USA 2022 Road Trip (page 3 of 8)

NEVADA - RED ROCK CANYON LOOKOUTS

GPS Coordinates: 36.13569, -115.42788 Visitor Center

Red Rock Canyon is located in southwestern Nevada, about 20 kilometers west of Las Vegas.

A 21-kilometer one-way scenic drive runs through this park. You can admire the various rock formations from numerous overlooks along the road or by exploring the different trails in the area.

Entry reservations are required for the scenic drive between October 1st and May 31st for entry between 8 AM and 5 PM. Timed-entry reservations can be made on Recreation.gov by visiting the following website: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177, or by calling (877) 444-6777.

* High Point Overlook

GPS Coordinates: 36.17043, -115.46617

This overlook is the highest point on the scenic drive. It offers stunning 360-degree views of the park. Interpretive signs provide information about the region's geological features.

* Viewpoint

GPS Coordinates: 36.16626, -115.47539

Similar view to the previous overlook.

* Ice Box Canyon

GPS Coordinates: 36.15026, -115.48400

This overlook marks the start of a challenging 3.5 km trail that leads deep into a cool, shaded canyon with seasonal waterfalls.

The canyon is very narrow and rarely sees sunlight. However, to get there, you’ll need to cross open desert and climb over rocks to reach the end of the canyon.

* Red Rock Wash Overlook

GPS Coordinates: 36.14263, -115.47314 Viewpoint

This overlook also offers a fantastic view of the colorful rock formations. We also spotted some pretty flowers and a small lizard here.

* Pine Creek Canyon

GPS Coordinates: 36.12912, -115.47334

The Pine Creek Canyon overlook is located near the southern end of the scenic drive. It provides a stunning panorama of over 24 kilometers of mountainous landscapes.

An easy 5.5 km round-trip trail starts at this overlook and leads into the canyon. The vegetation here is quite varied.

The ponderosa pine forest found at the mouth of the canyon is a remnant of the last ice age. It manages to survive here thanks to the cool air and water flowing through Pine Creek Canyon.

* Lower Red Rock Parking Area

GPS Coordinates: 36.11171, -115.44960

Lower Red Rock is the last overlook on the scenic drive. It offers a breathtaking view of all the rock formations in the park.

* Red Rock Overlook

GPS Coordinates: 36.11709, -115.44481

This overlook is located on Highway 159 and provides an excellent view of the entire protected area. Plus, no entry fee is required to access this overlook.

You can also spot a few Joshua trees here, which are mostly found only in the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States.

I find this tree quite beautiful—it can withstand the most severe droughts thanks to water captured by its spines and stored in its fibrous trunk.

https://youtu.be/G8YYmSPDFp8

NEVADA - VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK - WHITE DOMES TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 36.405650, -114.56669 West Entrance GPS Coordinates: 36.428890, -114.45759 East Entrance GPS Coordinates: 36.429849, -114.51386 Visitor Center

Valley of Fire State Park isn’t just Nevada’s largest state park—it’s also the oldest.

Opened in 1935, it gets its name from the red sandstone formations it houses. These were formed from vast shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs, over 150 million years ago.

Time and erosion have created a landscape of exceptional beauty. We’re visiting this park for the second time, and the wonder is still very much there.

The Visitor Center features exhibits on the park’s geology, ecology, prehistory, and history, as well as the surrounding region. Postcards, books, and souvenirs are also sold here.

Valley of Fire Highway is the main road running through the park. This scenic route connects the east and west entrances.

You’ll also find White Domes Road and Fire Road Canyon, two roads that offer breathtaking landscapes as well.

You can admire the various rock formations from numerous overlooks along these roads or by exploring the different trails in the area.

If you’d like more information about this park, I invite you to visit this website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire

* White Domes Trail

GPS Coordinates: 36.48587, -114.53284 Parking and trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.48183, -114.53318 The Professionals 1966 movie site GPS Coordinates: 36.48182, -114.53198 Kaolin Slot Canyon GPS Coordinates: 36.48151, -114.53442 White Domes Slot Canyon GPS Coordinates: 36.48225, -114.53470 Return to parking

The White Domes Trail is a 1.1-mile loop hike where you’ll see spectacular sandstone formations, narrow slot canyons, and an old movie filming location.

