We just returned from an incredible road trip that took us through the Utah National Parks. This was the trip planned for a year ago, cancelled due to COVID.
Ironically, an unexpected health issue almost prevented us from going. We literally determined we could go at 6:00 pm the night before we were to leave. Despite a few small challenges, the trip went very well and we had an amazing adventure.
We believe we beat some of the summer crowds. With some patience, we were able to see most of what we wanted to see and explored all of the main areas of each of the parks. Planning is important, but there was a good mix of spontaneity and taking advantage of what was most accessible.
Our trip actually started at the Grand Canyon for one night, then off to Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, then to Moab to explore Arches and Canyonland. We learned so much about each area. We walked and hiked. My husband was extremely supportive of my attempt to capture so many moments in photographs. What I did learn is that my photo skills do not capture the majesty of nature that these parks offer. But I did my best and will have fun going through them and reliving the experiences.
Below are a few photos that capture part of our road travels. More to come, highlighting moments and information about each park we visited. It was certainly an experience worth all the planning, time and expense. We feel we got to enjoy what the parks offered, at the level our abilities would allow. And we came away with no twisted ankles, sunburn, or sore muscles! I discovered I can do more than I give myself credit for.
16 Days
6 National Parks
6165 Photos Taken
2376 Miles Driven
245,452 Steps Taken
Limited internet/cell/cable service
Fresh air
No makeup
…and almost NO MASKS!
Lots of FUN, SUN, ADVENTURE, and TIRED NIGHTS 😎
“We are torn between nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and strange. As often as not, we are homesick most for the places we have never known.”
~ Carson McCullers
“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
~ Mary Ritter Beard
peace of life today 
A great getaway 👌
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was, thank you!
LikeLike
I think staying ahead of or away from the crowds is always a good plan, Lisa, and especially so at present. I’m pretty sure you have some awesome sights to share. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jo, yes, soon more park posts will emerge! Will keep me busy for quite some time 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a wonderful trip
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was Nora!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like a beautiful time, and I think you’re right about beating the crowds. Good choice to go now. So happy for you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! We were going to go in June last year for our 25th Anniversary. Then bumped it back because of the heat. Then got it cancelled! HA! Actually we got better reservation dates by rescheduling for this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Oh the amazement I felt when I took my first glimpse of Bryce Canyon!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a wonderful trip and the perfect time to go! I loved that area although my memories of it are slightly hazy now and the old slides not as good (I hope) as the photos I would take if I could go again.
I also love the quote from Carson McCullers and will probably pinch it for use some time on my own blog, if that’s OK? 🙂
LikeLike
I wish I had more time (and energy) to do some sunset and sunrise hikes. I think that is when you can really get magical photos. Oh well. We still created amazing memories. …and yes you certainly may use that quote!! 😊
LikeLike
They have some of the BEST parks!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew so little before we went, now, I feel like I learned so much! And it is a fun way to learn 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad your trip was worth waiting a year to enjoy. You saw some very beautiful handiwork of our Creator, God!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed it was very beautiful!!
LikeLike
Awesome adventure, Lisa, looking forward to your photos! We did some of those NPs the summer of 2014, it was fabulous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes it was unbelievable! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad that you have a good trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you William!
LikeLike
Beautiful, Lisa! I would have loved to be there, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😊 I was awed by the majesty of it all!
LikeLike
Utah has some amazing landscape. Thanks for sharing the photos, Lisa. They are really lovely. I don’t know why the car in the tunnel appealed to me so much. It might have been the sense of adventure it conveyed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, interesting perspective! I almost didn’t include that one but I liked it too 😊 Thank you Tracy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome, Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person