The USA is a country that hardly needs a long introduction. One of the world's major powers will captivate you from a tourist point of view, especially with the diversity of its nature and beautiful national parks. While the north, including Alaska, is covered by wild taiga and glacial mountains, the center is filled with prairies with bison, the east with deciduous forests, and the southwest with arid deserts with scorpions and rattlesnakes.
In this itinerary, you will head to the American Southwest, typical of the states of Utah and Arizona. During the road trip, you will explore the endless deserts with red rocks and canyons, and visit iconic places such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Long straight roads, rock arches, saguaro cacti, and surprisingly forested mountains around the city of Flagstaff await you. The American Southwest is diverse, unpredictable, but above all, beautiful. The road will also take you to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet within a few steps. Embark on an adventurous journey that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Practical information about the country and traveling in the USA can be found here
!!ATTENTION!! Before you set off, be sure to arrange in time permits for the Angel's Landing trek in Zion National Park (see day 2), entry reservation to Arches National Park (see day 6), and a reservation for an organized tour of Antelope Canyon (see day 6). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility of booking a tour, can be found here and here. The same applies to the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park (see day 7). The reservation window opens 14 days before the planned visit date at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can then explore the city or the surrounding beautiful landscape of the Mojave Desert. In the summer months, however, be careful of the extreme heat - Vegas is located in the middle of the desert.
The places mentioned for today are a suggestion of how to spend not only your arrival day, but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and desire, head into the whirlwind of the city of sin to one of the casinos or bars along the entertainment center on the Las Vegas Strip. During a ride or walk along Las Vegas Boulevard, you will travel the world thanks to hotels inspired by famous metropolises and their monuments, you will find yourself under the Eiffel Tower, walk around the Venetian Canal and Egyptian pyramids. Don't forget the light and music show of the fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel, and then hurry to the casino to try your luck at roulette or blackjack :)
NOTE: All the famous hotels along the Las Vegas Strip have casinos inside, which are free to enter even for non-guests.
Hello, welcome to the USA! Welcome to Nevada, specifically Las Vegas - the "city of sin" surrounded by the Mojave Desert. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, car pick-up - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a long flight, however, depending on your arrival time, it is possible to use this day meaningfully.
After arrival, you will pick up your car and move to your accommodation (depending on your arrival time and check-in), where you can relax and refresh after a long flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a long flight in one of the many American fast food restaurants and tune in to the local food culture.
Here we are! You are now entering the famous center of luxury, gambling, and entertainment in the city of sin - the Las Vegas Strip along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard. At its southern end, you'll find the renowned welcome sign, which appears in almost every movie set in the city of casinos. Thanks to this, the sign is a popular spot for selfies for foreign tourists and Americans alike, who visit the city not only for gambling but also for lively celebrations of significant life events such as birthdays, bachelor parties, and so on.
NOTE: There is free parking in front of the sign. If you want to take a photo at the sign or continue along the Las Vegas Strip on foot to the nearest hotels (e.g., New York and Coca-Cola store), where parking is paid, you can leave your car here and continue on foot along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard and enjoy the crazy atmosphere of luxury and neon lights.
Continue on foot along Las Vegas Boulevard and visit the interiors of some hotels with casinos as you please.
A hotel with a casino in the shape of an Egyptian pyramid. There is a replica of the Sphinx in front of the hotel. The hotel hosts various exhibitions and shows, such as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or Bodies…The Exhibition. Various cabaret and variety performances also take place here.
A casino hotel inspired by the legend of King Arthur and Excalibur. There is a replica of a medieval castle in front of the hotel.
A casino hotel inspired by the American metropolis of New York, with architecture styled after the Manhattan skyline. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and parts of Times Square. The Big Apple Coaster roller coaster runs around the resort, and inside you'll find Hershey's Chocolate World.
The Coca-Cola Store offers a combination of a shop and an entertainment center thematically focused on this iconic American beverage. You can buy souvenirs (t-shirts, bottles, sweatshirts, etc.) with the logo of this legendary brand, taste different variations of the drink, or have a personalized can or bottle created. More here https://www.coca-colastore.com/retail/las-vegas
store opening hours: 09:00 – 23:00
bar opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Go back to the car.
Continue by car to the next free parking lot at the Treasure Island Hotel.
A pirate-themed hotel with a casino. There is a replica of a pirate ship in front of the hotel. The hotel is home to Mystère, a show by the legendary Cirque du Soleil.
Iconic luxury hotel known from many movies. In addition to the interior with a casino, exhibitions (Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art with works by world-renowned artists) and amusement parks (Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with thematically changing exhibitions), be sure to check out the nightly music and light show of the local fountains Fountains of Bellagio.
fountain light show times:
MON - FRI: 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
SAT - SUN: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
A casino hotel inspired by Italy's Rome. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Inside, you'll find the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
A casino hotel inspired by Paris, France. In front of the hotel, there is a replica of the famous Eiffel Tower (with the Eiffel Tower Experience restaurant and observation deck), the Arc de Triomphe, and replicas of the Louvre. At night, you can't miss another of the city's icons - the Paris Balloon.
The hotel with a casino is particularly attractive due to its outdoor Flamingo Wildlife Habitat garden with lakes and free-roaming flamingos and parrots, or the outdoor pool with palm trees.
A casino hotel inspired by Venice, Italy. In and around the hotel, you'll find artificial canals spanned by romantic bridges with gondola rides. The interior features a replica of Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal Shoppes promenade with Venetian-style cafes and shops.
You definitely won't miss the hotel with a casino known as The STRAT. It includes an observation tower, which, in addition to an unforgettable view of the city with shining neon lights contrasting with the dark and quiet desert, also offers attractions led by the adrenaline-pumping X-Scream, where a vehicle with an open roof tilts you 8 meters headfirst from the tower, giving you a feeling of "free fall." You can experience more adrenaline with a free-fall jump on the Skyjump attraction. You can find more about the hotel, including a directory of attractions, here.
observation deck opening hours: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Continue driving towards Downtown.
Park for free at the nearby El Cortez Hotel & Casino, from where it is barely 500 meters to the historic heart of the city and the main artery, Fremont Street. However, don't expect a street with monuments like in Europe. The street lives in the style of all of Vegas - that is, with many neon lights, casinos, entertainment and attractions including Viva Vision with the largest LED screen in the world on the ceiling of the covered passage, live music with DJs or a zipline leading over people's heads.
Right at the beginning of your adventure comes one of the highlights of the entire trip - one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, Zion, will captivate you with its magnificent canyon created by the Virgin River, embraced by enchanting red rock walls. Trails inside the red rocks contrasting with the deep blue sky and wonderful views of the most amazing formations will put a smile on your face. Climb the challenging and adventurous trail full of boulders, steep stairs, and chain-secured rock crevices to the top of the cliff where (at least according to the name) the angels themselves land. From there, you will have the entire canyon at your fingertips, and there will be plenty of poses for a profile picture. Or would you rather take it during an incredible trek through a narrow riverbed surrounded by steep rock walls, where you will find yourself knee-deep in water? In short, there will be no shortage of unforgettable experiences today.
!!ATTENTION!! Climbing to Angel's Landing requires a permit, which must be booked in advance through a lottery. Details on how the permit works can be found here and lottery registration here
NOTE: The itinerary is packed and you probably won't be able to do it all in one day. So choose only some places. I definitely recommend Angel's Landing and The Narrows for the physically fit.
Just before the turnoff to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Zion National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or an annual pass to all national parks and other state-managed areas, called the America the beautiful pass (more in the National Parks chapter in practical information here. You will receive a map from the ranger with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the information center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. During the high season, when shuttle buses are running, personal cars are prohibited from entering the interior of the park.
park information: here
information center opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00
park opening hours: NONSTOP
shuttle bus operating hours: depends on the season, detailed info here
NOTE: Driving your own car on Zion Canyon scenic drive is prohibited when shuttle buses are in operation
For a warm-up and a first taste of the park's beauty, I recommend choosing the short Watchman Trail loop, which starts at the visitor center and takes you around a rock face with beautiful views of Zion Canyon with the Watchman Peak and Towers of the Virgin formations. The best view is from Watchman Overlook. Route here.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Visitor Center → Zion Lodge
TIP: Consider getting off one stop earlier (Court of the Patriarchs) and hike the short and easy trail to a viewpoint from which you can see the local icons The Patriarchs, or the three rock massifs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Cross the footbridge over the river and continue along the Lower Emerald pool trail.
Continue on the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Lower Emerald Trail at the pond, to the beginning of the Angel's Landing Trail.
The greatest adventure and challenge begins here – at the start of the demanding but wonderful Angel's Landing trail. During this iconic trail through rock formations, you climb steep rocks on narrow paths, boulders, and steps, often secured by chains. At first, the trail looks inconspicuous and easy – the West Rim Trail gradually climbs through the canyon. In the Walter's Wiggles section, however, more than two dozen sharp and steep switchbacks await you, leading to a rest area with a toilet near the Scout Lookout. You need a permit for the next section, which is why many people turn back from here or continue on another trail. But here begins the greatest challenge and unforgettable adventure of conquering the top of the cliff.
!!ATTENTION!! I do not recommend the trek to people with dizziness and balance problems and untrained individuals. Also, remember to bring enough water and sturdy shoes.
This place is a real blast. After a challenging climb (sometimes scrambling), you will be duly rewarded with a magnificent view of the canyon and the park's iconic monolith opposite - The Great White Throne. This place simply has a magical atmosphere and will be one of the main experiences of this road trip that you will never forget. Your hunt for selfies and profile pictures can begin :)
You return down the same path. Be especially careful during the initial descent to Scout Lookout. Your legs are tired, and the descent over the boulders is often more difficult than the ascent itself.
Shuttle bus stop
shuttle bus:
line - green Zion canyon line
route - The Grotto → Temple of Sinawava
TIP: Consider getting off at other stops:
Weeping rock - Weeping Rock Trail leading along a shady path to a rock with water running down it
Big bend - stands right at the viewpoint of the river bend, a great place to take a photo of the canyon
First, you need to take the Riverside Walk trail, which runs along the riverbank for about 1.5 km, to reach the beginning of The Narrows.
Another unforgettable experience is offered by a unique trek leading directly through the riverbed in a gorge hidden among steep red rocks. The Narrows trail is actually very long (see map) and crossing it requires a full day (plus downstream). For a day visit, it is best to start at the shuttle bus terminus and follow the Riverside Walk trail leading approx. 1.5 km along the riverbank to the beginning of The Narrows, from where you continue upstream. You can go wherever you want (usually depending on the water level and your equipment and time - watch out for the departure of the last shuttle bus), usually people try to get to the first bend with a waterfall (here) to the vertical walls of "Wall street".
!!CAUTION!! The trail is passable only when the river level is low. The ideal time is summer with a lower riverbed. Waterproof shoes are a must - in some places you really can't avoid wading through water. If you don't feel like it, it's worth going at least to the beginning of The Narrows
Return along the Riverside Walk.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Temple of Sinawava → visitor center
Then continue with your car.
You will end your stay in the magnificent Zion with a short scenic trail, at the end of which is a viewpoint that offers an epic view of the main canyon. A beautiful place to say goodbye to this breathtaking natural work.
Another day in Utah offers magical nature, and for many of you, this stop will be the most beautiful experience of your road trip. The iconic Bryce Canyon offers fairytale views into a canyon covered with a "forest" of red rock spires, which create a magical play of colors with the setting sun. Descend into the canyon and walk around these "hoodoos" on dusty trails, during which you will crawl through narrow gaps and under rock gates. The rock cities of Bryce Canyon will simply enchant you with their beauty.
Right next to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Bryce Canyon National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or show your America the Beautiful Pass. You will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses from the ranger.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on the free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. It will take you to the most interesting places.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: according to the season, details here
Park opening hours: NONSTOP
Shuttle bus operating hours: from April to October, detailed info here
NOTE: you can also get around the park in your own car, but I recommend using the shuttle bus
shuttle bus:
linka - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point viewpoint
vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
route - Visitor center → Bryce point
Bryce Point shuttle bus stop
One of the best viewpoints in the national park offers a magnificent view of the Bryce Amphitheater area - the main part of the canyon formed by orange-colored and erosion-shaped rock formations, called hoodoos. From here, you have the entire canyon at your fingertips and you will have an incredible view of the bizarre formations as far as the eye can see.
From Bryce Point, descend into the canyon via the Peekaboo Loop Connector trail, which connects to the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
During this challenging trek on the canyon floor, you'll traverse dusty orange trails past hoodoos, duck under rock arches, and wander through forested groves. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the local hoodoos, headlined by the iconic Wall of Windows rock formation. The entire route from the Bryce Point lookout and back is here
You will return to Bryce Point via the loop trail.
Continue on foot along the Rim Trail, which follows the edge of the cliffs and offers views of the rock city. The route is indicated at the next location.
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Bryce Point → Inspiration Point
The route along the Rim Trail to Inspiration Point is here. Then you'll reach another beautiful viewpoint from which you'll have the Bryce Amphitheater area in the palm of your hand. Looking at the dramatic red rocks, you may draw inspiration, as the name suggests.
One of the most iconic circular routes is accessible to almost everyone. During a short route without significant elevation gain, you will have time to explore practically the most interesting things the canyon offers - you will crawl under rock gates, crawl through narrow rock crevices, and walk around many beautiful hoodoos. There will be no shortage of beautiful views.
Continue on foot along the edge of the cliff on the Rim Trail. The route is here
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Inspiration point → Sunset point
Another popular viewpoint makes sense to visit not only during sunset, as the name suggests. The view into the red canyon full of hoodoos is breathtaking at any time of day.
Shuttle bus:
Line A - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point overlook
Vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
Route - Sunset Point → Visitor Center
Then continue by car.
Take a trip deeper into the park to see the magnificent Natural Bridge.
A pleasant end to exploring this beautiful park is a short, easy walk along the Mossy Cave Trail. At its end, you will find more of a rock overhang than a cave (as the name would suggest), and also a small waterfall, Tropic Ditch Falls. Can you find a rock resembling a dragon?
Your journey through the so-called Mighty Five, Utah's five natural gems and national parks, continues with a visit to Capitol Reef, where you'll find a landscape of rugged cliffs, canyons, and rock domes connected by natural bridges and arches. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned car along the scenic road through this wild landscape straight out of a Wild West western. At one of the many well-marked stops, get out and enjoy the views or a short trek into the heart of the rocks.
On the way to Capitol Reef National Park, don't forget to look around and stop occasionally. You will be passing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - a landscape of canyons, cliffs, and rock terraces.
Before you reach the heart of Capitol Reef National Park with its visitor center, you'll pass a few nice and easily accessible viewpoints along the road. It would be a shame not to stop at least at some of them and enjoy the beautiful views of the local rock formations without expending energy climbing hills. One such viewpoint is Panorama Point, from which you can see Waterpocket Fold – the main fault line stretching 160 km across the landscape, along which this rugged park is created. A very short path leads to it.
A gravel road, passable in dry conditions, leads to other viewpoints.
Another beautiful and easily accessible viewpoint offers views straight down from the edge of the cliff onto the beautifully formed meanders of the nearby river, which resemble goose necks. The panorama of red rocks contrasting with the green oasis along the river completes the picture.
Not far from "Goosenecks Overlook" is another viewpoint, this time on the other side, overlooking the Fruita area and Waterpocket Fold.
This time, the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park is not guarded by a gate with rangers, but that doesn't mean the entrance is free. You pay by dropping the amount into a box. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you don't have to worry about anything.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive leading into the heart of the park. From the visitor center, you have one of the symbols of the park, the rock massif The Castle, in the palm of your hand. You also have Fruita Orchards within walking distance, with fruit orchards with self-picking fruit, which in the surroundings of the arid landscape and red rocks acts like a green oasis.
Park Information: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: according to the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Moving around the park: no shuttle bus runs here, you move around in your own car
Continue along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, which has several stops with views of interesting rock formations. Everything is clearly marked on the paper map (available at the information center) and on the map in the NPS app. Interesting stops are also marked directly on the road and numbered.
One of the most interesting, but also most challenging treks will take you to a massive rock arch hidden inside the rocks. According to local legends, the famous gunman and robber Butch Cassidy hid in this hidden and impenetrable terrain. The route from the parking lot (road passable for passenger cars) is here
!!ATTENTION!! To complete this approximately 5 km long trek (both ways), you need a certain level of physical fitness (steep climb) and, above all, good shoes and a supply of water
Continue along Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and enjoy further stops for scenic views.
Capitol Gorge trail - if you don't feel like trekking to Cassidy Arch, don't worry. This equally beautiful walk through the heart of massive rocks is very accessible and easy, and will be appreciated by even the smallest or oldest fans of geology. Along the way, you will pass through the narrow walls of the Capitol Gorge canyon, encounter several rock arches and natural tunnels, the Water Tanks pools (possibly dry during the summer), and also the Pioneer Register – inscriptions of native settlers.
You can view petroglyphs along the way. They are carved into the rocks near the road. The location is indicated at the next location.
You can find the rock petroglyphs here. At the end of your visit to this park, be sure to check out this easy trail leading through a rocky desert landscape with multicolored geological formations, including black lava stones scattered around. The path leads you to the monumental rock arch Hickman Bridge. The route here
Your next journey through beautiful Utah will take you to the land of canyons, literally. The vast Canyonlands National Park hides an almost unbelievable number of sharp canyons that descend steeply below the surrounding terrain, and the view from one of the many overlooks gives you the feeling that you have just reached the very end of the world. The surrounding desert landscape with rock formations of all possible shapes only enhances the grandeur of this amazing natural creation. While exploring the remote corners of the park, be careful not to end up like the hero of the movie 127 Hours, based on a true event that happened in this park (albeit in a more remote area).
The gateway to the Cynonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area, is located just before the visitor center. You can purchase a one-time entry at the kiosk or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here, you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature, and plan your visit, with the help of helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the scenic Grand View Point Road leading into the heart of the park.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, details here
Park opening hours: 24/7
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you travel in your own car
The first of many viewpoints is located near the information center and is one of the most beautiful and accessible. In addition to the iconic view of the canyons with their typically layered rocks, you will also see the famous winding dirt road, Shafer Trail Road, but you need a permit and a 4x4 vehicle to descend it. This itinerary does not include driving on this scenic but very challenging road.
If you're a fan of long hikes and feel up to a proper trek through the canyon (considering the season and potential summer heat), head out on the Neck Spring Trail loop. It's long, but thanks to the gentle elevation gain, it's not an overly difficult trek. Along the way, you'll see periodic springs that were used by local ranches, the remnants of which you'll encounter, as you traverse the rocky platforms in the sandy canyon. Some sections run along the edge of the canyon and promise stunning views. Personally, however, I would recommend not wasting time and energy on such a long trek and instead undertaking several smaller treks in different parts of the park (see below). Route here.
Undoubtedly the most visited and photographed spot in the entire park is this rock arch standing on the edge of a cliff, which frames the view into the deep, rugged canyon like a picture frame. You can spend long minutes here admiring the natural creations. The place has its charm especially at sunrise, which you probably won't catch considering the length of the journey to the park.
Compared to the crowded Mesa Arch, this viewpoint is especially pleasant because it is away from the crowds (probably due to the relatively long distance from the parking lot). You will enjoy the view of the canyon, which looks like craters in the ground, all the more. The path is easy and leads along the plateau.
Along the way, you can stop at another viewpoint - Buck Canyon Overlook.
Another of the fabulous and very easily accessible viewpoints offers a beautiful view of the canyon, which is definitely worth a short, comfortable walk from the parking lot on the plateau to the edge of the cliff.
And for a change, another viewpoint :) again offers incredible panoramic views into the heart of the canyon. At the tip of the cliff, you might feel like you're standing at the edge of the world.
On this route, you'll climb to the solitary rock summit of Aztec Butte. The short but rather steep path to the top rewards you with a combination of beautiful panoramic views and an archaeological interlude thanks to the nearby ruins of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Fans of pareidolia will surely notice this rock massif resembling a whale emerging from the ocean. You can reach it by following this trail. You can also climb on it, and it's not a particularly challenging trek. While there's no breathtaking view at the top, it's still an interesting stop.
Finally, the park's main mystery – a rock massif with a huge crater, approximately 1.5 km wide, the origin of which is disputed. The main theories of its formation include a meteorite impact and volcanic activity. In any case, it is a dominant formation that offers views of the surrounding area, as well as into the interior of the crater (in the case of climbing to the second viewpoint).
You can choose from two viewpoints, the first of which is very easy to climb, the second a little more difficult, but still accessible. The route to the second viewpoint is here.
A wonderful culmination to exploring picturesque Utah, the land of red rocks, will be a visit to the last of the Mighty Five - Arches National Park. It hides thousands of rock arches, solitary stone towers and other formations. Head to the fairytale landscape of red rocks and take short, easy trails along the most diverse geological wonders, shaped like various animals or objects. Walk along the smooth rock slab to the symbol of the park and the entire Utah, which you probably know from the license plate of your rental car - the local giant Delicate Arch adorns cars in Utah for its majesty. The red landscape flooded with the rays of the setting sun will simply captivate you.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to its easy accessibility, short and easy trails to amazing rock formations, the park is very popular. For this reason, it is necessary to reserve entry to the park in advance in a specific time window. Details on how to enter can be found here and online booking here
Just before the visitor center, there is the entrance gate to Arches National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car on the Main Park Road scenic drive leading into the heart of the park.
Park Information: here
Entry Reservations: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Depending on the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Getting Around the Park: There is no shuttle bus here; you travel in your own car
For a warm-up, you can take this short and easy trail, which will take you between the rock towers of Park Avenue on the right and Courthouse Towers on the left. You will feel like you are in a "natural New York" (the name Park Avenue refers to a New York street with skyscrapers). You can walk to the next point in the itinerary - the Courthouse Towers viewpoint, or return earlier and continue by car.
On the way, you can stop at the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (on the right)
The viewpoint of the rock towers resembling skyscrapers or courthouses (hence the name "courthouse") is located at the end of the Park Avenue Trail, and you could walk to it from the previous location or drive. In addition to the Courthouse Towers, you will also see the trio of smaller towers, the Three Gossips, and the striking Sheep Rock (on the left side of the road) or the rock towers The Organ and the Tower of Babel (on the right side of the road).
Continuing on, you will pass along the mighty rock wall The Great Wall (on the left) with a small rock arch, Little Gothic Arch. Just before the turnoff onto Windows Road, leading to an area rich in rock arches and other formations, you will pass the Petrified Dunes on the right.
The iconic rock formation has the shape of a large boulder hanging on a narrow pedestal, giving the impression that it will collapse at any moment, which will probably happen over time due to ongoing erosion. In the meantime, however, you can admire it while walking along the short paved path.
You have just arrived in the Window Section area, which is one of the most popular stops in the park due to its high concentration and easy accessibility of rock arches, windows, and towers. From the parking lot, take two short trails in sequence (see sub-locations).
One of the most iconic spots in the park is this double rock arch rising from a single rock formation. It is among the most massive and tallest in the entire park, and its easy accessibility makes it the most visited. Take a short walk surrounded by rocks and gaze at this natural beauty with Elephant Butte rock in the background. You can easily get lost here as well.
Equally beautiful and comfortable is the circuit on the other side of the parking lot, leading gradually around two rock windows (North and South) and then to an arch resembling a castle tower (Turret).
TIP: From the place between North and South Window, you can see the Turret Arch "framed" by a larger arch.
On the way back to the main road, you can still enjoy (or even make a short stop and explore more deeply) the area of high rock towers called Garden of Eden, including "Owl Rock".
A smaller rock arch is hidden between the rock walls, and a comfortable path leads to it through soft sand. It's worth a short stop. Depending on time and interest, you can continue along the Broken Arch Trail to the arch of the same name. Location here.
One of the most beautiful, but also the longest trails, will take you through the Devil's Garden area with many significant rock formations, with at least the Delicate Arch being one of the most beautiful in the entire park. In addition to it, you will see many other formations, all of which are listed as sub-locations. The entire route through all locations THERE and BACK is here.
NOTE: In the Primitive Loop section, you will encounter a steeper climb over rocky terrain, otherwise the trek is not extra difficult and can be managed by an average fit individual.
TIP: The route can be further extended to the Double O Arch and the Dark Angel rock spire (route here), but a visit to the main symbol of the park - the Delicate Arch - is also planned, and that's already a lot for one day (in terms of time and difficulty).
A smaller, but very photogenic arch, or rather a rock window, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.
Another of the smaller rock gates is named after the surrounding pine forests, whose green color beautifully contrasts with the red rock subsoil and the blue sky.
One of the longest natural arches in the world, and along with Delicate Arch and Double Arch, the main "star" of the park. Compared to its "colleagues," it is noticeably thin in relation to its length, making it seem very fragile.
Small but massive arch looks more like a cave entrance, providing valuable shade.
Small, but again very picturesque, the arch forms a "partition" between the rock massifs (Partition = partition).
An iconic symbol of Utah, which even made it onto Utah license plates, looks quite inconspicuous from a distance. Only when you get closer, its majesty becomes apparent compared to a person, even though it's not the largest arch in the park. Its hidden location and isolation from the surrounding rocks are particularly amazing. You can reach it via a relatively easy trail leading first through dusty and rocky terrain and later up a steep climb over smooth rocks.
!!WARNING!! The access path is slippery and dangerous after rain
TIP: Plan your visit for sunset to enhance the experience. The colors are more vibrant then.
TIP: On the way, stop at the old Wolfe Ranch and take a short detour to the petroglyphs
Today, you'll spend the day in Colorado, specifically exploring the main archaeological site that holds many rock dwellings carved by the original Pueblo tribes. In the mountainous terrain of this national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde, you'll experience a true road trip along the steep and winding roads with many overlooks of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. However, the highlight of the day will come at the very end of these roads in the most remote parts of the park. There, old clay dwellings carved into the rocks, often above the surrounding terrain, await you, and exploring them will guarantee you a breathtaking glimpse into the history of Native American cultures and their way of life. Some dwellings are accessed by steep paths, stairs, and often ladders, so there will be no shortage of adventure.
!!ATTENTION!! Most cliff dwellings (with the exception of Long House) are accessible only with a guide after prior time reservation. The reservation window always opens 14 days before the planned date of visit at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Welcome to Mesa Verde - a UNESCO World Heritage National Park and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, hiding hundreds of cliff dwellings and thousands of various remains of Ancestral Puebloan ancestors. As always, it's a good idea to start exploring the park at the local visitor center, where, in addition to an exhibition mapping the life of the Pueblo tribes, you can plan your trip with the help of local rangers. More detailed information about the national park can be found here.
From the visitor center, take the main mountain winding road leading across the park, offering many opportunities to stop at some of the viewpoints of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. A short distance behind the visitor center is a toll gate where you can purchase admission or show your pass.
visitor center opening hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
First, head to the remote Wetherill Mesa area, which you can reach via the less frequented Wetherill Mesa Road, which branches off the main road in the Far View Terrace area. Park your car here near the trail to Step House.
Wetherill Mesa is a quiet, car-free walking area where visitors move between archaeological sites on foot or by seasonal shuttle bus. The program needs to be planned with regard to distances and reserved times for guided tours.
Wetherill Mesa area opening hours:
5/23 - 9/29: 8:30 AM (entry possible until 2:00 PM) - 4:00 PM (gate closes), closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Right next to the parking lot with a rest area in Wetherill Mesa, a short but steep trail begins, which leads to the Step House dwelling. It is a smaller cliff dwelling showing the development of the Mesa Verde's original inhabitants settlement. The advantage is that it is the only significant cliff dwelling here that you can explore on your own without a guide and without having to deal with any reservations.
Entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
Depending on the season and time, you continue by shuttle bus or on foot with a ranger along the Long House Loop Trail (location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1108568626&ds=1&x=-108.5330383&y=37.1853184&z=14)
The second largest rock dwelling in the entire Mesa Verde area is accessible only with a ranger with prior reservation. Long House dwelling, as well as other monuments along the Long House Loop Trail, must be reached on foot or by shuttle bus, as private cars are prohibited in the area. The tour starts at the rest area with a kiosk, where the ranger will pick you up at your reserved tour time. Exploring the site is moderately challenging and also includes walking on staircases and climbing a ladder.
entrance: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, walking sticks or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Return to the car by shuttle bus or on foot.
Return on Wetherill Mesa Road to the Far View Terrace area and rejoin the main road.
Far View is a historical area and scenic part of Mesa Verde located on the summit plateau. Unlike previous areas, the dwellings here are not carved into the rocks, but at ground level. The area served as an administrative and residential center for Ancestral Puebloans and today offers open archaeological sites and wide views. Take a short circular walk along the Far View Trail and explore the remains of the villages, Far View House, Far View Reservoir, Pipe Shrine and other monuments. Thanks to its location on the very top of the plateau (here called "mesas"), you will have panoramic views from here.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the very end of the main road through the park lies the Spruce Tree area, which offers the highest concentration of monuments, led by the main "stars" of the national park – Cliff House and Balcony House. You can drive through the area on two separate circular routes or set off on one of the hiking trails.