This trail takes you into a sandy area between two ridges. Erosion has created a vibrant landscape, and the rock formations have very unique shapes.

Along the trail, you’ll find the remains of a film set used for *The Professionals* in 1966. This American Western starred Burt Lancaster and Claudia Cardinale.

Continuing the hike, we reach a short section of a narrow slot canyon with beautifully colored rocks, offering a nice break from the sun.

The second part of the trail has a slightly more technical section where we climb a slope with many rocks, but it’s not difficult.

At the top, we’re rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the surroundings.

We then cross an open stretch in the sandy desert. The vibrant rock formations along the trail feature numerous arches and caves.

A little tip: It’s best to hike this trail early in the day because the heat can get pretty intense in this area.

https://youtu.be/s7Mr9iJTurU

NEVADA - VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK - SEVEN WONDERS TRAIL, PINK CANYON, FIRE WAVE

GPS Coordinates: 36.48816, -114.52894 Parking lot and trailhead

Seven Wonders, Pink Canyon, and Fire Wave are three trails that can be hiked separately. However, by combining these three trails, you can complete a 3 km loop and admire several geological wonders.

The hike starts from the Seven Wonders trail parking lot, near White Domes, in the northern part of the park.

The Seven Wonders trail lets you discover arches, vibrantly colored rocks, stunning strata, and slot canyons.

Unless you stumble upon these wonders by pure chance, I’d say a GPS is essential to locate them.

** Fire Cave

GPS Coordinates: 36.48630, -114.52993

Fire Cave is a beautiful sculpture shaped by erosion in a rock. It’s not very tall, but it’s really pretty.

** Thunderstorm Arch

GPS Coordinates: 36.48591, -114.53043

This arch is slightly elevated, about 150 meters past Fire Cave. In this area, the rocks have lovely pinkish streaks.

** Crazy Hill

GPS Coordinates: 36.48511, -114.52980

I’m including this info for reference because we didn’t manage to reach this spot during our hike.

Crazy Hill is supposedly accessible via a rocky promontory starting east of Thunderstorm Arch. This hill has surreal colors.

** Kaolin Wash

GPS Coordinates: 36.48155, -114.53028 Junction to the left

The trail crosses a region with pastel-colored formations that are truly amazing and leads to an intersection with a few bushes.

We turn left onto Kaolin Wash to head toward the main road. This trail is sandy and, since it’s exposed, it gets quite hot.

** Pastel Pink Canyon

GPS Coordinates: 36.47957, -114.52662

Kaolin Wash leads to the main road. We need to cross to the other side to access the trail through Pastel Pink Canyon.

Pastel Pink Canyon is a small canyon with walls displaying a mix of different colors, from pale pink to orange-pink.

It’s not very long—about 300 meters—and easy to walk. Since it’s not well-known, it’s nice to stroll through and observe the various rock formations erosion has created over time.

** Fire Wave

GPS Coordinates: 36.48265, -114.52226

After walking the trail through Pastel Pink Canyon, you need to turn left to reach Fire Wave, which is at a slightly higher elevation.

Fire Wave is one of the park’s iconic spots. Its name comes from the fact that this rock formation looks like a wave, and the ground features multicolored striped lines, from pale pink to deep red.

I don’t need to tell you that this place is super photogenic and, as a result, very popular.

However, when we were there, there were only a few people at the site, which made taking photos easier.

From Fire Wave, the trail is marked back to the parking lot. It rises slightly to the road and crosses very dry areas with no vegetation at all.

In summary, this is an amazing hike that lets you discover varied landscapes of exceptional beauty. Plus, these trails are easy to walk.

However, keep in mind that the heat can be overwhelming in this region. In fact, in summer, these trails are often closed.

https://youtu.be/-M6nCQgpKAo

NEVADA - VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK - RAINBOW VISTA TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 36.45100, -114.51547 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 36.44660, -114.50835 End of trail

Rainbow Vista Trail is an easy trail with a round-trip distance of 1.1 miles.

