As you cruise along Highway 12, you’ll roll right into the town of Bryce, sitting pretty at the entrance to the park. When you step foot in Bryce Canyon, prepare to be wowed. The four main viewpoints near the park entrance offer jaw-dropping panoramas that’ll make your heart skip a beat. The road leads you up to the plateau’s edge, treating you to sweeping vistas of the entire park. And trust me, time your arrival just right so you can catch either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point – watching the sun paint the landscape in hues of orange and gold is an absolute must.

While there’s an 18-mile scenic drive through the park, the real magic happens when you hit the trails on foot. Lace up those hiking boots and hit the easy 5.5-mile Rim Trail, stretching from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point. If you’re feeling up for a challenge, tackle the Peekaboo Loop trail, starting at Bryce Point and winding its way down to the canyon floor.

Now, when it comes to bedding down for the night, you’ve got options aplenty near the park. But heads up – these spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Speaking of which, between March and October, Bryce Canyon gets pretty darn busy. To keep the traffic in check, the park service runs a free shuttle to the rim, so you can ditch the car and focus on soaking in all that natural beauty.

Venture 75 miles further west, and you’ll hit the granddaddy of all Utah national parks – Zion. This place is iconic, with its towering red cliffs earning it national park status back in 1919.

Once you roll into Zion, get ready for a feast for the eyes. The Zion Canyon scenic drive is your ticket to exploring the heart of the park, tracing the twists and turns of the Virgin River. And don’t miss the scenic State Road 9, which swoops in from the east and even takes you through the awe-inspiring Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

Now, let’s talk activities. Zion’s got something for everyone, whether you’re into horseback riding, rock climbing, or good old-fashioned hiking. But buckle up, because some of these trails are not for the faint of heart.

Take, for instance, the Angels Landing hike – dubbed one of the scariest in the world, and for good reason. This 5.4-mile trail will have your heart racing as you navigate steep, narrow ridges to reach the summit. With sheer drop-offs and dizzying heights, this one’s not for the acrophobic, that’s for sure.

If you’re up for a wetter adventure, the Virgin River Narrows trail is calling your name. This sixteen-mile trek requires you to roll up your pant legs and wade right through the river. Just make sure to snag those reservations well in advance – you can book ’em online through the park service website.

If you’re looking for a place to rest your head near Zion, Springdale’s your best bet. It’s the closest town and boasts a handful of hotels and restaurants to fuel your adventures. But hey, if the crowds have you seeking refuge further afield, St. George and Kanab are solid alternatives.

Now, here’s the deal: Zion gets busy, especially between March and October. Like, really busy. So if you want to snag a parking spot, you have to rise and shine – lots tend to fill up by 10 am. Pro tip: get there early and thank me later.

But fear not, weary traveler! Zion’s got your back with two free shuttle routes to whisk you around the park. No reservations needed, just get there early to beat the queues. One route kicks off in downtown Springdale, while the other zips around the park from the visitors center, hitting up all the must-see spots like Angel’s Landing and the Narrows.

And hey, if you find yourself stuck in a bit of traffic, take a deep breath and soak it all in. After all, you’re surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet – not a bad way to spend your day, huh?

The post Six Days in Utah – Zion and Bryce (Part 3) appeared first on Boomer Wanderer.

We set off from Indiana, hopping on a train headed straight for the Grand Canyon. Amtrak will take you to Flagstaff but from there you will need a car or to book a tour to get to the Grand Canyon. We were originally going to stay in an AirBnb near Williams, but on a whim, I called the park and we snagged a last-minute spot at the Yavapai Lodge right in the heart of the park. Basic digs, but it had all the essentials and was a stone’s throw from the Visitors Center, plus some neat little shops and eateries. Oh, and it was a short stroll away from Mather Point, one of those jaw-dropping overlooks at the South Rim.

Now, the Grand Canyon? It’s not just a pretty face, my friend. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. They say the Colorado River started carving this wonder out over five million years ago, laying bare nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological story.

Picture this: 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and in some spots, a mile deep! It’s mind-boggling, really.

Now, let’s break it down a bit. The Grand Canyon has three main sections: North Rim, South Rim, and Grand Canyon West. North and South Rim? That’s where you’ll find the national park, while Grand Canyon West sits on Native American reservation land.

Alright, let’s talk South Rim. It’s like the poster child for the park, always buzzing with visitors. Summers get packed, so consider swinging by during quieter times. Oh, and trust me, whether you’re up at the crack of dawn or not, catching a sunrise here? Pure magic. Plus, you’ll dodge some of the crowds at the viewpoints.

Since way back in 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway’s been chugging folks from Williams, AZ, straight to the South Rim. In summer, there’s even a shuttle service from the Visitors Center.

Now, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there’s mule rides down to the canyon floor or rafting trips along the Colorado River. And don’t even get me started on the hiking and biking trails!

