Rocky Mountain (Colorado) or Zion (Utah) National Park? Which and why?

[jeffblaylock]

ZION:

Angel's Landing is the prominent dark pyramidal peak on the right-hand side of the valley in this photo. Beneath it is the Organ, a dark mound-looking feature from this vantage point. As the previous posters have noted, the Angel's Landing Trail is not for the faint of heart or acrophobes. Several folks have fallen to their deaths.

[RichardM]

Angel's Landing is the prominent dark pyramidal peak on the right-hand side of the valley in this photo. Beneath it is the Organ, a dark mound-looking feature from this vantage point. As the previous posters have noted, the Angel's Landing Trail is not for the faint of heart or acrophobes. Several folks have fallen to their deaths.

When we were there in 2003 we talked to an off-duty ranger who said that they get an occasional suicide there as well.

If you do decide to do the hike, get an early start to beat the tourists.  I couldn't believe how many people were on the trail the day we hiked it.

[chisos muse]

I just can't believe the amount of incredible photograph's in this thread!

You guys are ALL awesome!

[stingrey]

No kidding on the pics! The advice is very compelling, too. I truly appreciate all of your input!

Mandy & I are leaning towards Colorado early on with a possible return trek through Utah as was suggested, but we're still not 100% sure. Either way, things are starting to get set into motion. Again, thank you all! Regardless of which we opt for, I'll be sure to add a few pics to this thread in just a couple of months!

[Roy]

If and when you do decide to head for southern Utah, there's a couple of places on the wasy I consider to be "must see".  One is Chaco Canyon;  maybe not as picturesque as Mesa Verde, but this was the center of the Anasazi who built most of the ruins in the  Four Corners area.  It's part of the Nat'l Park system.  Also, Monument Valley, which is owned and operated by the Navajo nation.  I've also heard the Ute Mountain tribal park is impressive, but have never been there.
Like the others say, southern Utah is amazing, but that should also include northern Arizona and parts of New Mexico and Colorado. 

[stingrey]

We've decided to hit Colorado per airfare/car rental prices being more affordable, and we even have a Colorado Rockies ball game on the agenda the night of 8/6! I'll pop the pics up once we make it back. On a side note, they make big bags to put backpacks inside of... Cool, huh? Because of this nifty find, we will be taking our regular luggage bag in addition to our backpacks with some choice camping gear. Not sure the Big Agnes SL3 tent is up to par for the chilly CO nights, but our sleeping bags are, so we'll try to brave the elements at least a couple of nights while we're up there!