The only challenge you’ll encounter is that the hike is on sand, which makes walking a bit tougher.

The trail gets its name from the view you have at the start. The sandstone colors of the surrounding rocks cover a wide spectrum.

The trail ends at Fire Canyon Overlook, which offers a viewpoint of the many red sandstone rock formations that dot the landscape.

In the summer, it’s best to check the weather before doing this hike since there’s no shade and temperatures here can easily exceed 104°F.

https://youtu.be/Y1rtEOGNcD8

NEVADA - VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK - MOUSE'S TANK TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 36.44102, -114.51657 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 36.43781, -114.51226 End of the trail

Mouse's Tank Trail is an easy hiking trail with a round-trip distance of 0.8 miles (1.3 km).

This trail takes you through a shallow red sandstone canyon where you can see amazing rock formations and numerous petroglyphs.

https://youtu.be/semgdXtOoR4

NEVADA - VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK - ROCK FORMATIONS

When you enter Valley of Fire State Park, it feels like stepping into another world. The red sandstone formations contrast sharply with the gray and beige limestone mountains, creating a memorable atmosphere.

Over the years, wind, water, and sand have shaped the rocks into a multitude of forms. Many of these formations can be seen from viewpoints along the road that runs through the park. Here are a few of them.

** Fire Canyon Silica Dome**

GPS Coordinates: 36.45556, -114.50221

In this area, the forces within the earth were powerful enough to bend, break, and in some places, shift thousands of feet of surface rock several miles from their original location. Today, erosion has worn down the top of a large fold, exposing the steeply tilted rock layer and creating numerous canyons.

The sandstone formations that are so prominent in Valley of Fire are made up of sand grains that are almost pure silica. Silica Dome is the most beautiful example in the region of such a deposit. The transition from white to red at the base of the dome occurs where small amounts of iron in the rock produce a rust-like stain.

** Balancing Rock**

GPS Coordinates: 36.42979, -114.51435 Parking and trailhead nearby GPS Coordinates: 36.43006, -114.51674 Balancing Rock

From the Visitor Center, a very short hike (500 meters round trip) leads to the Balancing Rock viewpoint.

Balancing Rock is one of those strange rock formations in the park that seems to defy the laws of gravity and physics.

** Seven Sisters**

GPS Coordinates: 36.42629, -114.50154

Seven Sisters is a group of seven large, eroded red rocks surrounded by the sandy desert. These rocks were once part of the neighboring red formations, but erosion has worn away the surrounding sandstone deposits.

With many holes forming in these rocks, their eventual destruction in a few hundred years is conceivable.

** Elephant Rock**

GPS Coordinates: 36.42834, -114.46013

This rock is a beautiful example of an elephant-shaped arch. The rock is visible from the road, though parking is limited at this spot.

** Atlatl Rock**

GPS Coordinates: 36.42384, -114.55074

Atlatl Rock is a great place to see Native American rock art up close. A metal staircase, installed on the side of a tall red sandstone formation, leads to an observation area in front of the petroglyphs.

The petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock are over 4,000 years old and are easy to see because they were carved into a natural layer of darker material called desert varnish, exposing the red-orange rock beneath. They depict people, animals, and symbols.

** Arch Rock**

GPS Coordinates: 36.42158, -114.55484

Arch Rock is a natural arch. Erosion from wind and rain over millennia has weakened the rock, allowing the natural arch to form.

Since this stunning structure is very fragile, it’s viewed from a distance. No climbing is allowed.

** Piano Rock**

GPS Coordinates: 36.41924, -114.55945

As the name suggests, this rock formation was nicknamed for its resemblance to a piano.

A short hiking trail leads to it, but it can also be seen from the road.

** Beehives**

GPS Coordinates: 36.41310, -114.54798

The Beehives are beautiful conical sandstone formations created by water and wind erosion.

