I remember my senior year of college, talking with my friend Kristen about how cool the National Parks were and our dreams to visit more of them. We probably said, “let’s go together someday!” and so far… it hasn’t happened. The only (nature) National Park that I’ve been fortunate to visit was Mount Rushmore/the Badlands on a homeschool trip growing up. I’ve never even been to RMNP… even though I’ve visited the state of Colorado over 20 times in my life! (Please note, I’m not complaining about this. I’ve been given much privilege in my life and have traveled to 4 of the 7 continents, so I’m well aware that I’m not lacking in travel locations.)

Regardless, it’s been over 5 years since that conversation and about 6 weeks ago, I called my friend Heather proposing a trip! We looked at a variety of options, and decided on Utah for a few reasons:
1. It’s a 6 hour drive from her house to Moab!
2. Utah has been on my list of to-visit Parks the longest
3. Fall is the perfect time to visit the desert!

Just a few fast weeks, and an emergency REI run later, my bags were packed and my email auto-response turned on. I flew to nonstop from Des Moines to Denver, took the train to Lakewood, and the next morning we woke up early to get on the road. UTAH OR BUST!

Travel Day to Moab!

One thing to mention: we swung through King Soopers on our way out of Denver to get hiking snacks. That saved our butts! Most days, breakfast and lunch consisted of applesauce cups, granola bars, beef jerky, or rice cakes (with some goldfish and mixed nuts thrown in). Upon arrival in Moab, Heather and I checked in to our Air Bnb … aka glamping site! I’m a huge fan of glamping now. It’s cheap, comfortable, and better than sleeping in your car or on the ground. We spent the majority of our waking hours hiking in the parks, so I’m not mad that we didn’t have a TV or “amenities” that you’d have at a hotel. (We did, however, wish for a pool!)

A good friend of mine told me “fill both water bottles up any and every chance you get” so we did! I brought two of these babies with us… thanks to my sister for this cute Nalgene. I knew this birthday present 2 years ago would pay off someday!!!

We heard that Delicate Arch is best seen at sunset. Well…. we didn’t read our newspaper fully and instead of the trail, took the “viewpoint” hike. The arch is wayyyyyy far off, but I guess that we probably weren’t ready for the long hike at this point, either. (Spoiler: we got there the next day!)

Coming from the midwest, where things are green and luscious, the desert has lots of new textures & colors to offer these photographer eyes!

After the sun set, we drove back to town and ate dinner at The Spoke on Center… good burgers and great beer! Then, to bed…. for we had plans to get up early. Even in late September the sun rises at 7am and to get dressed and to the park before then is a bit of work. But we made it and the effort was beyond worth the little sleep.

Day Two in Arches National Park!

We took the advice of my friend Jess, and started our first (and only full day) in Arches at the back of the park. That meant we’d start in the Devil’s Garden section and see Landscape Arch first. It was a lot of hiking, early.

…and us midwesterners thought that WE could see far!!!!

We did a lot of hiking on Day Two (12 miles, in fact). It was long and I’ll cut you the losses: spend more time in the Devil’s Garden section and don’t worry about the Broken Arch area. And if you’re young and in shape(ish) you can hike the Delicate Arch trail in 1 hour (not 2 or 3). Eat dinner at Dewey’s… the salad and pasta is good, and the Ginger Mojito is amazing!

Day Three: Arches and Canyonlands

Another early morning, and the sunrises get better, I swear! I don’t want to return to this National Park for a few years but I know that when I do, it’ll be fresh & exciting. The Windows Region was my favorite sunrise and just the perfect morning.

The layers of mountains and rock formation, covered in hazy, dusty air… an artist’s dream come true!

I’d heard that if we could only go to one region of Canyonlands, to head to Needles. Since I didn’t visit any other regions I can’t compare them, but we had a 360 view of a lot of the park, I think! However, the “needles” were soooo far away and it was HOT, so I’m not sure that I loved it. And I do wish we’d been able to see the Mesa Arch in the Island of the Sky area.

Heather and I showered off and dressed up a bit… we decided that our last evening in Utah was to be full of girly fun! I dusted off (literally) my real camera, and photos were taken. This photo (below) happened in a viewpoint area, and the following were taken at our destination of Dead Horse State Park. It’s a $20 entrance fee but SO worth the views. I’m sure it’s similar to the Grand Canyon!

Day 4: Traveling back to the Rocky Mountains!

Saturday morning we slept in and took our time to pack up camp and see more of downtown Moab. We breakfasted in the Red Rock Bakery (SO cute, and tasty!) and then wandered into gift shops and even a thrift store.

Since fall colors happen earlier in Colorado than in Iowa, Heather suggested we glamp one more night. We booked a spot near Aspen, and spent a lovely afternoon wandering trails by clear Colorado streams, drinking Coors Banquet, and soaking up the sun & changing tree views.

And that’s pretty much a wrap!

Let me know if there’s anything specific I can add to assist you on your travel planning! My first adult National Park Adventure was a roaring success, and now that I’ve got a NP Pass… I’m dreaming about future trips. Comment to share which park I should visit next!

PS: This trip happened in 2020, while Covid-19 is/was still happening. We wore our masks gladly when indoors and in town. Thankfully the nature of a hiking trip means that we spent most of our time outdoors and away from others, helping ensure good health to all. 🖤