AZ to WI Roadtrip- Summer 2024 (Part One)
Day 1- Flagstaff, Arizona to Provo, Utah
Approximately 8.25 hours of driving time
First Stop- Horseshoe Bend
(After dropping by Macy's European Coffee House (in Flag) of course for the best coffee!)
I have seen this beautiful piece of geography a couple times in the past- long before it became an instagram hot spot. Although it was not quite the serene and intimate experience it once was, the view is still incredible, and it still inspires the same sense of wonder- at least for me. My dad and I went through the new entrance station, paid the $10 car fee, and parked in the large parking lot that was full of other cars and many tour buses. There were several bathrooms, a couple of shade ramadas on the .75 mile trail, and a lot of railings at the viewpoint. My dad had never been here so it was a great stop to get out of the car, stretch, walk, and see something out of the ordinary. It was the end of July so it was definitely warm when we got there around 11 am. We had water, wore sunscreen, and enjoyed the moment. The benches and shade are a nice addition for people that might need a minute to rest along the trail. It is a little steep on some parts and the footing can be a little rough if you do not have proper footwear. Don't forget to take your pictures after you peer over the edge in awe for several moments.
It is located...
In the Glen Canyon Recreation Area off of Highway 89 in Page (About 2 hours from Flagstaff). The Lookout itself and the parking lot are in Page, AZ. The land south of the parking area, the trail, and the overlook are on the Navajo Nation. It is often referred to as a part of the Grand Canyon but it is not. Grand Canyon National Park starts about 9 miles down the Colorado River from here.
What Are You Looking At?
200 million years ago the southwest was much like the Sahara desert- covered with sand dunes. Over time, these layers were compacted, minerals seeped into the sand, and pressure formed the beautiful Navajo Sandstone layer that exists today. Other layers of calcite, mudstone, and limestone were deposited on top through the years. As the river followed the path of least resistance, it carved through the softer layers of earth and went around the more resistant layer of Navajo Sandstone. The famous 270° meander of the river here is what really sets it apart from other areas of the canyon.
Is it Worth It?
Absolutely. If you appreciate natural beauty, geology, atypical landscapes, panoramic views, and short walks, this is a great stop. Just be sure to be a smart traveler and look into the area before you go. Be prepared and follow the "leave no trace" policy so this marvel can continue to be loved by all.
https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/horseshoe-bend.htm
Ok, it was actually the second stop...
I wanted to mention that I did take my dad to the Cameron trading post located off Highway 89 about 45 minutes north of Flagstaff. It's a great place to walk around, shop for southwest knickknacks, eat (they have AMAZING Navajo tacos), and use the restroom. There is also a small hotel here as well and you can see how the Little Colorado river is flowing.
Life Really is Beautiful in the Desert
We had a selfie stick but there were MANY people we could have asked to take our picture. I should have asked that guy to move...
Quiz time: What rock are those red cliffs made out of?
Pass Lake Powell
This is another great place to explore via boat, kayak, or on foot with some hiking. The resort is a pretty cool place to eat, have a drink, sit on a beach, or stay the night (in the hotel or camp) on your multiple day adventure on the lake.
Now You're in Utah!
Don't forget to take the state sign pictures to prove you were there!
(Just turn around to see the Arizona sign 😀)
Check out this fun geology shot out the car window!
Some Interesting Stops Along the Way...
Navajo Lake- 9,100 feet elevation!
It was REALLY windy up here on this summit. There was a great pullout and I was ready to stretch out so it was perfect!
Lava Flow View
If lava impresses you, don't forget to visit Sunset Crater in Flagstaff!
Zion Overlook Viewpoint
What a cool perspective on another beautiful piece of country
The Creamery- Beaver, Utah
It's right off the highway so get out, walk around, have some ice cream, a little food, or shop in the store. My dad was excited that they actually had black licorice ice cream!
From here it was almost 3 hours until we got to the hotel
It was a long travel day so the only other stop we made was to eat and I can't remember where we stopped, nor did it make a journal entry, so I don't think that it was anything super great. Sometimes, it's just nice to get to that hotel and relax! I do remember the drive was full of mountains and beautiful meadows and scenery. Utah is a really pretty state!
Day 2- Provo, Utah to The Grand Tetons (Wyoming)
ABout 6 hours of driving if you bypass salt lake
Bridal Veil Falls
Wake Up!
Most mornings we were up around 6-7am so we could hit the road. I am not and have NEVER been a morning person but I can get up in a better mood if I am traveling...(Who's with me on that?) This morning we had a real treat about 15 minutes from the hotel so I hadn't even finished my coffee yet. This was an excellent stop that I 100 percent recommend. There was a trail, a park, and people were running and biking here. What a great way to spend your morning. I remember passing this two years ago and seeing it from the highway- by the time you see it, you have passed your exit- FYI.
The trail was not as long as I wanted but it was a nice place to pull over to stretch, have a snack, and walk a little.
Oregon Trail History
This was the summit view before you come into Afton, WY. It was a little disappointing to see all the smoke. It was even more sad to know that this was smoke coming in all the way from a fire in Jasper, Canada.
Dropping Down into Jackson Hole
Another World's Largest!!
Elk Horns are Special Here- There are Four of these arches in the Jackson Hole Square
It was enjoyable to walk around Jackson Hole and this place that we had lunch at had AMAZING ambiance.
In Grand Teton National Park
And they were STILL beautiful
Pick your roads
The intense planner that I am always starts by looking at all the maps and creating an itinerary. I recommend always checking the park websites for closures but things can always change when you show up! This summer I decided to go through the Moose entrance into the park and take a drive up Teton Park Road to Jenny Lake. Two years ago we took the main entrance and went up the highway stopping at all those pull-outs so I was ok taking this side adventure. This road had more of an intimate setting with more trees. More animals tend to be around here early in the morning and around dusk by the lakes. It was smoggy with the smoke and it also rained (which was not at all in the forecast) but luckily we were prepared with rain gear and coats...it actually got pretty chilly on this summer day! The view was not at all what I expected it to be but I found joy in my photographer heart because this is a setting that I had not experienced here before and it did create a more mystical presence for these majestic peaks.
Enjoying the Park- Even in the Rain
I enjoyed the stop at Jenny Lake as I explored a few sections I didn't see last time. There were fewer people here (fair weather park friends!) but the animals were really enjoying the shorelines on this not-so-busy day. I watched the chipmunks and squirrels scamper on the beach and play as I admired the small waves cresting in front of the Grand Tetons. These short trips are special and have given me even more desire to plan a week or three hiking, camping, and exploring this area. It really is a great place to dream.
Where to Stay?
There are a few options in the park for hotels and camping. these spots go really quick. it is getting really hard to go on trips that are not planned a year in advance!
This is the second time I have stayed here and I really enjoyed it. There is a restaurant for dinner and a diner for breakfast that both have good ambiance and food. The cabins are perfect and cute (great showers!) and the property is really pretty. There is even a little market/shop and a gas station. It is the perfect place to stay between parks.
Keep following me on the socials to read more about my trip!
More to Come