They feature grooved lines running in multiple directions, representing layers of silt that were deposited at different times.

These different layers indicate the angle at which the wind or water was moving when the material was deposited.

** Other Rock Formations**

Several other rock formations can also be observed in this park, including Three Fin Arches (GPS Coordinates: 36.41226, -114.55428) and Windstone Arch (GPS Coordinates: 36.41253, -114.55397).

https://youtu.be/KHRbcyL7ArI

NEVADA - VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK - SCENIC ROUTES

Several scenic routes wind through this park, letting us discover amazing geological formations.

Valley of Fire Highway is the main scenic route, and with its vibrant red natural scenery, it’s often called one of the most beautiful roads in the American West.

This is where you’ll find formations like Elephant Rock, Seven Sisters, and Beehives (featured in another video).

White Domes Road, also known as Mouse's Tank Road, is a short but incredibly picturesque route that starts near the Visitor Center and takes you to the northern part of the park. About 9 kilometers long, it ends in a cul-de-sac.

This road reveals even more geological wonders and shows that the park’s landscape isn’t just made up of red sandstone formations—you’ll see rock formations in a wide range of vivid colors.

Along the way, several viewpoints and trails let you take in desert vistas, impressive boulders, narrow canyons, and petroglyphs.

This is where you’ll find attractions like Rainbow Vista, Fire Wave, Mouse's Tank, and the White Domes (featured in other videos).

Fire Canyon Road is another short scenic route, about 1.2 kilometers long, leading to a viewpoint overlooking Fire Canyon Silica Dome.

There’s also Campground Road, a roughly 3-kilometer route where you’ll find the campgrounds. This is where you can admire rock formations like Atlatl Rock, Arch Rock, and Piano Rock (featured in another video).

https://youtu.be/i0s8tVevE8M

NEVADA - PANACA - CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK - SLOT CANYONS

GPS coordinates: 37.80400, -114.40693 Visitor Center 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Cathedral Gorge State Park is located in a long, narrow valley where erosion has sculpted the soft bentonite clay into a unique and truly stunning landscape.

The rock formations eerily resemble cathedrals, which is how the park got its name.

We went there to visit, among other things, the slot canyons, which are undoubtedly the main attraction of this park.

Slot canyons are actually very deep and extremely narrow passages formed by water rushing through the rock over time.

We ventured into the Moon Cave slot canyon (GPS coordinates: 37.81940, -114.40963), Canyon Cave (GPS coordinates: 37.82107, -114.41150), and Cathedral Cave (GPS coordinates: 37.82341, -114.41240).

I can confirm that these passages are very narrow, and even though I don’t like being in enclosed spaces, I loved this experience.

You feel tiny inside these walls, which are like real labyrinths.

There’s no exit at the end of these slot canyons—you just have to retrace your steps.

We also found a passage that leads to the top of these rock formations, giving us a different perspective on this beautiful landscape.

If you’d like more information about this park, I invite you to visit this website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/cathedral-gorge

https://youtu.be/uf3-RQGfN0Y

NEVADA - CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK - EAGLE POINT & MILLER POINT

GPS Coordinates: 37.83209, -114.41442 Eagle Point GPS Coordinates: 37.82974, -114.41348 Miller Point

Cathedral Gorge State Park is located in a long, narrow valley where erosion has sculpted a spectacular landscape into the soft bentonite clay.

Millions of years ago, this valley was a lake, and over time, streams deposited soft sediments on its bottom. After the lake dried up, the clay was exposed, and wind and rain slowly carved the fantastic shapes we can see here today.

The Eagle Point Trail is an easy 2.5-kilometer round-trip trail located in the upper part of the canyon. It offers stunning panoramic views of the park’s badlands landscape.

Nearby, Miller Point Overlook is a viewpoint that also provides breathtaking views of the magnificent rock formations that make up this canyon.

A trail, the Miller Point Trail, starts at this overlook. It’s a 3.2-kilometer round-trip trail with a few staircases and bridges, leading into a wash.