The starting point is the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, which is the main visitor center of the park. It is here that the exhibition will best help you understand the context of the rock dwellings and the culture of the Pueblo tribes. A large part of the exhibition is devoted to the nearby Spruce Tree House, which stands below the museum and can be observed from the museum. At the time of writing this itinerary, the dwelling is closed, and the museum replaces its direct visit.
opening hours: 1/3 - 4/5 and 20/10 - 13/12: 10:00 - 15:00, 5/5 - 19/10: 8:30 - 16:30
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
A short path leads to the mentioned rock dwelling standing near the museum, starting from the museum and the adjacent parking lot. At the time of writing the itinerary, however, the dwelling is permanently closed due to unstable rocks, and a visit is not possible. The dwelling can at least be observed from the museum.
On the other hand, you can take the path leading from the museum along the rocks covered with petroglyphs - wall carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Indians. You can distinguish individual animals, human figures and various objects. The route is here,
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Depending on the reservation times for the cliff dwelling tours, embark on two circular routes one after the other. Timing is key on the Cliff Palace Loop road, along which are two main dwellings accessible only with a guide at specific times.
One of the highlights of visiting the national park is this largest cliff dwelling not only in the park and the state of Colorado, but in all of North America. After a short but relatively challenging trail including stairs and ladders, under the supervision of a ranger, you will reach a fascinating complex of more than 150 rooms with dozens of circular structures lying on the surface or partially buried in the ground, the so-called kivas, which served the Indians as centers of social and spiritual life and ceremonial places.
admission: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Continue along the Cliff Palace Loop and stop along the way at some of the sights or views into the surrounding valleys and canyons that hide other rock dwellings. For example, the view of Cliff Canyon is worth a short stop (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383128&ds=1&x=-108.4700473&y=37.1603927&z=16)
and especially the view of the House of Many Windows (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383744&x=-108.4693319&y=37.1603982&z=17).
You can also observe the distant Hemenway House from the viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153295107&x=-108.4652120&y=37.1566787&z=16
For adventurers and climbing enthusiasts, the most intense experience in the entire park is undoubtedly offered, with ladders, narrow passages, and climbing, which brings visitors closer to how challenging the daily life of indigenous tribes was. This stop is not suitable for the faint of heart or people with a fear of heights. From the dwellings, there is a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape, and thanks to crawling through narrow openings, you get into the interior of the dwelling, which ensures a truly authentic experience in harmony with the daily life of the Pueblo tribes.
Entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with limited mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for spatial and safety reasons
Before completing the Cliff Palace Loop, take a short walk along the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (here) to the edge of the cliff and enjoy the beautiful views of Soda Canyon and the Balcony House dwelling.
Entry: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Complete the Cliff Palace Loop and connect to another scenic road, this time the Mesa Top Loop, along which you will find many sights and views of the surrounding area. Pithouses, Little Long House, or Navajo Canyon Overlook are worth a stop.
Visiting the Square Tower House, with its iconic multi-story tower, is only possible through a challenging ranger-led backcountry tour with steep climbs and climbing sections, in limited capacity and with a significant extra charge. Therefore, the visit is only suitable for true enthusiasts and physically fit individuals, while skipping another tour from the itinerary (it is impossible to do everything in one day due to necessary reservations, transfers, and tour times). Most visitors are content with the easily accessible Square Tower House Overlook (here).
entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Explore other kivas and dwelling ruins along the way.
Entry: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Sun Point View is an easily accessible viewpoint on Mesa Top Loop Road, offering panoramic views of ancient canyon rock dwellings, including Cliff Palace, Sunset House, Mummy House, and Oak Tree House.
Entrance: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
On the way, you can stop at the Fire Temple Overlook viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153294926&ds=1&x=-108.4763535&y=37.1649458&z=17
A short, easy trail leads you to the ruins of a palace that served the native Pueblo people as a ceremonial structure.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the beginning of the trail to the Sun Temple is a beautiful view of the park's icon - Cliff Palace. A beautiful end to the park visit.
Another wonderful day and one of the highlights of your trip is a journey along the northeastern edge of Arizona, mostly through the Navajo Nation reservation. First, you will travel to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet, allowing you to travel through four states in just a few steps. America is simply a land of unlimited possibilities. Later, you will experience an unforgettable road trip along one of the symbols of the state made famous by the movie Forrest Gump. Yes, we are of course talking about the iconic Monument Valley.
An interesting stop is this unique place in the USA where the borders of four states meet – specifically Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Thanks to their straight-line borders, you can visit four different states in just a few steps and seconds. Besides "traveling" through different states, you can also see a monument with state seals and purchase some of the traditional Navajo products around the parking lot. The monument is located on the territory of the Navajo Native American tribe, outside the state administration, and you pay a special entrance fee here. More information can be found here
opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:45 PM (summer), 5:45 PM (spring and autumn), 4:45 PM (winter, i.e., from October to the end of March)
This iconic landscape of solitary sandstone formations (so-called buttes) rising from the vast desert offers another unforgettable experience. Monument Valley has become one of the symbols of the USA, and its beauty and atmosphere have appeared in many westerns and Hollywood films. You may know the legendary scene from the movie Forrest Gump, when the main character, after a long run across the country, suddenly stops, turns around, and runs back. Behind him are the rock towers of Monument Valley. Like the Four Corners Monument, Monument Valley lies on Navajo Nation land and is not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful Pass does not apply here. More information can be found here.
At the visitor center, which is also a museum of the indigenous population, you can get the necessary information and find a lookout. For an optimal exploration of the area, I definitely recommend driving the approximately 27-kilometer-long circular route 17 Mile Scenic Drive leading along a dirt road (however, the author of the itinerary drove it in a regular car without any damage) between the main rock formations. You can stop and admire this beautiful landscape along the way.
You can observe these formations along the way: East and West Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte and Mitchell Mesa, Elephant Butte, The Three Sisters, Camel Butte, The Hub, Rain God Mesa, Bird Spring overlook, Totem Pole, Yei Bichei, Artists Point overlook, Spearhead Mesa, North Window, Thumb
Scenic drive opening hours: summer: 7:00 – 19:00 (last entry 16:30), winter: 8:00 - 17:00 (last entry 14:30)
Today, you'll start with a fantastic and slightly adrenaline-pumping, but definitely unforgettable experience, as you and a Navajo guide explore the amazing work of nature - the slot Antelope Canyon. Later, you will move west of the town of Page and begin exploring the Colorado River and its magnificent creations. You'll start at the Glen Canyon Dam, which dammed the river to create the artificial Lake Powell, which you can explore by boat. From there, you will continue to another natural beauty - the horseshoe bend of the Colorado River, where you can take a beautiful selfie. Later, you will drive to the main attraction of the Colorado River and one of the symbols of America – the magnificent Grand Canyon. Today you will head to its eastern part, where the canyon welcomes you with a view from the watchtower. Deeper in the park, a trail leading towards the bottom of the canyon will test your fitness. During the challenging journey, you will be rewarded with stunning views, such as from the stylishly named Ooh Aah point lookout. Then, you will say goodbye to the national park with a view from the watchtower and continue to another natural beauty. You really have a lot to do today and I recommend getting up early.
!!ATTENTION!! Antelope Canyon is a very popular attraction with limited access. Be sure to book your tour well in advance (ideally months). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility to book a tour, can be found here or here
Here you park your car and head to the kiosk offering organized tours of Antelope Canyon, or to the agreed meeting point if you have a reservation. Here you will be picked up by guides who will lead you to the canyon or take you in off-road vehicles. The canyon cannot be explored on your own.
You will continue with the off-road vehicle guides to the canyon.
This place is a real beauty! An incredibly photogenic slot canyon hidden in the desert is concealed by high, undulating walls of red sandstone smoothed by erosion. Walks through the narrow slots wedged between the rocks offer not only welcome shade, but also a magical spectacle in combination with the rays of the sun falling through the slots. The best time to observe the rays is between 11:00–13:30. The canyon lies on the territory of the Navajo Indian tribe and is therefore not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful annual pass does not apply here.
Course of the visit valid for both canyons:
entrance - is only possible with a guide from the local Navajo tribe, various options are available from several agencies
ticket - it is necessary to book in advance (in high season weeks to months in advance) for a specific day and time
tour organization - at the agreed time (usually approx. 30 minutes before the reserved start of the tour) you arrive at the agreed place (you will receive the information after purchase), where you will meet a guide who will take you in a small group (Lower canyon) or transport you (Upper canyon) to the canyon, which he will guide you through. You walk through the canyon in one direction and do not return. Then he will lead/take you back to the parking lot
tour length - the tour itself approx. 45 - 70 min, including organization and transport approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
1) Lower canyon (The Corkscrew):
location - north side of the road near the parking lot, here
difficulty - technically more demanding due to poorer accessibility with the need to climb ladders, more for fitter people
visit time - the visit itself is longer, but the whole process (including transport) only takes about 1 - 1.5 hours
price - cheaper, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 80 - 100 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
2) Upper canyon (The Crack):
location - south side of the road relatively far from the parking lot, location here
difficulty - easy visit thanks to better accessibility without elevation, everyone can handle it
visit time - the visit itself is shorter, but the whole process (transport, tour) takes longer (1.5 - 2 hours)
price - more expensive, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 120 - 160 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
Information about canyon tours including the possibility of booking a tour can be found here or here.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the location of the canyon near perpendicular rocks that do not absorb water, this place is dangerous during rain, when it quickly fills with water and there is a risk of flash floods. For this reason, the place is often closed. Unfortunately, the author of the itinerary has just such an experience and therefore did not get into the canyon.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the confined spaces, backpacks, large bags, camera tripods and other significantly protruding objects are restricted during the visit
You will return to the parking lot with the guide.
Then continue by car.
The concrete dam on the river forms the Lake Powell reservoir and is used for electricity production, water supply and river flow regulation. The complex includes a visitor center with an exhibition about the construction of the dam and the ecology of the river. The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the dam and the surrounding landscape. You can visit the visitor center with the observation deck for free, as well as walk across the bridge with a view of the dam separating Lake Powell on one side and the Colorado River on the other. You only pay for a guided tour inside the dam. More here
Opening hours Carl Hayden Visitor Center: 8:00 - 17:00 (18:00 in the summer months)
Alternative program (if you have time or skip the dam): visit Lake Powell including the possibility of renting a boat, or other interesting places within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Entry to the area is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. For more information and planning activities in this area, visit the NPS website here
What a river can do when given enough time and space can be seen mainly in the Grand Canyon. However, another amazing example of the power of a watercourse is this bend in the river (the so-called meander) in the shape of a horseshoe, which the Colorado River created while searching for the most suitable path through the soft subsoil. The view of this picturesque work of nature has become a star of social networks thanks to the number of selfies with the meander in the background that tourists hunt here. Because of this, a viewing platform has grown on the originally rather natural rocky viewpoints, which can be reached by a short sandy path from the paid parking lot. You will find it near the town of Page and, together with the Glen Caynon dam, it is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. More information about this place can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! You do not pay any fee for entering the viewpoint itself (it is a public area), however, the parking lot belongs to the city and a parking fee must be paid. You pay directly at the entrance in cash or by card
Entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you will stop at the kiosk to purchase entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. From the ranger you will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
The first stop in Grand Canyon National Park is at this popular observation tower. From the stone tower dominating the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon, the interior of which is decorated with paintings inspired by the culture of the original Native American inhabitants, you can enjoy the first beautiful views of the canyon.
There will be time for a tour of the visitor center tomorrow; today, just leave your car parked here and take the shuttle bus to explore the eastern part of the canyon.
Information about shuttle buses, including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → South Kaibab Trailhead - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
If you have the time and energy, take the dusty path down towards the canyon floor. Making it all the way to the bottom and back in one day is unrealistic, but I recommend (if you can) trying to reach the edge of the cliff at Skeleton Point (route here), which offers a phenomenal view down to the river. But before that, stop at the Ooh Aah Point viewpoint (here). The origin of its name probably doesn't need explaining :) This viewpoint is located near a bus stop, so it will probably be a bit crowded. There are no crowds at the much lower Skeleton Point.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in the summer heat, consider your options and don't forget to bring enough water and, ideally, a salty snack to replenish the electrolytes washed out by sweat.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: South Kaibab trailhead → Yaki point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
One of the many beautiful viewpoints on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River, and thanks to its relative remoteness, it is one of the quieter ones.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yaki Point → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
Replace the shuttle bus with a car and proceed to the hotel
One of the highlights of your trip is a visit to the famous Grand Canyon - an amazing work of the Colorado River, which, after many years of cutting its way through the soft rocks of the Colorado Plateau, created this amazing work of incredible length of over 400 kilometers and a depth attacking 2,000 meters. It is no coincidence that this canyon is one of the main symbols of the entire USA and one of the most visited national parks in the world. Stroll along the paved paths around the canyon to platforms hanging over its edges and enjoy divine views of the colorful layers of rock in its vertical walls. Try to find the Colorado River somewhere down at the bottom, which created all this. It won't be easy - the river looks like a drying stream from that enormous height and distance. However, you can get closer on one of the trails leading down into the canyon. However, the journey to the very bottom to the river and back is impossible in one day and is very dangerous in the summer heat due to the extreme climb back. For this option, it is necessary to spend the night down in the canyon at one of the camping sites. This itinerary does not include this, but you will definitely enjoy the canyon anyway.
The gateway to Grand Canyon National Park. Here you'll stop at the kiosk to purchase your entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. The ranger will give you a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use local rangers. Above all, however, I recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
winter season (7/12 - 18/4): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 18:00
Park information - see web NPS
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
The first of many spectacular canyon views is offered by this viewing platform located near the visitor center parking lot. This is where you should start your walk along the edge of the canyon.
Continue along the Rim trail, which follows a paved path on level ground along the edge of the canyon.
Another of the many viewpoints offers a panorama of the central part of the Grand Canyon. In the adjacent museum, you can learn about geology.
In the museum, you will find exhibits about the local geology and the history of the canyon, including its formation.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yavapai Geology Museum → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here, transfer to Blue Route
Blue route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → Train Depot - details here
NOTE: Instead of the shuttle bus, you can of course continue along the Rim Trail, which runs along the entire length of the canyon rim, however, this section is less exciting, so it is reasonable to save time and energy for the more challenging Bright Angel hike.
The old train station and railway in Grand Canyon Village recall the era when people traveled to the canyon by train.
Adventurous individuals in good shape can try tackling part of the trail leading down to the bottom of the canyon. However, you definitely won't make the whole thing in one day. If you are in good shape and not here in the height of summer, when temperatures at the bottom of the canyon exceed forty degrees, you can try to reach the viewpoint from the platform (here). However, it is an extremely challenging trail with an elevation gain of more than 1000 meters. I recommend rather reaching this landmark on the cliff and then returning.
Shuttle bus: Blue route: Bright Angel → Hermit´s rest - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Hermits Rest offers a quieter, less touristy atmosphere, combining historic architecture with sweeping panoramas of the western Grand Canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Hermit´s rest → Mohave point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
Mohave Point is one of the most impressive viewpoints along Hermit Road, known for its wide panorama, from which the Colorado River can often be seen deep in the canyon.
This viewpoint, offering a wide view into the canyon, is a popular spot for watching the sunset over the canyon.
Powell Point is a quiet scenic viewpoint with open views to the western part of the canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Powell point → Village route transfer - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
transfer to the blue line
Blue route: Hermit´s rest route transfer → Grand Caynon visitor center - details here
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Get in the car and drive to the hotel.
Today, you will be exploring the area around Flagstaff, a city located on the legendary Route 66, which runs almost across the entire USA. Although most of the original route has been replaced by new, modern highways, some sections still operate and are a popular destination for road trips. Flagstaff, and Arizona in general, lies on its route, allowing you to experience the authentic atmosphere of old America in its historic center with stylish establishments and typical neon signs. However, Flagstaff offers much more. Besides its location in the high mountains providing welcome cooling, the place is also an important center for space research. So, after surviving the afternoon heat with walks in the wooded mountains and a ride along a section of Route 66, head out of town to observe the starry sky at the observatory that discovered the planet Pluto for the world.
You can take a break from the parched and hot landscape of Arizona in and around Flagstaff, which offers an unexpected landscape for this state: fresh, wooded high mountains with peaks of almost four thousand meters, where you can cool off. The volcanic mountains starting on the northern edge of the city are a perfect place for this, offering many hiking trails of all possible lengths and levels. The highest mountains can be found in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness area, which is very accessible. Many trails lead from the parking lot, and all you need to do is study the map a bit.
Tips for routes:
Humphreys Peak - if you have the desire, time and condition, you can climb the highest peak in the whole area. Route here
circuit - a real challenge is the almost 30 km long circuit through the mountains. You need to leave early to complete it. Route here
walk - on the other hand, an easy taste of the area is the easy circuits Humprey spur and Aspen loop
!!ATTENTION!! The area is home to black bears and cougars. Encounters with them are rare and attacks are isolated, but still follow the instructions on the signs, or rangers who will be happy to teach you about prevention and proper behavior in the event of a conflict
TIP: In addition to Kachina Peaks, you will find many other mountain areas and hiking trails around Flagstaff in the vast, rugged area of Coconino National Forest.
This space park, which combines a historical landmark and an important center of science, consists of an observatory, which became famous especially for the discovery of Pluto, and surrounding attractions such as the Solar System Trail, where the individual planets and objects of our system are spaced apart in a scale corresponding to reality. The powerful Lowell Discovery Telescope is used, among other things, for research taking place at the observatory. You can take part in public observation of the night sky and various other attractions and educational events. The regular admission includes the possibility of a detailed tour of the Sun (including spots, etc.) using one of the telescopes with filters - everything is completely safe.
You can find more information here
Opening hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (in summer on weekends until 23:00), closed on Tuesdays
Today will be marked by a road trip to natural and cultural monuments in the vicinity of Flagstaff. First, you will visit rock dwellings carved into the rock hidden in an elongated canyon. Then, you will move through a dramatic volcanic landscape full of volcanic cones and dusty lava fields with black sand and stones to other settlements of native Indians, which, in combination with the surrounding desert volcanic landscape, seem almost magical.
TIP: If you have time left, or rather skip some of the offered places, you can go on a tour of an interesting attraction - a meteorite impact crater. Meteor crater is located approximately 70 km east of Flagstaff and you can reach it in approximately 40 minutes on the highway (from Walnut Canyon it is only 50 km and 30 minutes drive). However, you must be there before the opening hours until 5 p.m. and pay an entrance fee of 29 USD. Details here
This national monument located near Flagstaff consists of a narrow canyon where you can find more than 25 cliff dwellings of indigenous Pueoblos tribes. In addition to peeking into individual rooms during a walk along a comfortable trail along the rocks, you can also enjoy views of the canyon from one of the many viewpoints. More information can be found here.
opening hours of the visitor center and the entire park: 9:00 - 17:00
While the nearby Meteor Crater is the result of a space body impact, Sunset Crater Volcano is a real volcanic crater. The entire protected area, formed by an arid desert with lava fields created during the eruption of the local volcano, is part of the vast volcanic landscape of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The area is ideal for a road trip through the volcanic landscape, but you can also take a few trails across the lava fields. The most famous are Lenox Crater Trail, then Bonitavista Trail or Lava Flow Trail. First, stop at the information center and learn about the local geology and the history of the formation of this landscape, then take the loop road. You can park in front of each of the mentioned trails. More information can be found here.
Information center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Park opening hours: 24/7
From the crater, continue on the circular route and you will reach the nearby Wupatki National Monument.
You can also explore the dwellings and culture of the local natives in another monument, which is set in a desert and volcanic landscape, making the visit a unique experience offering a mysterious atmosphere of old settlements in harmony with the dramatic landscape. The main attraction of the monument is the Wupatki main pueblo. More information here.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monument opening hours: from sunrise to sunset
Head to the nearby picturesque town of Sedona, which looks like it's straight out of an advertisement for this arid state. Magnificent red rocks of all shapes surround the entire town, beckoning you to explore them. Take one of the many hiking trails leading into their depths and climb to the top of the local rocks, where you will be rewarded with the most beautiful views of this divine Wild West landscape.
One of Arizona's hidden gems, lying in the shadow of the more famous Grand Canyon, is the town of Sedona, surrounded by stunning red rocks of all shapes and steep canyons that create an impressive play of light in the late afternoon and at sunset. Thanks to its magical atmosphere, Sedona attracts artists and esoteric enthusiasts who come here in search of places radiating earth energy, known as vortexes. Throughout the area, you can take many treks along one of the many hiking trails, rent a bike and explore the area more deeply, or, in true American style, drive around the area and enjoy the scenic drives. For starters, visit the information center where you can gather information and plan your tour of the area with the help of rangers.
information center opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
entrance: entrance to the trails and viewpoints is free, you only pay for parking if applicable
parking: you can buy a Red Rock pass and use all the parking lots located at the start of the most interesting hiking trails
TIP: the America the Beautiful annual pass also covers parking fees
Recommended places and activities to visit:
treks: Devil's bridge, Little horse, Cathedral rock, Dry creek
viewpoints accessible by car: Sedona airport vortex, Sedona airport overlook, Chapel of the Holy Cross
vortexes: Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral rock
scenic roads: Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ 179), Red Rock Loop Road (here)
I recommend parking your car in one of the "park and ride" parking lots and then continuing by shuttle bus, which will take you to the start of the trails leading to the most interesting places free of charge.
park and ride parking (free): leave your car here and continue with the shuttle buses
North SR-179 Park & Ride (here ): serves the Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trails
Posse Grounds Park & Ride (here): serves the Soldier Pass trail and other trails
West SR-89A Park & Ride (here): serves the Mescal, Dry Creek Vista, Devil’s Bridge trails
Clear map of parking lots and trails here (after clicking on the name of the parking lot, its location will appear in Google maps, and after clicking on the stop, the shuttle bus timetables will appear)
More information about the park: official website of the city here, or a more tourist-oriented website here
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - at the park and ride North SR-179 Park & Ride parking lot
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
A short but physically demanding hiking trail on unpaved rocky terrain, leading to the iconic Cathedral Rock massif with breathtaking views in the Sedona Red Rocks area. Remember to bring plenty of water in the summer, and it can be slippery after rain.
Route - approximately 1 km long, elevation gain of around 170 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Little Horse Trail is an easily accessible trail leading through a picturesque desert landscape with views of iconic red rocks and is ideal for a relaxing program without much physical exertion. It will take you to the Chicken Point lookout.
TIP: You can extend the walk to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly on the rock and offering a unique connection between the spiritual place and the surrounding nature. Plus, there are beautiful views from there.
Route - length approx. 3 km, elevation gain around 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Little horse trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass, visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - West SR-89A Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Easy, wide hiking trail on an unpaved road in an open desert landscape, ideal for a leisurely stroll with views of red rock formations.
Route (to the Devil's Bridge trail junction) - length approx. 2 km, elevation gain around 6 meters in one direction, route here
A moderately challenging hiking trail on unpaved terrain leading to the largest natural rock arch in the Sedona area, one of Arizona's most iconic spots.
Route (from the junction with the Dry Creek Trail) - length approx. 1.3 km, elevation gain approx. 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - Dry creek trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Posse Grounds Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
A moderately difficult hiking trail on unpaved terrain that combines natural attractions (Sedona Seven Sacred Pools, Devil's Kitchen sinkhole) with beautiful views of the red rocks.
Route (to the junction with Brins Mesa trail) - approx. 3 km, elevation gain of around 140 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Soldier pass trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
Continue driving to Flagstaff.
Your farewell to Arizona will be in style. You will spend most of the day on the legendary historic Route 66. Explore the retro towns standing on this road, sought after by motorists from all over the world, and soak up the atmosphere of old America with neon signs, old gas stations, museums dedicated to the history of this route, and souvenir shops where you can buy everything you can think of with the logo of this living legend. Later, visit the phenomenal feat of human engineering – the famous Hoover Dam built on the Colorado River. Then all that remains is to drive to the nearby city of sins – a neon miracle built in the middle of the arid desert.
Park your car at the visitor center and set out to explore this small town, which lives on the legacy of the famous Route 66, on foot. You will find everything interesting about this famous road along the main road, West Route 66. Here you will see classic neon signs, billboards, retro motels, old-fashioned gas stations, and parked American vintage cars. Right next to the visitor center, you can see the historic railway station with retro carriages that once ran to the Grand Canyon. The town of Williams is considered the gateway to the canyon.
A clear choice for soaking up the atmosphere of old America. It is an old gas station with an adjacent museum and gift shop. You can really feel it here. Information can be found here https://experiencewilliams.com/listing/route-66-museum-and-gift-shop/
Opening hours: MON - SAT: 09:00 – 19:00, SUN: 09:00 – 17:00
INTERESTING FACT: Williams was the last city to build a highway bypass replacing the traditional Route 66
Another of the living souls of Route 66 and the greatest promoter of the tradition of this road is the small town of Seligman. Along the short main road you will find many reminders of this legend in the form of colorful signs, neon lights, murals, old Cadillacs, motels, gas stations... just a total retro vibe.
In this store, you can buy souvenirs from local vendors. They offer t-shirts, nests, cans, magnets, and other common gifts. The entire area around the store and generally the main road offers a unique atmosphere of a "living museum" thanks to retro cars, gas stations, and neon signs.
Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00
This iconic stop on Route 66 is a retro shop located in the small village of Hackberry. If you plan to bring a Route 66 souvenir for yourself or your loved ones and haven't had the chance at previous stops, this place is an obvious choice. However, you'll enjoy the visit even if you don't buy anything. Formerly a common general store, it has now transformed into a living museum with many collectibles. You can find more here.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Kingman is the last of the towns standing on the historic Route 66, still living by its legacy. Again, you will find retro cars, gas stations, neon signs and billboards along the road, led by the iconic entrance gate.
A small museum dedicated to the history of Route 66, exhibiting old photographs, Route 66 maps, and period artifacts. More here https://mohavemuseum.org/route-66-museum-temp/
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
This impressive dam, built in the middle of the desert in Black Canyon on the Colorado River on the border of Arizona and Nevada, is a reinforced concrete engineering marvel. It was built during the Great Depression to provide cheap energy. By damming the Colorado River, the country's largest artificial lake, Lake Mead, was created, which, like the dam itself, is a tourist attraction.
In addition to views of the dam and Lake Mead (free), you can also visit the interior of the visitor center with an interactive exhibition mapping the history of the dam's construction, or enter the power plant directly as part of the Powerplant Tour. More information can be found here
TIP: Avoid paid parking at the information center and leave your car in one of the parking lots further from the dam
Opening hours:
Visitor center: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last tour 4:10 PM)
Dam and access road: 24/7
Your American desert adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow enough time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of your time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached due to time constraints, or you can go to the desert, e.g. to the nearby Red Rock Canyon reservation with red rocks and canyons.
Before entering the visitor center, stop at the entrance gate and pay the entrance fee or show your pass. At the visitor center, first learn about the local geology, flora, and fauna, and plan your visit according to your time возможности. Behind the information center, take a short walk through the local garden and watch the turtles. Then take the scenic road to the interior of the park and stop at viewpoints or short trails as you wish.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: 8:00 - 16:30
Park opening hours: according to the season, you can find it at the end of the website here
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you move around in your own car
View of the majestic red massif. The Callico Hills Trail leads here, which leads to another viewpoint, Calico 2. From there, there is access to the Calico Hills formations and other views and trails in the area.
This tourist hub along the scenic road is also a historical site. Besides the rock formations, you can explore the history of sandstone mining via a short trail leading to a former sandstone quarry. Other trails start from here, such as the slightly more challenging Calico Tanks Trail, which leads to "tanks" (water collection basins after rain). Most importantly, it offers views of Vegas and the colorful sandstone formations of Calico Hills.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and get ready for the check-in process. Goodbye, Nevada.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize your Arizona adventure recap.
This adventurous road trip took you through the greatest gems of Arizona - a beautiful and unique land of hot deserts and red rocks. While the drive itself in an air-conditioned car through the endless hot desert among cacti surely left a deep impression on you, places like Monument Valley or views of the Grand Canyon surely captivated you. Beautiful rock formations of all shapes and shades alternating dramatic canyons cut into the landscape bathed in the setting sun creating a beautiful play of light are a breathtaking experience that you will not soon forget. Formations such as Antelope Canyon or the Four Corners Monument, where you step between four different countries, are a great bonus to a successful road trip.
If you didn't manage to taste all the fast foods during your road trip, don't despair - there is really a lot to see in America and you can always come back and explore another area. The author of this itinerary offers other American trips to Arizona and California. Your ESTA is valid for 2 years, so you will have one less worry and expense on your next trip during this period.
So bye bye, America! See you next time!
The USA is a country that hardly needs a long introduction. One of the world's major powers will captivate you from a tourist point of view, especially with the diversity of its nature and beautiful national parks. While the north, including Alaska, is covered by wild taiga and glacial mountains, the center is filled with prairies with bison, the east with deciduous forests, and the southwest with arid deserts with scorpions and rattlesnakes.
