Road trip through the most beautiful parks of Arizona & Utah

Grand Canyon: falling silent at the rim

The drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is a beautiful start in itself: with every mile the landscape gets a little wilder. Even though I had seen hundreds of photos and Instagram posts, in real life it is even bigger and more impressive. We chose a combination of hiking along the South Rim (the Bright Angel Trail ... slightly underestimated, so only do it if you are in top shape) and then driving along the Rim, stopping at various viewpoints.

Before driving on the next morning, we let ourselves be tempted by a helicopter flight. Pricey, but oh so beautiful. Not a second of regret....

Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell: water and silence

On the way to Page and Lake Powell lies Horseshoe Bend. It was a tip from an American friend and absolutely worth the stop. The walk takes barely 10 minutes from the parking lot to the edge of that enormous bend in the river. People spontaneously start talking more quietly and you could enjoy the view for hours. At sunrise or sunset the colours are even more beautiful.

In Page itself we rented a small boat to spend a few hours on the water and “cool off” on Lake Powell. Wonderfully relaxing on this “refreshing” lake, so beautifully enclosed by red-orange rocks.

Vermilion Cliffs & Bryce Canyon: surprise after surprise

The Vermilion Cliffs were an absolute “WOW” moment for me, and I can hardly believe this region isn't better known. Then again, perhaps that makes it all the more unique. We were lucky: we had won an official The Wave hiking permit through the lottery. But even without the original Wave hike, there are the most beautiful and varied walks here for anyone who likes to leave the car behind now and then. If not, simply drive along the cliffs and enjoy the majestic colours, layers of red, orange and pink intertwined.

On to Bryce Canyon, then. I was a little worried it might be too touristy, but it is simply magnificent. From above it looks like a stone amphitheatre full of “fairy-tale pillars”, but when you walk down among the hoodoos it suddenly feels more intimate. The colours change constantly with the light. This too can be visited perfectly by car via the well-organised viewpoints if you'd rather not take your backpack for (sometimes challenging) hikes.

Zion National Park: luxury glamping after a dusty day

Zion immediately felt different from the other parks. You literally drive between the canyon walls, everything seems closer, and since it is nearer to Las Vegas it is also a little busier. We chose to take it easier here: a somewhat easier walk along "the pools" and the water, and then fully enjoying our luxury glamping: a luxurious bed, a shower in the tent, and in the evening sitting by the campfire with a glass of wine under a sky full of stars.

And then, after all that silence, you suddenly drive into Las Vegas. It is almost comical: after days of red rocks and gravel roads, suddenly The Strip with its neon, noise and glitter. I had been to Las Vegas several times, so this time we went straight to the airport and back to New York, but for anyone who'd like to spend another day or two enjoying fantastic food (top restaurants), people-watching and perhaps catching a show at the Sphere, Las Vegas is an absolute must. If you don't just want to dream about this trip but actually make it happen, I'd love to be your travel planner. My experience, your wishes: one road trip you'll savour for a long time. This route can easily be extended to more of Utah, such as Arches and Canyonlands, and for those who can travel for a long time, on towards Yellowstone. I'm happy to think along with you and build a route that suits your pace, comfort level and budget.