The Mighty 5 National Parks – Plan a Trip Around Utah

Chris Boothman
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27
The Mighty 5 National Parks – Plan a Trip Around Utah

If you have never visited Utah, you really don’t know what you are missing! Referred to as the Beehive State, Utah is spoiled for choice when it comes to breathtaking scenery and memorable landscapes. Utah is famous for having the ‘Mighty 5 National Parks’ and after visiting three of them on our recent trip around the state, I am left awe-inspired and almost speechless as to the beauty that we experienced.

Based on our experiences and also thanks to some of our friends that have experienced the two national parks that we have yet to visit, we want to share an overview of Utah’s Mighty 5 and hopefully convince you that a trip to this part of the world is needed sooner rather than later.

Let’s take a look at each of the following national parks individually and see why each one is unique and may tempt you into exploring first:

  • Zion National Park
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Arches National Park
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Canyonlands National Park

The map below shows an overview of Utah and shows exactly where each of these national parks are geographically located in relation to each other. You should be able to map out a pretty interesting road trip to explore one or more of these. We did exactly this on our recent trip to Utah taking in Zion, Bryce and Arches but there are many different routes you can take to see this beautiful state.

utah mighty 5 national parks

Our journey saw us explore Zion before staying in Cedar City and then heading east through the Dixie National Forest to Bryce Canyon. From there we headed north through what I would term ‘Utah’s wilderness’ until we reached I-70 and then we headed across to Arches which is close to the Colorado state line.

Zion National Park

If you are looking for a national park that oozes history, breathtaking views and challenging hikes, look no further than Utah’s oldest national park – Zion. Located in the south-west corner of the state, Zion offers visitors a number of options to explore, starting with the gorgeous scenic drive that we opted for after entering Zion from the east entrance.

checkerboard mesa zion national park

Some of the key landmarks along this drive include Checkerboard Mesa and passing through the Zion Canyon tunnel which is a cool man-made experience.

zion national park

The real beauty at Zion is accessed from the many hiking trails, either from the scenic drive route or from the private shuttle that transports visitors to a number of trailheads scattered around the park. Notable hikes include a viewpoint that overlooks the Great White Throne which is possibly the most popular and infamous of all landmarks throughout Zion.

zion mighty 5 national parks utah

Hiking the Narrows is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience and other significant attractions include Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools and the Courtyard of the Patriarchs.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Words alone may never do any of the national parks in Utah justice, but this is certainly true with Bryce Canyon. Prior to visiting here on our recent trip, I had little knowledge of this part of Utah and honestly had no real expectations.

bryce canyon national park

However, I was truly blown away as soon as we arrived at Inspiration Point and gazed across the beautiful amphitheaters covered in geologic wonders.

If you know very little about Bryce Canyon, the first thing worth noting is the iconic ‘hoodoo’, or the towering spire that is scattered across the landscape. This geological phenomenon is an eye-catching landmark that really highlights the stunning views that you see from spots such as Inspiration and Bryce Point.

bryce canyon hoodoos

Throughout the climb from the foot of Bryce Canyon to the summit at Rainbow Point, there are numerous attractions that you won’t want to miss. Natural Bridge for example is a unique landmark not to be missed with visitors seeking the eye-catching view of the sunlight shining through the ‘natural archway’ portraying the gorgeous landscape in the background.

mighty 5 national parks

Bryce Canyon is definitely my favorite of all the Mighty 5 national parks. The scenery is just so so unique and different from anything you could ever imagine. Relaxing here at one of the various overlooks is certainly a worthwhile experience.

bryce canyon overlook

Arches National Park

Mind-blowing arches, vibrant red sandstone monoliths and a huge rock perched delicately on the edge of a towering stack. All of these attractions along with much more can only be found at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

mighty 5 national parks

Situated on the edge of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Arches attracts visitors from the around the world because of the stunning landscapes that are present here. Popular landmarks include Delicate Arch, the Windows section and a number of other daredevil hiking trails that lead to unforgettable views overlooking an almost untouched wilderness.

arches national park balanced rock

With over 2000 natural attractions including hoodoos similar to what you see at Bryce Canyon, arches like no other location in the world and an array of pinnacles that characterize this location, Arches National Park is a must visit for any travelers interested in unique phenomena.

arches national park

Our journey around Utah’s national parks ended after we left Arches, but there are still two other gorgeous attractions out there worth exploring.

arches national park windows section

Are you convinced yet that Utah’s national parks will take your breath away? We are delighted to welcome a few of our fellow travel blogging friends who have visited Capitol Reef and Canyonlands, and they have kindly offered to provide their opinion on why you should experience these national parks.