In this itinerary, you will head to the American Southwest, typical of the states of Utah and Arizona. During the road trip, you will explore the endless deserts with red rocks and canyons, and visit iconic places such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Long straight roads, rock arches, saguaro cacti, and surprisingly forested mountains around the city of Flagstaff await you. The American Southwest is diverse, unpredictable, but above all, beautiful. The road will also take you to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet within a few steps. Embark on an adventurous journey that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Practical information about the country and traveling in the USA can be found here
!!ATTENTION!! Before you set off, be sure to arrange in time permits for the Angel's Landing trek in Zion National Park (see day 2), entry reservation to Arches National Park (see day 6), and a reservation for an organized tour of Antelope Canyon (see day 6). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility of booking a tour, can be found here and here. The same applies to the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park (see day 7). The reservation window opens 14 days before the planned visit date at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can then explore the city or the surrounding beautiful landscape of the Mojave Desert. In the summer months, however, be careful of the extreme heat - Vegas is located in the middle of the desert.
The places mentioned for today are a suggestion of how to spend not only your arrival day, but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and desire, head into the whirlwind of the city of sin to one of the casinos or bars along the entertainment center on the Las Vegas Strip. During a ride or walk along Las Vegas Boulevard, you will travel the world thanks to hotels inspired by famous metropolises and their monuments, you will find yourself under the Eiffel Tower, walk around the Venetian Canal and Egyptian pyramids. Don't forget the light and music show of the fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel, and then hurry to the casino to try your luck at roulette or blackjack :)
NOTE: All the famous hotels along the Las Vegas Strip have casinos inside, which are free to enter even for non-guests.
Hello, welcome to the USA! Welcome to Nevada, specifically Las Vegas - the "city of sin" surrounded by the Mojave Desert. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, car pick-up - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a long flight, however, depending on your arrival time, it is possible to use this day meaningfully.
After arrival, you will pick up your car and move to your accommodation (depending on your arrival time and check-in), where you can relax and refresh after a long flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a long flight in one of the many American fast food restaurants and tune in to the local food culture.
Here we are! You are now entering the famous center of luxury, gambling, and entertainment in the city of sin - the Las Vegas Strip along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard. At its southern end, you'll find the renowned welcome sign, which appears in almost every movie set in the city of casinos. Thanks to this, the sign is a popular spot for selfies for foreign tourists and Americans alike, who visit the city not only for gambling but also for lively celebrations of significant life events such as birthdays, bachelor parties, and so on.
NOTE: There is free parking in front of the sign. If you want to take a photo at the sign or continue along the Las Vegas Strip on foot to the nearest hotels (e.g., New York and Coca-Cola store), where parking is paid, you can leave your car here and continue on foot along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard and enjoy the crazy atmosphere of luxury and neon lights.
Continue on foot along Las Vegas Boulevard and visit the interiors of some hotels with casinos as you please.
A hotel with a casino in the shape of an Egyptian pyramid. There is a replica of the Sphinx in front of the hotel. The hotel hosts various exhibitions and shows, such as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or Bodies…The Exhibition. Various cabaret and variety performances also take place here.
A casino hotel inspired by the legend of King Arthur and Excalibur. There is a replica of a medieval castle in front of the hotel.
A casino hotel inspired by the American metropolis of New York, with architecture styled after the Manhattan skyline. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and parts of Times Square. The Big Apple Coaster roller coaster runs around the resort, and inside you'll find Hershey's Chocolate World.
The Coca-Cola Store offers a combination of a shop and an entertainment center thematically focused on this iconic American beverage. You can buy souvenirs (t-shirts, bottles, sweatshirts, etc.) with the logo of this legendary brand, taste different variations of the drink, or have a personalized can or bottle created. More here https://www.coca-colastore.com/retail/las-vegas
store opening hours: 09:00 – 23:00
bar opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Go back to the car.
Continue by car to the next free parking lot at the Treasure Island Hotel.
A pirate-themed hotel with a casino. There is a replica of a pirate ship in front of the hotel. The hotel is home to Mystère, a show by the legendary Cirque du Soleil.
Iconic luxury hotel known from many movies. In addition to the interior with a casino, exhibitions (Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art with works by world-renowned artists) and amusement parks (Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with thematically changing exhibitions), be sure to check out the nightly music and light show of the local fountains Fountains of Bellagio.
fountain light show times:
MON - FRI: 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
SAT - SUN: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
A casino hotel inspired by Italy's Rome. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Inside, you'll find the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
A casino hotel inspired by Paris, France. In front of the hotel, there is a replica of the famous Eiffel Tower (with the Eiffel Tower Experience restaurant and observation deck), the Arc de Triomphe, and replicas of the Louvre. At night, you can't miss another of the city's icons - the Paris Balloon.
The hotel with a casino is particularly attractive due to its outdoor Flamingo Wildlife Habitat garden with lakes and free-roaming flamingos and parrots, or the outdoor pool with palm trees.
A casino hotel inspired by Venice, Italy. In and around the hotel, you'll find artificial canals spanned by romantic bridges with gondola rides. The interior features a replica of Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal Shoppes promenade with Venetian-style cafes and shops.
You definitely won't miss the hotel with a casino known as The STRAT. It includes an observation tower, which, in addition to an unforgettable view of the city with shining neon lights contrasting with the dark and quiet desert, also offers attractions led by the adrenaline-pumping X-Scream, where a vehicle with an open roof tilts you 8 meters headfirst from the tower, giving you a feeling of "free fall." You can experience more adrenaline with a free-fall jump on the Skyjump attraction. You can find more about the hotel, including a directory of attractions, here.
observation deck opening hours: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Continue driving towards Downtown.
Park for free at the nearby El Cortez Hotel & Casino, from where it is barely 500 meters to the historic heart of the city and the main artery, Fremont Street. However, don't expect a street with monuments like in Europe. The street lives in the style of all of Vegas - that is, with many neon lights, casinos, entertainment and attractions including Viva Vision with the largest LED screen in the world on the ceiling of the covered passage, live music with DJs or a zipline leading over people's heads.
Right at the beginning of your adventure comes one of the highlights of the entire trip - one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, Zion, will captivate you with its magnificent canyon created by the Virgin River, embraced by enchanting red rock walls. Trails inside the red rocks contrasting with the deep blue sky and wonderful views of the most amazing formations will put a smile on your face. Climb the challenging and adventurous trail full of boulders, steep stairs, and chain-secured rock crevices to the top of the cliff where (at least according to the name) the angels themselves land. From there, you will have the entire canyon at your fingertips, and there will be plenty of poses for a profile picture. Or would you rather take it during an incredible trek through a narrow riverbed surrounded by steep rock walls, where you will find yourself knee-deep in water? In short, there will be no shortage of unforgettable experiences today.
!!ATTENTION!! Climbing to Angel's Landing requires a permit, which must be booked in advance through a lottery. Details on how the permit works can be found here and lottery registration here
NOTE: The itinerary is packed and you probably won't be able to do it all in one day. So choose only some places. I definitely recommend Angel's Landing and The Narrows for the physically fit.
Just before the turnoff to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Zion National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or an annual pass to all national parks and other state-managed areas, called the America the beautiful pass (more in the National Parks chapter in practical information here. You will receive a map from the ranger with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the information center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. During the high season, when shuttle buses are running, personal cars are prohibited from entering the interior of the park.
park information: here
information center opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00
park opening hours: NONSTOP
shuttle bus operating hours: depends on the season, detailed info here
NOTE: Driving your own car on Zion Canyon scenic drive is prohibited when shuttle buses are in operation
For a warm-up and a first taste of the park's beauty, I recommend choosing the short Watchman Trail loop, which starts at the visitor center and takes you around a rock face with beautiful views of Zion Canyon with the Watchman Peak and Towers of the Virgin formations. The best view is from Watchman Overlook. Route here.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Visitor Center → Zion Lodge
TIP: Consider getting off one stop earlier (Court of the Patriarchs) and hike the short and easy trail to a viewpoint from which you can see the local icons The Patriarchs, or the three rock massifs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Cross the footbridge over the river and continue along the Lower Emerald pool trail.
Continue on the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Lower Emerald Trail at the pond, to the beginning of the Angel's Landing Trail.
The greatest adventure and challenge begins here – at the start of the demanding but wonderful Angel's Landing trail. During this iconic trail through rock formations, you climb steep rocks on narrow paths, boulders, and steps, often secured by chains. At first, the trail looks inconspicuous and easy – the West Rim Trail gradually climbs through the canyon. In the Walter's Wiggles section, however, more than two dozen sharp and steep switchbacks await you, leading to a rest area with a toilet near the Scout Lookout. You need a permit for the next section, which is why many people turn back from here or continue on another trail. But here begins the greatest challenge and unforgettable adventure of conquering the top of the cliff.
!!ATTENTION!! I do not recommend the trek to people with dizziness and balance problems and untrained individuals. Also, remember to bring enough water and sturdy shoes.
This place is a real blast. After a challenging climb (sometimes scrambling), you will be duly rewarded with a magnificent view of the canyon and the park's iconic monolith opposite - The Great White Throne. This place simply has a magical atmosphere and will be one of the main experiences of this road trip that you will never forget. Your hunt for selfies and profile pictures can begin :)
You return down the same path. Be especially careful during the initial descent to Scout Lookout. Your legs are tired, and the descent over the boulders is often more difficult than the ascent itself.
Shuttle bus stop
shuttle bus:
line - green Zion canyon line
route - The Grotto → Temple of Sinawava
TIP: Consider getting off at other stops:
Weeping rock - Weeping Rock Trail leading along a shady path to a rock with water running down it
Big bend - stands right at the viewpoint of the river bend, a great place to take a photo of the canyon
First, you need to take the Riverside Walk trail, which runs along the riverbank for about 1.5 km, to reach the beginning of The Narrows.
Another unforgettable experience is offered by a unique trek leading directly through the riverbed in a gorge hidden among steep red rocks. The Narrows trail is actually very long (see map) and crossing it requires a full day (plus downstream). For a day visit, it is best to start at the shuttle bus terminus and follow the Riverside Walk trail leading approx. 1.5 km along the riverbank to the beginning of The Narrows, from where you continue upstream. You can go wherever you want (usually depending on the water level and your equipment and time - watch out for the departure of the last shuttle bus), usually people try to get to the first bend with a waterfall (here) to the vertical walls of "Wall street".
!!CAUTION!! The trail is passable only when the river level is low. The ideal time is summer with a lower riverbed. Waterproof shoes are a must - in some places you really can't avoid wading through water. If you don't feel like it, it's worth going at least to the beginning of The Narrows
Return along the Riverside Walk.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Temple of Sinawava → visitor center
Then continue with your car.
You will end your stay in the magnificent Zion with a short scenic trail, at the end of which is a viewpoint that offers an epic view of the main canyon. A beautiful place to say goodbye to this breathtaking natural work.
Another day in Utah offers magical nature, and for many of you, this stop will be the most beautiful experience of your road trip. The iconic Bryce Canyon offers fairytale views into a canyon covered with a "forest" of red rock spires, which create a magical play of colors with the setting sun. Descend into the canyon and walk around these "hoodoos" on dusty trails, during which you will crawl through narrow gaps and under rock gates. The rock cities of Bryce Canyon will simply enchant you with their beauty.
Right next to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Bryce Canyon National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or show your America the Beautiful Pass. You will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses from the ranger.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on the free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. It will take you to the most interesting places.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: according to the season, details here
Park opening hours: NONSTOP
Shuttle bus operating hours: from April to October, detailed info here
NOTE: you can also get around the park in your own car, but I recommend using the shuttle bus
shuttle bus:
linka - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point viewpoint
vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
route - Visitor center → Bryce point
Bryce Point shuttle bus stop
One of the best viewpoints in the national park offers a magnificent view of the Bryce Amphitheater area - the main part of the canyon formed by orange-colored and erosion-shaped rock formations, called hoodoos. From here, you have the entire canyon at your fingertips and you will have an incredible view of the bizarre formations as far as the eye can see.
From Bryce Point, descend into the canyon via the Peekaboo Loop Connector trail, which connects to the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
During this challenging trek on the canyon floor, you'll traverse dusty orange trails past hoodoos, duck under rock arches, and wander through forested groves. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the local hoodoos, headlined by the iconic Wall of Windows rock formation. The entire route from the Bryce Point lookout and back is here
You will return to Bryce Point via the loop trail.
Continue on foot along the Rim Trail, which follows the edge of the cliffs and offers views of the rock city. The route is indicated at the next location.
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Bryce Point → Inspiration Point
The route along the Rim Trail to Inspiration Point is here. Then you'll reach another beautiful viewpoint from which you'll have the Bryce Amphitheater area in the palm of your hand. Looking at the dramatic red rocks, you may draw inspiration, as the name suggests.
One of the most iconic circular routes is accessible to almost everyone. During a short route without significant elevation gain, you will have time to explore practically the most interesting things the canyon offers - you will crawl under rock gates, crawl through narrow rock crevices, and walk around many beautiful hoodoos. There will be no shortage of beautiful views.
Continue on foot along the edge of the cliff on the Rim Trail. The route is here
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Inspiration point → Sunset point
Another popular viewpoint makes sense to visit not only during sunset, as the name suggests. The view into the red canyon full of hoodoos is breathtaking at any time of day.
Shuttle bus:
Line A - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point overlook
Vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
Route - Sunset Point → Visitor Center
Then continue by car.
Take a trip deeper into the park to see the magnificent Natural Bridge.
A pleasant end to exploring this beautiful park is a short, easy walk along the Mossy Cave Trail. At its end, you will find more of a rock overhang than a cave (as the name would suggest), and also a small waterfall, Tropic Ditch Falls. Can you find a rock resembling a dragon?
Your journey through the so-called Mighty Five, Utah's five natural gems and national parks, continues with a visit to Capitol Reef, where you'll find a landscape of rugged cliffs, canyons, and rock domes connected by natural bridges and arches. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned car along the scenic road through this wild landscape straight out of a Wild West western. At one of the many well-marked stops, get out and enjoy the views or a short trek into the heart of the rocks.
On the way to Capitol Reef National Park, don't forget to look around and stop occasionally. You will be passing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - a landscape of canyons, cliffs, and rock terraces.
Before you reach the heart of Capitol Reef National Park with its visitor center, you'll pass a few nice and easily accessible viewpoints along the road. It would be a shame not to stop at least at some of them and enjoy the beautiful views of the local rock formations without expending energy climbing hills. One such viewpoint is Panorama Point, from which you can see Waterpocket Fold – the main fault line stretching 160 km across the landscape, along which this rugged park is created. A very short path leads to it.
A gravel road, passable in dry conditions, leads to other viewpoints.
Another beautiful and easily accessible viewpoint offers views straight down from the edge of the cliff onto the beautifully formed meanders of the nearby river, which resemble goose necks. The panorama of red rocks contrasting with the green oasis along the river completes the picture.
Not far from "Goosenecks Overlook" is another viewpoint, this time on the other side, overlooking the Fruita area and Waterpocket Fold.
This time, the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park is not guarded by a gate with rangers, but that doesn't mean the entrance is free. You pay by dropping the amount into a box. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you don't have to worry about anything.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive leading into the heart of the park. From the visitor center, you have one of the symbols of the park, the rock massif The Castle, in the palm of your hand. You also have Fruita Orchards within walking distance, with fruit orchards with self-picking fruit, which in the surroundings of the arid landscape and red rocks acts like a green oasis.
Park Information: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: according to the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Moving around the park: no shuttle bus runs here, you move around in your own car
Continue along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, which has several stops with views of interesting rock formations. Everything is clearly marked on the paper map (available at the information center) and on the map in the NPS app. Interesting stops are also marked directly on the road and numbered.
One of the most interesting, but also most challenging treks will take you to a massive rock arch hidden inside the rocks. According to local legends, the famous gunman and robber Butch Cassidy hid in this hidden and impenetrable terrain. The route from the parking lot (road passable for passenger cars) is here
!!ATTENTION!! To complete this approximately 5 km long trek (both ways), you need a certain level of physical fitness (steep climb) and, above all, good shoes and a supply of water
Continue along Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and enjoy further stops for scenic views.
Capitol Gorge trail - if you don't feel like trekking to Cassidy Arch, don't worry. This equally beautiful walk through the heart of massive rocks is very accessible and easy, and will be appreciated by even the smallest or oldest fans of geology. Along the way, you will pass through the narrow walls of the Capitol Gorge canyon, encounter several rock arches and natural tunnels, the Water Tanks pools (possibly dry during the summer), and also the Pioneer Register – inscriptions of native settlers.
You can view petroglyphs along the way. They are carved into the rocks near the road. The location is indicated at the next location.
You can find the rock petroglyphs here. At the end of your visit to this park, be sure to check out this easy trail leading through a rocky desert landscape with multicolored geological formations, including black lava stones scattered around. The path leads you to the monumental rock arch Hickman Bridge. The route here
Your next journey through beautiful Utah will take you to the land of canyons, literally. The vast Canyonlands National Park hides an almost unbelievable number of sharp canyons that descend steeply below the surrounding terrain, and the view from one of the many overlooks gives you the feeling that you have just reached the very end of the world. The surrounding desert landscape with rock formations of all possible shapes only enhances the grandeur of this amazing natural creation. While exploring the remote corners of the park, be careful not to end up like the hero of the movie 127 Hours, based on a true event that happened in this park (albeit in a more remote area).
The gateway to the Cynonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area, is located just before the visitor center. You can purchase a one-time entry at the kiosk or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here, you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature, and plan your visit, with the help of helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the scenic Grand View Point Road leading into the heart of the park.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, details here
Park opening hours: 24/7
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you travel in your own car
The first of many viewpoints is located near the information center and is one of the most beautiful and accessible. In addition to the iconic view of the canyons with their typically layered rocks, you will also see the famous winding dirt road, Shafer Trail Road, but you need a permit and a 4x4 vehicle to descend it. This itinerary does not include driving on this scenic but very challenging road.
If you're a fan of long hikes and feel up to a proper trek through the canyon (considering the season and potential summer heat), head out on the Neck Spring Trail loop. It's long, but thanks to the gentle elevation gain, it's not an overly difficult trek. Along the way, you'll see periodic springs that were used by local ranches, the remnants of which you'll encounter, as you traverse the rocky platforms in the sandy canyon. Some sections run along the edge of the canyon and promise stunning views. Personally, however, I would recommend not wasting time and energy on such a long trek and instead undertaking several smaller treks in different parts of the park (see below). Route here.
Undoubtedly the most visited and photographed spot in the entire park is this rock arch standing on the edge of a cliff, which frames the view into the deep, rugged canyon like a picture frame. You can spend long minutes here admiring the natural creations. The place has its charm especially at sunrise, which you probably won't catch considering the length of the journey to the park.
Compared to the crowded Mesa Arch, this viewpoint is especially pleasant because it is away from the crowds (probably due to the relatively long distance from the parking lot). You will enjoy the view of the canyon, which looks like craters in the ground, all the more. The path is easy and leads along the plateau.
Along the way, you can stop at another viewpoint - Buck Canyon Overlook.
Another of the fabulous and very easily accessible viewpoints offers a beautiful view of the canyon, which is definitely worth a short, comfortable walk from the parking lot on the plateau to the edge of the cliff.
And for a change, another viewpoint :) again offers incredible panoramic views into the heart of the canyon. At the tip of the cliff, you might feel like you're standing at the edge of the world.
On this route, you'll climb to the solitary rock summit of Aztec Butte. The short but rather steep path to the top rewards you with a combination of beautiful panoramic views and an archaeological interlude thanks to the nearby ruins of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Fans of pareidolia will surely notice this rock massif resembling a whale emerging from the ocean. You can reach it by following this trail. You can also climb on it, and it's not a particularly challenging trek. While there's no breathtaking view at the top, it's still an interesting stop.
Finally, the park's main mystery – a rock massif with a huge crater, approximately 1.5 km wide, the origin of which is disputed. The main theories of its formation include a meteorite impact and volcanic activity. In any case, it is a dominant formation that offers views of the surrounding area, as well as into the interior of the crater (in the case of climbing to the second viewpoint).
You can choose from two viewpoints, the first of which is very easy to climb, the second a little more difficult, but still accessible. The route to the second viewpoint is here.
A wonderful culmination to exploring picturesque Utah, the land of red rocks, will be a visit to the last of the Mighty Five - Arches National Park. It hides thousands of rock arches, solitary stone towers and other formations. Head to the fairytale landscape of red rocks and take short, easy trails along the most diverse geological wonders, shaped like various animals or objects. Walk along the smooth rock slab to the symbol of the park and the entire Utah, which you probably know from the license plate of your rental car - the local giant Delicate Arch adorns cars in Utah for its majesty. The red landscape flooded with the rays of the setting sun will simply captivate you.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to its easy accessibility, short and easy trails to amazing rock formations, the park is very popular. For this reason, it is necessary to reserve entry to the park in advance in a specific time window. Details on how to enter can be found here and online booking here
Just before the visitor center, there is the entrance gate to Arches National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car on the Main Park Road scenic drive leading into the heart of the park.
Park Information: here
Entry Reservations: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Depending on the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Getting Around the Park: There is no shuttle bus here; you travel in your own car
For a warm-up, you can take this short and easy trail, which will take you between the rock towers of Park Avenue on the right and Courthouse Towers on the left. You will feel like you are in a "natural New York" (the name Park Avenue refers to a New York street with skyscrapers). You can walk to the next point in the itinerary - the Courthouse Towers viewpoint, or return earlier and continue by car.
On the way, you can stop at the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (on the right)
The viewpoint of the rock towers resembling skyscrapers or courthouses (hence the name "courthouse") is located at the end of the Park Avenue Trail, and you could walk to it from the previous location or drive. In addition to the Courthouse Towers, you will also see the trio of smaller towers, the Three Gossips, and the striking Sheep Rock (on the left side of the road) or the rock towers The Organ and the Tower of Babel (on the right side of the road).
Continuing on, you will pass along the mighty rock wall The Great Wall (on the left) with a small rock arch, Little Gothic Arch. Just before the turnoff onto Windows Road, leading to an area rich in rock arches and other formations, you will pass the Petrified Dunes on the right.
The iconic rock formation has the shape of a large boulder hanging on a narrow pedestal, giving the impression that it will collapse at any moment, which will probably happen over time due to ongoing erosion. In the meantime, however, you can admire it while walking along the short paved path.
You have just arrived in the Window Section area, which is one of the most popular stops in the park due to its high concentration and easy accessibility of rock arches, windows, and towers. From the parking lot, take two short trails in sequence (see sub-locations).
One of the most iconic spots in the park is this double rock arch rising from a single rock formation. It is among the most massive and tallest in the entire park, and its easy accessibility makes it the most visited. Take a short walk surrounded by rocks and gaze at this natural beauty with Elephant Butte rock in the background. You can easily get lost here as well.
Equally beautiful and comfortable is the circuit on the other side of the parking lot, leading gradually around two rock windows (North and South) and then to an arch resembling a castle tower (Turret).
TIP: From the place between North and South Window, you can see the Turret Arch "framed" by a larger arch.
On the way back to the main road, you can still enjoy (or even make a short stop and explore more deeply) the area of high rock towers called Garden of Eden, including "Owl Rock".
A smaller rock arch is hidden between the rock walls, and a comfortable path leads to it through soft sand. It's worth a short stop. Depending on time and interest, you can continue along the Broken Arch Trail to the arch of the same name. Location here.
One of the most beautiful, but also the longest trails, will take you through the Devil's Garden area with many significant rock formations, with at least the Delicate Arch being one of the most beautiful in the entire park. In addition to it, you will see many other formations, all of which are listed as sub-locations. The entire route through all locations THERE and BACK is here.
NOTE: In the Primitive Loop section, you will encounter a steeper climb over rocky terrain, otherwise the trek is not extra difficult and can be managed by an average fit individual.
TIP: The route can be further extended to the Double O Arch and the Dark Angel rock spire (route here), but a visit to the main symbol of the park - the Delicate Arch - is also planned, and that's already a lot for one day (in terms of time and difficulty).
A smaller, but very photogenic arch, or rather a rock window, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.
Another of the smaller rock gates is named after the surrounding pine forests, whose green color beautifully contrasts with the red rock subsoil and the blue sky.
One of the longest natural arches in the world, and along with Delicate Arch and Double Arch, the main "star" of the park. Compared to its "colleagues," it is noticeably thin in relation to its length, making it seem very fragile.
Small but massive arch looks more like a cave entrance, providing valuable shade.
Small, but again very picturesque, the arch forms a "partition" between the rock massifs (Partition = partition).
An iconic symbol of Utah, which even made it onto Utah license plates, looks quite inconspicuous from a distance. Only when you get closer, its majesty becomes apparent compared to a person, even though it's not the largest arch in the park. Its hidden location and isolation from the surrounding rocks are particularly amazing. You can reach it via a relatively easy trail leading first through dusty and rocky terrain and later up a steep climb over smooth rocks.
!!WARNING!! The access path is slippery and dangerous after rain
TIP: Plan your visit for sunset to enhance the experience. The colors are more vibrant then.
TIP: On the way, stop at the old Wolfe Ranch and take a short detour to the petroglyphs
Today, you'll spend the day in Colorado, specifically exploring the main archaeological site that holds many rock dwellings carved by the original Pueblo tribes. In the mountainous terrain of this national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde, you'll experience a true road trip along the steep and winding roads with many overlooks of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. However, the highlight of the day will come at the very end of these roads in the most remote parts of the park. There, old clay dwellings carved into the rocks, often above the surrounding terrain, await you, and exploring them will guarantee you a breathtaking glimpse into the history of Native American cultures and their way of life. Some dwellings are accessed by steep paths, stairs, and often ladders, so there will be no shortage of adventure.
!!ATTENTION!! Most cliff dwellings (with the exception of Long House) are accessible only with a guide after prior time reservation. The reservation window always opens 14 days before the planned date of visit at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Welcome to Mesa Verde - a UNESCO World Heritage National Park and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, hiding hundreds of cliff dwellings and thousands of various remains of Ancestral Puebloan ancestors. As always, it's a good idea to start exploring the park at the local visitor center, where, in addition to an exhibition mapping the life of the Pueblo tribes, you can plan your trip with the help of local rangers. More detailed information about the national park can be found here.
From the visitor center, take the main mountain winding road leading across the park, offering many opportunities to stop at some of the viewpoints of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. A short distance behind the visitor center is a toll gate where you can purchase admission or show your pass.
visitor center opening hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
First, head to the remote Wetherill Mesa area, which you can reach via the less frequented Wetherill Mesa Road, which branches off the main road in the Far View Terrace area. Park your car here near the trail to Step House.
Wetherill Mesa is a quiet, car-free walking area where visitors move between archaeological sites on foot or by seasonal shuttle bus. The program needs to be planned with regard to distances and reserved times for guided tours.
Wetherill Mesa area opening hours:
5/23 - 9/29: 8:30 AM (entry possible until 2:00 PM) - 4:00 PM (gate closes), closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Right next to the parking lot with a rest area in Wetherill Mesa, a short but steep trail begins, which leads to the Step House dwelling. It is a smaller cliff dwelling showing the development of the Mesa Verde's original inhabitants settlement. The advantage is that it is the only significant cliff dwelling here that you can explore on your own without a guide and without having to deal with any reservations.
Entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
Depending on the season and time, you continue by shuttle bus or on foot with a ranger along the Long House Loop Trail (location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1108568626&ds=1&x=-108.5330383&y=37.1853184&z=14)
The second largest rock dwelling in the entire Mesa Verde area is accessible only with a ranger with prior reservation. Long House dwelling, as well as other monuments along the Long House Loop Trail, must be reached on foot or by shuttle bus, as private cars are prohibited in the area. The tour starts at the rest area with a kiosk, where the ranger will pick you up at your reserved tour time. Exploring the site is moderately challenging and also includes walking on staircases and climbing a ladder.
entrance: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, walking sticks or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Return to the car by shuttle bus or on foot.
Return on Wetherill Mesa Road to the Far View Terrace area and rejoin the main road.
Far View is a historical area and scenic part of Mesa Verde located on the summit plateau. Unlike previous areas, the dwellings here are not carved into the rocks, but at ground level. The area served as an administrative and residential center for Ancestral Puebloans and today offers open archaeological sites and wide views. Take a short circular walk along the Far View Trail and explore the remains of the villages, Far View House, Far View Reservoir, Pipe Shrine and other monuments. Thanks to its location on the very top of the plateau (here called "mesas"), you will have panoramic views from here.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the very end of the main road through the park lies the Spruce Tree area, which offers the highest concentration of monuments, led by the main "stars" of the national park – Cliff House and Balcony House. You can drive through the area on two separate circular routes or set off on one of the hiking trails.
The starting point is the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, which is the main visitor center of the park. It is here that the exhibition will best help you understand the context of the rock dwellings and the culture of the Pueblo tribes. A large part of the exhibition is devoted to the nearby Spruce Tree House, which stands below the museum and can be observed from the museum. At the time of writing this itinerary, the dwelling is closed, and the museum replaces its direct visit.
opening hours: 1/3 - 4/5 and 20/10 - 13/12: 10:00 - 15:00, 5/5 - 19/10: 8:30 - 16:30
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
A short path leads to the mentioned rock dwelling standing near the museum, starting from the museum and the adjacent parking lot. At the time of writing the itinerary, however, the dwelling is permanently closed due to unstable rocks, and a visit is not possible. The dwelling can at least be observed from the museum.
