“Utah Unveiled: A Grand Odyssey through Magnificent Landscapes and National Parks”
The mountain vistas of Utah took us by surprise, surpassing the grandeur of Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and other scenic areas encountered during the first four months of our grand US RV tour. Utah transformed the sum of our experiences into an elegant equation of ultimate grandeur, a mountainous melting pot for the ages, demanding a recalibration of our vocabulary.
Utah
Replacing our usual WPMs (Wows per Minute) with frequent OMGs, we explored 12 spectacular national parks and monuments in Utah, turning our journey up to 11. After leaving the wilds of Wyoming behind, we ventured into southern Idaho, encountering two unique geological marvels that set the stage for the magnificence to come.
City of Rocks National Reserve presented an outlandish terrain of granite monoliths, ideal for rock climbers and hikers. A sudden thunderstorm led us to Rock City Mercantile in the nearby town of Almo, where we enjoyed a magnificent 12-inch pizza and craft ales from Highlander Beer brewery.
The next day, we experienced another planet at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, with a lunar landscape of cinder cones, lava tubes, and volcanic discharge. The Snake River, cutting an 80-mile canyon through the basaltic substrate, added to the dramatic scenery.
Twin Falls showcased the massive Perrine Bridge, a base-jumping hotspot, where thrill-seekers parachuted towards prepared targets. Heading to Utah via I-15, we chose three bases to explore further: Layton, Gladstan Golf Course in Payson, and the desert town of Green River.
At Layton, Valley View RV Resort provided access to the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park, and the Rockies. Antelope Island offered a bizarre history, where bison still roam freely. Golden Spike National Historic Park celebrated the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.
Gladstan Golf Course in Payson, with its RV sites, became our second base, allowing us to explore Utah’s hinterland via US Highway 6. Green River, our third base, positioned us near Goblin Valley State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Potash Road, and Arches National Park.
Exploring these parks, we marveled at Goblin Valley’s kaleidoscopic hoodoos, Craters of the Moon’s lunar-like landscape, Canyonlands’ stunning plateau views, and Arches’ weather-sculpted sandstone formations.
Returning to Payson via Highway 6 through Soldier Summit, we witnessed the transition from the stark high desert to river canyons and red sandstone cliffs. Heading south to Cedar City, we explored Highway 12, designated an All-American Road, and visited Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Cedar Breaks National Monument and Parowan Gap added to our Utah adventure, showcasing weathered wonders and ancient petroglyphs. Utah, with its captivating scenery, pristine wilderness, and friendly towns, captured our hearts, leaving us to wonder how the bustling atmosphere of Sin City would compare.