There is nothing quite like hearing about first-hand experiences and we would like to thank both Jennifer Melroy and Jane Pelusey for contributing on Capitol Reef, and Lucy Dodsworth for her insight into Canyonlands National Park.

Capitol Reef National Park

Thanks to Jane Pelusey from Pelusey Photography on highlighting some of the key reasons why you should never forget Capitol Reef National Park when planning a road trip in Utah!

Capitol Reef is one of the Mighty five National Parks in Utah, but seems to be situated in the shadow of its grand siblings. Don’t let this fool you to leaving it off your itinerary. Capitol Reef is a mix of towering cliffs, monumental domes, ancient and modern history.

capitol reef national park

The tiny town of Torrey is the gateway to Capital Reef. The nature of the landscape means that whichever way you drive in, you are tantalized by dramatically changing rock formations.

capitol reef national park utah

From Arches, the drive is around and through the park itself. From Bryce Canyon, Highway 12 is a spectacular ever-changing road trip, so either option will provide a beautiful scenic route.

mighty 5 national parks utah

To get an overall impression of the area take the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, 25 miles in length, which encompasses the highlights such as Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. Grand Wash is a short drive between towering smooth rock walls.

capitol reef national park

At the end car park, walk trailheads entice. The Grand Wash (2.25 miles one way) and Cassidy Arch (1.25 miles one way) wind their way through the towering sandstone walls along a stony creek bed.

capitol reef

After the grandeur of the first four Utah National Parks, we found we hadn’t allowed enough time in Capitol Reef. We were surprised by the different landscape and history. So next time we will allow a few more days to explore this fabulous park.

Ready to explore Capitol Reef? Need just a little more convincing? Don’t worry, we have another great contribution which I am sure will make you want to add Capitol Reef to your bucket list. Jennifer Melroy from Made All The Difference Travel Blog shares her thoughts.

I stopped at Capitol Reef National Park as part of my Utah national park roadtrip. Capitol is the least visited and most underrated of the Utah parks.My favorite hike was through Capitol Gorge. I loved hiking down the Gorge and imagining trying to drive my car through it. I am not sure my car would have made it, although the pictures from the 1930’s show it’s possible.

mighty 5 national parks capitol reef

Another unique aspect of Capitol is the Fruita Settlement. Fruita was a small town in the park that was home to large fruit orchards. The orchards still remain and are open to the public for fruit picking.

Also, I loved eating fresh apple pie and peach pie that was available at the Fruita visitor center. The pies were made using apple and peaches from the Fruita orchards.

capitol reef national park utah

After my two days exploring this park, I feel sorry that it is in Utah. It is a park with a lot to offer that gets lost in the shadow of Zion, Bryce, Arches, and even Canyonlands. I can’t wait to return to pick more fruit and hike more of these amazing trails!

capitol reef national park

Canyonlands National Park

Lucy Dodsworth from ‘On the Luce travel blog’ shared her amazing encounter at Canyonlands and what better way to encourage folks to visit this part of Utah than by sharing her first hand experience.

Given that Canyonlands was one of the Mighty 5 we have yet to explore, we would like to thank Lucy for offering her opinions on why you should take time to check this out.

Utah’s biggest national park, Canyonlands takes your breath away in so many ways. It was the park I knew the least about and had the least expectations of, but it ended up being the most memorable. The park is amazingly diverse, with three main districts each with a totally different feel.

canyonlands national park utah

There’s the Needles and the Maze if you want to wild hike and rough it on the dirt roads in your 4WD. Or for an easier ride you can make the climb up to the Island in the Sky. The road wound its way slowly uphill until we emerged out onto a wide, flat plateau. Thousand-foot-high drops all the way around the edge made it really feel like we were on an island, floating way above the land below.

canyonlands national park mighty 5

A road around the plateau rim takes you to a series of outlooks, where way below we looked down on tiny pinnacles, arches and gorges carved out by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Up close these can be 1000 feet tall but from way above you lose all perspective – it’s the closest you can get to feeling like a giant.