On the other hand, you can take the path leading from the museum along the rocks covered with petroglyphs - wall carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Indians. You can distinguish individual animals, human figures and various objects. The route is here,
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Depending on the reservation times for the cliff dwelling tours, embark on two circular routes one after the other. Timing is key on the Cliff Palace Loop road, along which are two main dwellings accessible only with a guide at specific times.
One of the highlights of visiting the national park is this largest cliff dwelling not only in the park and the state of Colorado, but in all of North America. After a short but relatively challenging trail including stairs and ladders, under the supervision of a ranger, you will reach a fascinating complex of more than 150 rooms with dozens of circular structures lying on the surface or partially buried in the ground, the so-called kivas, which served the Indians as centers of social and spiritual life and ceremonial places.
admission: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Continue along the Cliff Palace Loop and stop along the way at some of the sights or views into the surrounding valleys and canyons that hide other rock dwellings. For example, the view of Cliff Canyon is worth a short stop (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383128&ds=1&x=-108.4700473&y=37.1603927&z=16)
and especially the view of the House of Many Windows (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383744&x=-108.4693319&y=37.1603982&z=17).
You can also observe the distant Hemenway House from the viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153295107&x=-108.4652120&y=37.1566787&z=16
For adventurers and climbing enthusiasts, the most intense experience in the entire park is undoubtedly offered, with ladders, narrow passages, and climbing, which brings visitors closer to how challenging the daily life of indigenous tribes was. This stop is not suitable for the faint of heart or people with a fear of heights. From the dwellings, there is a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape, and thanks to crawling through narrow openings, you get into the interior of the dwelling, which ensures a truly authentic experience in harmony with the daily life of the Pueblo tribes.
Entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with limited mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for spatial and safety reasons
Before completing the Cliff Palace Loop, take a short walk along the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (here) to the edge of the cliff and enjoy the beautiful views of Soda Canyon and the Balcony House dwelling.
Entry: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Complete the Cliff Palace Loop and connect to another scenic road, this time the Mesa Top Loop, along which you will find many sights and views of the surrounding area. Pithouses, Little Long House, or Navajo Canyon Overlook are worth a stop.
Visiting the Square Tower House, with its iconic multi-story tower, is only possible through a challenging ranger-led backcountry tour with steep climbs and climbing sections, in limited capacity and with a significant extra charge. Therefore, the visit is only suitable for true enthusiasts and physically fit individuals, while skipping another tour from the itinerary (it is impossible to do everything in one day due to necessary reservations, transfers, and tour times). Most visitors are content with the easily accessible Square Tower House Overlook (here).
entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Explore other kivas and dwelling ruins along the way.
Entry: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Sun Point View is an easily accessible viewpoint on Mesa Top Loop Road, offering panoramic views of ancient canyon rock dwellings, including Cliff Palace, Sunset House, Mummy House, and Oak Tree House.
Entrance: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
On the way, you can stop at the Fire Temple Overlook viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153294926&ds=1&x=-108.4763535&y=37.1649458&z=17
A short, easy trail leads you to the ruins of a palace that served the native Pueblo people as a ceremonial structure.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the beginning of the trail to the Sun Temple is a beautiful view of the park's icon - Cliff Palace. A beautiful end to the park visit.
Another wonderful day and one of the highlights of your trip is a journey along the northeastern edge of Arizona, mostly through the Navajo Nation reservation. First, you will travel to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet, allowing you to travel through four states in just a few steps. America is simply a land of unlimited possibilities. Later, you will experience an unforgettable road trip along one of the symbols of the state made famous by the movie Forrest Gump. Yes, we are of course talking about the iconic Monument Valley.
An interesting stop is this unique place in the USA where the borders of four states meet – specifically Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Thanks to their straight-line borders, you can visit four different states in just a few steps and seconds. Besides "traveling" through different states, you can also see a monument with state seals and purchase some of the traditional Navajo products around the parking lot. The monument is located on the territory of the Navajo Native American tribe, outside the state administration, and you pay a special entrance fee here. More information can be found here
opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:45 PM (summer), 5:45 PM (spring and autumn), 4:45 PM (winter, i.e., from October to the end of March)
This iconic landscape of solitary sandstone formations (so-called buttes) rising from the vast desert offers another unforgettable experience. Monument Valley has become one of the symbols of the USA, and its beauty and atmosphere have appeared in many westerns and Hollywood films. You may know the legendary scene from the movie Forrest Gump, when the main character, after a long run across the country, suddenly stops, turns around, and runs back. Behind him are the rock towers of Monument Valley. Like the Four Corners Monument, Monument Valley lies on Navajo Nation land and is not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful Pass does not apply here. More information can be found here.
At the visitor center, which is also a museum of the indigenous population, you can get the necessary information and find a lookout. For an optimal exploration of the area, I definitely recommend driving the approximately 27-kilometer-long circular route 17 Mile Scenic Drive leading along a dirt road (however, the author of the itinerary drove it in a regular car without any damage) between the main rock formations. You can stop and admire this beautiful landscape along the way.
You can observe these formations along the way: East and West Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte and Mitchell Mesa, Elephant Butte, The Three Sisters, Camel Butte, The Hub, Rain God Mesa, Bird Spring overlook, Totem Pole, Yei Bichei, Artists Point overlook, Spearhead Mesa, North Window, Thumb
Scenic drive opening hours: summer: 7:00 – 19:00 (last entry 16:30), winter: 8:00 - 17:00 (last entry 14:30)
Today, you'll start with a fantastic and slightly adrenaline-pumping, but definitely unforgettable experience, as you and a Navajo guide explore the amazing work of nature - the slot Antelope Canyon. Later, you will move west of the town of Page and begin exploring the Colorado River and its magnificent creations. You'll start at the Glen Canyon Dam, which dammed the river to create the artificial Lake Powell, which you can explore by boat. From there, you will continue to another natural beauty - the horseshoe bend of the Colorado River, where you can take a beautiful selfie. Later, you will drive to the main attraction of the Colorado River and one of the symbols of America – the magnificent Grand Canyon. Today you will head to its eastern part, where the canyon welcomes you with a view from the watchtower. Deeper in the park, a trail leading towards the bottom of the canyon will test your fitness. During the challenging journey, you will be rewarded with stunning views, such as from the stylishly named Ooh Aah point lookout. Then, you will say goodbye to the national park with a view from the watchtower and continue to another natural beauty. You really have a lot to do today and I recommend getting up early.
!!ATTENTION!! Antelope Canyon is a very popular attraction with limited access. Be sure to book your tour well in advance (ideally months). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility to book a tour, can be found here or here
Here you park your car and head to the kiosk offering organized tours of Antelope Canyon, or to the agreed meeting point if you have a reservation. Here you will be picked up by guides who will lead you to the canyon or take you in off-road vehicles. The canyon cannot be explored on your own.
You will continue with the off-road vehicle guides to the canyon.
This place is a real beauty! An incredibly photogenic slot canyon hidden in the desert is concealed by high, undulating walls of red sandstone smoothed by erosion. Walks through the narrow slots wedged between the rocks offer not only welcome shade, but also a magical spectacle in combination with the rays of the sun falling through the slots. The best time to observe the rays is between 11:00–13:30. The canyon lies on the territory of the Navajo Indian tribe and is therefore not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful annual pass does not apply here.
Course of the visit valid for both canyons:
entrance - is only possible with a guide from the local Navajo tribe, various options are available from several agencies
ticket - it is necessary to book in advance (in high season weeks to months in advance) for a specific day and time
tour organization - at the agreed time (usually approx. 30 minutes before the reserved start of the tour) you arrive at the agreed place (you will receive the information after purchase), where you will meet a guide who will take you in a small group (Lower canyon) or transport you (Upper canyon) to the canyon, which he will guide you through. You walk through the canyon in one direction and do not return. Then he will lead/take you back to the parking lot
tour length - the tour itself approx. 45 - 70 min, including organization and transport approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
1) Lower canyon (The Corkscrew):
location - north side of the road near the parking lot, here
difficulty - technically more demanding due to poorer accessibility with the need to climb ladders, more for fitter people
visit time - the visit itself is longer, but the whole process (including transport) only takes about 1 - 1.5 hours
price - cheaper, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 80 - 100 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
2) Upper canyon (The Crack):
location - south side of the road relatively far from the parking lot, location here
difficulty - easy visit thanks to better accessibility without elevation, everyone can handle it
visit time - the visit itself is shorter, but the whole process (transport, tour) takes longer (1.5 - 2 hours)
price - more expensive, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 120 - 160 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
Information about canyon tours including the possibility of booking a tour can be found here or here.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the location of the canyon near perpendicular rocks that do not absorb water, this place is dangerous during rain, when it quickly fills with water and there is a risk of flash floods. For this reason, the place is often closed. Unfortunately, the author of the itinerary has just such an experience and therefore did not get into the canyon.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the confined spaces, backpacks, large bags, camera tripods and other significantly protruding objects are restricted during the visit
You will return to the parking lot with the guide.
Then continue by car.
The concrete dam on the river forms the Lake Powell reservoir and is used for electricity production, water supply and river flow regulation. The complex includes a visitor center with an exhibition about the construction of the dam and the ecology of the river. The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the dam and the surrounding landscape. You can visit the visitor center with the observation deck for free, as well as walk across the bridge with a view of the dam separating Lake Powell on one side and the Colorado River on the other. You only pay for a guided tour inside the dam. More here
Opening hours Carl Hayden Visitor Center: 8:00 - 17:00 (18:00 in the summer months)
Alternative program (if you have time or skip the dam): visit Lake Powell including the possibility of renting a boat, or other interesting places within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Entry to the area is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. For more information and planning activities in this area, visit the NPS website here
What a river can do when given enough time and space can be seen mainly in the Grand Canyon. However, another amazing example of the power of a watercourse is this bend in the river (the so-called meander) in the shape of a horseshoe, which the Colorado River created while searching for the most suitable path through the soft subsoil. The view of this picturesque work of nature has become a star of social networks thanks to the number of selfies with the meander in the background that tourists hunt here. Because of this, a viewing platform has grown on the originally rather natural rocky viewpoints, which can be reached by a short sandy path from the paid parking lot. You will find it near the town of Page and, together with the Glen Caynon dam, it is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. More information about this place can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! You do not pay any fee for entering the viewpoint itself (it is a public area), however, the parking lot belongs to the city and a parking fee must be paid. You pay directly at the entrance in cash or by card
Entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you will stop at the kiosk to purchase entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. From the ranger you will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
The first stop in Grand Canyon National Park is at this popular observation tower. From the stone tower dominating the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon, the interior of which is decorated with paintings inspired by the culture of the original Native American inhabitants, you can enjoy the first beautiful views of the canyon.
There will be time for a tour of the visitor center tomorrow; today, just leave your car parked here and take the shuttle bus to explore the eastern part of the canyon.
Information about shuttle buses, including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → South Kaibab Trailhead - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
If you have the time and energy, take the dusty path down towards the canyon floor. Making it all the way to the bottom and back in one day is unrealistic, but I recommend (if you can) trying to reach the edge of the cliff at Skeleton Point (route here), which offers a phenomenal view down to the river. But before that, stop at the Ooh Aah Point viewpoint (here). The origin of its name probably doesn't need explaining :) This viewpoint is located near a bus stop, so it will probably be a bit crowded. There are no crowds at the much lower Skeleton Point.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in the summer heat, consider your options and don't forget to bring enough water and, ideally, a salty snack to replenish the electrolytes washed out by sweat.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: South Kaibab trailhead → Yaki point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
One of the many beautiful viewpoints on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River, and thanks to its relative remoteness, it is one of the quieter ones.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yaki Point → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
Replace the shuttle bus with a car and proceed to the hotel
One of the highlights of your trip is a visit to the famous Grand Canyon - an amazing work of the Colorado River, which, after many years of cutting its way through the soft rocks of the Colorado Plateau, created this amazing work of incredible length of over 400 kilometers and a depth attacking 2,000 meters. It is no coincidence that this canyon is one of the main symbols of the entire USA and one of the most visited national parks in the world. Stroll along the paved paths around the canyon to platforms hanging over its edges and enjoy divine views of the colorful layers of rock in its vertical walls. Try to find the Colorado River somewhere down at the bottom, which created all this. It won't be easy - the river looks like a drying stream from that enormous height and distance. However, you can get closer on one of the trails leading down into the canyon. However, the journey to the very bottom to the river and back is impossible in one day and is very dangerous in the summer heat due to the extreme climb back. For this option, it is necessary to spend the night down in the canyon at one of the camping sites. This itinerary does not include this, but you will definitely enjoy the canyon anyway.
The gateway to Grand Canyon National Park. Here you'll stop at the kiosk to purchase your entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. The ranger will give you a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use local rangers. Above all, however, I recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
winter season (7/12 - 18/4): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 18:00
Park information - see web NPS
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
The first of many spectacular canyon views is offered by this viewing platform located near the visitor center parking lot. This is where you should start your walk along the edge of the canyon.
Continue along the Rim trail, which follows a paved path on level ground along the edge of the canyon.
Another of the many viewpoints offers a panorama of the central part of the Grand Canyon. In the adjacent museum, you can learn about geology.
In the museum, you will find exhibits about the local geology and the history of the canyon, including its formation.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yavapai Geology Museum → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here, transfer to Blue Route
Blue route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → Train Depot - details here
NOTE: Instead of the shuttle bus, you can of course continue along the Rim Trail, which runs along the entire length of the canyon rim, however, this section is less exciting, so it is reasonable to save time and energy for the more challenging Bright Angel hike.
The old train station and railway in Grand Canyon Village recall the era when people traveled to the canyon by train.
Adventurous individuals in good shape can try tackling part of the trail leading down to the bottom of the canyon. However, you definitely won't make the whole thing in one day. If you are in good shape and not here in the height of summer, when temperatures at the bottom of the canyon exceed forty degrees, you can try to reach the viewpoint from the platform (here). However, it is an extremely challenging trail with an elevation gain of more than 1000 meters. I recommend rather reaching this landmark on the cliff and then returning.
Shuttle bus: Blue route: Bright Angel → Hermit´s rest - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Hermits Rest offers a quieter, less touristy atmosphere, combining historic architecture with sweeping panoramas of the western Grand Canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Hermit´s rest → Mohave point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
Mohave Point is one of the most impressive viewpoints along Hermit Road, known for its wide panorama, from which the Colorado River can often be seen deep in the canyon.
This viewpoint, offering a wide view into the canyon, is a popular spot for watching the sunset over the canyon.
Powell Point is a quiet scenic viewpoint with open views to the western part of the canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Powell point → Village route transfer - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
transfer to the blue line
Blue route: Hermit´s rest route transfer → Grand Caynon visitor center - details here
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Get in the car and drive to the hotel.
Today, you will be exploring the area around Flagstaff, a city located on the legendary Route 66, which runs almost across the entire USA. Although most of the original route has been replaced by new, modern highways, some sections still operate and are a popular destination for road trips. Flagstaff, and Arizona in general, lies on its route, allowing you to experience the authentic atmosphere of old America in its historic center with stylish establishments and typical neon signs. However, Flagstaff offers much more. Besides its location in the high mountains providing welcome cooling, the place is also an important center for space research. So, after surviving the afternoon heat with walks in the wooded mountains and a ride along a section of Route 66, head out of town to observe the starry sky at the observatory that discovered the planet Pluto for the world.
You can take a break from the parched and hot landscape of Arizona in and around Flagstaff, which offers an unexpected landscape for this state: fresh, wooded high mountains with peaks of almost four thousand meters, where you can cool off. The volcanic mountains starting on the northern edge of the city are a perfect place for this, offering many hiking trails of all possible lengths and levels. The highest mountains can be found in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness area, which is very accessible. Many trails lead from the parking lot, and all you need to do is study the map a bit.
Tips for routes:
Humphreys Peak - if you have the desire, time and condition, you can climb the highest peak in the whole area. Route here
circuit - a real challenge is the almost 30 km long circuit through the mountains. You need to leave early to complete it. Route here
walk - on the other hand, an easy taste of the area is the easy circuits Humprey spur and Aspen loop
!!ATTENTION!! The area is home to black bears and cougars. Encounters with them are rare and attacks are isolated, but still follow the instructions on the signs, or rangers who will be happy to teach you about prevention and proper behavior in the event of a conflict
TIP: In addition to Kachina Peaks, you will find many other mountain areas and hiking trails around Flagstaff in the vast, rugged area of Coconino National Forest.
This space park, which combines a historical landmark and an important center of science, consists of an observatory, which became famous especially for the discovery of Pluto, and surrounding attractions such as the Solar System Trail, where the individual planets and objects of our system are spaced apart in a scale corresponding to reality. The powerful Lowell Discovery Telescope is used, among other things, for research taking place at the observatory. You can take part in public observation of the night sky and various other attractions and educational events. The regular admission includes the possibility of a detailed tour of the Sun (including spots, etc.) using one of the telescopes with filters - everything is completely safe.
You can find more information here
Opening hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (in summer on weekends until 23:00), closed on Tuesdays
Today will be marked by a road trip to natural and cultural monuments in the vicinity of Flagstaff. First, you will visit rock dwellings carved into the rock hidden in an elongated canyon. Then, you will move through a dramatic volcanic landscape full of volcanic cones and dusty lava fields with black sand and stones to other settlements of native Indians, which, in combination with the surrounding desert volcanic landscape, seem almost magical.
TIP: If you have time left, or rather skip some of the offered places, you can go on a tour of an interesting attraction - a meteorite impact crater. Meteor crater is located approximately 70 km east of Flagstaff and you can reach it in approximately 40 minutes on the highway (from Walnut Canyon it is only 50 km and 30 minutes drive). However, you must be there before the opening hours until 5 p.m. and pay an entrance fee of 29 USD. Details here
This national monument located near Flagstaff consists of a narrow canyon where you can find more than 25 cliff dwellings of indigenous Pueoblos tribes. In addition to peeking into individual rooms during a walk along a comfortable trail along the rocks, you can also enjoy views of the canyon from one of the many viewpoints. More information can be found here.
opening hours of the visitor center and the entire park: 9:00 - 17:00
While the nearby Meteor Crater is the result of a space body impact, Sunset Crater Volcano is a real volcanic crater. The entire protected area, formed by an arid desert with lava fields created during the eruption of the local volcano, is part of the vast volcanic landscape of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The area is ideal for a road trip through the volcanic landscape, but you can also take a few trails across the lava fields. The most famous are Lenox Crater Trail, then Bonitavista Trail or Lava Flow Trail. First, stop at the information center and learn about the local geology and the history of the formation of this landscape, then take the loop road. You can park in front of each of the mentioned trails. More information can be found here.
Information center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Park opening hours: 24/7
From the crater, continue on the circular route and you will reach the nearby Wupatki National Monument.
You can also explore the dwellings and culture of the local natives in another monument, which is set in a desert and volcanic landscape, making the visit a unique experience offering a mysterious atmosphere of old settlements in harmony with the dramatic landscape. The main attraction of the monument is the Wupatki main pueblo. More information here.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monument opening hours: from sunrise to sunset
Head to the nearby picturesque town of Sedona, which looks like it's straight out of an advertisement for this arid state. Magnificent red rocks of all shapes surround the entire town, beckoning you to explore them. Take one of the many hiking trails leading into their depths and climb to the top of the local rocks, where you will be rewarded with the most beautiful views of this divine Wild West landscape.
One of Arizona's hidden gems, lying in the shadow of the more famous Grand Canyon, is the town of Sedona, surrounded by stunning red rocks of all shapes and steep canyons that create an impressive play of light in the late afternoon and at sunset. Thanks to its magical atmosphere, Sedona attracts artists and esoteric enthusiasts who come here in search of places radiating earth energy, known as vortexes. Throughout the area, you can take many treks along one of the many hiking trails, rent a bike and explore the area more deeply, or, in true American style, drive around the area and enjoy the scenic drives. For starters, visit the information center where you can gather information and plan your tour of the area with the help of rangers.
information center opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
entrance: entrance to the trails and viewpoints is free, you only pay for parking if applicable
parking: you can buy a Red Rock pass and use all the parking lots located at the start of the most interesting hiking trails
TIP: the America the Beautiful annual pass also covers parking fees
Recommended places and activities to visit:
treks: Devil's bridge, Little horse, Cathedral rock, Dry creek
viewpoints accessible by car: Sedona airport vortex, Sedona airport overlook, Chapel of the Holy Cross
vortexes: Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral rock
scenic roads: Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ 179), Red Rock Loop Road (here)
I recommend parking your car in one of the "park and ride" parking lots and then continuing by shuttle bus, which will take you to the start of the trails leading to the most interesting places free of charge.
park and ride parking (free): leave your car here and continue with the shuttle buses
North SR-179 Park & Ride (here ): serves the Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trails
Posse Grounds Park & Ride (here): serves the Soldier Pass trail and other trails
West SR-89A Park & Ride (here): serves the Mescal, Dry Creek Vista, Devil’s Bridge trails
Clear map of parking lots and trails here (after clicking on the name of the parking lot, its location will appear in Google maps, and after clicking on the stop, the shuttle bus timetables will appear)
More information about the park: official website of the city here, or a more tourist-oriented website here
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - at the park and ride North SR-179 Park & Ride parking lot
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
A short but physically demanding hiking trail on unpaved rocky terrain, leading to the iconic Cathedral Rock massif with breathtaking views in the Sedona Red Rocks area. Remember to bring plenty of water in the summer, and it can be slippery after rain.
Route - approximately 1 km long, elevation gain of around 170 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Little Horse Trail is an easily accessible trail leading through a picturesque desert landscape with views of iconic red rocks and is ideal for a relaxing program without much physical exertion. It will take you to the Chicken Point lookout.
TIP: You can extend the walk to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly on the rock and offering a unique connection between the spiritual place and the surrounding nature. Plus, there are beautiful views from there.
Route - length approx. 3 km, elevation gain around 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Little horse trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass, visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - West SR-89A Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Easy, wide hiking trail on an unpaved road in an open desert landscape, ideal for a leisurely stroll with views of red rock formations.
Route (to the Devil's Bridge trail junction) - length approx. 2 km, elevation gain around 6 meters in one direction, route here
A moderately challenging hiking trail on unpaved terrain leading to the largest natural rock arch in the Sedona area, one of Arizona's most iconic spots.
Route (from the junction with the Dry Creek Trail) - length approx. 1.3 km, elevation gain approx. 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - Dry creek trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Posse Grounds Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
A moderately difficult hiking trail on unpaved terrain that combines natural attractions (Sedona Seven Sacred Pools, Devil's Kitchen sinkhole) with beautiful views of the red rocks.
Route (to the junction with Brins Mesa trail) - approx. 3 km, elevation gain of around 140 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Soldier pass trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
Continue driving to Flagstaff.
Your farewell to Arizona will be in style. You will spend most of the day on the legendary historic Route 66. Explore the retro towns standing on this road, sought after by motorists from all over the world, and soak up the atmosphere of old America with neon signs, old gas stations, museums dedicated to the history of this route, and souvenir shops where you can buy everything you can think of with the logo of this living legend. Later, visit the phenomenal feat of human engineering – the famous Hoover Dam built on the Colorado River. Then all that remains is to drive to the nearby city of sins – a neon miracle built in the middle of the arid desert.
Park your car at the visitor center and set out to explore this small town, which lives on the legacy of the famous Route 66, on foot. You will find everything interesting about this famous road along the main road, West Route 66. Here you will see classic neon signs, billboards, retro motels, old-fashioned gas stations, and parked American vintage cars. Right next to the visitor center, you can see the historic railway station with retro carriages that once ran to the Grand Canyon. The town of Williams is considered the gateway to the canyon.
A clear choice for soaking up the atmosphere of old America. It is an old gas station with an adjacent museum and gift shop. You can really feel it here. Information can be found here https://experiencewilliams.com/listing/route-66-museum-and-gift-shop/
Opening hours: MON - SAT: 09:00 – 19:00, SUN: 09:00 – 17:00
INTERESTING FACT: Williams was the last city to build a highway bypass replacing the traditional Route 66
Another of the living souls of Route 66 and the greatest promoter of the tradition of this road is the small town of Seligman. Along the short main road you will find many reminders of this legend in the form of colorful signs, neon lights, murals, old Cadillacs, motels, gas stations... just a total retro vibe.
In this store, you can buy souvenirs from local vendors. They offer t-shirts, nests, cans, magnets, and other common gifts. The entire area around the store and generally the main road offers a unique atmosphere of a "living museum" thanks to retro cars, gas stations, and neon signs.
Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00
This iconic stop on Route 66 is a retro shop located in the small village of Hackberry. If you plan to bring a Route 66 souvenir for yourself or your loved ones and haven't had the chance at previous stops, this place is an obvious choice. However, you'll enjoy the visit even if you don't buy anything. Formerly a common general store, it has now transformed into a living museum with many collectibles. You can find more here.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Kingman is the last of the towns standing on the historic Route 66, still living by its legacy. Again, you will find retro cars, gas stations, neon signs and billboards along the road, led by the iconic entrance gate.
A small museum dedicated to the history of Route 66, exhibiting old photographs, Route 66 maps, and period artifacts. More here https://mohavemuseum.org/route-66-museum-temp/
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
This impressive dam, built in the middle of the desert in Black Canyon on the Colorado River on the border of Arizona and Nevada, is a reinforced concrete engineering marvel. It was built during the Great Depression to provide cheap energy. By damming the Colorado River, the country's largest artificial lake, Lake Mead, was created, which, like the dam itself, is a tourist attraction.
In addition to views of the dam and Lake Mead (free), you can also visit the interior of the visitor center with an interactive exhibition mapping the history of the dam's construction, or enter the power plant directly as part of the Powerplant Tour. More information can be found here
TIP: Avoid paid parking at the information center and leave your car in one of the parking lots further from the dam
Opening hours:
Visitor center: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last tour 4:10 PM)
Dam and access road: 24/7
Your American desert adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow enough time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of your time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached due to time constraints, or you can go to the desert, e.g. to the nearby Red Rock Canyon reservation with red rocks and canyons.
Before entering the visitor center, stop at the entrance gate and pay the entrance fee or show your pass. At the visitor center, first learn about the local geology, flora, and fauna, and plan your visit according to your time возможности. Behind the information center, take a short walk through the local garden and watch the turtles. Then take the scenic road to the interior of the park and stop at viewpoints or short trails as you wish.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: 8:00 - 16:30
Park opening hours: according to the season, you can find it at the end of the website here
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you move around in your own car
View of the majestic red massif. The Callico Hills Trail leads here, which leads to another viewpoint, Calico 2. From there, there is access to the Calico Hills formations and other views and trails in the area.
This tourist hub along the scenic road is also a historical site. Besides the rock formations, you can explore the history of sandstone mining via a short trail leading to a former sandstone quarry. Other trails start from here, such as the slightly more challenging Calico Tanks Trail, which leads to "tanks" (water collection basins after rain). Most importantly, it offers views of Vegas and the colorful sandstone formations of Calico Hills.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and get ready for the check-in process. Goodbye, Nevada.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize your Arizona adventure recap.
This adventurous road trip took you through the greatest gems of Arizona - a beautiful and unique land of hot deserts and red rocks. While the drive itself in an air-conditioned car through the endless hot desert among cacti surely left a deep impression on you, places like Monument Valley or views of the Grand Canyon surely captivated you. Beautiful rock formations of all shapes and shades alternating dramatic canyons cut into the landscape bathed in the setting sun creating a beautiful play of light are a breathtaking experience that you will not soon forget. Formations such as Antelope Canyon or the Four Corners Monument, where you step between four different countries, are a great bonus to a successful road trip.
If you didn't manage to taste all the fast foods during your road trip, don't despair - there is really a lot to see in America and you can always come back and explore another area. The author of this itinerary offers other American trips to Arizona and California. Your ESTA is valid for 2 years, so you will have one less worry and expense on your next trip during this period.
So bye bye, America! See you next time!
itinerary by Jakub
The USA is a country that hardly needs a long introduction. One of the world's major powers will captivate you from a tourist point of view, especially with the diversity of its nature and beautiful national parks. While the north, including Alaska, is covered by wild taiga and glacial mountains, the center is filled with prairies with bison, the east with deciduous forests, and the southwest with arid deserts with scorpions and rattlesnakes.
In this itinerary, you will head to the American Southwest, typical of the states of Utah and Arizona. During the road trip, you will explore the endless deserts with red rocks and canyons, and visit iconic places such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Long straight roads, rock arches, saguaro cacti, and surprisingly forested mountains around the city of Flagstaff await you. The American Southwest is diverse, unpredictable, but above all, beautiful. The road will also take you to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet within a few steps. Embark on an adventurous journey that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Practical information about the country and traveling in the USA can be found here
!!ATTENTION!! Before you set off, be sure to arrange in time permits for the Angel's Landing trek in Zion National Park (see day 2), entry reservation to Arches National Park (see day 6), and a reservation for an organized tour of Antelope Canyon (see day 6). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility of booking a tour, can be found here and here. The same applies to the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park (see day 7). The reservation window opens 14 days before the planned visit date at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can then explore the city or the surrounding beautiful landscape of the Mojave Desert. In the summer months, however, be careful of the extreme heat - Vegas is located in the middle of the desert.
