Grand Canyon National Park
Not a bad view
It’s all in the name, trust me.
The biggest and baddest canyon of them all is so big that it can even be seen from space. Amazing!
And in my opinion, THE ONLY way to get a grasp on how big the Grand Canyon really is, is to take an exhilarating helicopter ride over it. It’s a bit expensive, but I’ve never had a passenger come back saying they wished they hadn’t spent the money.
Once you get a grasp on the vastness of the Canyon, there are trails ranging from a flat paved rim trail that meanders on the edge of the canyon all the way to a trail that takes you to the Colorado River at the bottom.
There’s something for everyone and the sheer size and scope of the Grand Canyon is sure to mesmerize you for hours.
Zion National Park
Although Zion gets much less visitors (about 2 million less) than the Grand Canyon, it’s unique and incredible in it’s own respect.
Zion offers guests a look at some of the tallest sandstone cliffs in the world.
It also offers one of the coolest hikes in the southwest where you can trudge up a river (during the right time of year) as the canyon walls get narrower and narrower. Thus the “narrows” hike was born.
Again, hikes for all skill levels are available from a leisurely stroll on the canyon floor to an ascent to Angel’s Landing for a heavenly view of the canyon below. For more information on Zion hikes, click here.
Zion’s lush vegetation on the valley floor contrasted against the surrounding red and golden cliffs soothes the soul. This place truly is a sanctuary for whoever visit.
Canyonlands National Park
The Colorado Plateau
Canyonlands is huge! It’s actually separated into 3 districts. The “Island in the Sky” district is best for incredible panoramic views of the power of water erosion. You get a first hand glimpse of how rivers carve their way through the Colorado Plateau sandstone and follow the path of least resistance. Sunset is a must at “Island in the Sky.”
The “Needles” district offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the crazy rock formations created by this erosion. Although it may be a bit long (11 miles), the Chesler Loop hike in the “Needles” district is one of the best in the southwest, if not the world. It’s as if you’re walking on a different planet. And that’s not just from me, that’s what passengers have told me themselves!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Hundreds and hundreds of hoodoos
Although it’s quite a small National Park, it’s equally as impressive as larger ones.
The incredible hoodoos appear to take the form of faces and animals, if given enough imagination. No wonder the Native Americans were afraid of this place!
Now, people wonder in amongst these giant products of erosion in awe of their interesting shapes and sizes.
The hikes are very doable in a day and the elevation gain of 500 feet isn’t too strenuous.
If you’re ever at Bryce Canyon during full moon, DO the full moon hike. The moon’s glow lights the path as you follow the canyon edge. The air is still, it’s completely silent, and it’s one of the most incredible hikes if ever done.
Monument Valley
Sleeping under the amazing stars
Although not a National Park, the best and most fun way to experience Navajo culture is by visiting Monument Valley.
This place may be most well known for it’s association with western movies, but it’s also a fantastic way to experience a culture that is like no other in the world.
The Navajos are descendants of the Anasazi who were the original inhabitants of the area. Their respect for the land and unique cultural practices open up your mind to what life was like here thousands of years before the white man arrived.
Something surely not to be missed.
And the stars are to die for if you get a chance to stay out in the valley overnight!
How these huge rocks literally shoot out of ground like gigantic trees is mind boggling. A jeep tour in amongst these rock monoliths is a must and an overnight stay is highly encouraged if you want the full experience of Monument Valley.
Arches National Park
Delicate Arch
There are over 2,000 Arches within Arches National Park. And the iconic Delicate Arch is an absolute must to see.
Although the hike may be a bit steep for few, the view at the top, with Delicate Arch at what seems to be on top of the world, is to die for. Especially at sunset!
If you’re not up for a hike, don’t worry. There’s a lower viewing area t0 see Delicate Arch from below that’s only a few hundred yard walk.
Landscape Arch is another short hike worth doing. It’s not difficult, and although this arch is doomed to fall, it’s unreal how it currently hangs in the balance.
And the best part is, is that it’s only a short drive from the cool town of Moab where you can enjoy a burger and brew after a full day of sightseeing.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde offers another glimpse into the lives of the original inhabitants of the southwest.
The Pueblo Indians built their homes and towns into the side of cliffs, while they cultivated the land above. Incredible, thinking this was done hundreds, if not thousands of years ago.
Not only were the cliffs good because of an already built in shelter, but they were also good for defenses and preservation for us today.
These insights into what life was like for those in the past is fascinating and puzzling all at the same time.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
If you’re afraid of bats (or the dark), you probably shouldn’t come here.
Carlsbad Caverns is home to a large bat population that expels the caverns every evening in their hunt for food.
During the day, guests get the opportunity to explore a massive complex of caves and caverns that leaves your jaw dropped.
As you walk further and further down, the light fades and an underground world emerges. Stalactites hang from the cavern ceiling as stalagmites slowly grow until they finally converge into a column.
The walk down is fairly easy and a convenient elevator takes you back to the top so don’t fret too much. This unique opportunity to explore an underground world is something not to be missed.
The American southwest is one of my favorite regions in the world. In very few other places, do you have the opportunity to see so many cool and unique landscapes in such close proximity.
So get out there and explore, nobodies stopping you!
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Awesome! As usual, the pictures were fantastic! Well done amigo, now we just have to figure out a way we can combine our road trips next summer and cause a lot of trouble!