By following the wash, you exit a narrower canyon into the wide valley. The trail reaches the picnic area and parking lot, where you’ll find access to many other trails, some of which lead into slot canyons.

https://youtu.be/oa8BvWi_Igo

UTAH - BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK - MOSSY CAVE & TROPIC DITCH WATERFALL TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 37.66558, -112.11011 Parking and trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.66532, -112.11431 Waterfall GPS Coordinates: 37.66359, -112.11463 Cave

The Mossy Cave trail, located just off SR-12, is in the northernmost section of Bryce Canyon.

At 1.3 kilometers round trip, this trail leads to Water Canyon in one direction and Mossy Cave in the other. The scenery in this area is truly stunning.

Taking the right fork on the trail leads you above a small waterfall called Tropic Ditch Waterfall.

As for us, we first walked directly in the mostly dry riverbed to reach the base of this lovely waterfall.

Here, the rapid erosion of the stream was slowed by a layer of dolomite. Dolomite is a special form of limestone enriched with magnesium. Dolomite isn’t just harder than ordinary limestone; it also can’t be dissolved by slightly acidic rainwater. This dolomite layer created the waterfall and is also the caprock for the park’s most famous and durable hoodoos.

The presence of water is what makes Water Canyon so unique. Though not visible during the day, a wide variety of animals regularly come here to quench their thirst.

We also walked the trail that runs alongside the stream. It offers beautiful viewpoints not only of the waterfall but also of the many hoodoos found in this area.

We backtracked and took the fork leading to Mossy Cave. Mossy Cave is actually a cave created by an underground spring. You can see large chunks of ice inside it.

https://youtu.be/vjXYmxKyAhQ

UTAH - BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK - SCENIC DRIVE

GPS Coordinates: 37.64037, -112.16963 Visitor Center

Highway 63 is a scenic road that runs through Bryce Canyon National Park from north to south. It provides access to 14 viewpoints, each more stunning than the last.

A brochure is actually handed out when you enter the park. It lists the locations of all the viewpoints along this road.

It’s safe to say that Bryce Canyon is truly unique and unlike any other park in the American West. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful parks we’ve visited in the United States.

The drive along this road takes you to the most photogenic viewpoints and gives you a sense of what Bryce Canyon has to offer without having to tackle hikes that can be tough due to the high altitude and semi-arid climate.

https://youtu.be/M7W6CrW0ss8

UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK - PA'RUS TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 37.20183, -112.98678 Start of the trail GPS coordinates: 37.21830, -112.97401 End of the trail

This 2.8 km (one-way) paved trail starts at the South Campground, just north of the Visitor Center. It runs along the Virgin River in the lower part of the canyon and ends at Canyon Junction.

It’s the only trail in Zion National Park that allows pets (on a leash), bikes, and is also one of the few trails in the park accessible by wheelchair.

The trail is easy to walk and the scenery is really pleasant. The towering cliffs around us are beautifully colored, and the vegetation is lush.

We crossed several bridges overlooking the river, which is quite pretty.

We even had the surprise of encountering a snake that quickly crossed the trail. We took the time to observe it from a safe distance.

We also spotted a mule deer wandering near the campground.

https://youtu.be/WRRP29qS00o

UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK - SAND BENCH TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 37.23700, -112.96110 Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.23738, -112.96348 Waterfalls GPS Coordinates: 37.23869, -112.96406 End of the hike

Sand Bench Trail is a loop trail of about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) that starts near the Court of the Patriarchs stop. Just take the access road leading to a large water reservoir and the pedestrian bridge over the Virgin River.

The trail first heads west to offer a great view of the Court of the Patriarchs, then turns south, crosses a small stream, and climbs to the top of the rockslide. The total elevation gain to the summit is about 150 meters (490 feet).

For our part, we decided to only do a very short section of this trail. In fact, we covered a total distance of 1.2 km (0.75 miles) round-trip, which still allowed us to see some pretty little waterfalls cascading into the Virgin River and stunning rock formations that Zion is famous for.

