Wanderful Road Trips: Southwest USA
The Great American Road Trip. There is something inherently thrilling about the notion of jumping in the car, hitting the open road, and exploring the great big, beautiful lands of the U-S-A.
The iconic road trip fantasy has been romanticized for over a century - from Kerouac novels to Hollywood films - but it only took a pandemic, and a whole lot of cancelled international trips, for the excitement of an American road trip to be reignited within me.
If you are interested in reading more about why I decided it was time to get back out on the road, or how I took multiple precautions to ensure my trip was as safe as possible, I invite you to read my LinkedIn Article broaching those subjects HERE.
For two weeks I had the pleasure of exploring various parts of the amazing American Southwest. On my 2,000 mile loop across Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, I was able to visit 6 National Parks and Monuments, 2 State Parks and enjoy a whole lot of other beautiful natural wonders.
I also visited 10 different accommodations - from glamping to ranches, resorts to residences - in order to experience first hand the new normal of travel, and better understand what my great hotel partners have been doing to keep guests safe while traveling. I even ran into two friends along the route - a brilliant reminder of the serendipitous joys being on the road can bring.
America is indeed a beautiful, beautiful country. With over 400 national parks, monuments and sites situated across 84.6 million acres of protected land, there are countless ways to enjoy the wide open spaces of America's backyard while remaining socially distant and safe. This trip was an excellent example of one of the many ways we can all enjoy this great land.
When you are ready to travel again, I would love nothing more than to help you craft a Great American Road Trip of your own - but for now, enjoy some highlights from mine!
WANDERFUL SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
- Monument Valley
- Goosenecks State Park
- Valley of the Gods
- Bluff, Utah
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Needles Overlook
- Under Canvas Moab
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse State Park
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection
- Arches National Park
- Sorrell River Ranch
- Gateway, Colorado
- Telluride, Colorado
- Ouray, Colorado
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Zapata Ranch
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Ojo Santa Fe
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Historic Route 66
MONUMENT VALLEY
There is nothing quite as exciting as getting back on the road and beginning a road trip. The anticipation, intrigue, mystery of what's to come - a sense of freedom just me and the open road. With the radio blasting and my adrenaline levels running high, it’s no wonder the 5 hour drive from Scottsdale, Arizona to Monument Valley flew by in a flash.
As the saguaros and mesas of southern Arizona disappeared into the rear view mirror, and the towering shadow of Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff aroused, I honestly felt like a bird finally let out of its cage.
Cruising past the Navajo Nation towns of Cameron, Tuba City and Keyenta - suddenly giant rock formations began to dot the the horizon. By the time I reached the Arizona/Utah border, the iconic Monument Valley pillars I had seen pictures of all too many times were right in front of my eyes, and just as majestic as I had envisioned.
Monument Valley National Park itself, which falls on Navajo Nation land, is currently closed to protect Navajo residents from visitors bringing COVID into the community. The Nation is still reeling from the devastating toll the virus wrecked on the community this spring, so despite their reliance on tourism, they have closed their doors to outsiders at this time. The good news though, is that you don't need to visit the National Park itself to still bask in the beauty of Monument Valley.
The drive through Monument Valley Pass is absolutely stunning at every mile marker. With plenty of turn off spots along the way to take pictures, I admit I was so caught up with the beauty (plus it being the first time I had basically left my neighborhood in 6 months) - I could not stop snapping away at the incredible views.
Wanderful Tip - be sure to stop at mile marker 13 on US HW 163 for quintessential views of Monument Valley from what is now nicknamed - Forest Gump Hill!
GOOSENECKS STATE PARK
On the way to Monument Valley, I had been debating taking a detour to Page, Arizona for a stop at the infamous Horseshoe Bend - now a predominant stop on any insta-fan road trip. The extreme popularity that social media has brought to the site, with over 2 million visitors each year, made me a bit uneasy about visiting amongst possible crowds, so instead I opted for a different sort of Horseshoe Bend - a double feature in fact, just a 20 minute drive from Forest Gump Hill at Goosenecks State Park.
The small park hosts mesmerizing panoramic views of the San Juan River carving its way through the desert plateau. In the distance, Monument Valley's buttes and spires stand tall on the horizon.
The views did not disappoint. But best yet, I enjoyed the views in near solitude - a socially distant win.
