The surreal beauty of Utah

Route

Denver – Colorado Springs – Pikes Peak – Great Sand Dunes – Mesa Verde – Valley of the Gods – Goosenecks – Canyonlands – Moab – Arches National Park – Salt Lake City. A somewhat unusual start to this trip. Absolutely recommended, but especially if you have plenty of time and enjoy some variety. If not, other options are possible. This personal road trip, though, started in Denver and ended in Salt Lake City.

From the Mile High City to sand dunes and mesas

After landing in Denver, we got straight into the rental car towards Colorado Springs (about a 1.5-hour drive) to recover from the long flight. The next day the road trip “officially” began. Not via the fastest route, but via the most beautiful one: a combination of scenic byways and quiet detours, simply because there is so much to see and do. From Colorado Springs you drive straight into the mountains. In no time you are among the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. On Pikes Peak, a classic “fourteener” of over 4,300 metres, clear weather rewards you with endless views across the Colorado plains.

Then it is on via Cañon City to Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with peaks of around 230 metres. It is a surreal sight: a sea of sand at the foot of snowy mountains. You can climb the dunes; from the top of one of the highest you are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the entire sand field, the valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.

From the valley you continue south-west towards Mesa Verde National Park. Even though much of the forest here has burned in recent years, this UNESCO World Heritage site remains truly unique. Driving past the viewpoints and, if possible, booking a ranger tour to one of the cliff dwellings is absolutely worth it.

Across the border: welcome to Utah

And then you cross the border into Utah. Of all the places I have seen in this world, Utah remains one of my absolute favourites. The landscape has an exceptional purity: endless plateaus, red rock formations, deep canyons and light that changes constantly. The atmosphere is relaxed and a touch alternative. The food is surprisingly good: lots of small farm-to-table restaurants cooking local and seasonal produce, often far better than what you get in more touristy parts of the US.

Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley & Bluff

Classics such as Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley could of course not be missed. Driving the dirt road through Valley of the Gods feels like a private version of Monument Valley: the same iconic buttes and mesas, but with far less traffic.

A stop in the small town of Bluff is recommended, if only for a brief introduction to the history of the settlers and the Navajo and Ute cultures (settlers’ and fort museum).

Canyonlands: endless wilderness and a hikers’ paradise

Less well known, but at least as impressive, is Canyonlands National Park: a gigantic, rugged landscape of canyons, plateaus and rock formations covering about 1,365 km². You could easily fill a whole week with Canyonlands alone if you really want to explore all its districts and trails. We chose the Needles District, the more remote part of the park, and hiked in Chesler Park: an open, grassy plateau surrounded by colourful, needle-shaped sandstone spires. It is quite strenuous, but the views are phenomenal every step of the way. Canyonlands still feels raw and untouched: fewer crowds, few facilities, but all the more wilderness. For lovers of serious hikes and silence, this is pure magic.

Moab: an outdoor hub with atmosphere

Next it is on to Moab, a lively outdoor hub in the desert. Bigger and busier, but still charming. In Moab you will find plenty of restaurants and coffee bars, outdoor shops and bike rentals. It is also the ideal base for visiting the two great national parks nearby: Arches and Canyonlands (Island in the Sky district).

Arches National Park: arches, arches and more arches

Arches National Park lives up to its name: more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches are scattered across a relatively compact area. Arches is very easy to visit by car: the main road winds past the most important viewpoints. With more time, you can plan longer hikes and escape the crowds. If you prefer to take it easy, you can already see a great deal from the viewpoints and a few short trails. Either way: nothing but superlatives.

From Moab to Salt Lake City

Moab and Salt Lake City are about 375 kilometres apart, a lovely day’s drive. The landscape gradually changes from red desert rock to green valleys and finally the mountains around Salt Lake. And then it is: until next time, Utah. Because one thing is certain: I will be back. There are so many canyons, mesas, hidden gems and little trails still waiting. Utah is not a one-off destination; it is a place that gets under your skin. Utah, Arizona, Colorado and, with enough time, on to Grand Teton and Yellowstone: this is where your Western road trip begins. Contact me and I will design your dream trip, perfectly tailored to your wishes, expectations and budget.