There are some places that live up to the hype, and then there are places that completely take your breath away.
For me, the American Southwest falls into that second category.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park, and every single one left me saying, “Pictures just don’t do this place justice.”
do this place justice.”
Our Family’s “Grand Canyon Curse” ❄️
It snowed on us at the Grand Canyon.
In May.
You can see it in the picture above!
Apparently, Mother Nature didn’t get the memo that it was supposed to be spring!
The funniest part? It wasn’t just us. Other members of our family have visited the Grand Canyon at different times of the year and somehow ended up with snow too. At this point, we’re convinced it’s become the family curse! 😂
Even with the unexpected weather, the views were absolutely unforgettable. Watching those layers of red rock disappear into the distance while snowflakes drifted through the air made for a pretty incredible memory.
That trip was the beginning of my love for the American Southwest. Since then, I’ve explored Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, discovered that you don’t have to hike miles to appreciate these incredible landscapes (especially when you’re traveling with a dog like Skippy!), and added Zion National Park to the very top of my travel bucket list.
Exploring with Skippy
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that Skippy has joined us on many of our adventures. Above, he is taking in the scenery at Arches!
Having Skippy with us means we don’t always get to tackle the longer hikes that many people associate with the national parks. Instead, we’ve learned that you don’t have to hike miles into the backcountry to appreciate these incredible places.
Scenic overlooks, short walks, scenic drives, and simply taking time to soak it all in have given us memories we’ll never forget.
It’s a great reminder that these parks can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
One of My Favorite Canyonlands Memories
One of the coolest moments happened while we were visiting Canyonlands National Park.
Some of our friends happened to be there at the exact same time with a Jeep group exploring the canyons below.
From one of the overlooks, we could actually see them driving through the landscape!
We ended up taking photos of their Jeeps from high above! A memory none of us planned but one we’ll always remember. Unfortunately, you don’t typically have phone service in national parks so we couldn’t meet up after but it was still a fun moment!
Sometimes travel has a funny way of creating those unexpected connections.
The Parks Still Calling My Name
Even though I’ve been fortunate to experience several of these incredible parks, I still have unfinished business in southern Utah.
Back in 2020, we had plans to visit Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. We had reservations and I had a dog sitter planned for Skippy.
Like so many travel plans that year, ours never happened.
Zion, especially, has remained near the top of my bucket list. One day I hope to hike The Narrows and experience those towering canyon walls for myself.
Until then, I’ll happily live a little vicariously through the travelers I help send there!
Every time I visit the Southwest, I’m reminded of just how much there is to see. The distances between these parks are bigger than most people realize, and planning a road trip through them can feel overwhelming. That’s one of the reasons I love guided itineraries like this one! They make it possible to experience so many iconic places without having to worry about the logistics.
That’s why this week’s Featured Tour caught my attention. The Cosmos Grand Canyon & Utah’s Mighty Five itinerary brings together many of the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes into one easy-to-enjoy vacation.
Why I Love This Guided Southwest Tour
One of the biggest reasons this itinerary caught my attention is because it combines so many iconic destinations into one easy vacation.
In just nine days you’ll visit:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Monument Valley
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
You’ll also enjoy a guided 4-wheel-drive tour through Monument Valley with a local Navajo guide and travel along Utah’s spectacular Scenic Byway 12, often considered one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
The best part?
You don’t have to figure out where to stay, map out driving routes, or worry about navigating unfamiliar roads. You simply enjoy the scenery while someone else handles the logistics.
For travelers who want to experience the Southwest without the stress of planning a massive road trip, it’s an incredible option.
Is This Trip Right for You?
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Grand Canyon, exploring Utah’s famous red rock landscapes, or checking all five of Utah’s national parks off your bucket list, this itinerary is definitely worth considering.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, with friends, or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, this trip packs some of America’s most spectacular scenery into one incredible journey.
If this Southwest adventure has been on your bucket list, I’d love to help you decide if this guided tour is the right fit for you. Reach out anytime, and let’s start planning your next adventure!