VALLEY OF THE GODS
I couldn't help myself but to detour once again, this time on a 17 miles scenic backcountry road aptly named: Valley of the Gods.
The drive is not for the faint hearted, and navigating the gravel steep roads in a sedan was probably not the best of ideas - but the views...totally worth it.
Each turn of the car made for another breathtaking view. Buttes dotted the landscape. Red rocks plateaus hovered overhead. Wide open spaces for miles.
Oh and more final views of Monument Valley in the distance.
For those less inclined to adventure down the road on their own, tour operators can drive you along this epic route - whichever way you visit, this scenic drive is not to be missed.
BLUFF, UTAH
400 miles later, I finally arrived at my first day's destination: Bluff, Utah.
With a population of around 300 people spread thinly down the town's two mile main road, Bluff is more of an off-the-beaten-path location. However, its beautiful setting nestled between sandstone bluffs, and convenient location, makes it a fantastic base to explore Southeastern Utah.
I admit I was apprehensive at first for my first hotel stay since the pandemic began, but Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa helped ease me into the new world of hotel stays.
All rooms at the resort have private terraces or patios with gorgeous views of the bluffs, and all have outdoor entrances so no indoor interactions are necessary. With tons of outdoor space throughout the property, even at full capacity, the hotel is perfectly designed for socially distant encounters.
NATURAL BRIDGES NATIONAL MONUMENT
My stay in Bluff was all too short, but with so much natural beauty in Utah, it is hard to sit still for too long.
Up with the sun, I was off to Natural Bridges National Monument, better known as Utah's First National Monument and home to three stunning natural bridges.
The park follows a one way road through a 9-mile loop to see the three bridges. All bridges have accessible lookout points so you can enjoy the views from afar, or can be visited by individual hikes or a full day hike combining the various trails.
Sipiu Bridge Viewpoint
Kachina Bridge Viewpoint
Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint
First up for the day was a hike to Sipiu Bridge - the second largest natural bridge in the US. The hour long hike itself was a fun adventure with a few ladders, railings and stairs along the way. Traversing down into the canyon was absolutely worth the trek as the views of the bridge, plus the surrounding canyons, are simply spectacular.
With limited time, I opted to just view Kachina Bridge, the park's youngest feature, from the viewpoint. While the perspective is not the same as from the bottom looking up, it is a great option to be able to view this natural wonder without breaking a sweat.
Finally, a short hike to Owachomo Bridge, the oldest natural bridge in the park, was a great easy way to see another natural bridge up close and bask in its beautiful features.
Know Before You Go - what's the difference between an Arch and a Bridge? According to the National Parks Service "Bridges and arches are both fragile, natural rock sculptures. Both are formed with water and time, but with different processes. Running water carves natural bridges, while seeping moisture and frost shape arches."
NEEDLES OVERLOOK
As much as I wanted to explore the often passed over Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, I knew I didn't have enough time to do it 'right' but negotiated a compromise with myself to get a taste of the beautiful land without veering too far off course.
First, I detoured to the famous Newspaper Rock.
A must-visit site on the road into the Needles District, Newspaper Rock is one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the US, with over 650 art designs dating back more than 2,000 years. It is a beautiful glimpse into history and the mysteries of the ancient world.
Back on track, I headed to Needles Overlook - a spectacular viewpoint over Canyonlands National Park. The birds eye view of the Needles District was absolutely breathtaking, with panoramic views as far as the eyes. Pictures don't do the overlook justice, but trust me, this is a pit stop you don't want to miss.
UNDER CANVAS MOAB
With another nature filled awesome day in the books, I finally reached my main destination: Moab, Utah - one of the top adventure destinations in the US.
Joining forces with my fellow Brownell colleague, Jessica, we checked-in to our Glamping quarters for the night at the lovely Under Canvas Moab.
For those of you looking to sleep under the milky way, and be one with nature, but with modern conveniences - glamping at Under Canvas is a perfect option to disconnect and get a full National Park experience, without sacrificing your luxury needs.
Watching the sunrise and sunset from your tent is always an incredible experience, but enjoying the views without having to pitch your tent yourself is definitely a treat!
Interested in learning more about Glamping opportunities across the US? Contact Wanderful Journeys!
