Day 4: Bryce Canyon – Walking Among Giants

Waking up in Escalante, I could already feel the excitement building for our next stop—Bryce Canyon National Park. Even though I’d seen a hundred photos of its famous orange hoodoos, I wasn’t prepared for how jaw-dropping it would be in person. We stayed at Ruby's Inn at the entrance of Bryce Canyon but parked at the visitor center to take the free shuttle through the park. 

We started at Bryce Point which is Stop #8. The real magic happens when you hike down into the canyon. We started to tackle the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail, which winds about five miles through the heart of Bryce. The trail descends quickly, and suddenly you’re surrounded by towering formations on all sides. It’s humbling and otherworldly—like walking through nature’s cathedral. But we knew we had a mile back up and a couple miles walking the rim so we headed back up. 

By the time we hiked back up to the rim, we were dusty, tired, and grinning ear to ear. Bryce Canyon has a way of making you feel both small and completely alive.

We walked the rim to Sunrise Point and Sunset point.

It was beautiful weather and we decided to check into our hotel. While in the lobby we decided to rent a RZR for a fun filled hour long ride through the back country and cows. There was a guide and 3 ATV's and 3 RZR's. This was our first time so we opted for the guided tour. Now that we have tried it, next time we will try it on our own. 

As night settled in, I realized this park had quickly become one of my favorites. Bryce Canyon is truly a place that stirs the soul—it’s wild, whimsical, and completely unforgettable.

Tomorrow, we’d hit the road once more for the grand finale of our Utah adventure: Zion National Park.

Day 3: The Grand Staircase–Escalante – Utah’s Wild Heart

Day three began with that familiar mix of excitement and curiosity—the kind that only comes when you know you’re about to see something completely different. We left Capitol Reef behind and made our way toward Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, one of the most remote and rugged areas in the entire state.

The drive itself was an adventure. Winding through scenic byways, we climbed and dipped through canyons, cliffs, and open desert. Every turn revealed a new kind of beauty—towering sandstone walls, rolling hills of red and gold, and endless horizons. Utah never runs out of ways to make your jaw drop.

Escalante feels like the wild heart of Utah—raw, vast, and untamed. It’s less polished than the national parks, but that’s part of its magic. You don’t come here for crowds or comfort—you come to explore, to wander, and to feel small in the best way possible.

It's not all rock sculptures in Utah, sometimes you discover the beauty of fall leaves. 

We stopped at several overlooks just to take photos (and catch our breath from the views). The scale of Escalante is almost impossible to capture—it feels infinite.

That evening, we rolled into the small town of Escalante, tired, dusty, and totally enchanted. Dinner was simple—local diner food and cold drinks—but the conversation was all about the day: the hike, the colors, the silence of the desert, and that feeling of awe that stayed with us long after the sun went down.

Utah was truly showing off, and tomorrow promised even more magic as we made our way to Bryce Canyon National Park.

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Day 2: From Moab to Capitol Reef – Utah’s Hidden Gem via Goblin State Park

After a perfect first day exploring Arches, we hit the road again—coffee and maps in hand, ready for the scenic drive to Capitol Reef National Park. The route from Moab winds through stretches of red desert, canyons, and cliffs that seem to change color with every mile. There’s something freeing about driving those open Utah roads—just you, the car, and endless beauty in every direction. 

But first, Goblin Valley State Park and wow — it felt like stepping onto another planet! 🪐 The landscape is filled with hundreds of quirky, mushroom-shaped rock formations (aka “goblins”) that make it both eerie and fun to wander through. You can climb, explore, and let your imagination run wild — every turn looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie. 👽✨ Utah never stops surprising me!

Now back on the road - Capitol Reef is one of those parks that doesn’t always get the spotlight like Zion or Bryce, but honestly, it deserves it. It feels quieter, more remote—like discovering a secret. As soon as we entered the park, massive red cliffs rose up on either side, carved with ribbons of cream, blue and gold. It’s dramatic, wild, and absolutely stunning.

Our first stop was the Scenic Drive, a winding road that takes you deep into the heart of the park. Along the way, we spotted ancient petroglyphs etched into sandstone walls—evidence of the Fremont people who lived here nearly a thousand years ago. 

We made our way to Fruita, a small historic district inside the park that feels like a time capsule. Old barns, orchards, and a little homestead surrounded by soaring cliffs—it’s picture-perfect. Caught a few mule dear just lounging in the grass. 

We have a hotel right here in town with teepees and covered wagons. However we opt for the hotel room. We visit the Llamas on site where you can actually take them out on a hike. However we weren't aware you could do that and ran out of time. 

Each stop on this journey was becoming its own story, and Capitol Reef felt like a chapter filled with quiet wonder, open skies, and pie you’ll never forget.

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