Summary

Utah is THE state to visit if you are looking for a plethora of natural attractions to explore. This place is inundated with gorgeous scenery, breathtaking viewpoints and challenging yet rewarding hiking trails. We were extremely fortunate to have time to explore Zion, Bryce and Arches, but after reading all of the great experiences from our fellow travelers, there is just as much beauty in Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks.

Consider purchasing the ‘America is Beautiful’ annual national park pass and this will not only save you A LOT of money, it will convince you to explore many more parks around the United States.

Which of these national parks intrigues you the most? Is it even possible to pick one of these over the other? Here is my recommendation – check out all of them! Organize a road trip that allows you to visit all of the Mighty 5 national parks, because I highly doubt you will leave disappointed.

Weekend Wanderlust


Driving Route 66 From Flagstaff, AZ to Kingman, AZ

Chris Boothman
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7
Driving Route 66 From Flagstaff, AZ to Kingman, AZ

Imagine throwing your feet up on the dash, the sun beaming down on your red Corvette and listening to a little Bruce Springsteen on the radio. Perhaps I am reflecting here a little on an old movie that I have seen or maybe it’s just because we experienced a little reminiscing of our own, as we encountered what it feels like to be driving Route 66, probably the most famous highway around the United States.

During our epic road trip around Utah and Arizona, we headed through the Four Corners area of Colorado and New Mexico before heading back along I-40 from Gallup to Flagstaff. As soon as we reached Flagstaff, the attraction of exploring historic Route 66 was too much to resist so we embarked on a memorable journey along this stretch of road that has a plethora of history associated with it.

driving route 66 arizona

Join us as we hit Route 66 in Flagstaff and made our way along 147 miles of Arizona roadways before we arrived in Kingman.

Route 66 History

Historic Route 66 was established in 1926 and covered a total of 2,448 miles spanning across 8 different states. The fundamental components of Route 66 are still present to this day, but since the US Highway officially removed this from their listings in 1985 (after the construction of I-40 that runs parallel and even on the grounds of Route 66), it is no longer feasible to drive all the way from LA to Chicago on this historic route.

If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Listening to the lyrics of Nat King Cole’s ‘Route 66’ that dates back to 1946 really depicts the relationship that travelers had with this route. Even though today we are seeing the prevalence of I-40 through the states we covered (New Mexico and Arizona), it’s certainly nice to see the appreciation that visitors still have for Route 66.

historic route 66

Of course we are now seeing a huge tourist attraction being made of this route, but even this is helping local economies in towns such as Seligman, Williams and even the historic downtown part of Flagstaff.

Our Journey Through Arizona

The stereotypical journey of taking Route 66 all the way from LA to Chicago may seem a little daunting, but there is nothing at all wrong with dreaming. Of course, a more realistic target is to experience part of Route 66 wherever is convenient for you, and what better part to start than the stretch from Flagstaff to Kingman, Arizona.

As you drive along Route 66, you will notice on several occasions that the road ceases to exist. Why? Simple answer is I-40! The reality is that since the US Highway system no longer funded the maintenance of Route 66 since 1985, all the focus was switched to the interstate. However, it is still fun to try and figure out the best roads to take and how to stay on Route 66 as long as possible without touching I-40!

driving route 66

Flagstaff to Kingman is a really awesome part of Route 66, especially with many of the western towns (I am referring to the real country and western style saloons you all associate with John Wayne et al.) that are all decked out brandishing their true heritage and history in relation to Route 66 passing directly through the heart of their towns.

route 66 souvenirs

Before reading on, I urge you to close your eyes for a few seconds and contemplate the old western towns that I am sure you have all seen in the movies.

Here are the towns we visited along this historic highway and I will say that each one of these had a very unique feel and character that typifies the reputation of historic Route 66. Everything you imagine Route 66 to be like is portrayed through these iconic towns in Arizona.