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Canyonlands National Park is a world of its own! With four distinct districts, separated by the Green and Colorado Rivers and spread over 337,598 acres of land - there is no shortage of hikes, view points and 4x4 roads for days worth of adventures. It is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, so when the sun sets there is plenty of stargazing to be had.
We spent our day exploring the Island in the Sky district of the park - the most visited section due to its proximity to Moab, and for its incredible panoramic views.
Not wanting to miss out on any of the fantastic viewpoints or hikes, we PACKED our day with multiple stops to make sure we could experience as much as we could. Some highlights include:
The absolutely breathtaking Mesa Arch. Some sites you see pictures of and pray that real life can live up to the marketing materials - Mesa Arch goes above and beyond.
Wanderful tip - start your day here. Lighting is best in the morning for the views, plus you will have less crowds and avoid the heat!
Green River Overlook - with panoramic views of (you guessed it!) the Green River!
A short hike up Whale Rock.
Visit and hike around Grand View Lookout.
Picnic lunch and hike to White Rim Overlook.
A quick stop at Shaffer Canyon Viewpoint.
With so much beauty and great hikes all around - you can spend DAYS here alone exploring the grandeur of Canyonlands!
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK
Twenty minutes from Island in the Sky Visitor Center is Dead Horse State Park - the perfect way to end your day with more exquisite panoramic views of the landscape, just from a different angle!
If you have more time to spare, there are plenty of great hikes and the park is known as a fantastic mountain biking destination, on top of also being a designated International Dark Sky Park.
HOODOO MOAB, CURIO COLLECTION
Moab has so many different accommodation options in and out of town, and each are unique in their own wonderful way. Getting to know the various types of hotels is how we can personalize our travel recommendations for each client to ensure we match you with the best stay for your travel style, budget and preferences.
To help find the best accommodation options for clients who would prefer a pool, some AC and more restaurants and shops to explore after a day in the parks - we checked into Hoodoo Moab, a Curio Collection by Hilton property.
One block from Main Street in Downtown Moab, this beautifully designed hotel has a great pool and hot tub to relax in after an adventurous day, spacious and clean rooms, and just overall great base to wander around Moab.
I was very impressed with Hilton's CleanStay initiatives which were well communicated throughout the hotel. There was plenty of space in the pool area and courtyard to socially distance and enjoy some food/beverages outdoors. Definitely a fantastic traditional hotel option if you are looking to stay within Moab!
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Continuing on with my National Parks tour - next up was the iconic Arches! And what a treat it was!
Inside the park, we raced to the Delicate Arch Trailhead to begin the 3 mile hike to view the park's (and Utah's!) most popular site. While the lighting for photography is better in the afternoon, hiking to the arch first thing has it's benefits of beating the heat and enjoying the scenery without masses of crowds. You will almost never be alone here visiting...but at least you can avoid an overly crowded time.
Despite all the hype, Delicate Arch did not disappoint!
Even after all of the pictures I had seen of the arch, it was just as breathtaking in person and standing under its grandness was truly a bucket list experience!
After basking in the beauty of Delicate Arch, we headed to Devil's Playground for another hike across some remarkable scenery.
There, we made it to Landscape Arch - the longest natural rock span in the world.
Next stop was Panorama Point for stunning views over a picnic lunch.
After lunch we explored more park highlights such as Balanced Rock.
And Park Avenue Viewpoint, before giving my very tired legs a break after another fantastic day!
Pro tip - Arches is an incredible and very special park. However, it's proximity to Moab, along with it's natural beauty, can draw in very large crowds. From lines getting into the park, to finding parking spaces, it can be frustrating during peak seasons to want to try and enjoy nature but being stuck in a traffic jam or amongst groups. When you work with Wanderful Journeys to plan your trip we can help plan out your days to avoid waiting and crowds!
SORRELL RIVER RANCH
Rounding out our stay in Moab, we headed to Sorrel River Ranch for yet a different Moab accommodation experience. And this one did not disappoint!
Located 30 miles outside of Moab, off of the breathtaking Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway, Sorrel River Ranch is a secluded luxury retreat. Spread over 240 acres on the banks of the Colorado River, the ranch is surrounded by gorgeous red rocks and mesas, ensuring great views at every turn. With only 59 rooms, socially distancing here is not a problem. All rooms come with dining areas, kitchenettes and private patios or balconies where, if you are like me, you may never want to get up from!