Oh, and when it comes to staying, there are historic lodges in the park itself or plenty of hotels and campgrounds in Williams and Tusayan that make exploring the South Rim a breeze.

Alright, onto the North Rim. It’s only open from May to October, so plan accordingly. But trust me, it’s worth it. There’s just one campground and the Grand Canyon Lodge up there, but the views? Unreal. Take a spin along the North Rim Scenic Drive for some epic vistas.

And finally, Grand Canyon West. It’s a hop, skip, and a jump from Las Vegas and boy, does it deliver on the views. Plus, there’s the Skywalk, this glass bridge that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Guano Point’s another highlight, offering killer views and a peek into history with remnants of an old tram and a guano mine.

Eagle Point has Native American village tours, giving you a taste of the area’s rich heritage. And if you’re craving that Wild West vibe, swing by Hualapai Ranch for some cowboy-style fun.

Whatever season you come and whatever side you choose to visit, you won’t be disappointed.

The post Bucket List Destination – The Grand Canyon appeared first on Boomer Wanderer.

So, the Big Five Utah National Parks? They’re the cream of the crop in the US, no contest. My dad and I just returned from hitting four of them, plus we cruised down this highway that’s basically a feast for the eyes. In the next couple of posts, I’m going to share pictures and highlights from our adventure.

We had a tight schedule, only 6 days, and my travel buddies were elderly, so we kept the walking to a minimum and stuck to drives. We started our journey in Moab, the hub for Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Moab’s the holy grail for mountain biking, and you can rent bikes all over the place. These parks are so close, you can totally check ’em out in a day, or take your sweet time and really dig deep.

Now, more folks might flock to Arches, but personally, Canyonlands stole my heart. On the way there, don’t skip out on Dead Horse Point State Park. It’s got awesome camping spots, killer trails, and views that’ll make your jaw drop. And trust me, sunsets and sunrises there? Epic.

The snow-capped La Sal mountains behind those red rock canyons in Canyonlands? It’s like a painting. The park’s split into four parts, but I’m not much of a hiker, so I stick to the Island in the Sky drive. Needles is cool too, but a bit of a trek from Moab. Didn’t have time for that on this trip. The other bits? You need a 4WD or a boat to get to them.

After our morning in Canyonlands, we made our way to Arches for our afternoon slot. If you’re planning a trip between April and October, you need a timed reservation. They’re trying to limit the crowds, which I totally respect. But even with a reservation, expect a bit of a wait, but trust me, it’s totally worth it.

Arches is another spot you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. As you drive up, those red rock formations start popping up, and you’ll understand why they named it Arches. The drive isn’t a loop, so remember to backtrack when you’re done. There’s three main spots: The Windows, Wolfe Ranch/Delicate Arch, and Devil’s Garden. The Windows drive takes you past a bunch of cool arches, and there are short walks to get you up close. Wolfe Ranch gives you a peek into life in this wild but beautiful area, and Delicate Arch? It’s Utah’s crown jewel. It’s on their license plates and stamps, You can see it from below or hike the 3-mile trail to stand right under it. Devil’s Garden? Home to Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch span in North America.

Oh, and if you’re there in the afternoon, do yourself a favor and stick around for sunset. Those red rocks light up like they’re on fire.

Next week? We’re off to Capitol Reef, one of the hidden gems of the park scene. Can’t wait to share more with you all!

The post Six Days in Utah – Arches and Canyonlands (Part 1) appeared first on Boomer Wanderer.

Capitol Reef is a geological masterpiece shaped by the 100-mile Waterpocket Fold, boasting winding canyons, monoliths, and domes. The Fremont River meanders through, creating a lush valley inhabited since ancient times, adorned with Native American petroglyphs. The historic town of Fruita, aptly named for its fruit trees planted by Mormon settlers, offers a unique experience – visitors can pick fresh fruit in the fall! With plenty of hiking trails and scenic drives, you’ll be treated to breathtaking arches and formations.

Now, let’s talk about the journey to get there. If you’re coming from the east on Highway 24, continue to Torrey, then head south onto Highway 12 – an All American Road known as the “Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.” This 122-mile road is a visual feast, climbing through Dixie National Forest to heights of over 9500 feet. Prepare to be amazed as forests transition to red rocks, and then to the vast wilderness of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

The drive is an adventure in itself, with ever-changing landscapes and heart-stopping views along narrow ridges. The Grand Staircase, a sprawling wilderness of slot canyons and natural wonders, stretches over almost 2 million acres and encompasses diverse ecosystems. As you wind through the wilderness, keep an eye out for Red Canyon with its striking arches, before eventually reaching the end of the scenic road at Bryce Canyon.

Highway 12 may not be the quickest route between Capitol Reef and Bryce but trust me, it’s worth every mile for its jaw-dropping scenery and unforgettable vistas. So, who’s up for an epic road trip?

The post Six Days in Utah – Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon on Utah Highway 12 (Part 2) appeared first on Boomer Wanderer.