1. Flagstaff

Much of the history surrounding Route 66 relates back to the city of Flagstaff dating back to 1857 when Lt. Edward Beale led a following through this region en route to California. Did you know that the initial route of what is now renowned as Route 66 was south towards Phoenix from Flagstaff? However, in 1921 an improved system led to the construction of the highway running from Chicago to Santa Monica along the infamous route.

route 66 flagstaff arizona

The stereotypical Route 66 journey started for us in Flagstaff and what an awesome place to start! The old Santa Fe Plaza is a perfect spot to start your exploring of the old downtown district. As you look one way you can see many of the historic stores still maintaining their original look and feel, while modern day designs have merged perfectly into the landscape.

driving route 66 flagstaff

Turn around and you will be faced with the historic train station and 1897 depot, home of an old engine that typifies the railway system that was once prolific around the nation.

driving route 66

Downtown Flagstaff offers an awesome self-guided historic walking tour. You can collect a guide inside the visitor center located within the train station. The walking tour begins at the train station and leads visitors to a number of iconic locations, such as the Downtown Motel, DuBeau Motel among many other intriguing spots.

route 66 flagstaff

It’s so cool to just park your car (we found a free parking spot directly by the train station) and get out and walk.

historic downtown flagstaff route 66

A really cool wall mural depicting historic Flagstaff and Route 66 is a great focal point of the city, although this is located parallel to Route 66 on Phoenix Street.

historic downtown flagstaff

Whether you spend a couple of hours walking around the self-guided tour, or choose to go ‘off the beaten path’ and check out some of the local bars and eateries, Flagstaff is a great location to begin your Route 66 journey.

2. Williams

As we moved away from Flagstaff along Route 66, our next stop really brought a sense of nostalgia to our trip as we visited Williams, Arizona. We immediately noticed a quiet town (or at least that’s what we thought!) with a few saloons and historic social clubs remaining along the street.

driving route 66 williams

The Long Horn Saloon and Woo Tom Social Club are iconic representations here and really bring back the stereotype we all associate with this stretch of Route 66 from decades gone by.

williams arizona route 66

Parking by the train station, we walked through one of the back alleys and found ourselves in the heart of a western style community. The old jail, Branding Iron restaurant, saloon and bar make this a pretty active part of the Williams community today, immediately changing our initial impression of the town.

williams arizona

I love how Williams have maintained such a historic, old-fashioned infrastructure throughout this part of the town.

williams arizona

As we moved away from the heart of the town along the main street, we noticed how Route 66 is really idolized with the neon lights and Coca-Cola soda fountains scattered along the storefronts.

driving route 66 williams arizona

3. Ash Fork

Even though the likes of Flagstaff and Williams are still booming communities, the movement away from Route 66 to the modern day I-40 interstate has had the reverse effect on towns like Ash Fork. As we left I-40 and headed for Ash Fork, we really noticed how derelict and rundown this town was. The community really looks to be struggling, but perhaps this is just the facade we see from the outside.

ash fork arizona route 66

Ash Fork is the ‘flagstone’ capital of the world so will likely continue to be a prevalent force, but it’s certainly disappointing to see a town that appears to be so neglected. The images of the old antique and gift shop are a reflection on what we experienced as we passed through Ash Fork.

desoto salon ash fork route 66

I hope that one day this town will be reignited and perhaps the more exposure that is given, the more people will take the time to explore the landscape surrounding this community.

historic route 66 ash fork

4. Seligman

After the disappointment of Ash Fork, we headed onwards along Route 66 though yet again we were redirected along I-40 which honestly becomes a little annoying after a while as you efforts to stay along this historic route are in vein.

driving route 66 seligman arizona

However, our exit for Seligman arrived sooner than expected and I have to say that everything about this town reinvigorated our desires to continue exploring Route 66.

route 66 seligman arizona

If there is one town along this Arizona stretch of Route 66 that oozes nostalgia, class and maintains the gorgeous history that we associate with this iconic road, Seligman is certainly that town. Seligman has wholeheartedly embraced Route 66 and continued to portray the heritage through the infrastructure and overall look and feel of the town.

seligman arizona route 66

As we drove through Seligman, we couldn’t help but stop every couple of hundred yards to capture another shot of the vibrant colors that are stereotypical of Route 66. Whether it’s the rickety Aztec Motel or the colorful Romney Motel, there are a variety of accommodation options if you are looking for a spot to spend the night in real Route 66 fashion.

aztec motel seligman arizona

Our time in Seligman was just a passing visit but with memories stood outside the Route 66 Gift Shop and The Rusty Bolt, I could quite easily see us returning here to spend a little more time to embrace the history that is being preserved here.

the rusty bolt seligman route 66

I really enjoyed taking in the quirkiness and beauty presented in the architecture of the motels, restaurants and gift shops. If you are looking for a souvenir to remind you of your journey along Route 66, Seligman is a great place to find something that meets your needs.