The places mentioned for today are a suggestion of how to spend not only your arrival day, but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and desire, head into the whirlwind of the city of sin to one of the casinos or bars along the entertainment center on the Las Vegas Strip. During a ride or walk along Las Vegas Boulevard, you will travel the world thanks to hotels inspired by famous metropolises and their monuments, you will find yourself under the Eiffel Tower, walk around the Venetian Canal and Egyptian pyramids. Don't forget the light and music show of the fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel, and then hurry to the casino to try your luck at roulette or blackjack :)
NOTE: All the famous hotels along the Las Vegas Strip have casinos inside, which are free to enter even for non-guests.
Hello, welcome to the USA! Welcome to Nevada, specifically Las Vegas - the "city of sin" surrounded by the Mojave Desert. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, car pick-up - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a long flight, however, depending on your arrival time, it is possible to use this day meaningfully.
After arrival, you will pick up your car and move to your accommodation (depending on your arrival time and check-in), where you can relax and refresh after a long flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a long flight in one of the many American fast food restaurants and tune in to the local food culture.
Here we are! You are now entering the famous center of luxury, gambling, and entertainment in the city of sin - the Las Vegas Strip along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard. At its southern end, you'll find the renowned welcome sign, which appears in almost every movie set in the city of casinos. Thanks to this, the sign is a popular spot for selfies for foreign tourists and Americans alike, who visit the city not only for gambling but also for lively celebrations of significant life events such as birthdays, bachelor parties, and so on.
NOTE: There is free parking in front of the sign. If you want to take a photo at the sign or continue along the Las Vegas Strip on foot to the nearest hotels (e.g., New York and Coca-Cola store), where parking is paid, you can leave your car here and continue on foot along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard and enjoy the crazy atmosphere of luxury and neon lights.
Continue on foot along Las Vegas Boulevard and visit the interiors of some hotels with casinos as you please.
A hotel with a casino in the shape of an Egyptian pyramid. There is a replica of the Sphinx in front of the hotel. The hotel hosts various exhibitions and shows, such as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or Bodies…The Exhibition. Various cabaret and variety performances also take place here.
A casino hotel inspired by the legend of King Arthur and Excalibur. There is a replica of a medieval castle in front of the hotel.
A casino hotel inspired by the American metropolis of New York, with architecture styled after the Manhattan skyline. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and parts of Times Square. The Big Apple Coaster roller coaster runs around the resort, and inside you'll find Hershey's Chocolate World.
The Coca-Cola Store offers a combination of a shop and an entertainment center thematically focused on this iconic American beverage. You can buy souvenirs (t-shirts, bottles, sweatshirts, etc.) with the logo of this legendary brand, taste different variations of the drink, or have a personalized can or bottle created. More here https://www.coca-colastore.com/retail/las-vegas
store opening hours: 09:00 – 23:00
bar opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Go back to the car.
Continue by car to the next free parking lot at the Treasure Island Hotel.
A pirate-themed hotel with a casino. There is a replica of a pirate ship in front of the hotel. The hotel is home to Mystère, a show by the legendary Cirque du Soleil.
Iconic luxury hotel known from many movies. In addition to the interior with a casino, exhibitions (Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art with works by world-renowned artists) and amusement parks (Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with thematically changing exhibitions), be sure to check out the nightly music and light show of the local fountains Fountains of Bellagio.
fountain light show times:
MON - FRI: 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
SAT - SUN: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
A casino hotel inspired by Italy's Rome. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Inside, you'll find the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
A casino hotel inspired by Paris, France. In front of the hotel, there is a replica of the famous Eiffel Tower (with the Eiffel Tower Experience restaurant and observation deck), the Arc de Triomphe, and replicas of the Louvre. At night, you can't miss another of the city's icons - the Paris Balloon.
The hotel with a casino is particularly attractive due to its outdoor Flamingo Wildlife Habitat garden with lakes and free-roaming flamingos and parrots, or the outdoor pool with palm trees.
A casino hotel inspired by Venice, Italy. In and around the hotel, you'll find artificial canals spanned by romantic bridges with gondola rides. The interior features a replica of Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal Shoppes promenade with Venetian-style cafes and shops.
You definitely won't miss the hotel with a casino known as The STRAT. It includes an observation tower, which, in addition to an unforgettable view of the city with shining neon lights contrasting with the dark and quiet desert, also offers attractions led by the adrenaline-pumping X-Scream, where a vehicle with an open roof tilts you 8 meters headfirst from the tower, giving you a feeling of "free fall." You can experience more adrenaline with a free-fall jump on the Skyjump attraction. You can find more about the hotel, including a directory of attractions, here.
observation deck opening hours: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Continue driving towards Downtown.
Park for free at the nearby El Cortez Hotel & Casino, from where it is barely 500 meters to the historic heart of the city and the main artery, Fremont Street. However, don't expect a street with monuments like in Europe. The street lives in the style of all of Vegas - that is, with many neon lights, casinos, entertainment and attractions including Viva Vision with the largest LED screen in the world on the ceiling of the covered passage, live music with DJs or a zipline leading over people's heads.
Right at the beginning of your adventure comes one of the highlights of the entire trip - one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, Zion, will captivate you with its magnificent canyon created by the Virgin River, embraced by enchanting red rock walls. Trails inside the red rocks contrasting with the deep blue sky and wonderful views of the most amazing formations will put a smile on your face. Climb the challenging and adventurous trail full of boulders, steep stairs, and chain-secured rock crevices to the top of the cliff where (at least according to the name) the angels themselves land. From there, you will have the entire canyon at your fingertips, and there will be plenty of poses for a profile picture. Or would you rather take it during an incredible trek through a narrow riverbed surrounded by steep rock walls, where you will find yourself knee-deep in water? In short, there will be no shortage of unforgettable experiences today.
!!ATTENTION!! Climbing to Angel's Landing requires a permit, which must be booked in advance through a lottery. Details on how the permit works can be found here and lottery registration here
NOTE: The itinerary is packed and you probably won't be able to do it all in one day. So choose only some places. I definitely recommend Angel's Landing and The Narrows for the physically fit.
Just before the turnoff to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Zion National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or an annual pass to all national parks and other state-managed areas, called the America the beautiful pass (more in the National Parks chapter in practical information here. You will receive a map from the ranger with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the information center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. During the high season, when shuttle buses are running, personal cars are prohibited from entering the interior of the park.
park information: here
information center opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00
park opening hours: NONSTOP
shuttle bus operating hours: depends on the season, detailed info here
NOTE: Driving your own car on Zion Canyon scenic drive is prohibited when shuttle buses are in operation
For a warm-up and a first taste of the park's beauty, I recommend choosing the short Watchman Trail loop, which starts at the visitor center and takes you around a rock face with beautiful views of Zion Canyon with the Watchman Peak and Towers of the Virgin formations. The best view is from Watchman Overlook. Route here.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Visitor Center → Zion Lodge
TIP: Consider getting off one stop earlier (Court of the Patriarchs) and hike the short and easy trail to a viewpoint from which you can see the local icons The Patriarchs, or the three rock massifs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Cross the footbridge over the river and continue along the Lower Emerald pool trail.
Continue on the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Lower Emerald Trail at the pond, to the beginning of the Angel's Landing Trail.
The greatest adventure and challenge begins here – at the start of the demanding but wonderful Angel's Landing trail. During this iconic trail through rock formations, you climb steep rocks on narrow paths, boulders, and steps, often secured by chains. At first, the trail looks inconspicuous and easy – the West Rim Trail gradually climbs through the canyon. In the Walter's Wiggles section, however, more than two dozen sharp and steep switchbacks await you, leading to a rest area with a toilet near the Scout Lookout. You need a permit for the next section, which is why many people turn back from here or continue on another trail. But here begins the greatest challenge and unforgettable adventure of conquering the top of the cliff.
!!ATTENTION!! I do not recommend the trek to people with dizziness and balance problems and untrained individuals. Also, remember to bring enough water and sturdy shoes.
This place is a real blast. After a challenging climb (sometimes scrambling), you will be duly rewarded with a magnificent view of the canyon and the park's iconic monolith opposite - The Great White Throne. This place simply has a magical atmosphere and will be one of the main experiences of this road trip that you will never forget. Your hunt for selfies and profile pictures can begin :)
You return down the same path. Be especially careful during the initial descent to Scout Lookout. Your legs are tired, and the descent over the boulders is often more difficult than the ascent itself.
Shuttle bus stop
shuttle bus:
line - green Zion canyon line
route - The Grotto → Temple of Sinawava
TIP: Consider getting off at other stops:
Weeping rock - Weeping Rock Trail leading along a shady path to a rock with water running down it
Big bend - stands right at the viewpoint of the river bend, a great place to take a photo of the canyon
First, you need to take the Riverside Walk trail, which runs along the riverbank for about 1.5 km, to reach the beginning of The Narrows.
Another unforgettable experience is offered by a unique trek leading directly through the riverbed in a gorge hidden among steep red rocks. The Narrows trail is actually very long (see map) and crossing it requires a full day (plus downstream). For a day visit, it is best to start at the shuttle bus terminus and follow the Riverside Walk trail leading approx. 1.5 km along the riverbank to the beginning of The Narrows, from where you continue upstream. You can go wherever you want (usually depending on the water level and your equipment and time - watch out for the departure of the last shuttle bus), usually people try to get to the first bend with a waterfall (here) to the vertical walls of "Wall street".
!!CAUTION!! The trail is passable only when the river level is low. The ideal time is summer with a lower riverbed. Waterproof shoes are a must - in some places you really can't avoid wading through water. If you don't feel like it, it's worth going at least to the beginning of The Narrows
Return along the Riverside Walk.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Temple of Sinawava → visitor center
Then continue with your car.
You will end your stay in the magnificent Zion with a short scenic trail, at the end of which is a viewpoint that offers an epic view of the main canyon. A beautiful place to say goodbye to this breathtaking natural work.
Another day in Utah offers magical nature, and for many of you, this stop will be the most beautiful experience of your road trip. The iconic Bryce Canyon offers fairytale views into a canyon covered with a "forest" of red rock spires, which create a magical play of colors with the setting sun. Descend into the canyon and walk around these "hoodoos" on dusty trails, during which you will crawl through narrow gaps and under rock gates. The rock cities of Bryce Canyon will simply enchant you with their beauty.
Right next to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Bryce Canyon National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or show your America the Beautiful Pass. You will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses from the ranger.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on the free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. It will take you to the most interesting places.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: according to the season, details here
Park opening hours: NONSTOP
Shuttle bus operating hours: from April to October, detailed info here
NOTE: you can also get around the park in your own car, but I recommend using the shuttle bus
shuttle bus:
linka - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point viewpoint
vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
route - Visitor center → Bryce point
Bryce Point shuttle bus stop
One of the best viewpoints in the national park offers a magnificent view of the Bryce Amphitheater area - the main part of the canyon formed by orange-colored and erosion-shaped rock formations, called hoodoos. From here, you have the entire canyon at your fingertips and you will have an incredible view of the bizarre formations as far as the eye can see.
From Bryce Point, descend into the canyon via the Peekaboo Loop Connector trail, which connects to the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
During this challenging trek on the canyon floor, you'll traverse dusty orange trails past hoodoos, duck under rock arches, and wander through forested groves. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the local hoodoos, headlined by the iconic Wall of Windows rock formation. The entire route from the Bryce Point lookout and back is here
You will return to Bryce Point via the loop trail.
Continue on foot along the Rim Trail, which follows the edge of the cliffs and offers views of the rock city. The route is indicated at the next location.
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Bryce Point → Inspiration Point
The route along the Rim Trail to Inspiration Point is here. Then you'll reach another beautiful viewpoint from which you'll have the Bryce Amphitheater area in the palm of your hand. Looking at the dramatic red rocks, you may draw inspiration, as the name suggests.
One of the most iconic circular routes is accessible to almost everyone. During a short route without significant elevation gain, you will have time to explore practically the most interesting things the canyon offers - you will crawl under rock gates, crawl through narrow rock crevices, and walk around many beautiful hoodoos. There will be no shortage of beautiful views.
Continue on foot along the edge of the cliff on the Rim Trail. The route is here
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Inspiration point → Sunset point
Another popular viewpoint makes sense to visit not only during sunset, as the name suggests. The view into the red canyon full of hoodoos is breathtaking at any time of day.
Shuttle bus:
Line A - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point overlook
Vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
Route - Sunset Point → Visitor Center
Then continue by car.
Take a trip deeper into the park to see the magnificent Natural Bridge.
A pleasant end to exploring this beautiful park is a short, easy walk along the Mossy Cave Trail. At its end, you will find more of a rock overhang than a cave (as the name would suggest), and also a small waterfall, Tropic Ditch Falls. Can you find a rock resembling a dragon?
Your journey through the so-called Mighty Five, Utah's five natural gems and national parks, continues with a visit to Capitol Reef, where you'll find a landscape of rugged cliffs, canyons, and rock domes connected by natural bridges and arches. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned car along the scenic road through this wild landscape straight out of a Wild West western. At one of the many well-marked stops, get out and enjoy the views or a short trek into the heart of the rocks.
On the way to Capitol Reef National Park, don't forget to look around and stop occasionally. You will be passing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - a landscape of canyons, cliffs, and rock terraces.
Before you reach the heart of Capitol Reef National Park with its visitor center, you'll pass a few nice and easily accessible viewpoints along the road. It would be a shame not to stop at least at some of them and enjoy the beautiful views of the local rock formations without expending energy climbing hills. One such viewpoint is Panorama Point, from which you can see Waterpocket Fold – the main fault line stretching 160 km across the landscape, along which this rugged park is created. A very short path leads to it.
A gravel road, passable in dry conditions, leads to other viewpoints.
Another beautiful and easily accessible viewpoint offers views straight down from the edge of the cliff onto the beautifully formed meanders of the nearby river, which resemble goose necks. The panorama of red rocks contrasting with the green oasis along the river completes the picture.
Not far from "Goosenecks Overlook" is another viewpoint, this time on the other side, overlooking the Fruita area and Waterpocket Fold.
This time, the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park is not guarded by a gate with rangers, but that doesn't mean the entrance is free. You pay by dropping the amount into a box. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you don't have to worry about anything.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive leading into the heart of the park. From the visitor center, you have one of the symbols of the park, the rock massif The Castle, in the palm of your hand. You also have Fruita Orchards within walking distance, with fruit orchards with self-picking fruit, which in the surroundings of the arid landscape and red rocks acts like a green oasis.
Park Information: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: according to the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Moving around the park: no shuttle bus runs here, you move around in your own car
Continue along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, which has several stops with views of interesting rock formations. Everything is clearly marked on the paper map (available at the information center) and on the map in the NPS app. Interesting stops are also marked directly on the road and numbered.
One of the most interesting, but also most challenging treks will take you to a massive rock arch hidden inside the rocks. According to local legends, the famous gunman and robber Butch Cassidy hid in this hidden and impenetrable terrain. The route from the parking lot (road passable for passenger cars) is here
!!ATTENTION!! To complete this approximately 5 km long trek (both ways), you need a certain level of physical fitness (steep climb) and, above all, good shoes and a supply of water
Continue along Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and enjoy further stops for scenic views.
Capitol Gorge trail - if you don't feel like trekking to Cassidy Arch, don't worry. This equally beautiful walk through the heart of massive rocks is very accessible and easy, and will be appreciated by even the smallest or oldest fans of geology. Along the way, you will pass through the narrow walls of the Capitol Gorge canyon, encounter several rock arches and natural tunnels, the Water Tanks pools (possibly dry during the summer), and also the Pioneer Register – inscriptions of native settlers.
You can view petroglyphs along the way. They are carved into the rocks near the road. The location is indicated at the next location.
You can find the rock petroglyphs here. At the end of your visit to this park, be sure to check out this easy trail leading through a rocky desert landscape with multicolored geological formations, including black lava stones scattered around. The path leads you to the monumental rock arch Hickman Bridge. The route here
Your next journey through beautiful Utah will take you to the land of canyons, literally. The vast Canyonlands National Park hides an almost unbelievable number of sharp canyons that descend steeply below the surrounding terrain, and the view from one of the many overlooks gives you the feeling that you have just reached the very end of the world. The surrounding desert landscape with rock formations of all possible shapes only enhances the grandeur of this amazing natural creation. While exploring the remote corners of the park, be careful not to end up like the hero of the movie 127 Hours, based on a true event that happened in this park (albeit in a more remote area).
The gateway to the Cynonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area, is located just before the visitor center. You can purchase a one-time entry at the kiosk or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here, you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature, and plan your visit, with the help of helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the scenic Grand View Point Road leading into the heart of the park.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, details here
Park opening hours: 24/7
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you travel in your own car
The first of many viewpoints is located near the information center and is one of the most beautiful and accessible. In addition to the iconic view of the canyons with their typically layered rocks, you will also see the famous winding dirt road, Shafer Trail Road, but you need a permit and a 4x4 vehicle to descend it. This itinerary does not include driving on this scenic but very challenging road.
If you're a fan of long hikes and feel up to a proper trek through the canyon (considering the season and potential summer heat), head out on the Neck Spring Trail loop. It's long, but thanks to the gentle elevation gain, it's not an overly difficult trek. Along the way, you'll see periodic springs that were used by local ranches, the remnants of which you'll encounter, as you traverse the rocky platforms in the sandy canyon. Some sections run along the edge of the canyon and promise stunning views. Personally, however, I would recommend not wasting time and energy on such a long trek and instead undertaking several smaller treks in different parts of the park (see below). Route here.
Undoubtedly the most visited and photographed spot in the entire park is this rock arch standing on the edge of a cliff, which frames the view into the deep, rugged canyon like a picture frame. You can spend long minutes here admiring the natural creations. The place has its charm especially at sunrise, which you probably won't catch considering the length of the journey to the park.
Compared to the crowded Mesa Arch, this viewpoint is especially pleasant because it is away from the crowds (probably due to the relatively long distance from the parking lot). You will enjoy the view of the canyon, which looks like craters in the ground, all the more. The path is easy and leads along the plateau.
Along the way, you can stop at another viewpoint - Buck Canyon Overlook.
Another of the fabulous and very easily accessible viewpoints offers a beautiful view of the canyon, which is definitely worth a short, comfortable walk from the parking lot on the plateau to the edge of the cliff.
And for a change, another viewpoint :) again offers incredible panoramic views into the heart of the canyon. At the tip of the cliff, you might feel like you're standing at the edge of the world.
On this route, you'll climb to the solitary rock summit of Aztec Butte. The short but rather steep path to the top rewards you with a combination of beautiful panoramic views and an archaeological interlude thanks to the nearby ruins of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Fans of pareidolia will surely notice this rock massif resembling a whale emerging from the ocean. You can reach it by following this trail. You can also climb on it, and it's not a particularly challenging trek. While there's no breathtaking view at the top, it's still an interesting stop.
Finally, the park's main mystery – a rock massif with a huge crater, approximately 1.5 km wide, the origin of which is disputed. The main theories of its formation include a meteorite impact and volcanic activity. In any case, it is a dominant formation that offers views of the surrounding area, as well as into the interior of the crater (in the case of climbing to the second viewpoint).
You can choose from two viewpoints, the first of which is very easy to climb, the second a little more difficult, but still accessible. The route to the second viewpoint is here.
A wonderful culmination to exploring picturesque Utah, the land of red rocks, will be a visit to the last of the Mighty Five - Arches National Park. It hides thousands of rock arches, solitary stone towers and other formations. Head to the fairytale landscape of red rocks and take short, easy trails along the most diverse geological wonders, shaped like various animals or objects. Walk along the smooth rock slab to the symbol of the park and the entire Utah, which you probably know from the license plate of your rental car - the local giant Delicate Arch adorns cars in Utah for its majesty. The red landscape flooded with the rays of the setting sun will simply captivate you.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to its easy accessibility, short and easy trails to amazing rock formations, the park is very popular. For this reason, it is necessary to reserve entry to the park in advance in a specific time window. Details on how to enter can be found here and online booking here
Just before the visitor center, there is the entrance gate to Arches National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car on the Main Park Road scenic drive leading into the heart of the park.
Park Information: here
Entry Reservations: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Depending on the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Getting Around the Park: There is no shuttle bus here; you travel in your own car
For a warm-up, you can take this short and easy trail, which will take you between the rock towers of Park Avenue on the right and Courthouse Towers on the left. You will feel like you are in a "natural New York" (the name Park Avenue refers to a New York street with skyscrapers). You can walk to the next point in the itinerary - the Courthouse Towers viewpoint, or return earlier and continue by car.
On the way, you can stop at the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (on the right)
The viewpoint of the rock towers resembling skyscrapers or courthouses (hence the name "courthouse") is located at the end of the Park Avenue Trail, and you could walk to it from the previous location or drive. In addition to the Courthouse Towers, you will also see the trio of smaller towers, the Three Gossips, and the striking Sheep Rock (on the left side of the road) or the rock towers The Organ and the Tower of Babel (on the right side of the road).
Continuing on, you will pass along the mighty rock wall The Great Wall (on the left) with a small rock arch, Little Gothic Arch. Just before the turnoff onto Windows Road, leading to an area rich in rock arches and other formations, you will pass the Petrified Dunes on the right.
The iconic rock formation has the shape of a large boulder hanging on a narrow pedestal, giving the impression that it will collapse at any moment, which will probably happen over time due to ongoing erosion. In the meantime, however, you can admire it while walking along the short paved path.
You have just arrived in the Window Section area, which is one of the most popular stops in the park due to its high concentration and easy accessibility of rock arches, windows, and towers. From the parking lot, take two short trails in sequence (see sub-locations).
One of the most iconic spots in the park is this double rock arch rising from a single rock formation. It is among the most massive and tallest in the entire park, and its easy accessibility makes it the most visited. Take a short walk surrounded by rocks and gaze at this natural beauty with Elephant Butte rock in the background. You can easily get lost here as well.
Equally beautiful and comfortable is the circuit on the other side of the parking lot, leading gradually around two rock windows (North and South) and then to an arch resembling a castle tower (Turret).
TIP: From the place between North and South Window, you can see the Turret Arch "framed" by a larger arch.
On the way back to the main road, you can still enjoy (or even make a short stop and explore more deeply) the area of high rock towers called Garden of Eden, including "Owl Rock".
A smaller rock arch is hidden between the rock walls, and a comfortable path leads to it through soft sand. It's worth a short stop. Depending on time and interest, you can continue along the Broken Arch Trail to the arch of the same name. Location here.
One of the most beautiful, but also the longest trails, will take you through the Devil's Garden area with many significant rock formations, with at least the Delicate Arch being one of the most beautiful in the entire park. In addition to it, you will see many other formations, all of which are listed as sub-locations. The entire route through all locations THERE and BACK is here.
NOTE: In the Primitive Loop section, you will encounter a steeper climb over rocky terrain, otherwise the trek is not extra difficult and can be managed by an average fit individual.
TIP: The route can be further extended to the Double O Arch and the Dark Angel rock spire (route here), but a visit to the main symbol of the park - the Delicate Arch - is also planned, and that's already a lot for one day (in terms of time and difficulty).
A smaller, but very photogenic arch, or rather a rock window, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.
Another of the smaller rock gates is named after the surrounding pine forests, whose green color beautifully contrasts with the red rock subsoil and the blue sky.
One of the longest natural arches in the world, and along with Delicate Arch and Double Arch, the main "star" of the park. Compared to its "colleagues," it is noticeably thin in relation to its length, making it seem very fragile.
Small but massive arch looks more like a cave entrance, providing valuable shade.
Small, but again very picturesque, the arch forms a "partition" between the rock massifs (Partition = partition).
An iconic symbol of Utah, which even made it onto Utah license plates, looks quite inconspicuous from a distance. Only when you get closer, its majesty becomes apparent compared to a person, even though it's not the largest arch in the park. Its hidden location and isolation from the surrounding rocks are particularly amazing. You can reach it via a relatively easy trail leading first through dusty and rocky terrain and later up a steep climb over smooth rocks.
!!WARNING!! The access path is slippery and dangerous after rain
TIP: Plan your visit for sunset to enhance the experience. The colors are more vibrant then.
TIP: On the way, stop at the old Wolfe Ranch and take a short detour to the petroglyphs
Today, you'll spend the day in Colorado, specifically exploring the main archaeological site that holds many rock dwellings carved by the original Pueblo tribes. In the mountainous terrain of this national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde, you'll experience a true road trip along the steep and winding roads with many overlooks of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. However, the highlight of the day will come at the very end of these roads in the most remote parts of the park. There, old clay dwellings carved into the rocks, often above the surrounding terrain, await you, and exploring them will guarantee you a breathtaking glimpse into the history of Native American cultures and their way of life. Some dwellings are accessed by steep paths, stairs, and often ladders, so there will be no shortage of adventure.
!!ATTENTION!! Most cliff dwellings (with the exception of Long House) are accessible only with a guide after prior time reservation. The reservation window always opens 14 days before the planned date of visit at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Welcome to Mesa Verde - a UNESCO World Heritage National Park and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, hiding hundreds of cliff dwellings and thousands of various remains of Ancestral Puebloan ancestors. As always, it's a good idea to start exploring the park at the local visitor center, where, in addition to an exhibition mapping the life of the Pueblo tribes, you can plan your trip with the help of local rangers. More detailed information about the national park can be found here.
From the visitor center, take the main mountain winding road leading across the park, offering many opportunities to stop at some of the viewpoints of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. A short distance behind the visitor center is a toll gate where you can purchase admission or show your pass.
visitor center opening hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
First, head to the remote Wetherill Mesa area, which you can reach via the less frequented Wetherill Mesa Road, which branches off the main road in the Far View Terrace area. Park your car here near the trail to Step House.
Wetherill Mesa is a quiet, car-free walking area where visitors move between archaeological sites on foot or by seasonal shuttle bus. The program needs to be planned with regard to distances and reserved times for guided tours.
Wetherill Mesa area opening hours:
5/23 - 9/29: 8:30 AM (entry possible until 2:00 PM) - 4:00 PM (gate closes), closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Right next to the parking lot with a rest area in Wetherill Mesa, a short but steep trail begins, which leads to the Step House dwelling. It is a smaller cliff dwelling showing the development of the Mesa Verde's original inhabitants settlement. The advantage is that it is the only significant cliff dwelling here that you can explore on your own without a guide and without having to deal with any reservations.
Entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
Depending on the season and time, you continue by shuttle bus or on foot with a ranger along the Long House Loop Trail (location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1108568626&ds=1&x=-108.5330383&y=37.1853184&z=14)
The second largest rock dwelling in the entire Mesa Verde area is accessible only with a ranger with prior reservation. Long House dwelling, as well as other monuments along the Long House Loop Trail, must be reached on foot or by shuttle bus, as private cars are prohibited in the area. The tour starts at the rest area with a kiosk, where the ranger will pick you up at your reserved tour time. Exploring the site is moderately challenging and also includes walking on staircases and climbing a ladder.
entrance: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, walking sticks or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Return to the car by shuttle bus or on foot.
Return on Wetherill Mesa Road to the Far View Terrace area and rejoin the main road.
Far View is a historical area and scenic part of Mesa Verde located on the summit plateau. Unlike previous areas, the dwellings here are not carved into the rocks, but at ground level. The area served as an administrative and residential center for Ancestral Puebloans and today offers open archaeological sites and wide views. Take a short circular walk along the Far View Trail and explore the remains of the villages, Far View House, Far View Reservoir, Pipe Shrine and other monuments. Thanks to its location on the very top of the plateau (here called "mesas"), you will have panoramic views from here.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the very end of the main road through the park lies the Spruce Tree area, which offers the highest concentration of monuments, led by the main "stars" of the national park – Cliff House and Balcony House. You can drive through the area on two separate circular routes or set off on one of the hiking trails.
The starting point is the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, which is the main visitor center of the park. It is here that the exhibition will best help you understand the context of the rock dwellings and the culture of the Pueblo tribes. A large part of the exhibition is devoted to the nearby Spruce Tree House, which stands below the museum and can be observed from the museum. At the time of writing this itinerary, the dwelling is closed, and the museum replaces its direct visit.
opening hours: 1/3 - 4/5 and 20/10 - 13/12: 10:00 - 15:00, 5/5 - 19/10: 8:30 - 16:30
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
A short path leads to the mentioned rock dwelling standing near the museum, starting from the museum and the adjacent parking lot. At the time of writing the itinerary, however, the dwelling is permanently closed due to unstable rocks, and a visit is not possible. The dwelling can at least be observed from the museum.
On the other hand, you can take the path leading from the museum along the rocks covered with petroglyphs - wall carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Indians. You can distinguish individual animals, human figures and various objects. The route is here,
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Depending on the reservation times for the cliff dwelling tours, embark on two circular routes one after the other. Timing is key on the Cliff Palace Loop road, along which are two main dwellings accessible only with a guide at specific times.