A perfect place to relax by the pool or at the spa, the ranch is also filled with countless onsite activities such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, bicycles, lawn games, and a gym.
For the young (at heart) you can even feed the ranch's animals twice a day while playing with the goats, chickens and cheesecake fed pot-bellied pigs!
For sunrise lovers, join a morning guided hike up the ranch's trails for panoramic views of the property and an unforgettable start to your day.
The adventure center offers a plethora of activities for guests to choose from to elevate their stay. Horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, SUP, UTV tours, Jeep tours, helicopter rides and much, much more can be arranged - plus of course you are still close enough to enjoy exploring the National Parks while coming back to delicious farm to table meals and comfy accommodations.
Oh and if you are looking for a special event space - the Homestead Garden is truly a magical setting!
Want to stay at Sorrel River Ranch? When you book through Wanderful Journeys we can get you complimentary breakfast included daily so you can enjoy delicious meals with stunning views on us!
GATEWAY, COLORADO
After a great few days in Southeastern Utah, we crossed into Colorful Colorado for the next leg of the journey!
The tiny town of Gateway is not a classic stop on most people's Colorado trips - but boy should it be! Located an hour south of Grand Junction, in Mesa County, Gateway is a secluded oasis tucked away by red rocks in Unaweep Canyon. The town itself is so small if you blink you will miss the 7 or so buildings that comprise it - but the main attraction is the resort itself, Gateway Canyons.
A mini-Moab right in Western Colorado, Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa is the perfect place for adventure and relaxation - for families, couples and groups alike. The adventure center has countless fun activities to fill your day from UTVs, horseback riding, hiking, to shooting and helicopter tours. With two pools and spa, you can also decide to spend your days simply indulging in some R&R.
With 72 rooms over 500 acres, even at full capacity the resort is another example of the perfect place for social distancing. All rooms have outdoor entrances plus private patios or balconies, so if you don't feel comfortable eating under the stars at one of the two restaurants on property, there is still plenty of space in your room to dine.
For ultimate privacy, stay in one of the 17 beautiful casitas on property that have plenty of indoor and outdoor space.
Car enthusiasts will be in heaven visiting the Gateway Auto Museum - home to resort founder John Hendrick's personal car collection. Resort guests are granted free access to view the over 50 automobiles showcased in the museum, including the prized highlight of museum, a one-of-a-kind 1954 Oldsmobile F-88. Even for non-car people (like me!), the museum is well worth a quick visit as it is extremely well curated and designed.
Overall, between the gorgeous mesa views at almost every turn, great pools, delicious food, and beautiful indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a few nights at Gateway Canyons was just the refreshing 2020 getaway I needed!
Gateway Canyons is a part of Virtuoso so when you book with Wanderful Journeys you will get amazing amenities like upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), full American breakfast daily, $100 USD per room/per day Adventure Credit and more!
TELLURIDE, COLORADO
No time in Colorado would be complete without a stop in the mountains, so off to Telluride we went!
Telluride is divided into two main sections - the town itself in the valley (where most restaurants, bars and shops are), and the Mountain Village up at 8,750 feet. Telluride is proud to offer a free (and sanitized!) 13-minute gondola ride connecting the two areas, so it is quite convenient to visit both no matter where you are staying.
Luckily our lovely Auberge Resorts partners have great accommodations options in both the town and village, so we had the chance to experience both to know understand better what may work best for you.
In Telluride proper is Element 52 - the only ski in/ski out option IN town and is comprised of 48 residences ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms. Spread across 8 buildings, creating an ambiance reminiscent of an old small mining village (including its own funicular!), Element 52 offers all the benefits of a residence but with the great hotel amenities such as daily happy hour, hot tubs, spa, fitness center and private ski valet. One third of the units have outdoor entrances, so you don't need to worry about sharing indoors with other guests. Although it is only a few minutes walk to town, there is also a complimentary house car to take you anywhere in Telluride, including dropping you right off at the Gondola.
Up in Mountain Village is Madeline - perfect for those who want to be central to the slopes and ski school. Comprised of both guest rooms and residences, guests have the option of a classic hotel stay or larger residence rentals. Even better, the guest rooms are currently undergoing a major renovation so by December 2020 all rooms will look like this beautiful king room.