5. Kingman

Our time along Route 66 ended as we arrived in Kingman as we headed towards Las Vegas rather than continuing along this historic stretch of road to California. Stereotypically known as the ‘Heart of Route 66’, Kingman is home to a museum devoted solely to the history of this route.

kingman arizona

Although Kingman may now be a more popular destination for visitors traveling to nearby attractions such as the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, Route 66 will always have a proud home here and locals will continue to cherish the rich heritage that has developed over the years.

historic downtown kingman

Historic downtown Kingman still maintains a rich representation of Route 66 in its heyday. Head over to Route 66 Ice Cream & Sweets for a delicious sweet treat, or maybe you prefer to just wander around the downtown area taking in the deep history that has prevailed here.

Summary

Route 66 is undoubtedly the most famous stretch of road not only across USA but also perhaps around the world. Anyone fortunate to drive this from Chicago to Los Angeles is in for a real treat, but I am delighted that we were able to experience this from Flagstaff, AZ to Kingman, AZ.

historic route 66

Throughout Arizona, many of the historic towns along Route 66 have continued to preserve their deep, cultural roots that date back to way before Route 66 was even constructed. Combine this with the iconography we all associate with Route 66 such as the old sports-cars, saloons spotted along the landscape and bright, neon lights and you have a magical stretch of road that you will all enjoy!

driving route 66

Driving Route 66 is a great memory that I will cherish forever and provided a perfect ending to our amazing trip around Utah and Arizona. A nice contrast from the geological wonders we explored throughout these states, this is a road trip not to be missed if you are  visiting the Grand Canyon state!

Still not seen enough pictures of Route 66? Don’t worry – we have many more, so head on over to our photo gallery of the amazing Route 66 journey here – Route 66!

Arches National Park – Hiking Trails Not to be Missed

Chris Boothman
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24
Arches National Park – Hiking Trails Not to be Missed

Ever since I saw pictures of the sunlight beaming through that solitary arch, I knew that this was a place we had to explore. The perplexing sight of those red rocks along with the iconic landmarks that identify this landscape are a sight to behold. Of course that solitary arch I am referring to is ‘Delicate Arch’ located in the breathtaking natural phenomenon that is Arches National Park.

Arches National Park hiking trails lead visitors to some of the most sought after iconic landmarks in this part of USA, including the infamous Windows section and of course Delicate Arch itself. Join us in finding out which trails we followed and why you should to!

Bryce Canyon to Arches National Park

During our recent road trip of Arizona and Utah, we made the long trek across the Beehive state to Moab so that we could experience the beauty throughout Arches.  Our day started early as we left Cedar City, Utah and made our way to Bryce Canyon National Park.

What we didn’t realize was just how stunning Bryce was going to be, and this immediately put us behind schedule as our optimistic itinerary guided us to Arches on the same day as Bryce! If you have never visited Utah, you probably don’t realize the scope of this. It is a daunting and probably unrealistic task trying to see both Bryce and Arches in the same day, but given our time constraints we knew that we had to make it happen.

bryce canyon to arches national park landscape

If you are planning on visiting Bryce Canyon like we did and then heading on to Arches National Park, the first thing worth noting is there is no easy way to navigate this trip. When you look at a map or have your GPS find the optimal route, you will soon find out that you are either backtracking towards Cedar City and St. George, or passing through an unknown wilderness for about 100 miles before reaching I-70.

utah highway

As soon as you reach I-70, I would strongly recommend checking your gas levels because there are not many gas stations along this stretch of Utah’s barren landscape. However, this landscape may be barren in terms of gas stations but it makes up for it with natural beauty.

The journey from Bryce to Arches takes about 4 hours and we arrived in Moab just before 5:00PM. Fortunately we visited Arches at the end of May so had plenty of daylight left to explore.