One of the highlights of visiting the national park is this largest cliff dwelling not only in the park and the state of Colorado, but in all of North America. After a short but relatively challenging trail including stairs and ladders, under the supervision of a ranger, you will reach a fascinating complex of more than 150 rooms with dozens of circular structures lying on the surface or partially buried in the ground, the so-called kivas, which served the Indians as centers of social and spiritual life and ceremonial places.
admission: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Continue along the Cliff Palace Loop and stop along the way at some of the sights or views into the surrounding valleys and canyons that hide other rock dwellings. For example, the view of Cliff Canyon is worth a short stop (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383128&ds=1&x=-108.4700473&y=37.1603927&z=16)
and especially the view of the House of Many Windows (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383744&x=-108.4693319&y=37.1603982&z=17).
You can also observe the distant Hemenway House from the viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153295107&x=-108.4652120&y=37.1566787&z=16
For adventurers and climbing enthusiasts, the most intense experience in the entire park is undoubtedly offered, with ladders, narrow passages, and climbing, which brings visitors closer to how challenging the daily life of indigenous tribes was. This stop is not suitable for the faint of heart or people with a fear of heights. From the dwellings, there is a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape, and thanks to crawling through narrow openings, you get into the interior of the dwelling, which ensures a truly authentic experience in harmony with the daily life of the Pueblo tribes.
Entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with limited mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for spatial and safety reasons
Before completing the Cliff Palace Loop, take a short walk along the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (here) to the edge of the cliff and enjoy the beautiful views of Soda Canyon and the Balcony House dwelling.
Entry: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Complete the Cliff Palace Loop and connect to another scenic road, this time the Mesa Top Loop, along which you will find many sights and views of the surrounding area. Pithouses, Little Long House, or Navajo Canyon Overlook are worth a stop.
Visiting the Square Tower House, with its iconic multi-story tower, is only possible through a challenging ranger-led backcountry tour with steep climbs and climbing sections, in limited capacity and with a significant extra charge. Therefore, the visit is only suitable for true enthusiasts and physically fit individuals, while skipping another tour from the itinerary (it is impossible to do everything in one day due to necessary reservations, transfers, and tour times). Most visitors are content with the easily accessible Square Tower House Overlook (here).
entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Explore other kivas and dwelling ruins along the way.
Entry: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Sun Point View is an easily accessible viewpoint on Mesa Top Loop Road, offering panoramic views of ancient canyon rock dwellings, including Cliff Palace, Sunset House, Mummy House, and Oak Tree House.
Entrance: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
On the way, you can stop at the Fire Temple Overlook viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153294926&ds=1&x=-108.4763535&y=37.1649458&z=17
A short, easy trail leads you to the ruins of a palace that served the native Pueblo people as a ceremonial structure.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the beginning of the trail to the Sun Temple is a beautiful view of the park's icon - Cliff Palace. A beautiful end to the park visit.
Another wonderful day and one of the highlights of your trip is a journey along the northeastern edge of Arizona, mostly through the Navajo Nation reservation. First, you will travel to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet, allowing you to travel through four states in just a few steps. America is simply a land of unlimited possibilities. Later, you will experience an unforgettable road trip along one of the symbols of the state made famous by the movie Forrest Gump. Yes, we are of course talking about the iconic Monument Valley.
An interesting stop is this unique place in the USA where the borders of four states meet – specifically Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Thanks to their straight-line borders, you can visit four different states in just a few steps and seconds. Besides "traveling" through different states, you can also see a monument with state seals and purchase some of the traditional Navajo products around the parking lot. The monument is located on the territory of the Navajo Native American tribe, outside the state administration, and you pay a special entrance fee here. More information can be found here
opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:45 PM (summer), 5:45 PM (spring and autumn), 4:45 PM (winter, i.e., from October to the end of March)
This iconic landscape of solitary sandstone formations (so-called buttes) rising from the vast desert offers another unforgettable experience. Monument Valley has become one of the symbols of the USA, and its beauty and atmosphere have appeared in many westerns and Hollywood films. You may know the legendary scene from the movie Forrest Gump, when the main character, after a long run across the country, suddenly stops, turns around, and runs back. Behind him are the rock towers of Monument Valley. Like the Four Corners Monument, Monument Valley lies on Navajo Nation land and is not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful Pass does not apply here. More information can be found here.
At the visitor center, which is also a museum of the indigenous population, you can get the necessary information and find a lookout. For an optimal exploration of the area, I definitely recommend driving the approximately 27-kilometer-long circular route 17 Mile Scenic Drive leading along a dirt road (however, the author of the itinerary drove it in a regular car without any damage) between the main rock formations. You can stop and admire this beautiful landscape along the way.
You can observe these formations along the way: East and West Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte and Mitchell Mesa, Elephant Butte, The Three Sisters, Camel Butte, The Hub, Rain God Mesa, Bird Spring overlook, Totem Pole, Yei Bichei, Artists Point overlook, Spearhead Mesa, North Window, Thumb
Scenic drive opening hours: summer: 7:00 – 19:00 (last entry 16:30), winter: 8:00 - 17:00 (last entry 14:30)
Today, you'll start with a fantastic and slightly adrenaline-pumping, but definitely unforgettable experience, as you and a Navajo guide explore the amazing work of nature - the slot Antelope Canyon. Later, you will move west of the town of Page and begin exploring the Colorado River and its magnificent creations. You'll start at the Glen Canyon Dam, which dammed the river to create the artificial Lake Powell, which you can explore by boat. From there, you will continue to another natural beauty - the horseshoe bend of the Colorado River, where you can take a beautiful selfie. Later, you will drive to the main attraction of the Colorado River and one of the symbols of America – the magnificent Grand Canyon. Today you will head to its eastern part, where the canyon welcomes you with a view from the watchtower. Deeper in the park, a trail leading towards the bottom of the canyon will test your fitness. During the challenging journey, you will be rewarded with stunning views, such as from the stylishly named Ooh Aah point lookout. Then, you will say goodbye to the national park with a view from the watchtower and continue to another natural beauty. You really have a lot to do today and I recommend getting up early.
!!ATTENTION!! Antelope Canyon is a very popular attraction with limited access. Be sure to book your tour well in advance (ideally months). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility to book a tour, can be found here or here
Here you park your car and head to the kiosk offering organized tours of Antelope Canyon, or to the agreed meeting point if you have a reservation. Here you will be picked up by guides who will lead you to the canyon or take you in off-road vehicles. The canyon cannot be explored on your own.
You will continue with the off-road vehicle guides to the canyon.
This place is a real beauty! An incredibly photogenic slot canyon hidden in the desert is concealed by high, undulating walls of red sandstone smoothed by erosion. Walks through the narrow slots wedged between the rocks offer not only welcome shade, but also a magical spectacle in combination with the rays of the sun falling through the slots. The best time to observe the rays is between 11:00–13:30. The canyon lies on the territory of the Navajo Indian tribe and is therefore not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful annual pass does not apply here.
Course of the visit valid for both canyons:
entrance - is only possible with a guide from the local Navajo tribe, various options are available from several agencies
ticket - it is necessary to book in advance (in high season weeks to months in advance) for a specific day and time
tour organization - at the agreed time (usually approx. 30 minutes before the reserved start of the tour) you arrive at the agreed place (you will receive the information after purchase), where you will meet a guide who will take you in a small group (Lower canyon) or transport you (Upper canyon) to the canyon, which he will guide you through. You walk through the canyon in one direction and do not return. Then he will lead/take you back to the parking lot
tour length - the tour itself approx. 45 - 70 min, including organization and transport approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
1) Lower canyon (The Corkscrew):
location - north side of the road near the parking lot, here
difficulty - technically more demanding due to poorer accessibility with the need to climb ladders, more for fitter people
visit time - the visit itself is longer, but the whole process (including transport) only takes about 1 - 1.5 hours
price - cheaper, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 80 - 100 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
2) Upper canyon (The Crack):
location - south side of the road relatively far from the parking lot, location here
difficulty - easy visit thanks to better accessibility without elevation, everyone can handle it
visit time - the visit itself is shorter, but the whole process (transport, tour) takes longer (1.5 - 2 hours)
price - more expensive, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 120 - 160 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
Information about canyon tours including the possibility of booking a tour can be found here or here.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the location of the canyon near perpendicular rocks that do not absorb water, this place is dangerous during rain, when it quickly fills with water and there is a risk of flash floods. For this reason, the place is often closed. Unfortunately, the author of the itinerary has just such an experience and therefore did not get into the canyon.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the confined spaces, backpacks, large bags, camera tripods and other significantly protruding objects are restricted during the visit
You will return to the parking lot with the guide.
Then continue by car.
The concrete dam on the river forms the Lake Powell reservoir and is used for electricity production, water supply and river flow regulation. The complex includes a visitor center with an exhibition about the construction of the dam and the ecology of the river. The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the dam and the surrounding landscape. You can visit the visitor center with the observation deck for free, as well as walk across the bridge with a view of the dam separating Lake Powell on one side and the Colorado River on the other. You only pay for a guided tour inside the dam. More here
Opening hours Carl Hayden Visitor Center: 8:00 - 17:00 (18:00 in the summer months)
Alternative program (if you have time or skip the dam): visit Lake Powell including the possibility of renting a boat, or other interesting places within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Entry to the area is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. For more information and planning activities in this area, visit the NPS website here
What a river can do when given enough time and space can be seen mainly in the Grand Canyon. However, another amazing example of the power of a watercourse is this bend in the river (the so-called meander) in the shape of a horseshoe, which the Colorado River created while searching for the most suitable path through the soft subsoil. The view of this picturesque work of nature has become a star of social networks thanks to the number of selfies with the meander in the background that tourists hunt here. Because of this, a viewing platform has grown on the originally rather natural rocky viewpoints, which can be reached by a short sandy path from the paid parking lot. You will find it near the town of Page and, together with the Glen Caynon dam, it is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. More information about this place can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! You do not pay any fee for entering the viewpoint itself (it is a public area), however, the parking lot belongs to the city and a parking fee must be paid. You pay directly at the entrance in cash or by card
Entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you will stop at the kiosk to purchase entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. From the ranger you will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
The first stop in Grand Canyon National Park is at this popular observation tower. From the stone tower dominating the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon, the interior of which is decorated with paintings inspired by the culture of the original Native American inhabitants, you can enjoy the first beautiful views of the canyon.
There will be time for a tour of the visitor center tomorrow; today, just leave your car parked here and take the shuttle bus to explore the eastern part of the canyon.
Information about shuttle buses, including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → South Kaibab Trailhead - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
If you have the time and energy, take the dusty path down towards the canyon floor. Making it all the way to the bottom and back in one day is unrealistic, but I recommend (if you can) trying to reach the edge of the cliff at Skeleton Point (route here), which offers a phenomenal view down to the river. But before that, stop at the Ooh Aah Point viewpoint (here). The origin of its name probably doesn't need explaining :) This viewpoint is located near a bus stop, so it will probably be a bit crowded. There are no crowds at the much lower Skeleton Point.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in the summer heat, consider your options and don't forget to bring enough water and, ideally, a salty snack to replenish the electrolytes washed out by sweat.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: South Kaibab trailhead → Yaki point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
One of the many beautiful viewpoints on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River, and thanks to its relative remoteness, it is one of the quieter ones.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yaki Point → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
Replace the shuttle bus with a car and proceed to the hotel
One of the highlights of your trip is a visit to the famous Grand Canyon - an amazing work of the Colorado River, which, after many years of cutting its way through the soft rocks of the Colorado Plateau, created this amazing work of incredible length of over 400 kilometers and a depth attacking 2,000 meters. It is no coincidence that this canyon is one of the main symbols of the entire USA and one of the most visited national parks in the world. Stroll along the paved paths around the canyon to platforms hanging over its edges and enjoy divine views of the colorful layers of rock in its vertical walls. Try to find the Colorado River somewhere down at the bottom, which created all this. It won't be easy - the river looks like a drying stream from that enormous height and distance. However, you can get closer on one of the trails leading down into the canyon. However, the journey to the very bottom to the river and back is impossible in one day and is very dangerous in the summer heat due to the extreme climb back. For this option, it is necessary to spend the night down in the canyon at one of the camping sites. This itinerary does not include this, but you will definitely enjoy the canyon anyway.
The gateway to Grand Canyon National Park. Here you'll stop at the kiosk to purchase your entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. The ranger will give you a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use local rangers. Above all, however, I recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
winter season (7/12 - 18/4): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 18:00
Park information - see web NPS
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
The first of many spectacular canyon views is offered by this viewing platform located near the visitor center parking lot. This is where you should start your walk along the edge of the canyon.
Continue along the Rim trail, which follows a paved path on level ground along the edge of the canyon.
Another of the many viewpoints offers a panorama of the central part of the Grand Canyon. In the adjacent museum, you can learn about geology.
In the museum, you will find exhibits about the local geology and the history of the canyon, including its formation.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yavapai Geology Museum → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here, transfer to Blue Route
Blue route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → Train Depot - details here
NOTE: Instead of the shuttle bus, you can of course continue along the Rim Trail, which runs along the entire length of the canyon rim, however, this section is less exciting, so it is reasonable to save time and energy for the more challenging Bright Angel hike.
The old train station and railway in Grand Canyon Village recall the era when people traveled to the canyon by train.
Adventurous individuals in good shape can try tackling part of the trail leading down to the bottom of the canyon. However, you definitely won't make the whole thing in one day. If you are in good shape and not here in the height of summer, when temperatures at the bottom of the canyon exceed forty degrees, you can try to reach the viewpoint from the platform (here). However, it is an extremely challenging trail with an elevation gain of more than 1000 meters. I recommend rather reaching this landmark on the cliff and then returning.
Shuttle bus: Blue route: Bright Angel → Hermit´s rest - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Hermits Rest offers a quieter, less touristy atmosphere, combining historic architecture with sweeping panoramas of the western Grand Canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Hermit´s rest → Mohave point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
Mohave Point is one of the most impressive viewpoints along Hermit Road, known for its wide panorama, from which the Colorado River can often be seen deep in the canyon.
This viewpoint, offering a wide view into the canyon, is a popular spot for watching the sunset over the canyon.
Powell Point is a quiet scenic viewpoint with open views to the western part of the canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Powell point → Village route transfer - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
transfer to the blue line
Blue route: Hermit´s rest route transfer → Grand Caynon visitor center - details here
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Get in the car and drive to the hotel.
Today, you will be exploring the area around Flagstaff, a city located on the legendary Route 66, which runs almost across the entire USA. Although most of the original route has been replaced by new, modern highways, some sections still operate and are a popular destination for road trips. Flagstaff, and Arizona in general, lies on its route, allowing you to experience the authentic atmosphere of old America in its historic center with stylish establishments and typical neon signs. However, Flagstaff offers much more. Besides its location in the high mountains providing welcome cooling, the place is also an important center for space research. So, after surviving the afternoon heat with walks in the wooded mountains and a ride along a section of Route 66, head out of town to observe the starry sky at the observatory that discovered the planet Pluto for the world.
You can take a break from the parched and hot landscape of Arizona in and around Flagstaff, which offers an unexpected landscape for this state: fresh, wooded high mountains with peaks of almost four thousand meters, where you can cool off. The volcanic mountains starting on the northern edge of the city are a perfect place for this, offering many hiking trails of all possible lengths and levels. The highest mountains can be found in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness area, which is very accessible. Many trails lead from the parking lot, and all you need to do is study the map a bit.
Tips for routes:
Humphreys Peak - if you have the desire, time and condition, you can climb the highest peak in the whole area. Route here
circuit - a real challenge is the almost 30 km long circuit through the mountains. You need to leave early to complete it. Route here
walk - on the other hand, an easy taste of the area is the easy circuits Humprey spur and Aspen loop
!!ATTENTION!! The area is home to black bears and cougars. Encounters with them are rare and attacks are isolated, but still follow the instructions on the signs, or rangers who will be happy to teach you about prevention and proper behavior in the event of a conflict
TIP: In addition to Kachina Peaks, you will find many other mountain areas and hiking trails around Flagstaff in the vast, rugged area of Coconino National Forest.
This space park, which combines a historical landmark and an important center of science, consists of an observatory, which became famous especially for the discovery of Pluto, and surrounding attractions such as the Solar System Trail, where the individual planets and objects of our system are spaced apart in a scale corresponding to reality. The powerful Lowell Discovery Telescope is used, among other things, for research taking place at the observatory. You can take part in public observation of the night sky and various other attractions and educational events. The regular admission includes the possibility of a detailed tour of the Sun (including spots, etc.) using one of the telescopes with filters - everything is completely safe.
You can find more information here
Opening hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (in summer on weekends until 23:00), closed on Tuesdays
Today will be marked by a road trip to natural and cultural monuments in the vicinity of Flagstaff. First, you will visit rock dwellings carved into the rock hidden in an elongated canyon. Then, you will move through a dramatic volcanic landscape full of volcanic cones and dusty lava fields with black sand and stones to other settlements of native Indians, which, in combination with the surrounding desert volcanic landscape, seem almost magical.
TIP: If you have time left, or rather skip some of the offered places, you can go on a tour of an interesting attraction - a meteorite impact crater. Meteor crater is located approximately 70 km east of Flagstaff and you can reach it in approximately 40 minutes on the highway (from Walnut Canyon it is only 50 km and 30 minutes drive). However, you must be there before the opening hours until 5 p.m. and pay an entrance fee of 29 USD. Details here
This national monument located near Flagstaff consists of a narrow canyon where you can find more than 25 cliff dwellings of indigenous Pueoblos tribes. In addition to peeking into individual rooms during a walk along a comfortable trail along the rocks, you can also enjoy views of the canyon from one of the many viewpoints. More information can be found here.
opening hours of the visitor center and the entire park: 9:00 - 17:00
While the nearby Meteor Crater is the result of a space body impact, Sunset Crater Volcano is a real volcanic crater. The entire protected area, formed by an arid desert with lava fields created during the eruption of the local volcano, is part of the vast volcanic landscape of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The area is ideal for a road trip through the volcanic landscape, but you can also take a few trails across the lava fields. The most famous are Lenox Crater Trail, then Bonitavista Trail or Lava Flow Trail. First, stop at the information center and learn about the local geology and the history of the formation of this landscape, then take the loop road. You can park in front of each of the mentioned trails. More information can be found here.
Information center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Park opening hours: 24/7
From the crater, continue on the circular route and you will reach the nearby Wupatki National Monument.
You can also explore the dwellings and culture of the local natives in another monument, which is set in a desert and volcanic landscape, making the visit a unique experience offering a mysterious atmosphere of old settlements in harmony with the dramatic landscape. The main attraction of the monument is the Wupatki main pueblo. More information here.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monument opening hours: from sunrise to sunset
Head to the nearby picturesque town of Sedona, which looks like it's straight out of an advertisement for this arid state. Magnificent red rocks of all shapes surround the entire town, beckoning you to explore them. Take one of the many hiking trails leading into their depths and climb to the top of the local rocks, where you will be rewarded with the most beautiful views of this divine Wild West landscape.
One of Arizona's hidden gems, lying in the shadow of the more famous Grand Canyon, is the town of Sedona, surrounded by stunning red rocks of all shapes and steep canyons that create an impressive play of light in the late afternoon and at sunset. Thanks to its magical atmosphere, Sedona attracts artists and esoteric enthusiasts who come here in search of places radiating earth energy, known as vortexes. Throughout the area, you can take many treks along one of the many hiking trails, rent a bike and explore the area more deeply, or, in true American style, drive around the area and enjoy the scenic drives. For starters, visit the information center where you can gather information and plan your tour of the area with the help of rangers.
information center opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
entrance: entrance to the trails and viewpoints is free, you only pay for parking if applicable
parking: you can buy a Red Rock pass and use all the parking lots located at the start of the most interesting hiking trails
TIP: the America the Beautiful annual pass also covers parking fees
Recommended places and activities to visit:
treks: Devil's bridge, Little horse, Cathedral rock, Dry creek
viewpoints accessible by car: Sedona airport vortex, Sedona airport overlook, Chapel of the Holy Cross
vortexes: Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral rock
scenic roads: Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ 179), Red Rock Loop Road (here)
I recommend parking your car in one of the "park and ride" parking lots and then continuing by shuttle bus, which will take you to the start of the trails leading to the most interesting places free of charge.
park and ride parking (free): leave your car here and continue with the shuttle buses
North SR-179 Park & Ride (here ): serves the Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trails
Posse Grounds Park & Ride (here): serves the Soldier Pass trail and other trails
West SR-89A Park & Ride (here): serves the Mescal, Dry Creek Vista, Devil’s Bridge trails
Clear map of parking lots and trails here (after clicking on the name of the parking lot, its location will appear in Google maps, and after clicking on the stop, the shuttle bus timetables will appear)
More information about the park: official website of the city here, or a more tourist-oriented website here
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - at the park and ride North SR-179 Park & Ride parking lot
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
A short but physically demanding hiking trail on unpaved rocky terrain, leading to the iconic Cathedral Rock massif with breathtaking views in the Sedona Red Rocks area. Remember to bring plenty of water in the summer, and it can be slippery after rain.
Route - approximately 1 km long, elevation gain of around 170 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Little Horse Trail is an easily accessible trail leading through a picturesque desert landscape with views of iconic red rocks and is ideal for a relaxing program without much physical exertion. It will take you to the Chicken Point lookout.
TIP: You can extend the walk to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly on the rock and offering a unique connection between the spiritual place and the surrounding nature. Plus, there are beautiful views from there.
Route - length approx. 3 km, elevation gain around 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Little horse trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass, visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - West SR-89A Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Easy, wide hiking trail on an unpaved road in an open desert landscape, ideal for a leisurely stroll with views of red rock formations.
Route (to the Devil's Bridge trail junction) - length approx. 2 km, elevation gain around 6 meters in one direction, route here
A moderately challenging hiking trail on unpaved terrain leading to the largest natural rock arch in the Sedona area, one of Arizona's most iconic spots.
Route (from the junction with the Dry Creek Trail) - length approx. 1.3 km, elevation gain approx. 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - Dry creek trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Posse Grounds Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
A moderately difficult hiking trail on unpaved terrain that combines natural attractions (Sedona Seven Sacred Pools, Devil's Kitchen sinkhole) with beautiful views of the red rocks.
Route (to the junction with Brins Mesa trail) - approx. 3 km, elevation gain of around 140 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Soldier pass trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
Continue driving to Flagstaff.
Your farewell to Arizona will be in style. You will spend most of the day on the legendary historic Route 66. Explore the retro towns standing on this road, sought after by motorists from all over the world, and soak up the atmosphere of old America with neon signs, old gas stations, museums dedicated to the history of this route, and souvenir shops where you can buy everything you can think of with the logo of this living legend. Later, visit the phenomenal feat of human engineering – the famous Hoover Dam built on the Colorado River. Then all that remains is to drive to the nearby city of sins – a neon miracle built in the middle of the arid desert.
Park your car at the visitor center and set out to explore this small town, which lives on the legacy of the famous Route 66, on foot. You will find everything interesting about this famous road along the main road, West Route 66. Here you will see classic neon signs, billboards, retro motels, old-fashioned gas stations, and parked American vintage cars. Right next to the visitor center, you can see the historic railway station with retro carriages that once ran to the Grand Canyon. The town of Williams is considered the gateway to the canyon.
A clear choice for soaking up the atmosphere of old America. It is an old gas station with an adjacent museum and gift shop. You can really feel it here. Information can be found here https://experiencewilliams.com/listing/route-66-museum-and-gift-shop/
Opening hours: MON - SAT: 09:00 – 19:00, SUN: 09:00 – 17:00
INTERESTING FACT: Williams was the last city to build a highway bypass replacing the traditional Route 66
Another of the living souls of Route 66 and the greatest promoter of the tradition of this road is the small town of Seligman. Along the short main road you will find many reminders of this legend in the form of colorful signs, neon lights, murals, old Cadillacs, motels, gas stations... just a total retro vibe.
In this store, you can buy souvenirs from local vendors. They offer t-shirts, nests, cans, magnets, and other common gifts. The entire area around the store and generally the main road offers a unique atmosphere of a "living museum" thanks to retro cars, gas stations, and neon signs.
Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00
This iconic stop on Route 66 is a retro shop located in the small village of Hackberry. If you plan to bring a Route 66 souvenir for yourself or your loved ones and haven't had the chance at previous stops, this place is an obvious choice. However, you'll enjoy the visit even if you don't buy anything. Formerly a common general store, it has now transformed into a living museum with many collectibles. You can find more here.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Kingman is the last of the towns standing on the historic Route 66, still living by its legacy. Again, you will find retro cars, gas stations, neon signs and billboards along the road, led by the iconic entrance gate.
A small museum dedicated to the history of Route 66, exhibiting old photographs, Route 66 maps, and period artifacts. More here https://mohavemuseum.org/route-66-museum-temp/
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
This impressive dam, built in the middle of the desert in Black Canyon on the Colorado River on the border of Arizona and Nevada, is a reinforced concrete engineering marvel. It was built during the Great Depression to provide cheap energy. By damming the Colorado River, the country's largest artificial lake, Lake Mead, was created, which, like the dam itself, is a tourist attraction.
In addition to views of the dam and Lake Mead (free), you can also visit the interior of the visitor center with an interactive exhibition mapping the history of the dam's construction, or enter the power plant directly as part of the Powerplant Tour. More information can be found here
TIP: Avoid paid parking at the information center and leave your car in one of the parking lots further from the dam
Opening hours:
Visitor center: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last tour 4:10 PM)
Dam and access road: 24/7
Your American desert adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow enough time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of your time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached due to time constraints, or you can go to the desert, e.g. to the nearby Red Rock Canyon reservation with red rocks and canyons.
Before entering the visitor center, stop at the entrance gate and pay the entrance fee or show your pass. At the visitor center, first learn about the local geology, flora, and fauna, and plan your visit according to your time возможности. Behind the information center, take a short walk through the local garden and watch the turtles. Then take the scenic road to the interior of the park and stop at viewpoints or short trails as you wish.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: 8:00 - 16:30
Park opening hours: according to the season, you can find it at the end of the website here
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you move around in your own car
View of the majestic red massif. The Callico Hills Trail leads here, which leads to another viewpoint, Calico 2. From there, there is access to the Calico Hills formations and other views and trails in the area.
This tourist hub along the scenic road is also a historical site. Besides the rock formations, you can explore the history of sandstone mining via a short trail leading to a former sandstone quarry. Other trails start from here, such as the slightly more challenging Calico Tanks Trail, which leads to "tanks" (water collection basins after rain). Most importantly, it offers views of Vegas and the colorful sandstone formations of Calico Hills.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and get ready for the check-in process. Goodbye, Nevada.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize your Arizona adventure recap.
This adventurous road trip took you through the greatest gems of Arizona - a beautiful and unique land of hot deserts and red rocks. While the drive itself in an air-conditioned car through the endless hot desert among cacti surely left a deep impression on you, places like Monument Valley or views of the Grand Canyon surely captivated you. Beautiful rock formations of all shapes and shades alternating dramatic canyons cut into the landscape bathed in the setting sun creating a beautiful play of light are a breathtaking experience that you will not soon forget. Formations such as Antelope Canyon or the Four Corners Monument, where you step between four different countries, are a great bonus to a successful road trip.
If you didn't manage to taste all the fast foods during your road trip, don't despair - there is really a lot to see in America and you can always come back and explore another area. The author of this itinerary offers other American trips to Arizona and California. Your ESTA is valid for 2 years, so you will have one less worry and expense on your next trip during this period.
So bye bye, America! See you next time!
The USA is a country that hardly needs a long introduction. One of the world's major powers will captivate you from a tourist point of view, especially with the diversity of its nature and beautiful national parks. While the north, including Alaska, is covered by wild taiga and glacial mountains, the center is filled with prairies with bison, the east with deciduous forests, and the southwest with arid deserts with scorpions and rattlesnakes.
In this itinerary, you will head to the American Southwest, typical of the states of Utah and Arizona. During the road trip, you will explore the endless deserts with red rocks and canyons, and visit iconic places such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Long straight roads, rock arches, saguaro cacti, and surprisingly forested mountains around the city of Flagstaff await you. The American Southwest is diverse, unpredictable, but above all, beautiful. The road will also take you to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet within a few steps. Embark on an adventurous journey that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Practical information about the country and traveling in the USA can be found here
!!ATTENTION!! Before you set off, be sure to arrange in time permits for the Angel's Landing trek in Zion National Park (see day 2), entry reservation to Arches National Park (see day 6), and a reservation for an organized tour of Antelope Canyon (see day 6). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility of booking a tour, can be found here and here. The same applies to the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park (see day 7). The reservation window opens 14 days before the planned visit date at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can then explore the city or the surrounding beautiful landscape of the Mojave Desert. In the summer months, however, be careful of the extreme heat - Vegas is located in the middle of the desert.