Besides its location, a true highlight of the Madeline is its rooftop with pool, 2 hot tubs, bar and fire pits and ideal sunset views - a perfect après ski (or hike) destination.
It's restaurant, Black Iron Kitchen and Bar, is the best on the mountain and has ample outdoor dining options with cozy heaters on standby. Of course when booking with Wanderful Journeys you will get complimentary breakfast at the restaurant (among other great perks!) which is the best way to start the day.
Two days of fresh mountain air in Telluride hiking local trails, eating lots of amazing food and taking in the changing autumn colors was just what the doctor ordered!
OURAY, COLORADO
Of course, we can never stay in one place for too long! So while our next stop was Southeast of Telluride, we took the scenic drive and made a few beautiful stops along the way.
First up, was the adorable old mining town of Ouray - better known as the Switzerland of America. Just an hour drive from Telluride, and nestled at the base of San Juan Mountains - Ouray makes for some pretty incredible views and cute town explorations. Though we didn't have time to take a soak in their famous hotsprings, we were glad to get a little taste of the Alps right here in America!
BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK
It had been a few days since our last National Park adventure, so we just had to detour at the awe inspiring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Another of the smaller parks that can easily be visited in a day, we headed into the South Rim section of the park to take in the canyon and beautiful autumn colors. The South Rim Drive has 12 overlooks, each just as spectacular as the next.
We raced all the way down to High Point for a quick hike to Warner Point to begin our introduction to the vertical landscape of the Black Canyon.
On the return drive we were able to stop at several easy view points on the way back such as Sunset View, Painted Wall and Chasm View.
Plus a grand finale stop at Gunnison Point.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison was simply another beautiful example of some of the great natural wonders the US holds!
ZAPATA RANCH
Our final destination for the day, and a true trip highlight was our stay at Zapata Ranch.
Located in the San Luis Valley, right on the border of Great Sand Dunes National Park, this 15-room ranch is another great socially distant accommodation option with wide open spaces as far as the eye can see.
The rooms are rustic but cozy - exactly what you would expect from an authentic ranch experience.
The ranch's surroundings are an outdoor dream. The dawn and golden hour lighting of the ranch landscape is simply breathtaking. From your room you can gaze upon the Great Sand Dunes from afar, dwarfed by the towering 14,000 foot peaks of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo ranges. Cottonwood groves dot the property and make for a gorgeous post dinner twilight walk.
Speaking of dining - with new COVID protocols, you are assigned a picnic table for your stay - which really makes for incredible breakfast and dinner views.
The food is farm to table and carefully sourced from local farmers and suppliers. All meals are included with your stay, and of course are absolutely delicious!
Lunches are served to-go and pre-ordered the evening before so you can grab your lunch at breakfast and spend your days horseback riding, hiking, or however you choose!
If that all wasn't reason enough to love the ranch, the property itself is owned by the Nature Conservatory which invests in lands like Zapata to protect this unique ecosystem and the 2,000+ bison that lives on it. Ranchlands, another fantastic organization, operates the ranch and brings in incredible wranglers each year to run the ranch and act as host to all its visitors. Each guest group is assigned their own wrangler (and horse!) for their stay so you get to know each other well and feel comfortable throughout your experience.
Ranchlands also looks over the historic Medano Ranch, located a few miles from Zapata. Visiting Medano is like being transported to the old Wild West Ranch days. Every year they still use this Ranch in the Fall to round up the thousands of bison and conduct health checks on them.
In the spring, the ranch is known for its Sandhill Crane migration when millions of birds visit the lands. They even host a photography workshop retreat over this time to help guests capture the immense beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Beyond photography, they host writing and art workshops, naturalist journeys, and horsemanship weeks. If you are looking to put together your own small group retreat - this is an absolute perfect venue!
Overall, the cozy accommodations, fresh food, friendliest staff and gorgeous surroundings made this a truly unforgettable stay!
GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
While most people experience the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado by foot, our special ranch stay allowed us the unique opportunity to explore the dunes in one of the best ways - horseback!
And what a day it was!