Scenic Drive

In keeping with all other US national parks, Arches has an incredibly scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the park and offers a number of breathtaking viewpoints as well as entrances to the best hiking trails available. Even from the entrance of Arches National Park, you are greeted with a stunning view of Utah’s towering red rocks but the real entertainment begins when you enter the park.

arches national park moab utah

After paying the $10 entrance fee (that’s right, it’s much cheaper than many of it’s counterparts across the state) you immediately climb through a number of switchbacks and drive deep into the heart of Arches. The time you have allocated to spend at Arches will likely determine what you can experience, but I will say that even in a short 3 hours we were able to capture a number of memories that will long live with us.

arches national park entrance

Our approach was pretty spontaneous to say the least, though I really wanted to catch a glimpse of the Windows section and Delicate Arch if time permitted. Many of the ‘short hikes’ are well within walking distance of the scenic route, so be prepared to jump in and out of your vehicle to capture the perfect shot of those iconic red rock structures that we associate with Arches.

arches national park hiking trails

Park Avenue

Visitors are well and truly welcomed to Arches National Park when they stop at the trailhead to Park Avenue. This short yet rewarding trail is home to a number of gorgeous monolithic structures such as The Three Gossips, the Courthouse Towers, the Organ and the Tower of Babel.

arches national park hiking trails

Driving by these breathtaking attractions is a magical experience on its own, but actually taking the time to make the short one mile hike to the bottom of the canyon will really enhance your time here.

park avenue arches national park hiking trails

Just like many of hikes around Arches National Park, Park Avenue trail is relatively simple with very little in terms of difficulty so I would highly recommend checking this out because after seeing this, you will be raring to go to see more of Arches natural beauties.

park avenue moab utah

At the beginning of the trail when you look to the west, you will see the towering Courthouse Towers that line the edge of Park Avenue. The massive sandstone towers that provide this beautiful background rise to 600 ft in some cases, so these definitely stand out among a plethora of other natural attractions.

arches national park utah

Balanced Rock

Do you ever find that when you are exploring natural attractions that you always come across a feature that is so ‘selfie-friendly’? Not sure if that is even a word but when you see ‘Balanced Rock’ you will know exactly what I mean.

balanced rock selfie arches national park hiking trails

Just like the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy is renowned for people making sure the tower doesn’t fall over, Arches National Park has its very own iconic attraction and we both made sure this rock wasn’t going anywhere!

balanced rock

A cheesy shot for sure, but regardless of this Balanced Rock appears to be precariously hanging on top of the red rock structure. Will it fall? If it follows the same fate as it’s fellow structure that toppled in 1975, perfectly named ‘Chip Off the Old Block’ then perhaps trying to capture a selfie with this sooner rather than later should be your philosophy.

balanced rock arches national park

Don’t worry about this rock falling anytime soon though, as the park rangers are pretty confident that this huge rock won’t be moving anywhere as you take the short hike and stand directly underneath this structure.

The Windows Section

Along with Delicate Arch, the most popular attraction at Arches National Park is the gorgeous Windows section and this is certainly with good reason. Parking can be difficult at this location but we were fortunate to find a spot in the overflow parking lot and embarked on the short hike to marvel at this natural wonder.

windows section arches national park hiking trails

The Windows section is essentially two arches formed in the same sandstone, the North and South Window both located directly next to each other. You don’t realize the size and scope of these ‘windows’ until you make the short hike to the entrance of each one.

windows hiking trail arches national park

The Windows Primitive Loop is a short 1.2 miles round trip from the parking lot and gives access to both window arches along with gorgeous views of topographical landscapes in the distance and other iconic geological features in the near vicinity.

north window arches national park

The North Window is the easier of the two arches to access and it is the one you can see directly from the parking lot. However, only a short walk from here leads you to the base of the South Window and both provide really cool photo opportunities of their unique formations. Both of these arches are also referred to as ‘The Spectacles’ as from a distance you can see both windows and they appear to be in the formation of a pair of glasses.

windows section arches national park

Close to the Windows is another towering rock formation – Turret Arch. It may not receive the attention it deserves in comparison to the two Windows arches, but it is well worth taking some time to explore this and experience more of the natural beauty that Arches presents.

windows arches national park hiking trails

If you are standing at the Windows, turn around and take a look in the distance and you will see a pretty unique formation known as Double Arch. Regardless of the direction you look, I can guarantee you will enoy your time here.

double arch hiking trail

This is one of the highlights from our trip to Arches National Park and I am glad that I convinced Heather to take the short hike to really experience the Windows, rather than bypassing a moment of natural beauty!

