What type of car for Utah National Parks - in January?

11-17-2003, 08:57 PM

I plan to drive around the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Moab
area) with a hire car in January.

I am considering a Ford Windstar (comfort/space) but I understand that
some of the sights can only be accessed via narrow unpaved roads
better suited for high clearance cars (or even 4WD).

Any recommendations?

11-17-2003, 09:43 PM

On 17 Nov 2003 13:57:19 -0800, (ChrisB) wrote:

    >I plan to drive around the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Moab
    >area) with a hire car in January.
    >I am considering a Ford Windstar (comfort/space) but I understand that
    >some of the sights can only be accessed via narrow unpaved roads
    >better suited for high clearance cars (or even 4WD).
    >Any recommendations?

At Zion, most anything will do. But when you go to Bryce, you'll
likely encounter snow and ice. The dirt roads out of Moab are in
pretty good shape, but considering the season, I'd suggest 4WD. Things
can get muddy there, and there is deep sand to contend with in places.

Caveat

11-17-2003, 10:38 PM

"ChrisB" <> wrote in message
news:...
    > I plan to drive around the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Moab
    > area) with a hire car in January.
    > I am considering a Ford Windstar (comfort/space) but I understand that
    > some of the sights can only be accessed via narrow unpaved roads
    > better suited for high clearance cars (or even 4WD).

Unless specified, you may not be able to drive a rental 4WD on unpaved
roads. So check your rental company policy first.

    > Any recommendations?

11-18-2003, 02:53 AM

"Peter L" <> wrote in message news:<bpbm61$1mek77$>...
    > "ChrisB" <> wrote in message
    > news:...
    > > I plan to drive around the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Moab
    > > area) with a hire car in January.
    > >
    > > I am considering a Ford Windstar (comfort/space) but I understand that
    > > some of the sights can only be accessed via narrow unpaved roads
    > > better suited for high clearance cars (or even 4WD).
    >
    > Unless specified, you may not be able to drive a rental 4WD on unpaved
    > roads. So check your rental company policy first.
    >
    >
    > >
    > > Any recommendations?

Appreciate your advice, but what do you recommend?

11-18-2003, 04:49 AM

On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:38:40 -0800, "Peter L" <>
wrote:

>Unless specified, you may not be able to drive a rental 4WD on unpaved
>roads. So check your rental company policy first.

There is a booming 4WD Jeep rental business in Moab, and elsewhere in
Utah.. Several different companies will be more than happy to rent
their vehicles for off-road use, and will even direct you to the best
4WD places to go explore.

http://www.moabhappenings.com/business.htm
http://www.destinationcoupons.com/Utah/MOAB/activity_farabee's/jeep.asp
http://www.discovermoab.com/autorental.htm
http://4wheeldrive.about.com/cs/renta4x4/index_2.htm
http://www.ruggedrental.com/

Caveat

11-18-2003, 08:44 AM

"Caveat" <> wrote in message
news:...
    > On 17 Nov 2003 13:57:19 -0800, (ChrisB) wrote:
    > >I plan to drive around the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Moab
    > >area) with a hire car in January.
    > >
    > >I am considering a Ford Windstar (comfort/space) but I understand that
    > >some of the sights can only be accessed via narrow unpaved roads
    > >better suited for high clearance cars (or even 4WD).
    > >
    > >Any recommendations?
    > At Zion, most anything will do. But when you go to Bryce, you'll
    > likely encounter snow and ice. The dirt roads out of Moab are in
    > pretty good shape, but considering the season, I'd suggest 4WD. Things
    > can get muddy there, and there is deep sand to contend with in places.
    > Caveat

Be aware that 4WD vehicles rented from major companies are not
allowed to be used except on paved roads and yes I know that makes
no sense

Far better is to rent a normal vehicle and hire a jeep in Moab
when you need it from Farrabee or one of the other local rental
companies.

Keith

11-18-2003, 03:18 PM

The parks around Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, have
paved scenic drives that are open and accessible year round. Although
we may occasionally get a light dusting of snow (I live in Moab), it
is rare and generally gone within a few hours. You don't need a 4WD
vehicle to see some of the best views in the parks, even in winter. A
Windstar would be fine for this area.

- Robert
http://www.utahredrocks.com

(ChrisB) wrote in message news:<>...
    > I plan to drive around the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Moab
    > area) with a hire car in January.
    >
    > I am considering a Ford Windstar (comfort/space) but I understand that
    > some of the sights can only be accessed via narrow unpaved roads
    > better suited for high clearance cars (or even 4WD).
    >
    > Any recommendations?

11-23-2003, 01:05 AM

ChrisB recently asked
'I plan to drive around the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Moab
area) with a hire car in January.

I am considering a Ford Windstar (comfort/space) but I understand that
some of the sights can only be accessed via narrow unpaved roads
better suited for high clearance cars (or even 4WD).

Any recommendations?"
Chris
Late summer Aug-Sept we (4 large adults) rented a Lincoln Navigator in
Salt Lake and toured the west(Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana) for
2 weeks. It worked well for us plenty of space and nice driving. I did all
of the driving and never got tired, we did around 2,000 miles. Hertz was
very nice sending a replacement from Denver, CO. to Keystone, SD, when the
first one broke down. Though the second one a 2003 was not as comfortable
for the back seat passengers as was the first. They also gave us a nice
discount for the inconvenience.
Hope this helps.
Frank