The incredible dunes spread over 30 square miles and are the tallest in North America. The diverse natural ecosystems that intersect in this region, create a unique natural phenomenon with the dunes. The towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains shed alpine water to the Medano Creek each year, bringing back any sand that was blown from the valley. When the creek eventually dries up each year, the sand is picked up again by the San Luis Valley winds and recycled back to the dunes ensuring these beautiful dunes remain intact.
If you have ever visited sand dunes before, you will know how deceivingly difficult and exhausting hiking in the sand can be. By horse, it was a remarkable way to easily traverse the surroundings while soaking up the views.
Riding along the mountains, creek and sand itself was simply and incredible experience and our private wrangler Anna made the experience all that more special as she told tales of the geologically wonders, ranch life, and of course kept my horse in line!
Fantastic day all around and a great last adventure (for now) with Jessica before we parted ways the next morning.
Special thanks to Zapata Ranch and their incredible Ranchland Wrangler team for a truly memorable stay!
OJO SANTA FE
The state of New Mexico currently has a state mandate requiring all individuals entering the state to self quarantine for 14 days, or the duration of their trip. Although the mandate is not strictly enforced, I wanted to be cognizant of the local rules and so in order not to be tempted to explore one of my favorite cities, Santa Fe, I choose to stay at a resort outside of town where I could fulfill the self-quarantine requirements on property.
Ojo Santa Fe was the perfect place for just that. The resort is yet another ideal spot for social distancing with over 70 acres of land and 20 beautifully decorated and spacious casitas perfect for these times.
Best known for their sacred, natural spring fed soaking pools, I couldn't have chosen a better place to stay after a full day of horseback riding in the dunes!
This destination spa has so many wonderful complimentary activities included daily such as guided hikes, yoga and meditation, fitness classes, target arts activities (think archery, hatchet throwing, air rifles, etc.), art classes and disc golf course.
They even have a Puppy Patch open daily where you can play with puppies from the Espanola Humane Society (and even adopt one if you can't get enough of the cuteness!)
My favorite activity offered was getting to hold and feed silkie chickens! These incredibly fluffy chickens were just beautiful to watch clucking around. Petting and playing with the chickens is known to reduce anxiety and stress levels - and I'm all for this kind of animal loving therapy!
The resort is adult only (16+) which makes it such a great spa getaway option for couples, friends and mother/daughter trips.
I really loved my stay here and can't wait to come back again when Santa Fe is safe to explore more!
PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Although it was finally time to turn west and back to Scottsdale, lucky for me, across the Arizona border I-40 goes straight through Petrified Forest National Park - so I got one last chance to put my National Parks Pass to use!
Petrified Forest National Park is the epitome of a Great American Road Trip as Route 66 went directly through the park back in the day, the only National Park to have a highway cut right through! It is also a park that can be explored in just a few hours, making it a perfect detour when passing through.
My first stop was a quick hike to see the gorgeous Painted Desert landscape. These beautiful badlands are truly a gorgeous scene with red, white, blue and grey tones morphing together into the desert canvas.
A true park highlight was the Blue Mesa Hike - a short 1 mile loop through a landscape that is a world of its own! The hike brought me up close with the badland hills, and of course some petrified wood remnants. The views area amazing from every turn - an absolute must do!
Another beautiful park stop was at Crystal Forest - a quick 0.75 mile loop hike with plenty of chances to gaze at the incredible crystalized insides of the ancient petrified logs. A perfect trail to experience the park's namesake up close.
To finish my time at the park, I ended at Giant Logs which features some of the largest and most colorful logs in the park, including its own "Old Faithful" which is almost ten feet wide!
Overall, for a smaller park, there is plenty of incredible sights packed in at Petrified Forest National Park and it is well worth a stop while cruising through I-40!
HISTORIC ROUTE 66
No better way to end a road trip than a quick drive down the iconic route that glamourized road trips from the start - Route 66.
While the actual highway, one of the first in America, was removed from the US Highway System in 1985, portions of the route remain intact, and many of the popular rest stops along the route still tout the historic fame of the road.
One such town, Holbrook, Arizona - located just 20 minutes away from Petrified Forest National Park - is especially still proud of its Route 66 heritage. Route 66 signs, murals, motels and iconic classic cars still shine brightly throughout their streets.
A great nostalgic ending to a new era of travel and road trips.
Feeling inspired? Looking for your own personalized American Road Trip?
Contact Wanderful Journeys today and let's start planning!
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