Delicate Arch

We saved the best until last…at least on our journey! Our final stop on our scenic tour of Arches was a parking lot close to Delicate Arch. This was the pinnacle spot on our trip to Arches and the one place we both wanted to see. Unfortunately the full hike to the arch was not possible given the time we arrived but instead we decided to take the short hike to the optimal viewing point that overlooked this iconic landmark from around a half mile away.

delicate arch

For those of you that are unaware of what Delicate Arch is all about, it is a 65ft natural arch that stands alone on the iconic Utah landscape. You don’t realize just how tall this arch is until you reach the end of the trail overlooking the arch, and I can only imagine what this looks like up close.

delicate arch utah

Visitors essentially have two options when deciding how close they want to get to Delicate Arch. As I indicated, our time constraints meant that we had to opt for the ‘easier’ of the two trails, commonly referred to as Delicate Arch Viewpoint. The trail is around a mile each way and offers relatively simple terrain with a slight incline at the end leading to the majestic overlook with the arch in the distance.

The beauty of Delicate Arch explains nothing, for each thing in it’s way, when true to it’s own character, is equally beautiful. (Edward Abbey)

For the more adventurous, the hiking trail known as Delicate Arch Trailhead with a 3 mile round trip leads you to the arch itself. This is not for the faint hearted with a number of spots along the trail offering open slickrock and exposure to heights. I definitely look forward to experiencing this trail when we next return to Arches National Park.

delicate arch viewpoint

Back to our experience at the Viewpoint. Delicate Arch really is just as beautiful as its reputation. A solitary, perfectly carved arch stands alone yet offering visitors a moment of solitude away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Even from a distance this arch offers peace and I can only imagine the rewarding experience if you visit Delicate Arch just before sunrise.

Summary

What an experience!! Words really cannot explain the beauty within Arches National Park so I would just encourage you to head on over to Moab and check this out for yourselves.

I have shared four of the most rewarding hikes based on our experiences, yet when you arrive at Arches you will notice there are so many more to explore. Choose the trails that suit your fitness levels and landmarks you want to encounter. We didn’t even have time to continue through the scenic drive and explore Devil’s Garden, but this just one of many reasons why I can’t wait to return to Arches.

We are all incredibly fortunate to live in a world with such natural beauty and I just hope that this encourages you to explore one of the many natural wonders that is on our very doorstep. Visitors travel from all corners of the globe to experience Arches National Park and there is no doubt in my mind that everyone visiting here will leave with awe-inspired memories in their mind.

If you would like to see more images from our amazing trip to Arches, check out our photo gallery here: Arches National Park

Weekend Wanderlust


US National Park Annual Pass – Is It Worth It?

Chris Boothman
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43
US National Park Annual Pass – Is It Worth It?

Do you live in the United States? Are you planning an extravagant road trip around USA as a visitor? Do you love to experience breathtaking scenery? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, I would strongly encourage you to consider reading on as we are going to delve into the world of U.S National Parks and experience some of the awesome benefits of an annual pass that may interest you.

Specifically we are going to look at the US National Park annual pass known as a ‘America the Beautiful pass’ and after exploring some of the national parks scattered around USA, you will certainly understand why the term ‘beautiful’ is used to describe this country.

america the beautiful national park annual pass

National Park History

Let’s start by taking a look at a little history into USA’s national park system and also put into context exactly what we are referring to here when discussing the number of protected areas around the country. There are currently 60 of these protected areas located throughout the nation, and they are known as national parks.

National parks and reserves are an integral aspect of intelligent use of natural resources. (John F. Kennedy)

An act of Congress is required for a national park to be denoted in such a manner, and the history of national parks dates back to 1872 when President Ulysees Grant proclaimed Yellowstone as the first such park in the country.

national park annual pass

Heather and I have been very fortunate to explore several of these national parks but of course, there are many more we would like to visit, and this is where the National Park Annual Pass comes in very handy!

What is the National Park Annual Pass?

According to the National Park Series website, the annual pass is your ticket to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. Not only do you gain access to the 60 designated national parks, you are only presented with the opportunity to experience different sites and landmarks around the country.

For only $80, you can experience all of these attractions for a full year from the date of purchase. We will take a look later at the real benefits of this pass and how there are a potential huge cost-savings, but when considering whether this pass is for you, it’s important to understand exactly how this pass works.

arches national park utah

An annual pass covers unlimited entrances for one vehicle into all the designated national parks (and other attractions on the registry list), for a driver and all passengers in the vehicle.

Senior Passes, Military annual passes, and disability passes are also available, so if you fit the criteria of any of these, you should probably check these out before handing over $80.

