The countdown is on for our upcoming road trip to the Western U.S., and I am so busy putting the final details on our itinerary. The majority of our trip will take place in Arizona and Utah, which have so many incredible locations that it's been hard to narrow down exactly where we need to go!
Our original plan had been to fly in and out of Denver, Colorado, and do a quick excursion into northern Utah as part of that loop. However, when we realized that we were leaving out so many incredible sights in the neighboring states, we had to rethink that plan. We expanded our original route into the multi-state road trip that we'll actually be taking.
This trip will include a lot of firsts: Gibson's first plane ride, my first time visiting Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, and Britton's first time in a National Park. We're so excited to finally make this trip happen, so I've been researching like crazy. Along the way, I've found out all kinds of fun facts about what these states have to offer.
If you're planning to see some of the best of what the American West has to offer on your own road trip, here's what you need to know before you start sketching out your itinerary through Arizona, Utah, and beyond.
Arizona
 |
| Monument Valley, Arizona |
If you want to go to the Grand Canyon, consider adding a few days in the National Park after you go to Las Vegas since it's just a few hours from Sin City. You could have an incredible mini road trip from Vegas by doing the Hoover Dam, part of Route 66, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
 |
| Grand Canyon |
When you're traveling between Arizona and Utah, you should work out your road trip so you can include a stop in Monument Valley. It straddles the state line, and it's a part of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. If you've ever seen a Western movie, you've seen the iconic Mittens buttes that are the focal point of the park. If you're planning to bring a picnic or stay the night in Monument Valley, you'll want to leave the wine at home, as the Tribal Park is dry.
See if you'll be one of the lucky ones to get a daily pass to the Wave inside Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Utah
 |
| Arches National Park |
Two can't-miss spots in Utah are Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Both are just a few miles from Moab, Utah, and have dozens of hikes. There are even a few super easy ones that we'll be taking the kids on!
 |
| Canyonlands National Park |
All of the National Parks have a Junior Ranger program. Make sure your little travelers fill out the workbooks and do the activities to get their badge for each of the parks along your Arizona and Utah road trip. Britton's already getting excited about collecting as many as she can on our trip.
Have you done a Western U.S. road trip yet? If so, where did you visit?
Want even more travel goodness? Sign up for the newsletter and get the latest Cosmos Mariners updates, giveaways, and travel news right to your inbox!
