Exploring the American Southwest: A Summer Adventure of Unforgettable Landscapes

Denver: A Vibrant Start to the Adventure

We began our road trip in Denver, a city that blends urban charm with proximity to the great outdoors. We kicked off with a brewery tour to sample Denver’s famous craft beers, then explored the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, rich culture, and history. The architecture in Denver is a perfect mix of modern designs and historic buildings. A highlight was our day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of Colorado’s stunning treasures, offering majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and incredible wildlife. We hiked a few of the trails, and the scenery was breath-taking at every turn, with snow-capped peaks and the crystal-clear waters of Bear Lake.

Glenwood Springs: A Relaxing Pause

Next, we headed to Glenwood Springs, known for its natural hot springs. It’s the perfect place to relax on a road trip. We spent the afternoon soaking in the Glenwood Springs Resort’s hot springs, with the warm mineral-rich waters easing the tension of the drive. Afterward, we wandered the charming downtown, enjoying local craft beers and burgers. The town offers outdoor activities like hiking and rafting, but we kept it laid-back before continuing our adventure. Glenwood Springs' scenic beauty, with the Colorado River flowing nearby, made it a tranquil stop.

Moab: Arches and Canyons

After Glenwood Springs, we drove south to Moab, Utah, a paradise for nature lovers. Moab is home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, both offering jaw-dropping landscapes. We began at Arches, known for over 2,000 natural stone arches shaped by wind and water. A highlight was the sunset guided tour of Arches, where the setting sun painted the sky in brilliant colours, creating an unforgettable experience. Our guide shared fascinating insights about the history of the park, its unique geology, and the wildlife that calls the area home.

We also explored Canyonlands National Park, with its deep canyons, mesas, and rugged rock formations. A visit to Dead Horse State Park offered spectacular views of the Colorado River winding through the canyon, creating one of the most picturesque spots we encountered. Moab itself is a charming town with a quirky, outdoor vibe, perfect for dining and shopping after a day of hiking.

Monument Valley: An Iconic Landscape

Next, we drove to Monument Valley, known for its towering buttes and mesas. It’s an instantly recognizable landscape, often seen in Western films. We opted for a guided sunset tour to experience the valley in full glory, as self-driving visitors are restricted in some areas. Our guide shared fascinating insights into the valley’s history, culture, and significance to the Navajo people. Watching the colours of the landscape shift at sunset was a surreal and unforgettable experience. For a different perspective, a sunrise tour is also highly recommended, as it offers a completely unique view of the valley bathed in the soft light of the morning.

Page, Arizona: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

From Monument Valley, we headed to Page, Arizona, famous for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon, a stunning slot canyon, is renowned for its surreal rock formations and the interplay of light and shadow. A guided tour is essential to truly appreciate its beauty and learn about its history, including the cultural significance of the canyon to the Navajo people. We also visited Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic meander of the Colorado River, offering an awe-inspiring view through red rock cliffs. The view was breath-taking, and the hike to the viewpoint was relatively short, making it a must-see stop in the area.

Zion National Park: A Favourite Destination

Continuing south, we reached Zion National Park, which quickly became my favourite destination of the trip. Zion’s diverse landscapes range from vast deserts to lush canyons. We entered through Springdale, a charming town with plenty of shops and restaurants, and easily accessed Zion’s main trailheads via the park’s shuttle system. We hiked The Narrows, a trail that takes you through the Virgin River, and explored the Emerald Pools with their stunning views. For a more exhilarating experience, you can hike Angels Landing, though it’s a strenuous trail with steep drop-offs. Zion’s shuttle system made navigating the park easy during peak season, which made exploring a lot more convenient.

Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos and Red Rocks

From Zion, we took a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its unique hoodoos — spire-like rock formations that create a surreal landscape. We took a guided tour to maximize our time, as our visit was brief, but Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly beauty was unforgettable. The colours of the canyon were rich and varied, with orange, red, and purple hues illuminating the rocks at sunrise and sunset. It’s a place I’ll definitely return to for a more in-depth exploration.

Las Vegas: The Grand Finale

Our road trip ended in Las Vegas, a city that’s always exciting to visit, but this trip was especially memorable as we got married here in 2023 — by none other than Elvis himself! The neon lights, endless entertainment, and larger-than-life atmosphere provided the perfect conclusion to our Southwest adventure. We spent the day exploring the iconic Las Vegas Strip, taking in the vibrant shows, and indulging in delicious food before celebrating our marriage. Las Vegas offered the ideal end to an unforgettable journey through the American Southwest.