November 27th, departing at 5:25 AM, and the return flight is on Monday, December 1st, departing at 10:45 PM; both legs are nonstop. Work from home on Monday.

This itinerary focuses on Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon, concluding on Sunday with a return to Salt Lake City (SLC) on Monday to work remotely.

### ✈️ Flight Details (SEA $\leftrightarrow$ SLC)

• Airline/Fare: Delta round-trip between Seattle (SEA) and Salt Lake City (SLC).
• Lowest Price: $247 for the Delta Main Basic fare.
• Outbound Flight: Thursday, November 27th, departing at 5:25 AM (Nonstop).
• Return Flight: Monday, December 1st, departing at 10:45 PM (Nonstop).
• Key Note: Keeping the Monday return date is essential; changing it raises the price by $200 per person.

### 💰 Tentative Cost Calculation (Per Person)

• Flight (SEA–SLC R.T.): $247 (Using the cheapest $247} Delta Main Basic fare).
• Accommodation (4 Nights): $100 (Budget target: Achievable by splitting a $125/night room five ways, totaling $500.
• Car Rental: $91.00 (For a 5-Seater AWD SUV, including insurance).
• National Park Pass: $0 (Covered by the America the Beautiful Pass—a major saving!).
• Gas (Fuel): $30 (Estimate for the driving loop).
• TOTAL ESTIMATED: $377
• Food & Activities: Separate Budget (Plan to split groceries for shared meals; personal budget needed for restaurants/optional tours).

### 🗺️ Tentative Itinerary

Thursday (Nov 27): Arches National Park (ANP)

• Focus on main highlights: Delicate Arch viewpoint/hike (early), Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section.
• Stay in Moab.

Friday (Nov 28): Canyonlands NP (CNP)

• Full Day in the Island in the Sky District.
• Focus on Mesa Arch (sunrise recommended), Grand View Point, and Upheaval Dome.
• Stay in Moab.

Saturday (Nov 29): Capitol Reef NP (CRNP) & Travel

• Morning/Afternoon: Drive Moab $\to$ CRNP ($\sim 2.5$ hours). Tour the scenic drive and grab pie at the Gifford House.
• Late Afternoon: Drive CRNP $\to$ Bryce area ($\sim 2.5$ hours) via the scenic Byway 12.
• Stay near Bryce Canyon City/Tropic.

Sunday (Nov 30): Bryce Canyon NP (BCNP)

• Full Day Exploration. Visit viewpoints (Sunrise, Sunset Points) and hike the famous Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail combination among the hoodoos.
• Depart from the Bryce area after your final hike.

Monday (Dec 1): Travel Home & Remote Work

• Drive from Bryce area back to Salt Lake City (SLC).
• Work remotely from home upon arrival, using the late flight time to your advantage.

This plan keeps the driving manageable and focuses on experiencing the best of Utah's unique geology.This trip is the ultimate road trip adventure! We'll split the driving, conquer the trails, and see some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the US. Let's make this happen!