Reservations? (St. George, Hurricane, Moab: motel, home, rating)

[Jaybee]

My wife and I are planning to visit the National Parks in Utah early in May. We'll be driving from our home in Northern California, and are planning to stay in motels located near the individual parks. We're not certain which parks we might want to spend multiple days, so we're reluctant to make motel reservations. We often travel in late spring or early fall to avoid the crowds. In that manner we're typically able to find a room without having reservations. But, we'd like to know from the locals about the need for reservations at the Utah parks in early May.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

My wife and I are planning to visit the National Parks in Utah early in May. We'll be driving from our home in Northern California, and are planning to stay in motels located near the individual parks. We're not certain which parks we might want to spend multiple days, so we're reluctant to make motel reservations. We often travel in late spring or early fall to avoid the crowds. In that manner we're typically able to find a room without having reservations. But, we'd like to know from the locals about the need for reservations at the Utah parks in early May.

While the "tourist season" extends from June through August, I can tell you from experience that most of the parks are really busy from April through October. This is especially true for Zion and Arches. If you're willing to stay in St. George while visiting Zion and drive an hour to and from the park each day, you could quite safely get by without reservations. Otherwise, it would be iffy. I know my sister prefers to travel in the way you've described, but it's just too frustrating for me. It might be a good idea for you to consider starting another thread on this forum asking how many days those of us who are familiar with the parks would suggest you plan for each one, and then get reservations for that number of days. I would think that you'll want to stay in Springdale while visiting Zion, in Bryce Canyon City while visiting Bryce, in Torry while at Capitol Reef and in Moab while visiting both Arches and Canyonlands.

[motormaker]

Good info from Katzpur. I woud add it looks like several new motels have opened between Hurricane and Springdale which would put you closer to Zion instead of staying in St George.

[Jaybee]

Thanks for the replies. We've decided to make reservations. 2 nights in both Springdale and Moab. One night each at Bryce & Capitol Reef.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

Thanks for the replies. We've decided to make reservations. 2 nights in both Springdale and Moab. One night each at Bryce & Capitol Reef.

Sounds like a good plan. That's pretty close to what I'd have suggested. Have fun. The parks are amazing.