What to See on Your Utah Road Trip

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Keith

Utah is a state that has it all. It has awe-inspiring mountains that are perfect to ski on. It has some of the most stunning dessert landscapes that are sure to elevate your hiking game. The best part, you can drive from the top of Utah to the bottom in under 6 hours. Here are some adventures you must not miss on your Utah road trip.

Spiral Jetty

The Spiral Jetty is artwork like you’ve never seen before. It was created by the sculptor Robert Smithson in 1970. The Spiral Jetty is a quick 2.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City. It is located right in the Great Salt Lake and is especially stunning when water levels are low.

Park City

Park City is one of the places in Utah you simply cannot miss. It is a short 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City and is home to many world-famous ski resorts. If you go in the summer, spend the afternoon biking. Park City has quite the foodie scene as well.

Goblin Valley

If you are road tripping towards southern Utah you must stop at Goblin Valley. The scenery of Goblin Valley is unique and different than anything most people have ever seen. Spend a day exploring and hiking the stunning hoodoos it is known for. Goblin Valley also has some great campsites.

Hike Wire Pass Slot Canyon

Slot Canyons are one of Utah’s most famous landmarks. If you have time, check out the Wire Pass Slot Canyon located in Kanab, Utah. Many slot canyon hikes require permits that take months and luck to get. This particular hike does not require a permit but only a small fee at the trailhead. Make sure to wear good shoes, bring water, and snacks. At the end of the hike, you will have the opportunity to see a very large arch and even Petroglyphs.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a popular vacation spot for many Utahans, but is definitely underused by people outside of the state. It is located right north of the Utah/Arizona border and offers great beachside camping, a fun place to sunbathe, and a large lake for boating, waterskiing, and jet skiing. It also has a stunning backdrop of red rock mountains.

Arches National Park

Take a day to hike Arches National Park. Arches is located near Moab Utah. This area of Utah is full of sandstone walls, large rock formations, and colorful mountains. There is plenty of hiking trails, campsites, and bike trails. If you have the time, take the hike to Rainbow Bridge Arch. This iconic Utah landmark will truly blow your mind. To get to the trail head you must take a boat ride that is both lovely and relaxing. It is about a 1 mile hike in and 1 mile out. Definitely worth the effort.

This list just scratches the surface of spots you must see on your Utah road trip. There are many other state and National Parks that would be a shame to miss. Happy road tripping!

7-Day Colorado Road Trip

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Keith

The beautiful state of Colorado has so much to offer that it would be virtually impossible to even scratch the surface on a week-long Colorado road trip, but it can still be a journey that you will remember for a lifetime. Here is a 7-day road trip where you can experience major cities, attractions, national parks and more to taste some of the incredible diversity that can be found here.

Day 1: Glenwood Springs

Start out your trip in Glenwood Springs, which is three hours away from Denver. Explore Glenwood Canyon, which is home to the biggest hot springs pool in the world at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. There are also lots of opportunities to engage in outdoor adventures here, including horseback riding, hiking, rafting, and fishing. At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, there is an amusement park and caves to explore.

Day 2: Grand Junction

Head west to visit Grand Junction, the biggest city on the Western Slope of the state. Colorado National Monument features breathtaking vistas, steep cliffs, and stunning red-rock formations, which you can see from 23-mile-long Rimrock Drive. It is also a great area to taste the delicious local produce and fruit from the many stands you will find on the sides of the road.

Day 3: Gunnison National Park

Head southeast to Gunnison National Park and the Black Canyon. It is an awesome feeling looking down into the sheer, narrow depths of the impressive black rock making up the canyon. You can go on a ranger-led tour or do some hiking on your own. There is plenty of camping to choose from or your can stay in one of the picturesque towns of Ridgway or Ouray.

Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park

Keep heading south to Durango and visit Mesa Verde National Park, which is a U.S. World Heritage sites. A ranger-guided tour can be taken of the park’s stunning cliff dwellings, and then you can take a hike to enjoy all of the natural surroundings, including ancient dwellings and petroglyphs. You can also go on a train ride on the Silverton and Durango Railroad.

Day 5: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Head east from Mesa Verde, and then north towards Great Sand Dunes National Park and Alamosa. Mountains of pure sand merge with mountains here, which creates a miniature-Sahara right in the heart of the state. Medano Creek in the spring creates the most unique beach in Colorado, and visitors can hike, snowboard, sled, or ski the dunes all year long.

Day 6: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Head north from Alamosa and then east over to Canon City. One of the world’s highest and longest suspension bridges is located at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. This park offers many attractions and entertainment, including a wildlife park and rides. You can have dinner or lunch on the Royal Route Railroad that makes its away across the bottom part of the canyon to provide you with a totally different perspective. Stay in Colorado Springs for a bit of luxury and culture.

Day 7: Denver

Finish your Colorado road trip in Denver. There are many museums you can visit, including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Art Museum, or the Children’s Museum of Denver. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions to visit in Denver, including the 16th Street Mall, Denver Zoo, and the Downtown Aquarium.

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Keith

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic roads in the entire United States. It has everything from stunning ocean views, to waterfalls, to castles. Here are some must-see stops on your California coast road trip.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a great place to begin your California Coast road trip. Make sure to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also worth visiting Fisherman’s Wharf for some great views of the Bay and obviously try a Ghirardelli sundae. If you have time, make sure to visit Alcatraz Island for a tour of the famous former prison.

Half Moon Bay

After San Francisco, get in the car and drive about 45 minutes south on the PCH to Half Moon Bay. This is a quaint sea village that is a must-see. It has lovely beaches and some stunning coastal architecture.

Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea

After Half Moon Bay, drive south another 1 hour and 45 minutes to Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea. These neighboring seaside towns are definitely worth the visit. They have great bed and breakfasts that make the perfect spot to spend a night.

Monterey has the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium that is a great place to see some sea life. Also, these towns offer some great whale watching tours that are not to be missed. Make sure you grab a bowl of chowder at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

Big Sur

The next stop on your California Coast road trip is Big Sur. It is located less than an hour south of Monterey. It is a quiet place with not much sign of civilization. However, the views of Big Sur are some of the most spectacular you will ever see. Since Big Sur does not have many hotels or restaurants, plan on only spending about a half of day there.

Solvang

While this city is not technically on the coast, it is worth going inland a few miles to experience this quaint Danish village. It has authentic Danish food and great Danish pastries. Make sure you look at the historic windmills, the Round Tower, and the Giant Red Clog.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has a rich Spanish heritage with some of the best food in California. You will love the Mediterranean feeling downtown that has white buildings with red roofs.

Malibu

Malibu is home to wide, sandy beaches that are home to some of the hottest celebrities. If you can, take a surf lesson and experience the ocean like the locals. While in Malibu, definitely take the time to visit the Getty Villa. It has some beautiful art and stunning architecture.

Santa Monica

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time in the Santa Monica/Los Angeles area. You will want to hit some of the top restaurants and museums in the area. Take an afternoon to visit the Santa Monica Boardwalk and ride the Ferris wheel and roller coaster.

If you like you can continue down to Orange County and all the way to San Diego to finish off your road trip. Either way, this vacation will be one to remember.

Photo by M McBey

Photo by Damian Gadal