While the images of vast canyons and rock monuments loomed large in my imagination of the American West, this was my first time visiting the National Parks of Utah and Arizona. My aspiration for the trip was simply to experience the natural beauty of this mythic American landscape, and dip our toes into traveling together as a family of three for the first time. It being mid-week in winter, crowds were relatively nonexistent and crystal clear sunshine graced the forecast, making for comfortable days of trail walking. Much of our itinerary we made up on the fly based on how far we felt like driving that day. We headed out from Southern California with our rented Subaru Outback (which came in handy for an unexpected 40 mile off-off-road drive along the Arizona Utah border), but this trip could just as easily start out from Las Vegas, Phoenix or other regional airports. We had a big international trip coming up at the very end of February (which was cancelled), and this unexpectedly was our last trip before quarantine. I wouldn't trade it for the world – in fact, we sincerely hope for the chance to head back soon. These are sacred spots worthy of more than one visit.
DAY ONE: Zion National Park, Utah
Zion was the perfect starting point to get out into nature for the week. The rushing Virgin River meanders through the park for tranquil pathways and hikes for all levels. We picked up the $80 annual National Parks Pass from the ranger at the front gate and were on our way. Immediately upon entrance, rocks towered overhead higher than a new Brooklyn condo and the mythic landscape became a reality. Quite simply, everything IS bigger in the west. We parked the car and opted for a mild incline path along the river, taking in the sheer towering rocks shooting towards the bright sunny sky. I had arrived. The highways quickly became a distant memory.
DAY TWO: Bryce Canyon, Utah
After spending the night in St. George, Utah, we drove to Bryce Canyon. At first sight, I was in love with the place. If I had to pick one must-see park from the trip, this would be it. With a dusting of snow, the deep, colorful orange and pink layers of rock were all the more intricate. Pine branches swayed overhead, and the place felt like a fairy tale coming to life. From here, we drove to Paige, Arizona for the night.
DAY THREE: Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Waking up in Paige, we popped over to the “local attraction” of Horseshoe Bend. The view of this canyon carved deep into the Colorado River is a stunning sight, unique to the geology of the southwest. Be prepared to walk to the overlook from the car park, and expect crowds even at the quietest of times. With boats speckled in the distance below, you realize just how enormous the canyon is. Unlike an ocean’s rocky shoreline, Horseshoe bend is abrupt and unforgiving… A startling beauty.
DAY FOUR: Monument Valley, Arizona
Monument Valley is a vast Park in the Navajo Nation, which is best seen by driving the ring road within the park itself, beyond the visitor’s center. A few miles roundtrip, the beauty is truly optimal when the dusk of sunset hits and the moon is rising. The red rocks are enriched and create a landscape which can only be imagined in your wildest dreams. While these monuments have become near symbolic for the state, its impact must be felt in person. We happened to visit during a full moon, (entirely unplanned) which made for an unforgettably beautiful experience. As you might imagine, the stars are also a sight to behold. As we left the park, the stars, Venus, Mars, Neptune and the fullest Moon overhead made for a drive to remember.
DAY FIVE: Arches, Utah
Located just outside the large town of Moab, where we spent the night, Arches has a vast diversity of trails to hike. Equally unique are the relatively flat pathways through the finn-like rock formations, and the steeper 3-Mile roundtrip hike leading up to the famous Delicate Arch. All can easily be done in a day’s visit. Basking in the sunlight at the Delicate summit is highly suggested for an incredibly zen experience too. And hey, you might even see a bald eagle.
DAY SIX: Grand Canyon, Arizona
We saved the grandest for last. Pulling into the South Rim of the park in the afternoon, we got to experience a stunning pink-orange-red sunset from several viewpoints. While the Grand Canyon is surely worth the good ole bucket list, the earlier parks were equally impressive and, in many ways, the beauty of the smaller sights with less visitors, quieter trails and distinctly unique geology from each other were what made the landscape of the American Southwest all the more memorable for me. From the Grand Canyon, we headed back west before flying home. With lots of large towns in the parks' vicinities, hotels and roadside meals are aplenty to choose from. All this said, I’d 10/10 recommend doing a similar trip when the opportunity arises.
