The Grand Canyon

Southern Utah is an enchanting natural wonderland. I have curated the perfect desert road trip that will take you to six National Parks and Monument Valley in only 10-12 days. You will visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley and the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon on this epic road trip. Each day you will be completely blown away by the stunning landscapes, dramatic vistas and incredible diversity of the desert. I highly recommend visiting these parks in September or October to avoid the most intense heat and crowds. And whatever you do, don't skip Capitol Reef National Park! If you want to connect with nature away from the crowds, Capitol Reef is your best option.

Carved over millions of years, the Grand Canyon is a beloved National Park, a World Heritage Site and one of the Wonders of the World. It offers a glimpse into geological eras that are best seen rafting through the canyon. For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, it is a must see! Embark on a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. Choose your mode of travel (Raft, Dories, Motorized Rafts) and let the professional outfitters lead the way.

This journey was a spontaneous adventure my mom and I went on during her work trip to Arizona. We didn’t have much of a plan, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences we've ever had. Our impromptu road trip was filled with thrilling moments — from navigating off-road trails in Sedona and soaking in the jaw-dropping red rock views — to driving down Route 60 in the pitch black, to discovering the thrill of white-water rafting down the Colorado River. It was a rollercoaster of excitement. And let me tell you, that initial sight of the Grand Canyon was an unforgettable moment to the point where my mom and I were emotional. Waking up to the majestic Grand Canyon was mind-blowing. We hiked, we chilled and then we wrapped it all up in Vegas with some casino hopping and poolside lounging. It was undeniably one of the most incredible vacations, made even more special by the cherished moments spent with my mom.

For an outdoor, activity-filled trip, Sedona is one of my favorite places in the world. The hiking is incredible, the scenery is other-worldly and the convenience of being in a bustling city with various hotels and restaurants is the cherry on top. You could have an epic weekend or spend weeks in Sedona and truly never run out of things to do. Boasting wine tours and spas, as well as kayaking and hot air ballooning, there is something for everyone. From the sky, an ATV or on foot, Sedona's scenery will blow you away.

In the spring of 2022, my father and I took Amtrak from Indianapolis to Grand Junction, Colorado, on our way to the Grand Canyon. I love visiting National Parks and Amtrak has several National Park itineraries. Amtrak was very helpful in booking our itinerary. We chose to find our own accommodations, but Amtrak has package deals that include hotels and rental cars.

There's really nothing else like the American West, with its rusty red rocks and unique rock formations, many spots look otherworldly. From massive hoodoos to deep canyons, there's so much variety from park to park that you'll never feel like you've seen the same thing twice. Starting in Phoenix allows you to experience one of the Southwest's most vibrant cities before embarking on your nature-filled road trip.