The trail is sandy and quite hot and exposed. It’s best to hike it during the cooler months or on a cloudy day to avoid heat exhaustion.

https://youtu.be/Dv1kK_ADkpM

UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK - EMERALD POOLS TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 37.25096, -112.95806 Trailhead GPS coordinates: 37.25096, -112.95806 Lower Emerald Pool GPS coordinates: 37.25734, -112.96630 Upper Emerald Pool GPS coordinates: 37.25713, -112.96299 Middle Emerald Pool

Emerald Pools Trail is one of Zion National Park’s iconic hikes. This trail forms a 4-kilometer loop and is packed with incredible viewpoints and breathtaking landscapes along the way.

The main highlights of this hike include water pools and waterfalls.

The trailhead is located in front of Zion Lodge, across the main road. The trail is easy to navigate. However, there’s a 60-meter elevation gain to reach Middle Emerald Pool and another 60-meter gain to reach Upper Emerald Pool.

Keep this in mind if you’re hiking during the summer months, as it can get very hot, making the hike more challenging and exhausting.

Lower Emerald Pool

Lower Emerald Pool is about 1 km from the trailhead. This section of the trail is very easy to walk.

In this area, the vegetation is lush, and the trail leads to a large alcove from the top of which two waterfalls flow into small pools.

When we passed through, the water flow was low. However, the natural scenery is really pretty in this section.

Upper Emerald Pool

Once past the alcove, the trail climbs and becomes more difficult. Steps carved into the rock lead us to the top of the cliff, offering nice viewpoints of the surrounding cliffs.

Upper Emerald Pool is surrounded by the walls of a tall red sandstone cliff, partially covered in ivy. It’s also shaded, allowing us to relax and enjoy a break while admiring the truly enchanting scenery.

The temptation to swim is strong after hiking under the hot sun, but swimming is strictly prohibited here.

Middle Emerald Pool

After taking a break at Upper Emerald Pool, we backtracked and turned right onto the trail leading to Middle Emerald Pool.

This section is also very beautiful, and hikers take the opportunity to rest on the rocks along the stream.

The Return

The trail is steep in some places, and there are no protective barriers. So, be careful with children.

The views are truly stunning, including the one overlooking Lower Emerald Pool below the trail.

The viewpoints of the Virgin River and the surrounding cliffs are also amazing.

https://youtu.be/7-3qcWwJxkc

UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK - WEST RIM TRAIL (TRAIL CONNECTING TO ANGELS LANDING)

GPS coordinates: 37.25927, -112.95139 Trailhead GPS coordinates: 37.26110, -112.95070 Scenic viewpoint and turnaround (+/- 500 m round trip)

Angels Landing is one of Zion’s summits and one of the park’s most popular hikes. It rises over 450 meters above the canyon floor and offers a stunning 360-degree view of the canyon.

A permit is now required to hike this trail, which is rated difficult due to its steep elevation gain and very narrow sections.

Since we didn’t have a permit for this hike, we only covered a tiny section of the trail to get a glimpse of the scenery in this area.

The trail starts on the other side of the main road at stop #6, The Grotto. You’ll need to cross the pedestrian bridge over the Virgin River and then turn right onto the West Rim Trail, which leads to the Angels Landing trail.

The beginning of the trail is easy to walk and offers lovely views of the Virgin River winding through the valley at the base of this magnificent canyon.

https://youtu.be/VCRwqKs68GE

UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK - RIVERSIDE WALK

GPS coordinates: 37.28521, -112.94774 Trailhead GPS coordinates: 37.29675, -112.94828 End of the trail

The last stop in Zion National Park is the Temple of Sinawava. It's one of the most popular spots in the park because this is where the Riverside Walk begins—a 3-kilometer (round-trip) hiking trail that leads to The Narrows, a narrow canyon with towering sandstone walls through which the Virgin River flows.

Riverside Walk is a really pretty, easy, and family-friendly stroll that follows the Virgin River. The farther you go, the closer the canyon walls get. The scenery is absolutely stunning.

Along the way, you can see hanging gardens, desert wetlands, wildlife by the river, and small waterfalls.

