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Day 1: Denver > Moab
We started our adventure by taking off from Denver, heading out on i70. It was an amazing opportunity to take in the landscape that Colorado is famous for, particularly Glenwood Canyon. The drive took approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes before our first stop.
Upon our arrival towards the boarder of Colorado and Utah we stopped in the town of Grand Junction, we navigated through its streets and chose to take a moment to eat and stretch our legs. With time rushing us, we took note of Grand Junction for a longer visit in the future. After an additional hour's travel, we found ourselves in Moab. Without any delay, we settled into our hotel, out on hiking appropriate clothing, and promptly set out to explore the first of the National Parks on our itinerary: Arches National Park.
The park opened up with a dessert that expanded far and wide. We jumped from one view point to another, stopping at all the ones on our list. Taking our time enjoying the view that every pull off had to offer.
As the sun started to settled it was time to call it a night, we wrapped up, dined at a restaurant downtown and prepared for another busy day.
Day 2: Moab > Canyon Lands > Grand Canyon
Early risers, we woke up at 5:00 AM and embarked on a journey to Canyonlands National Park, where we were greeted by the breathtaking sight of the sun rising behind one of the park's most iconic spots. Driving through the park, we made sure to visit the most popular pull-off spots to take in the stunning landscape.
After our morning exploration, we returned to the hotel to check out and began our journey to the Grand Canyon. As we drove through the desert and rocky terrain, we passed through Monument Valley, a majestic sight to behold. Making a memorable pit stop on the road where in the popular movie Forrest Gump he says "I'm pretty tired, I think I'll go home now," we continued on to our hotel, settling in for the night and preparing for the adventures that awaited us the following day.
Day 3: Grand Canyon First Day
Waking up around 8 AM, we rise and prepare for what promises to be a long and exciting day ahead. Our first stop is at Bright Angel Bicycles and Cafe, where we fuel up with coffee and breakfast before renting bicycles to ride along the rim of the canyon. This ride turns out to be one of the highlights of our trip, as we pedal right on the edge of the canyon, feeling the exhilarating rush of butterflies in our stomachs as we ride next to a sheer drop where the bottom is unable to be seen.The wind in our hair and the fresh air in our lungs only add to the excitement as we make our way to the end of our trail at Yaki Point, where we are treated to our first real, awe-inspiring view of the Grand Canyon.
The rest of the day is spent exploring various points of interest such as Mather Point, Yavapai Geology Museum, Kolb Studio, and Desert View Watchtower.
As night falls, we make our way to El Tovar for a delicious meal of chicken and steak, only to learn of a pipe burst causing the closure of the hotels within the park. Fortunately, our hotel in the nearby town is safe, but our hearts go out to the workers and visitors affected by the unexpected turn of events within the park.
Day 4: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend
Waking up early and grabbing a Starbucks to fuel our adventure, we left on a 2.5-hour drive to our first stop at Horseshoe Bend. The intense heat and sun made the 29-minute trek to the landmark feel like an eternity, but the stunning views were worth it. Despite the crowds, we found for a prime spot to capture the beauty and depth of the canyon. That allowed us to take the same photos you see on many nature pages.
Just in time, we checked in for our Antelope Canyon tour, the highlight of our trip. Learning about the rich history of the Navajo Nation and witnessing the iconic spots that inspired Windows lock screen images. The walls of the canyon glowed in the orange hues of the setting sun, creating a truly magical experience. After a day filled with exploration and wonder, we capped it off with a delicious meal of Mexican food before the 2.5-hour journey back home, reflecting on the unforgettable memories made throughout the day.
Day 5: Day of the big hike
Starting our day bright and early, we made our way to the entrance of the visitors center and hopped on the bus to South Kaibab trail, ready for a day of adventure. The descent down the trail was relatively easy, allowing us to savor the breathtaking views and bask in the gentle morning sun. However, the return journey proved to be a challenging ordeal, with the scorching heat bearing down on us as we made the steep ascent equivalent to climbing 112 flights of stairs. Despite the grueling climb, we persevered and reached the top, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
To cap off our day, we watched the sun set at Mathers Point, a truly magical moment. As night fell, we headed back to our hotel to prepare for the next day's drive, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and stunning landscapes we had encountered at the Grand Canyon.
Day 6: Drive back home
Setting off on our journey at the crack of dawn, we took off on the final stretch of drive on our trip filled with excitement and exhaustion from the last few days. Our first stop was the iconic Four Corners Monument, where we stood at the unique intersection of four states, a truly memorable moment.
Continuing our drive, we made our way to Mesa Verde National Park, marveling at the ancient cliff dwellings, driving through the forest fire remains and rich history of the area.
Making our way slowly back home, we made pit stops for gas and energizing Starbucks coffee, keeping us fueled for the road ahead. Our next destination was the stunning Sand Dunes National Park, where we were greeted by towering dunes and breathtaking vistas.
As the day drew to a close, we made our journey back home, filled with memories of the diverse landscapes and experiences we had encountered on our unforgettable road trip.
