TRAVEL // UTAH'S NATIONAL PARKS

Utah kinda took my breath away.   It might just be home the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen!

Alex had a three day conference to attend in Salt Lake City so we took a few days off work, flew up early, hired a car and spent four days driving through four of the states parks, hiking in each one.  We've hiked down into the Grand Canyon, we've hiked among the saguaros in Phoenix, we've hiked the hill stations in India and have hiked up Mount Warning in Australia for sunrise, but the trails we hiked in Utah topped all of those.  I practically bounced around the trails, desperate to see what was around the corner.  It was incredible.

 The famous arch in the Arches National Park.  Photo taken by Alex

Dead Horse Point, State Park

Canyonland National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Trail in  Bryce Canyon National Park

Arches National Park

The view of Monument Valley from our cabin.   Photo by Alex

Arches National Park

WHERE WE STAYED

In Moab we rented this apartment through Airbnb.
In Monument Valley we stayed in these beautiful cabins with uninterrupted views of the valley.
In Bryce Cannyon we stayed at the Zion Inn

FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

Milt's Stop n' Eat in Moab for burgers and a shake
El Charro Loco for Mexican food
Eklecticcafe for breakfast in Moab
Love Muffin Cafe for breakfast in Moab


FAVORITE THINGS TO DO

Hike, hike and hike some more!
Bryce Canyon
Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands
Arches National Park

TOP TIPS

1. The scenic drives through the parks are truly breathtaking, but DO get out of your car and hike.  So many people just stopped off at the view points and didn't walk any further so the trails were relatively quiet.
2. If you go in the summer, take a hat and lots of water!
3. If you stay in the cabins at The View hotel, don't eat at the their restaurant - we bought some cheese and antipasti and watched the sun set while we ate on the terrace.
4. Many restaurants close early, so make sure you ring to check their opening times, especially if you're going to be staying late in the parks to watch the sun set!