There are also several spots along the river to take a break if you need one.

Riverside Walk ends at a patio with stone steps leading down to the river.

This is where The Narrows hike begins. You’ll need to be well-prepared because most of the hike takes place in the Virgin River’s riverbed. The rocks can be slippery, and the water is very cold. Sometimes, the water level can be quite high.

It’s essential to check the weather and the risk of flash flooding before heading into the depths of this canyon.

https://youtu.be/rzybGpehWT4

UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK - COURT OF THE PATRIARCHS & BIG BEND

GPS Coordinates: 37.23729, -112.96064 Court of the Patriarchs GPS Coordinates: 37.27270, -112.94655 Big Bend

Court of the Patriarchs is considered the shortest trail in Zion National Park. To get there, just take the shuttle and get off at the 4th stop.

The trail starts at the shuttle stop. It’s paved and quickly leads to a small viewpoint overlooking a cluster of sandstone cliffs named Court of the Patriarchs.

The three peaks you see are named after the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You can also spot two other rock formations known as Mount Moroni and The Sentinel.

Big Bend is the seventh shuttle stop. There’s no trail here, but it’s a super popular spot for photos since you get an amazing view of the canyon, especially Great White Throne with Angels Landing in the foreground.

You might even spot condors in this area.

https://youtu.be/lv8ZT-57TfQ

UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK - MOUNT CARMEL HIGHWAY SCENIC DRIVE

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, also known as Utah State Route 9, is a scenic road that connects the east entrance of Zion National Park to the village of Springdale.

Unlike the Zion Scenic Drive, it’s open year-round, and personal vehicles are allowed.

This road is a series of switchbacks winding through the canyon at elevations ranging from 1,130 to 2,700 meters. Several overlooks along the way offer stunning views of the canyon.

Over millions of years, water, wind, and ice have shaped this canyon, creating an extraordinary landscape.

https://youtu.be/POwCUSWpnqA

UTAH - KANAB - JACKSON FLAT RESERVOIR

GPS coordinates: 37.007388, -112.516543

While in the Kanab area, we were looking for a spot to relax by the water, and after some searching, we found Jackson Flat Reservoir.

This desert oasis, located about 6 km from downtown Kanab, is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts—and it’s free!

You’ll find a boat ramp, a lovely sandy beach, a volleyball court, and workout stations.

The facilities include restrooms and an outdoor shower.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy here. The calm, clear waters of the reservoir are ideal for water sports like canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

There’s a paved trail, the Sherry Belle Trail, which loops 5 km around the reservoir. You can walk, run, bike, or even rollerblade on it.

It’s also a great spot for birdwatching—you’ll see waterfowl and many other bird species, as well as frogs, lizards, and even snakes.

https://youtu.be/Y66gmPryOyE

UTAH - TOADSTOOLS TRAIL IN GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

GPS Coordinates: 37.10125, -111.87330 Parking and trailhead

Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, the Toadstools Trail, a 2.9-kilometer (1.8-mile) round-trip hike, is perfect for exploration. It’s found along Highway 89 between Page and Kanab.

Actually, the Toadstools are rock formations that strangely resemble mushrooms, and several can be found in this area.

The cap on top of these formations is what sets them apart from other, more common chimney-shaped rocks.

These unique formations are created by Dakota sandstone rocks perched atop Entrada sandstone bases. As the softer Entrada sandstone erodes, the Dakota sandstone forms a cap, like a mushroom, on top.

We can also see Wahweap Hoodoos, which are very similar but have different colors. Their bodies are white while their caps are brown, unlike the Toadstools, which have reddish hues.

To get up close to these famous rock formations, just take the trail starting near the parking area and head north, following a dry riverbed (wash) that winds through a beautiful little canyon.

After leaving the canyon, you enter a valley where these famous rock formations are located. You can even see them up close—they come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

You might even spot some perched atop the cliffs.

While exploring the park, we discovered a slot canyon passage in the cliff. We ventured inside and felt so small surrounded by walls towering to dizzying heights.

https://youtu.be/4ByrIaB1QUI