Key Benefits

1. Cost Savings

Let’s take a look at the major benefit of purchasing a national park annual pass. The cost-savings are potentially astronomical, especially if you are planning on visiting many of the parks on the list within the same year. I can tell you that on our recent road trip to Utah and Arizona, we visited four national parks and immediately saw value for money in the annual pass.

arches national park utah

Many of the ‘famous’ national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park are $25 for a vehicle entrance fee. That’s $75 just visiting these three which is feasible given their relatively close proximity to each other. We also added Arches National Park which was another $10 and immediately we had a good return on investment with our purchase.

yosemite national park

You have to figure out exactly how much you intend on using the pass. Do some research on the costs of each of the national parks you plan on visiting. Are you just passing through these national parks in one day? Are you going to stay for a longer period of time? Although many of these national parks are geographically close to each other, the vast area that these landscapes cover make it difficult to see everything you want to.

bryce canyon national park utah

Without a doubt, an America is Beautiful annual pass is a DEFINITE cost-savings if you plan on visiting multiple national parks within a year or purchase. Even if you are not intending on traveling to other parks, after purchasing this pass you will be encouraged to do so. It’s not a bad problem to have, trying to figure out how and when to explore these areas of stunning natural beauty!

2. Ease of Use and Flexibility

All passes can be purchased at the entrance to most national parks. We purchased ours at the Grand Canyon South Rim and it was a really seamless process. You can also find information on the National Park Service website for details about purchasing online or over the phone.

us national park annual pass bryce canyonAfter purchasing the ‘America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass’, visitors will be provided with a membership card, parking decal, and information regarding the annual pass.

One of the key benefits of this pass that is frequently missed is the ability to have two co-signers. This allows two different pass holders access and the co-owners do not have to be related. This flexibility can prove to be really beneficial if you have travelers within your family and perhaps one pass will be sufficient for two families if your timing is right.

yosemite national park annual pass

Each time you use this pass, ensure you have a valid photo ID such as your passport or drivers license because this will be required whenever you attempt to enter a national park. Simply hand over your annual pass with your ID to the park ranger and you should be on your way within a few seconds! Our experiences at the entrances were always excellent with the park rangers being extremely friendly and helpful.

3. Enhance Your Wanderlust

Why not take advantage of the national park annual pass to enhance your wanderlust? We have quickly become experts (or should I say seasoned pros!) in weekend travel, so what better way to spend your next weekend getaway than by exploring a national park that is close to you.

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books. (Sir. John Lubbock)

National parks offer stunning scenery, gateways to breathtaking beauty and potential sightings of your favorite wildlife. All of this plus it’s an awesome way to get outdoors and away from that 8-5 lifestyle in front of a computer. Hiking some of the trails at the Grand Canyon or even taking a scenic drive through the Zion Canyon tunnel is enough to warrant spending $80.

zion national park utah

One thing is for sure…once you have seen some of the natural beauty offered around the national park system, you will want so much more! And with the national park annual pass, you have nothing to lose.

I don’t think Heather or I needed this extra incentive to travel and explore, but with such great value and such a myriad of parks yet to visit, this just adds to our wanderlust! Are you ready to head out and explore the national park system with us?

grand canyon national park

Map of US National Parks

I thought it may be beneficial to provide you with a full listing of the 59 US national parks, so that you can begin plotting your routes to explore all of these (plus it will prove to be a great reference point for us as we continue to reap the benefits of our national park annual pass).

This list is updated as of 2015, so will likely change in the future as more national parks are designated as such. This is a pretty handy guide to carry around with you to ensure you don’t miss any national parks on your travels around the USA.

us national parks by state

Here is also an interactive map of all the US national parks, those highlighted in blue are the national parks we have currently visited!

[show-map id=’5′]

Summary

Let’s summarize by answering the question of the title…Is the $80 US national park annual pass worth it? OF COURSE, IT IS! There is no doubt in my mind that all of the positives far outweigh any drawbacks (I can’t think of any apart from possibly the initial outlay of $80) so you have to purchase this annual pass if you are considering visiting national parks.

Exploring USA would not be the same without taking a trip to see Bryce Canyon or the gorgeous Delicate Arch at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. Whether you are a waterfall aficionado or love to hike the tallest mountains around the nation, ‘America the Beautiful’ is waiting for you, so don’t think twice about purchasing the annual pass that will give you access to all of this and more!

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