The places mentioned for today are a suggestion of how to spend not only your arrival day, but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and desire, head into the whirlwind of the city of sin to one of the casinos or bars along the entertainment center on the Las Vegas Strip. During a ride or walk along Las Vegas Boulevard, you will travel the world thanks to hotels inspired by famous metropolises and their monuments, you will find yourself under the Eiffel Tower, walk around the Venetian Canal and Egyptian pyramids. Don't forget the light and music show of the fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel, and then hurry to the casino to try your luck at roulette or blackjack :)
NOTE: All the famous hotels along the Las Vegas Strip have casinos inside, which are free to enter even for non-guests.
Hello, welcome to the USA! Welcome to Nevada, specifically Las Vegas - the "city of sin" surrounded by the Mojave Desert. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, car pick-up - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a long flight, however, depending on your arrival time, it is possible to use this day meaningfully.
After arrival, you will pick up your car and move to your accommodation (depending on your arrival time and check-in), where you can relax and refresh after a long flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a long flight in one of the many American fast food restaurants and tune in to the local food culture.
Here we are! You are now entering the famous center of luxury, gambling, and entertainment in the city of sin - the Las Vegas Strip along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard. At its southern end, you'll find the renowned welcome sign, which appears in almost every movie set in the city of casinos. Thanks to this, the sign is a popular spot for selfies for foreign tourists and Americans alike, who visit the city not only for gambling but also for lively celebrations of significant life events such as birthdays, bachelor parties, and so on.
NOTE: There is free parking in front of the sign. If you want to take a photo at the sign or continue along the Las Vegas Strip on foot to the nearest hotels (e.g., New York and Coca-Cola store), where parking is paid, you can leave your car here and continue on foot along the bustling Las Vegas Boulevard and enjoy the crazy atmosphere of luxury and neon lights.
Continue on foot along Las Vegas Boulevard and visit the interiors of some hotels with casinos as you please.
A hotel with a casino in the shape of an Egyptian pyramid. There is a replica of the Sphinx in front of the hotel. The hotel hosts various exhibitions and shows, such as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or Bodies…The Exhibition. Various cabaret and variety performances also take place here.
A casino hotel inspired by the legend of King Arthur and Excalibur. There is a replica of a medieval castle in front of the hotel.
A casino hotel inspired by the American metropolis of New York, with architecture styled after the Manhattan skyline. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and parts of Times Square. The Big Apple Coaster roller coaster runs around the resort, and inside you'll find Hershey's Chocolate World.
The Coca-Cola Store offers a combination of a shop and an entertainment center thematically focused on this iconic American beverage. You can buy souvenirs (t-shirts, bottles, sweatshirts, etc.) with the logo of this legendary brand, taste different variations of the drink, or have a personalized can or bottle created. More here https://www.coca-colastore.com/retail/las-vegas
store opening hours: 09:00 – 23:00
bar opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Go back to the car.
Continue by car to the next free parking lot at the Treasure Island Hotel.
A pirate-themed hotel with a casino. There is a replica of a pirate ship in front of the hotel. The hotel is home to Mystère, a show by the legendary Cirque du Soleil.
Iconic luxury hotel known from many movies. In addition to the interior with a casino, exhibitions (Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art with works by world-renowned artists) and amusement parks (Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with thematically changing exhibitions), be sure to check out the nightly music and light show of the local fountains Fountains of Bellagio.
fountain light show times:
MON - FRI: 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
SAT - SUN: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 30 min intervals, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM - 15 min intervals
A casino hotel inspired by Italy's Rome. In front of the hotel stands a replica of the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Inside, you'll find the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
A casino hotel inspired by Paris, France. In front of the hotel, there is a replica of the famous Eiffel Tower (with the Eiffel Tower Experience restaurant and observation deck), the Arc de Triomphe, and replicas of the Louvre. At night, you can't miss another of the city's icons - the Paris Balloon.
The hotel with a casino is particularly attractive due to its outdoor Flamingo Wildlife Habitat garden with lakes and free-roaming flamingos and parrots, or the outdoor pool with palm trees.
A casino hotel inspired by Venice, Italy. In and around the hotel, you'll find artificial canals spanned by romantic bridges with gondola rides. The interior features a replica of Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal Shoppes promenade with Venetian-style cafes and shops.
You definitely won't miss the hotel with a casino known as The STRAT. It includes an observation tower, which, in addition to an unforgettable view of the city with shining neon lights contrasting with the dark and quiet desert, also offers attractions led by the adrenaline-pumping X-Scream, where a vehicle with an open roof tilts you 8 meters headfirst from the tower, giving you a feeling of "free fall." You can experience more adrenaline with a free-fall jump on the Skyjump attraction. You can find more about the hotel, including a directory of attractions, here.
observation deck opening hours: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Continue driving towards Downtown.
Park for free at the nearby El Cortez Hotel & Casino, from where it is barely 500 meters to the historic heart of the city and the main artery, Fremont Street. However, don't expect a street with monuments like in Europe. The street lives in the style of all of Vegas - that is, with many neon lights, casinos, entertainment and attractions including Viva Vision with the largest LED screen in the world on the ceiling of the covered passage, live music with DJs or a zipline leading over people's heads.
Right at the beginning of your adventure comes one of the highlights of the entire trip - one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, Zion, will captivate you with its magnificent canyon created by the Virgin River, embraced by enchanting red rock walls. Trails inside the red rocks contrasting with the deep blue sky and wonderful views of the most amazing formations will put a smile on your face. Climb the challenging and adventurous trail full of boulders, steep stairs, and chain-secured rock crevices to the top of the cliff where (at least according to the name) the angels themselves land. From there, you will have the entire canyon at your fingertips, and there will be plenty of poses for a profile picture. Or would you rather take it during an incredible trek through a narrow riverbed surrounded by steep rock walls, where you will find yourself knee-deep in water? In short, there will be no shortage of unforgettable experiences today.
!!ATTENTION!! Climbing to Angel's Landing requires a permit, which must be booked in advance through a lottery. Details on how the permit works can be found here and lottery registration here
NOTE: The itinerary is packed and you probably won't be able to do it all in one day. So choose only some places. I definitely recommend Angel's Landing and The Narrows for the physically fit.
Just before the turnoff to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Zion National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or an annual pass to all national parks and other state-managed areas, called the America the beautiful pass (more in the National Parks chapter in practical information here. You will receive a map from the ranger with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the information center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. During the high season, when shuttle buses are running, personal cars are prohibited from entering the interior of the park.
park information: here
information center opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00
park opening hours: NONSTOP
shuttle bus operating hours: depends on the season, detailed info here
NOTE: Driving your own car on Zion Canyon scenic drive is prohibited when shuttle buses are in operation
For a warm-up and a first taste of the park's beauty, I recommend choosing the short Watchman Trail loop, which starts at the visitor center and takes you around a rock face with beautiful views of Zion Canyon with the Watchman Peak and Towers of the Virgin formations. The best view is from Watchman Overlook. Route here.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Visitor Center → Zion Lodge
TIP: Consider getting off one stop earlier (Court of the Patriarchs) and hike the short and easy trail to a viewpoint from which you can see the local icons The Patriarchs, or the three rock massifs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Cross the footbridge over the river and continue along the Lower Emerald pool trail.
Continue on the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Lower Emerald Trail at the pond, to the beginning of the Angel's Landing Trail.
The greatest adventure and challenge begins here – at the start of the demanding but wonderful Angel's Landing trail. During this iconic trail through rock formations, you climb steep rocks on narrow paths, boulders, and steps, often secured by chains. At first, the trail looks inconspicuous and easy – the West Rim Trail gradually climbs through the canyon. In the Walter's Wiggles section, however, more than two dozen sharp and steep switchbacks await you, leading to a rest area with a toilet near the Scout Lookout. You need a permit for the next section, which is why many people turn back from here or continue on another trail. But here begins the greatest challenge and unforgettable adventure of conquering the top of the cliff.
!!ATTENTION!! I do not recommend the trek to people with dizziness and balance problems and untrained individuals. Also, remember to bring enough water and sturdy shoes.
This place is a real blast. After a challenging climb (sometimes scrambling), you will be duly rewarded with a magnificent view of the canyon and the park's iconic monolith opposite - The Great White Throne. This place simply has a magical atmosphere and will be one of the main experiences of this road trip that you will never forget. Your hunt for selfies and profile pictures can begin :)
You return down the same path. Be especially careful during the initial descent to Scout Lookout. Your legs are tired, and the descent over the boulders is often more difficult than the ascent itself.
Shuttle bus stop
shuttle bus:
line - green Zion canyon line
route - The Grotto → Temple of Sinawava
TIP: Consider getting off at other stops:
Weeping rock - Weeping Rock Trail leading along a shady path to a rock with water running down it
Big bend - stands right at the viewpoint of the river bend, a great place to take a photo of the canyon
First, you need to take the Riverside Walk trail, which runs along the riverbank for about 1.5 km, to reach the beginning of The Narrows.
Another unforgettable experience is offered by a unique trek leading directly through the riverbed in a gorge hidden among steep red rocks. The Narrows trail is actually very long (see map) and crossing it requires a full day (plus downstream). For a day visit, it is best to start at the shuttle bus terminus and follow the Riverside Walk trail leading approx. 1.5 km along the riverbank to the beginning of The Narrows, from where you continue upstream. You can go wherever you want (usually depending on the water level and your equipment and time - watch out for the departure of the last shuttle bus), usually people try to get to the first bend with a waterfall (here) to the vertical walls of "Wall street".
!!CAUTION!! The trail is passable only when the river level is low. The ideal time is summer with a lower riverbed. Waterproof shoes are a must - in some places you really can't avoid wading through water. If you don't feel like it, it's worth going at least to the beginning of The Narrows
Return along the Riverside Walk.
Shuttle bus:
Line - green Zion Canyon line
Route - Temple of Sinawava → visitor center
Then continue with your car.
You will end your stay in the magnificent Zion with a short scenic trail, at the end of which is a viewpoint that offers an epic view of the main canyon. A beautiful place to say goodbye to this breathtaking natural work.
Another day in Utah offers magical nature, and for many of you, this stop will be the most beautiful experience of your road trip. The iconic Bryce Canyon offers fairytale views into a canyon covered with a "forest" of red rock spires, which create a magical play of colors with the setting sun. Descend into the canyon and walk around these "hoodoos" on dusty trails, during which you will crawl through narrow gaps and under rock gates. The rock cities of Bryce Canyon will simply enchant you with their beauty.
Right next to the visitor center is the entrance gate to Bryce Canyon National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry, or show your America the Beautiful Pass. You will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses from the ranger.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. However, I mainly recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on the free shuttle bus, which has a stop here. It will take you to the most interesting places.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: according to the season, details here
Park opening hours: NONSTOP
Shuttle bus operating hours: from April to October, detailed info here
NOTE: you can also get around the park in your own car, but I recommend using the shuttle bus
shuttle bus:
linka - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point viewpoint
vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
route - Visitor center → Bryce point
Bryce Point shuttle bus stop
One of the best viewpoints in the national park offers a magnificent view of the Bryce Amphitheater area - the main part of the canyon formed by orange-colored and erosion-shaped rock formations, called hoodoos. From here, you have the entire canyon at your fingertips and you will have an incredible view of the bizarre formations as far as the eye can see.
From Bryce Point, descend into the canyon via the Peekaboo Loop Connector trail, which connects to the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
During this challenging trek on the canyon floor, you'll traverse dusty orange trails past hoodoos, duck under rock arches, and wander through forested groves. You'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the local hoodoos, headlined by the iconic Wall of Windows rock formation. The entire route from the Bryce Point lookout and back is here
You will return to Bryce Point via the loop trail.
Continue on foot along the Rim Trail, which follows the edge of the cliffs and offers views of the rock city. The route is indicated at the next location.
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Bryce Point → Inspiration Point
The route along the Rim Trail to Inspiration Point is here. Then you'll reach another beautiful viewpoint from which you'll have the Bryce Amphitheater area in the palm of your hand. Looking at the dramatic red rocks, you may draw inspiration, as the name suggests.
One of the most iconic circular routes is accessible to almost everyone. During a short route without significant elevation gain, you will have time to explore practically the most interesting things the canyon offers - you will crawl under rock gates, crawl through narrow rock crevices, and walk around many beautiful hoodoos. There will be no shortage of beautiful views.
Continue on foot along the edge of the cliff on the Rim Trail. The route is here
You can also use the shuttle bus:
Inspiration point → Sunset point
Another popular viewpoint makes sense to visit not only during sunset, as the name suggests. The view into the red canyon full of hoodoos is breathtaking at any time of day.
Shuttle bus:
Line A - the only circular line that shuttles between the information center and the Bryce Point overlook
Vehicle and stop locations - can be tracked here https://brycecanyonshuttle.com/routes
Route - Sunset Point → Visitor Center
Then continue by car.
Take a trip deeper into the park to see the magnificent Natural Bridge.
A pleasant end to exploring this beautiful park is a short, easy walk along the Mossy Cave Trail. At its end, you will find more of a rock overhang than a cave (as the name would suggest), and also a small waterfall, Tropic Ditch Falls. Can you find a rock resembling a dragon?
Your journey through the so-called Mighty Five, Utah's five natural gems and national parks, continues with a visit to Capitol Reef, where you'll find a landscape of rugged cliffs, canyons, and rock domes connected by natural bridges and arches. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned car along the scenic road through this wild landscape straight out of a Wild West western. At one of the many well-marked stops, get out and enjoy the views or a short trek into the heart of the rocks.
On the way to Capitol Reef National Park, don't forget to look around and stop occasionally. You will be passing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - a landscape of canyons, cliffs, and rock terraces.
Before you reach the heart of Capitol Reef National Park with its visitor center, you'll pass a few nice and easily accessible viewpoints along the road. It would be a shame not to stop at least at some of them and enjoy the beautiful views of the local rock formations without expending energy climbing hills. One such viewpoint is Panorama Point, from which you can see Waterpocket Fold – the main fault line stretching 160 km across the landscape, along which this rugged park is created. A very short path leads to it.
A gravel road, passable in dry conditions, leads to other viewpoints.
Another beautiful and easily accessible viewpoint offers views straight down from the edge of the cliff onto the beautifully formed meanders of the nearby river, which resemble goose necks. The panorama of red rocks contrasting with the green oasis along the river completes the picture.
Not far from "Goosenecks Overlook" is another viewpoint, this time on the other side, overlooking the Fruita area and Waterpocket Fold.
This time, the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park is not guarded by a gate with rangers, but that doesn't mean the entrance is free. You pay by dropping the amount into a box. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you don't have to worry about anything.
Your first trip in the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive leading into the heart of the park. From the visitor center, you have one of the symbols of the park, the rock massif The Castle, in the palm of your hand. You also have Fruita Orchards within walking distance, with fruit orchards with self-picking fruit, which in the surroundings of the arid landscape and red rocks acts like a green oasis.
Park Information: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: according to the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Moving around the park: no shuttle bus runs here, you move around in your own car
Continue along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, which has several stops with views of interesting rock formations. Everything is clearly marked on the paper map (available at the information center) and on the map in the NPS app. Interesting stops are also marked directly on the road and numbered.
One of the most interesting, but also most challenging treks will take you to a massive rock arch hidden inside the rocks. According to local legends, the famous gunman and robber Butch Cassidy hid in this hidden and impenetrable terrain. The route from the parking lot (road passable for passenger cars) is here
!!ATTENTION!! To complete this approximately 5 km long trek (both ways), you need a certain level of physical fitness (steep climb) and, above all, good shoes and a supply of water
Continue along Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and enjoy further stops for scenic views.
Capitol Gorge trail - if you don't feel like trekking to Cassidy Arch, don't worry. This equally beautiful walk through the heart of massive rocks is very accessible and easy, and will be appreciated by even the smallest or oldest fans of geology. Along the way, you will pass through the narrow walls of the Capitol Gorge canyon, encounter several rock arches and natural tunnels, the Water Tanks pools (possibly dry during the summer), and also the Pioneer Register – inscriptions of native settlers.
You can view petroglyphs along the way. They are carved into the rocks near the road. The location is indicated at the next location.
You can find the rock petroglyphs here. At the end of your visit to this park, be sure to check out this easy trail leading through a rocky desert landscape with multicolored geological formations, including black lava stones scattered around. The path leads you to the monumental rock arch Hickman Bridge. The route here
Your next journey through beautiful Utah will take you to the land of canyons, literally. The vast Canyonlands National Park hides an almost unbelievable number of sharp canyons that descend steeply below the surrounding terrain, and the view from one of the many overlooks gives you the feeling that you have just reached the very end of the world. The surrounding desert landscape with rock formations of all possible shapes only enhances the grandeur of this amazing natural creation. While exploring the remote corners of the park, be careful not to end up like the hero of the movie 127 Hours, based on a true event that happened in this park (albeit in a more remote area).
The gateway to the Cynonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area, is located just before the visitor center. You can purchase a one-time entry at the kiosk or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here, you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature, and plan your visit, with the help of helpful rangers. From there, take your own car to the scenic Grand View Point Road leading into the heart of the park.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, details here
Park opening hours: 24/7
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you travel in your own car
The first of many viewpoints is located near the information center and is one of the most beautiful and accessible. In addition to the iconic view of the canyons with their typically layered rocks, you will also see the famous winding dirt road, Shafer Trail Road, but you need a permit and a 4x4 vehicle to descend it. This itinerary does not include driving on this scenic but very challenging road.
If you're a fan of long hikes and feel up to a proper trek through the canyon (considering the season and potential summer heat), head out on the Neck Spring Trail loop. It's long, but thanks to the gentle elevation gain, it's not an overly difficult trek. Along the way, you'll see periodic springs that were used by local ranches, the remnants of which you'll encounter, as you traverse the rocky platforms in the sandy canyon. Some sections run along the edge of the canyon and promise stunning views. Personally, however, I would recommend not wasting time and energy on such a long trek and instead undertaking several smaller treks in different parts of the park (see below). Route here.
Undoubtedly the most visited and photographed spot in the entire park is this rock arch standing on the edge of a cliff, which frames the view into the deep, rugged canyon like a picture frame. You can spend long minutes here admiring the natural creations. The place has its charm especially at sunrise, which you probably won't catch considering the length of the journey to the park.
Compared to the crowded Mesa Arch, this viewpoint is especially pleasant because it is away from the crowds (probably due to the relatively long distance from the parking lot). You will enjoy the view of the canyon, which looks like craters in the ground, all the more. The path is easy and leads along the plateau.
Along the way, you can stop at another viewpoint - Buck Canyon Overlook.
Another of the fabulous and very easily accessible viewpoints offers a beautiful view of the canyon, which is definitely worth a short, comfortable walk from the parking lot on the plateau to the edge of the cliff.
And for a change, another viewpoint :) again offers incredible panoramic views into the heart of the canyon. At the tip of the cliff, you might feel like you're standing at the edge of the world.
On this route, you'll climb to the solitary rock summit of Aztec Butte. The short but rather steep path to the top rewards you with a combination of beautiful panoramic views and an archaeological interlude thanks to the nearby ruins of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Fans of pareidolia will surely notice this rock massif resembling a whale emerging from the ocean. You can reach it by following this trail. You can also climb on it, and it's not a particularly challenging trek. While there's no breathtaking view at the top, it's still an interesting stop.
Finally, the park's main mystery – a rock massif with a huge crater, approximately 1.5 km wide, the origin of which is disputed. The main theories of its formation include a meteorite impact and volcanic activity. In any case, it is a dominant formation that offers views of the surrounding area, as well as into the interior of the crater (in the case of climbing to the second viewpoint).
You can choose from two viewpoints, the first of which is very easy to climb, the second a little more difficult, but still accessible. The route to the second viewpoint is here.
A wonderful culmination to exploring picturesque Utah, the land of red rocks, will be a visit to the last of the Mighty Five - Arches National Park. It hides thousands of rock arches, solitary stone towers and other formations. Head to the fairytale landscape of red rocks and take short, easy trails along the most diverse geological wonders, shaped like various animals or objects. Walk along the smooth rock slab to the symbol of the park and the entire Utah, which you probably know from the license plate of your rental car - the local giant Delicate Arch adorns cars in Utah for its majesty. The red landscape flooded with the rays of the setting sun will simply captivate you.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to its easy accessibility, short and easy trails to amazing rock formations, the park is very popular. For this reason, it is necessary to reserve entry to the park in advance in a specific time window. Details on how to enter can be found here and online booking here
Just before the visitor center, there is the entrance gate to Arches National Park. Here you stop at the kiosk to purchase a one-time entry or show your America the Beautiful pass.
Your first stop in the national park should be the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use the helpful rangers. From there, take your own car on the Main Park Road scenic drive leading into the heart of the park.
Park Information: here
Entry Reservations: here
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Depending on the season, details here
Park Opening Hours: 24/7
Getting Around the Park: There is no shuttle bus here; you travel in your own car
For a warm-up, you can take this short and easy trail, which will take you between the rock towers of Park Avenue on the right and Courthouse Towers on the left. You will feel like you are in a "natural New York" (the name Park Avenue refers to a New York street with skyscrapers). You can walk to the next point in the itinerary - the Courthouse Towers viewpoint, or return earlier and continue by car.
On the way, you can stop at the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (on the right)
The viewpoint of the rock towers resembling skyscrapers or courthouses (hence the name "courthouse") is located at the end of the Park Avenue Trail, and you could walk to it from the previous location or drive. In addition to the Courthouse Towers, you will also see the trio of smaller towers, the Three Gossips, and the striking Sheep Rock (on the left side of the road) or the rock towers The Organ and the Tower of Babel (on the right side of the road).
Continuing on, you will pass along the mighty rock wall The Great Wall (on the left) with a small rock arch, Little Gothic Arch. Just before the turnoff onto Windows Road, leading to an area rich in rock arches and other formations, you will pass the Petrified Dunes on the right.
The iconic rock formation has the shape of a large boulder hanging on a narrow pedestal, giving the impression that it will collapse at any moment, which will probably happen over time due to ongoing erosion. In the meantime, however, you can admire it while walking along the short paved path.
You have just arrived in the Window Section area, which is one of the most popular stops in the park due to its high concentration and easy accessibility of rock arches, windows, and towers. From the parking lot, take two short trails in sequence (see sub-locations).
One of the most iconic spots in the park is this double rock arch rising from a single rock formation. It is among the most massive and tallest in the entire park, and its easy accessibility makes it the most visited. Take a short walk surrounded by rocks and gaze at this natural beauty with Elephant Butte rock in the background. You can easily get lost here as well.
Equally beautiful and comfortable is the circuit on the other side of the parking lot, leading gradually around two rock windows (North and South) and then to an arch resembling a castle tower (Turret).
TIP: From the place between North and South Window, you can see the Turret Arch "framed" by a larger arch.
On the way back to the main road, you can still enjoy (or even make a short stop and explore more deeply) the area of high rock towers called Garden of Eden, including "Owl Rock".
A smaller rock arch is hidden between the rock walls, and a comfortable path leads to it through soft sand. It's worth a short stop. Depending on time and interest, you can continue along the Broken Arch Trail to the arch of the same name. Location here.
One of the most beautiful, but also the longest trails, will take you through the Devil's Garden area with many significant rock formations, with at least the Delicate Arch being one of the most beautiful in the entire park. In addition to it, you will see many other formations, all of which are listed as sub-locations. The entire route through all locations THERE and BACK is here.
NOTE: In the Primitive Loop section, you will encounter a steeper climb over rocky terrain, otherwise the trek is not extra difficult and can be managed by an average fit individual.
TIP: The route can be further extended to the Double O Arch and the Dark Angel rock spire (route here), but a visit to the main symbol of the park - the Delicate Arch - is also planned, and that's already a lot for one day (in terms of time and difficulty).
A smaller, but very photogenic arch, or rather a rock window, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.
Another of the smaller rock gates is named after the surrounding pine forests, whose green color beautifully contrasts with the red rock subsoil and the blue sky.
One of the longest natural arches in the world, and along with Delicate Arch and Double Arch, the main "star" of the park. Compared to its "colleagues," it is noticeably thin in relation to its length, making it seem very fragile.
Small but massive arch looks more like a cave entrance, providing valuable shade.
Small, but again very picturesque, the arch forms a "partition" between the rock massifs (Partition = partition).
An iconic symbol of Utah, which even made it onto Utah license plates, looks quite inconspicuous from a distance. Only when you get closer, its majesty becomes apparent compared to a person, even though it's not the largest arch in the park. Its hidden location and isolation from the surrounding rocks are particularly amazing. You can reach it via a relatively easy trail leading first through dusty and rocky terrain and later up a steep climb over smooth rocks.
!!WARNING!! The access path is slippery and dangerous after rain
TIP: Plan your visit for sunset to enhance the experience. The colors are more vibrant then.
TIP: On the way, stop at the old Wolfe Ranch and take a short detour to the petroglyphs
Today, you'll spend the day in Colorado, specifically exploring the main archaeological site that holds many rock dwellings carved by the original Pueblo tribes. In the mountainous terrain of this national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde, you'll experience a true road trip along the steep and winding roads with many overlooks of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. However, the highlight of the day will come at the very end of these roads in the most remote parts of the park. There, old clay dwellings carved into the rocks, often above the surrounding terrain, await you, and exploring them will guarantee you a breathtaking glimpse into the history of Native American cultures and their way of life. Some dwellings are accessed by steep paths, stairs, and often ladders, so there will be no shortage of adventure.
!!ATTENTION!! Most cliff dwellings (with the exception of Long House) are accessible only with a guide after prior time reservation. The reservation window always opens 14 days before the planned date of visit at 8:00 AM local time. Make reservations on the website here. A description of the individual excursions can be found here.
Welcome to Mesa Verde - a UNESCO World Heritage National Park and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, hiding hundreds of cliff dwellings and thousands of various remains of Ancestral Puebloan ancestors. As always, it's a good idea to start exploring the park at the local visitor center, where, in addition to an exhibition mapping the life of the Pueblo tribes, you can plan your trip with the help of local rangers. More detailed information about the national park can be found here.
From the visitor center, take the main mountain winding road leading across the park, offering many opportunities to stop at some of the viewpoints of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. A short distance behind the visitor center is a toll gate where you can purchase admission or show your pass.
visitor center opening hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
First, head to the remote Wetherill Mesa area, which you can reach via the less frequented Wetherill Mesa Road, which branches off the main road in the Far View Terrace area. Park your car here near the trail to Step House.
Wetherill Mesa is a quiet, car-free walking area where visitors move between archaeological sites on foot or by seasonal shuttle bus. The program needs to be planned with regard to distances and reserved times for guided tours.
Wetherill Mesa area opening hours:
5/23 - 9/29: 8:30 AM (entry possible until 2:00 PM) - 4:00 PM (gate closes), closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Right next to the parking lot with a rest area in Wetherill Mesa, a short but steep trail begins, which leads to the Step House dwelling. It is a smaller cliff dwelling showing the development of the Mesa Verde's original inhabitants settlement. The advantage is that it is the only significant cliff dwelling here that you can explore on your own without a guide and without having to deal with any reservations.
Entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
Depending on the season and time, you continue by shuttle bus or on foot with a ranger along the Long House Loop Trail (location here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1108568626&ds=1&x=-108.5330383&y=37.1853184&z=14)
The second largest rock dwelling in the entire Mesa Verde area is accessible only with a ranger with prior reservation. Long House dwelling, as well as other monuments along the Long House Loop Trail, must be reached on foot or by shuttle bus, as private cars are prohibited in the area. The tour starts at the rest area with a kiosk, where the ranger will pick you up at your reserved tour time. Exploring the site is moderately challenging and also includes walking on staircases and climbing a ladder.
entrance: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, walking sticks or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Return to the car by shuttle bus or on foot.
Return on Wetherill Mesa Road to the Far View Terrace area and rejoin the main road.
Far View is a historical area and scenic part of Mesa Verde located on the summit plateau. Unlike previous areas, the dwellings here are not carved into the rocks, but at ground level. The area served as an administrative and residential center for Ancestral Puebloans and today offers open archaeological sites and wide views. Take a short circular walk along the Far View Trail and explore the remains of the villages, Far View House, Far View Reservoir, Pipe Shrine and other monuments. Thanks to its location on the very top of the plateau (here called "mesas"), you will have panoramic views from here.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the very end of the main road through the park lies the Spruce Tree area, which offers the highest concentration of monuments, led by the main "stars" of the national park – Cliff House and Balcony House. You can drive through the area on two separate circular routes or set off on one of the hiking trails.
The starting point is the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, which is the main visitor center of the park. It is here that the exhibition will best help you understand the context of the rock dwellings and the culture of the Pueblo tribes. A large part of the exhibition is devoted to the nearby Spruce Tree House, which stands below the museum and can be observed from the museum. At the time of writing this itinerary, the dwelling is closed, and the museum replaces its direct visit.
opening hours: 1/3 - 4/5 and 20/10 - 13/12: 10:00 - 15:00, 5/5 - 19/10: 8:30 - 16:30
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
A short path leads to the mentioned rock dwelling standing near the museum, starting from the museum and the adjacent parking lot. At the time of writing the itinerary, however, the dwelling is permanently closed due to unstable rocks, and a visit is not possible. The dwelling can at least be observed from the museum.
On the other hand, you can take the path leading from the museum along the rocks covered with petroglyphs - wall carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Indians. You can distinguish individual animals, human figures and various objects. The route is here,
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Depending on the reservation times for the cliff dwelling tours, embark on two circular routes one after the other. Timing is key on the Cliff Palace Loop road, along which are two main dwellings accessible only with a guide at specific times.
One of the highlights of visiting the national park is this largest cliff dwelling not only in the park and the state of Colorado, but in all of North America. After a short but relatively challenging trail including stairs and ladders, under the supervision of a ranger, you will reach a fascinating complex of more than 150 rooms with dozens of circular structures lying on the surface or partially buried in the ground, the so-called kivas, which served the Indians as centers of social and spiritual life and ceremonial places.
admission: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Continue along the Cliff Palace Loop and stop along the way at some of the sights or views into the surrounding valleys and canyons that hide other rock dwellings. For example, the view of Cliff Canyon is worth a short stop (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383128&ds=1&x=-108.4700473&y=37.1603927&z=16)
and especially the view of the House of Many Windows (here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=16383744&x=-108.4693319&y=37.1603982&z=17).
You can also observe the distant Hemenway House from the viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153295107&x=-108.4652120&y=37.1566787&z=16
For adventurers and climbing enthusiasts, the most intense experience in the entire park is undoubtedly offered, with ladders, narrow passages, and climbing, which brings visitors closer to how challenging the daily life of indigenous tribes was. This stop is not suitable for the faint of heart or people with a fear of heights. From the dwellings, there is a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape, and thanks to crawling through narrow openings, you get into the interior of the dwelling, which ensures a truly authentic experience in harmony with the daily life of the Pueblo tribes.
Entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with limited mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for spatial and safety reasons
Before completing the Cliff Palace Loop, take a short walk along the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (here) to the edge of the cliff and enjoy the beautiful views of Soda Canyon and the Balcony House dwelling.
Entry: on your own, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Complete the Cliff Palace Loop and connect to another scenic road, this time the Mesa Top Loop, along which you will find many sights and views of the surrounding area. Pithouses, Little Long House, or Navajo Canyon Overlook are worth a stop.
Visiting the Square Tower House, with its iconic multi-story tower, is only possible through a challenging ranger-led backcountry tour with steep climbs and climbing sections, in limited capacity and with a significant extra charge. Therefore, the visit is only suitable for true enthusiasts and physically fit individuals, while skipping another tour from the itinerary (it is impossible to do everything in one day due to necessary reservations, transfers, and tour times). Most visitors are content with the easily accessible Square Tower House Overlook (here).
entry: only with a ranger as part of a pre-booked tour, extra admission fee applies
!!ATTENTION!! The place is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, fear of heights and confined spaces. At the same time, backpacks, poles or other protruding and heavier objects are not allowed here for space and safety reasons
Explore other kivas and dwelling ruins along the way.
Entry: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
Sun Point View is an easily accessible viewpoint on Mesa Top Loop Road, offering panoramic views of ancient canyon rock dwellings, including Cliff Palace, Sunset House, Mummy House, and Oak Tree House.
Entrance: self-guided, no reservation needed, no extra fee
On the way, you can stop at the Fire Temple Overlook viewpoint here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=153294926&ds=1&x=-108.4763535&y=37.1649458&z=17
A short, easy trail leads you to the ruins of a palace that served the native Pueblo people as a ceremonial structure.
entrance: on your own, no reservation needed, you don't pay any extra fee
At the beginning of the trail to the Sun Temple is a beautiful view of the park's icon - Cliff Palace. A beautiful end to the park visit.
Another wonderful day and one of the highlights of your trip is a journey along the northeastern edge of Arizona, mostly through the Navajo Nation reservation. First, you will travel to the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of four states meet, allowing you to travel through four states in just a few steps. America is simply a land of unlimited possibilities. Later, you will experience an unforgettable road trip along one of the symbols of the state made famous by the movie Forrest Gump. Yes, we are of course talking about the iconic Monument Valley.
An interesting stop is this unique place in the USA where the borders of four states meet – specifically Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Thanks to their straight-line borders, you can visit four different states in just a few steps and seconds. Besides "traveling" through different states, you can also see a monument with state seals and purchase some of the traditional Navajo products around the parking lot. The monument is located on the territory of the Navajo Native American tribe, outside the state administration, and you pay a special entrance fee here. More information can be found here
opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:45 PM (summer), 5:45 PM (spring and autumn), 4:45 PM (winter, i.e., from October to the end of March)
This iconic landscape of solitary sandstone formations (so-called buttes) rising from the vast desert offers another unforgettable experience. Monument Valley has become one of the symbols of the USA, and its beauty and atmosphere have appeared in many westerns and Hollywood films. You may know the legendary scene from the movie Forrest Gump, when the main character, after a long run across the country, suddenly stops, turns around, and runs back. Behind him are the rock towers of Monument Valley. Like the Four Corners Monument, Monument Valley lies on Navajo Nation land and is not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful Pass does not apply here. More information can be found here.
At the visitor center, which is also a museum of the indigenous population, you can get the necessary information and find a lookout. For an optimal exploration of the area, I definitely recommend driving the approximately 27-kilometer-long circular route 17 Mile Scenic Drive leading along a dirt road (however, the author of the itinerary drove it in a regular car without any damage) between the main rock formations. You can stop and admire this beautiful landscape along the way.
You can observe these formations along the way: East and West Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte and Mitchell Mesa, Elephant Butte, The Three Sisters, Camel Butte, The Hub, Rain God Mesa, Bird Spring overlook, Totem Pole, Yei Bichei, Artists Point overlook, Spearhead Mesa, North Window, Thumb
Scenic drive opening hours: summer: 7:00 – 19:00 (last entry 16:30), winter: 8:00 - 17:00 (last entry 14:30)
Today, you'll start with a fantastic and slightly adrenaline-pumping, but definitely unforgettable experience, as you and a Navajo guide explore the amazing work of nature - the slot Antelope Canyon. Later, you will move west of the town of Page and begin exploring the Colorado River and its magnificent creations. You'll start at the Glen Canyon Dam, which dammed the river to create the artificial Lake Powell, which you can explore by boat. From there, you will continue to another natural beauty - the horseshoe bend of the Colorado River, where you can take a beautiful selfie. Later, you will drive to the main attraction of the Colorado River and one of the symbols of America – the magnificent Grand Canyon. Today you will head to its eastern part, where the canyon welcomes you with a view from the watchtower. Deeper in the park, a trail leading towards the bottom of the canyon will test your fitness. During the challenging journey, you will be rewarded with stunning views, such as from the stylishly named Ooh Aah point lookout. Then, you will say goodbye to the national park with a view from the watchtower and continue to another natural beauty. You really have a lot to do today and I recommend getting up early.
!!ATTENTION!! Antelope Canyon is a very popular attraction with limited access. Be sure to book your tour well in advance (ideally months). Information about canyon tours, including the possibility to book a tour, can be found here or here
Here you park your car and head to the kiosk offering organized tours of Antelope Canyon, or to the agreed meeting point if you have a reservation. Here you will be picked up by guides who will lead you to the canyon or take you in off-road vehicles. The canyon cannot be explored on your own.
You will continue with the off-road vehicle guides to the canyon.
This place is a real beauty! An incredibly photogenic slot canyon hidden in the desert is concealed by high, undulating walls of red sandstone smoothed by erosion. Walks through the narrow slots wedged between the rocks offer not only welcome shade, but also a magical spectacle in combination with the rays of the sun falling through the slots. The best time to observe the rays is between 11:00–13:30. The canyon lies on the territory of the Navajo Indian tribe and is therefore not managed by the NPS. Therefore, the America the Beautiful annual pass does not apply here.
Course of the visit valid for both canyons:
entrance - is only possible with a guide from the local Navajo tribe, various options are available from several agencies
ticket - it is necessary to book in advance (in high season weeks to months in advance) for a specific day and time
tour organization - at the agreed time (usually approx. 30 minutes before the reserved start of the tour) you arrive at the agreed place (you will receive the information after purchase), where you will meet a guide who will take you in a small group (Lower canyon) or transport you (Upper canyon) to the canyon, which he will guide you through. You walk through the canyon in one direction and do not return. Then he will lead/take you back to the parking lot
tour length - the tour itself approx. 45 - 70 min, including organization and transport approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
1) Lower canyon (The Corkscrew):
location - north side of the road near the parking lot, here
difficulty - technically more demanding due to poorer accessibility with the need to climb ladders, more for fitter people
visit time - the visit itself is longer, but the whole process (including transport) only takes about 1 - 1.5 hours
price - cheaper, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 80 - 100 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
2) Upper canyon (The Crack):
location - south side of the road relatively far from the parking lot, location here
difficulty - easy visit thanks to better accessibility without elevation, everyone can handle it
visit time - the visit itself is shorter, but the whole process (transport, tour) takes longer (1.5 - 2 hours)
price - more expensive, depending on the season and agency, it ranges between 120 - 160 USD, it is necessary to book in advance
Information about canyon tours including the possibility of booking a tour can be found here or here.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the location of the canyon near perpendicular rocks that do not absorb water, this place is dangerous during rain, when it quickly fills with water and there is a risk of flash floods. For this reason, the place is often closed. Unfortunately, the author of the itinerary has just such an experience and therefore did not get into the canyon.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the confined spaces, backpacks, large bags, camera tripods and other significantly protruding objects are restricted during the visit
You will return to the parking lot with the guide.
Then continue by car.
The concrete dam on the river forms the Lake Powell reservoir and is used for electricity production, water supply and river flow regulation. The complex includes a visitor center with an exhibition about the construction of the dam and the ecology of the river. The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the dam and the surrounding landscape. You can visit the visitor center with the observation deck for free, as well as walk across the bridge with a view of the dam separating Lake Powell on one side and the Colorado River on the other. You only pay for a guided tour inside the dam. More here
Opening hours Carl Hayden Visitor Center: 8:00 - 17:00 (18:00 in the summer months)
Alternative program (if you have time or skip the dam): visit Lake Powell including the possibility of renting a boat, or other interesting places within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Entry to the area is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. For more information and planning activities in this area, visit the NPS website here
What a river can do when given enough time and space can be seen mainly in the Grand Canyon. However, another amazing example of the power of a watercourse is this bend in the river (the so-called meander) in the shape of a horseshoe, which the Colorado River created while searching for the most suitable path through the soft subsoil. The view of this picturesque work of nature has become a star of social networks thanks to the number of selfies with the meander in the background that tourists hunt here. Because of this, a viewing platform has grown on the originally rather natural rocky viewpoints, which can be reached by a short sandy path from the paid parking lot. You will find it near the town of Page and, together with the Glen Caynon dam, it is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. More information about this place can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! You do not pay any fee for entering the viewpoint itself (it is a public area), however, the parking lot belongs to the city and a parking fee must be paid. You pay directly at the entrance in cash or by card
Entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you will stop at the kiosk to purchase entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. From the ranger you will receive a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
The first stop in Grand Canyon National Park is at this popular observation tower. From the stone tower dominating the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon, the interior of which is decorated with paintings inspired by the culture of the original Native American inhabitants, you can enjoy the first beautiful views of the canyon.
There will be time for a tour of the visitor center tomorrow; today, just leave your car parked here and take the shuttle bus to explore the eastern part of the canyon.
Information about shuttle buses, including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → South Kaibab Trailhead - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
If you have the time and energy, take the dusty path down towards the canyon floor. Making it all the way to the bottom and back in one day is unrealistic, but I recommend (if you can) trying to reach the edge of the cliff at Skeleton Point (route here), which offers a phenomenal view down to the river. But before that, stop at the Ooh Aah Point viewpoint (here). The origin of its name probably doesn't need explaining :) This viewpoint is located near a bus stop, so it will probably be a bit crowded. There are no crowds at the much lower Skeleton Point.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in the summer heat, consider your options and don't forget to bring enough water and, ideally, a salty snack to replenish the electrolytes washed out by sweat.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: South Kaibab trailhead → Yaki point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
One of the many beautiful viewpoints on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River, and thanks to its relative remoteness, it is one of the quieter ones.
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yaki Point → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm
Replace the shuttle bus with a car and proceed to the hotel
One of the highlights of your trip is a visit to the famous Grand Canyon - an amazing work of the Colorado River, which, after many years of cutting its way through the soft rocks of the Colorado Plateau, created this amazing work of incredible length of over 400 kilometers and a depth attacking 2,000 meters. It is no coincidence that this canyon is one of the main symbols of the entire USA and one of the most visited national parks in the world. Stroll along the paved paths around the canyon to platforms hanging over its edges and enjoy divine views of the colorful layers of rock in its vertical walls. Try to find the Colorado River somewhere down at the bottom, which created all this. It won't be easy - the river looks like a drying stream from that enormous height and distance. However, you can get closer on one of the trails leading down into the canyon. However, the journey to the very bottom to the river and back is impossible in one day and is very dangerous in the summer heat due to the extreme climb back. For this option, it is necessary to spend the night down in the canyon at one of the camping sites. This itinerary does not include this, but you will definitely enjoy the canyon anyway.
The gateway to Grand Canyon National Park. Here you'll stop at the kiosk to purchase your entry, or show the rangers your America the Beautiful Pass. The ranger will give you a map with information about the park and shuttle buses.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local geology and nature and plan your visit, for which you can use local rangers. Above all, however, I recommend leaving your car parked here and moving around the park carefree on foot and by free shuttle bus.
Opening hours:
winter season (7/12 - 18/4): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 18:00
Park information - see web NPS
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
The first of many spectacular canyon views is offered by this viewing platform located near the visitor center parking lot. This is where you should start your walk along the edge of the canyon.
Continue along the Rim trail, which follows a paved path on level ground along the edge of the canyon.
Another of the many viewpoints offers a panorama of the central part of the Grand Canyon. In the adjacent museum, you can learn about geology.
In the museum, you will find exhibits about the local geology and the history of the canyon, including its formation.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Shuttle bus:
Orange route: Yavapai Geology Museum → Grand Canyon Visitor Center - details here, transfer to Blue Route
Blue route: Grand Canyon Visitor Center → Train Depot - details here
NOTE: Instead of the shuttle bus, you can of course continue along the Rim Trail, which runs along the entire length of the canyon rim, however, this section is less exciting, so it is reasonable to save time and energy for the more challenging Bright Angel hike.
The old train station and railway in Grand Canyon Village recall the era when people traveled to the canyon by train.
Adventurous individuals in good shape can try tackling part of the trail leading down to the bottom of the canyon. However, you definitely won't make the whole thing in one day. If you are in good shape and not here in the height of summer, when temperatures at the bottom of the canyon exceed forty degrees, you can try to reach the viewpoint from the platform (here). However, it is an extremely challenging trail with an elevation gain of more than 1000 meters. I recommend rather reaching this landmark on the cliff and then returning.
Shuttle bus: Blue route: Bright Angel → Hermit´s rest - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Hermits Rest offers a quieter, less touristy atmosphere, combining historic architecture with sweeping panoramas of the western Grand Canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Hermit´s rest → Mohave point - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
Mohave Point is one of the most impressive viewpoints along Hermit Road, known for its wide panorama, from which the Colorado River can often be seen deep in the canyon.
This viewpoint, offering a wide view into the canyon, is a popular spot for watching the sunset over the canyon.
Powell Point is a quiet scenic viewpoint with open views to the western part of the canyon.
Shuttle bus: Red route: Powell point → Village route transfer - details here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm
transfer to the blue line
Blue route: Hermit´s rest route transfer → Grand Caynon visitor center - details here
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm
Get in the car and drive to the hotel.
Today, you will be exploring the area around Flagstaff, a city located on the legendary Route 66, which runs almost across the entire USA. Although most of the original route has been replaced by new, modern highways, some sections still operate and are a popular destination for road trips. Flagstaff, and Arizona in general, lies on its route, allowing you to experience the authentic atmosphere of old America in its historic center with stylish establishments and typical neon signs. However, Flagstaff offers much more. Besides its location in the high mountains providing welcome cooling, the place is also an important center for space research. So, after surviving the afternoon heat with walks in the wooded mountains and a ride along a section of Route 66, head out of town to observe the starry sky at the observatory that discovered the planet Pluto for the world.
You can take a break from the parched and hot landscape of Arizona in and around Flagstaff, which offers an unexpected landscape for this state: fresh, wooded high mountains with peaks of almost four thousand meters, where you can cool off. The volcanic mountains starting on the northern edge of the city are a perfect place for this, offering many hiking trails of all possible lengths and levels. The highest mountains can be found in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness area, which is very accessible. Many trails lead from the parking lot, and all you need to do is study the map a bit.
Tips for routes:
Humphreys Peak - if you have the desire, time and condition, you can climb the highest peak in the whole area. Route here
circuit - a real challenge is the almost 30 km long circuit through the mountains. You need to leave early to complete it. Route here
walk - on the other hand, an easy taste of the area is the easy circuits Humprey spur and Aspen loop
!!ATTENTION!! The area is home to black bears and cougars. Encounters with them are rare and attacks are isolated, but still follow the instructions on the signs, or rangers who will be happy to teach you about prevention and proper behavior in the event of a conflict
TIP: In addition to Kachina Peaks, you will find many other mountain areas and hiking trails around Flagstaff in the vast, rugged area of Coconino National Forest.
This space park, which combines a historical landmark and an important center of science, consists of an observatory, which became famous especially for the discovery of Pluto, and surrounding attractions such as the Solar System Trail, where the individual planets and objects of our system are spaced apart in a scale corresponding to reality. The powerful Lowell Discovery Telescope is used, among other things, for research taking place at the observatory. You can take part in public observation of the night sky and various other attractions and educational events. The regular admission includes the possibility of a detailed tour of the Sun (including spots, etc.) using one of the telescopes with filters - everything is completely safe.
You can find more information here
Opening hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (in summer on weekends until 23:00), closed on Tuesdays
Today will be marked by a road trip to natural and cultural monuments in the vicinity of Flagstaff. First, you will visit rock dwellings carved into the rock hidden in an elongated canyon. Then, you will move through a dramatic volcanic landscape full of volcanic cones and dusty lava fields with black sand and stones to other settlements of native Indians, which, in combination with the surrounding desert volcanic landscape, seem almost magical.
TIP: If you have time left, or rather skip some of the offered places, you can go on a tour of an interesting attraction - a meteorite impact crater. Meteor crater is located approximately 70 km east of Flagstaff and you can reach it in approximately 40 minutes on the highway (from Walnut Canyon it is only 50 km and 30 minutes drive). However, you must be there before the opening hours until 5 p.m. and pay an entrance fee of 29 USD. Details here
This national monument located near Flagstaff consists of a narrow canyon where you can find more than 25 cliff dwellings of indigenous Pueoblos tribes. In addition to peeking into individual rooms during a walk along a comfortable trail along the rocks, you can also enjoy views of the canyon from one of the many viewpoints. More information can be found here.
opening hours of the visitor center and the entire park: 9:00 - 17:00
While the nearby Meteor Crater is the result of a space body impact, Sunset Crater Volcano is a real volcanic crater. The entire protected area, formed by an arid desert with lava fields created during the eruption of the local volcano, is part of the vast volcanic landscape of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The area is ideal for a road trip through the volcanic landscape, but you can also take a few trails across the lava fields. The most famous are Lenox Crater Trail, then Bonitavista Trail or Lava Flow Trail. First, stop at the information center and learn about the local geology and the history of the formation of this landscape, then take the loop road. You can park in front of each of the mentioned trails. More information can be found here.
Information center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Park opening hours: 24/7
From the crater, continue on the circular route and you will reach the nearby Wupatki National Monument.
You can also explore the dwellings and culture of the local natives in another monument, which is set in a desert and volcanic landscape, making the visit a unique experience offering a mysterious atmosphere of old settlements in harmony with the dramatic landscape. The main attraction of the monument is the Wupatki main pueblo. More information here.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monument opening hours: from sunrise to sunset
Head to the nearby picturesque town of Sedona, which looks like it's straight out of an advertisement for this arid state. Magnificent red rocks of all shapes surround the entire town, beckoning you to explore them. Take one of the many hiking trails leading into their depths and climb to the top of the local rocks, where you will be rewarded with the most beautiful views of this divine Wild West landscape.
One of Arizona's hidden gems, lying in the shadow of the more famous Grand Canyon, is the town of Sedona, surrounded by stunning red rocks of all shapes and steep canyons that create an impressive play of light in the late afternoon and at sunset. Thanks to its magical atmosphere, Sedona attracts artists and esoteric enthusiasts who come here in search of places radiating earth energy, known as vortexes. Throughout the area, you can take many treks along one of the many hiking trails, rent a bike and explore the area more deeply, or, in true American style, drive around the area and enjoy the scenic drives. For starters, visit the information center where you can gather information and plan your tour of the area with the help of rangers.
information center opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
entrance: entrance to the trails and viewpoints is free, you only pay for parking if applicable
parking: you can buy a Red Rock pass and use all the parking lots located at the start of the most interesting hiking trails
TIP: the America the Beautiful annual pass also covers parking fees
Recommended places and activities to visit:
treks: Devil's bridge, Little horse, Cathedral rock, Dry creek
viewpoints accessible by car: Sedona airport vortex, Sedona airport overlook, Chapel of the Holy Cross
vortexes: Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral rock
scenic roads: Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ 179), Red Rock Loop Road (here)
I recommend parking your car in one of the "park and ride" parking lots and then continuing by shuttle bus, which will take you to the start of the trails leading to the most interesting places free of charge.
park and ride parking (free): leave your car here and continue with the shuttle buses
North SR-179 Park & Ride (here ): serves the Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trails
Posse Grounds Park & Ride (here): serves the Soldier Pass trail and other trails
West SR-89A Park & Ride (here): serves the Mescal, Dry Creek Vista, Devil’s Bridge trails
Clear map of parking lots and trails here (after clicking on the name of the parking lot, its location will appear in Google maps, and after clicking on the stop, the shuttle bus timetables will appear)
More information about the park: official website of the city here, or a more tourist-oriented website here
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - at the park and ride North SR-179 Park & Ride parking lot
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
A short but physically demanding hiking trail on unpaved rocky terrain, leading to the iconic Cathedral Rock massif with breathtaking views in the Sedona Red Rocks area. Remember to bring plenty of water in the summer, and it can be slippery after rain.
Route - approximately 1 km long, elevation gain of around 170 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Little Horse Trail is an easily accessible trail leading through a picturesque desert landscape with views of iconic red rocks and is ideal for a relaxing program without much physical exertion. It will take you to the Chicken Point lookout.
TIP: You can extend the walk to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly on the rock and offering a unique connection between the spiritual place and the surrounding nature. Plus, there are beautiful views from there.
Route - length approx. 3 km, elevation gain around 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 15
Stop - Little horse trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass, visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - West SR-89A Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Easy, wide hiking trail on an unpaved road in an open desert landscape, ideal for a leisurely stroll with views of red rock formations.
Route (to the Devil's Bridge trail junction) - length approx. 2 km, elevation gain around 6 meters in one direction, route here
A moderately challenging hiking trail on unpaved terrain leading to the largest natural rock arch in the Sedona area, one of Arizona's most iconic spots.
Route (from the junction with the Dry Creek Trail) - length approx. 1.3 km, elevation gain approx. 100 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 11
Stop - Dry creek trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/
Continue by car to the next parking lot.
Park your car here and continue by shuttle bus. Leave the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass visibly behind the car window so that any rangers checking parked cars can see it.
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Posse Grounds Park & Ride
Route info (schedules and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
A moderately difficult hiking trail on unpaved terrain that combines natural attractions (Sedona Seven Sacred Pools, Devil's Kitchen sinkhole) with beautiful views of the red rocks.
Route (to the junction with Brins Mesa trail) - approx. 3 km, elevation gain of around 140 meters in one direction, route here
Shuttle bus:
Route - 14
Stop - Soldier pass trailhead
Route info (timetables and route) - here https://sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-14/
Continue driving to Flagstaff.
Your farewell to Arizona will be in style. You will spend most of the day on the legendary historic Route 66. Explore the retro towns standing on this road, sought after by motorists from all over the world, and soak up the atmosphere of old America with neon signs, old gas stations, museums dedicated to the history of this route, and souvenir shops where you can buy everything you can think of with the logo of this living legend. Later, visit the phenomenal feat of human engineering – the famous Hoover Dam built on the Colorado River. Then all that remains is to drive to the nearby city of sins – a neon miracle built in the middle of the arid desert.
Park your car at the visitor center and set out to explore this small town, which lives on the legacy of the famous Route 66, on foot. You will find everything interesting about this famous road along the main road, West Route 66. Here you will see classic neon signs, billboards, retro motels, old-fashioned gas stations, and parked American vintage cars. Right next to the visitor center, you can see the historic railway station with retro carriages that once ran to the Grand Canyon. The town of Williams is considered the gateway to the canyon.
A clear choice for soaking up the atmosphere of old America. It is an old gas station with an adjacent museum and gift shop. You can really feel it here. Information can be found here https://experiencewilliams.com/listing/route-66-museum-and-gift-shop/
Opening hours: MON - SAT: 09:00 – 19:00, SUN: 09:00 – 17:00
INTERESTING FACT: Williams was the last city to build a highway bypass replacing the traditional Route 66
Another of the living souls of Route 66 and the greatest promoter of the tradition of this road is the small town of Seligman. Along the short main road you will find many reminders of this legend in the form of colorful signs, neon lights, murals, old Cadillacs, motels, gas stations... just a total retro vibe.
In this store, you can buy souvenirs from local vendors. They offer t-shirts, nests, cans, magnets, and other common gifts. The entire area around the store and generally the main road offers a unique atmosphere of a "living museum" thanks to retro cars, gas stations, and neon signs.
Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00
This iconic stop on Route 66 is a retro shop located in the small village of Hackberry. If you plan to bring a Route 66 souvenir for yourself or your loved ones and haven't had the chance at previous stops, this place is an obvious choice. However, you'll enjoy the visit even if you don't buy anything. Formerly a common general store, it has now transformed into a living museum with many collectibles. You can find more here.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Kingman is the last of the towns standing on the historic Route 66, still living by its legacy. Again, you will find retro cars, gas stations, neon signs and billboards along the road, led by the iconic entrance gate.
A small museum dedicated to the history of Route 66, exhibiting old photographs, Route 66 maps, and period artifacts. More here https://mohavemuseum.org/route-66-museum-temp/
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
This impressive dam, built in the middle of the desert in Black Canyon on the Colorado River on the border of Arizona and Nevada, is a reinforced concrete engineering marvel. It was built during the Great Depression to provide cheap energy. By damming the Colorado River, the country's largest artificial lake, Lake Mead, was created, which, like the dam itself, is a tourist attraction.
In addition to views of the dam and Lake Mead (free), you can also visit the interior of the visitor center with an interactive exhibition mapping the history of the dam's construction, or enter the power plant directly as part of the Powerplant Tour. More information can be found here
TIP: Avoid paid parking at the information center and leave your car in one of the parking lots further from the dam
Opening hours:
Visitor center: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last tour 4:10 PM)
Dam and access road: 24/7
Your American desert adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow enough time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of your time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached due to time constraints, or you can go to the desert, e.g. to the nearby Red Rock Canyon reservation with red rocks and canyons.
Before entering the visitor center, stop at the entrance gate and pay the entrance fee or show your pass. At the visitor center, first learn about the local geology, flora, and fauna, and plan your visit according to your time возможности. Behind the information center, take a short walk through the local garden and watch the turtles. Then take the scenic road to the interior of the park and stop at viewpoints or short trails as you wish.
Park information: here
Visitor center opening hours: 8:00 - 16:30
Park opening hours: according to the season, you can find it at the end of the website here
Getting around the park: there is no shuttle bus here, you move around in your own car
View of the majestic red massif. The Callico Hills Trail leads here, which leads to another viewpoint, Calico 2. From there, there is access to the Calico Hills formations and other views and trails in the area.
This tourist hub along the scenic road is also a historical site. Besides the rock formations, you can explore the history of sandstone mining via a short trail leading to a former sandstone quarry. Other trails start from here, such as the slightly more challenging Calico Tanks Trail, which leads to "tanks" (water collection basins after rain). Most importantly, it offers views of Vegas and the colorful sandstone formations of Calico Hills.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and get ready for the check-in process. Goodbye, Nevada.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize your Arizona adventure recap.
This adventurous road trip took you through the greatest gems of Arizona - a beautiful and unique land of hot deserts and red rocks. While the drive itself in an air-conditioned car through the endless hot desert among cacti surely left a deep impression on you, places like Monument Valley or views of the Grand Canyon surely captivated you. Beautiful rock formations of all shapes and shades alternating dramatic canyons cut into the landscape bathed in the setting sun creating a beautiful play of light are a breathtaking experience that you will not soon forget. Formations such as Antelope Canyon or the Four Corners Monument, where you step between four different countries, are a great bonus to a successful road trip.
If you didn't manage to taste all the fast foods during your road trip, don't despair - there is really a lot to see in America and you can always come back and explore another area. The author of this itinerary offers other American trips to Arizona and California. Your ESTA is valid for 2 years, so you will have one less worry and expense on your next trip during this period.
So bye bye, America! See you next time!
