National Parks 2018
7 day trip in August; 3 States, 10 main stops and a great place for stargazing.
Out of the 10 stops we made, Zion National Park and it’s incredible views was our favorite. You can experience this park not only from the outside, but deep within the ridges of the winding canyons themselves. The entrance to this park is through a town called Springdale. There are lots of shuttle buses for easy transportation, easy way-finding graphics for tourists, the smell of campfires and endless views of the canyon walls.
DAY 1
3-4 hour drive from Las Vegas to Valley of Fire and then Zion National Park.
Valley of Fire
Just an hour drive from Las Vegas this was a great pit stop into beginning our trip. When we got closer to this location it really did look like rocks were on fire understanding why it’s named what it is.
Zion National Park
DAY 2
Zion National Park, Observation Point Trail - 8 miles | 6-8 hours round-trip.
Switchback after switchback, it was exhausting and challenging but the entire hike up is a beauty. It is definitely worth it - especially once you get to the top with a view over Angels Landing and the rest of Zion National Park.
Zion National Park, Overlook Trail - 1 mile | 1 hour round-trip.
Quick trail with impressive views!
DAY 3
Zion National Park, Narrows Trail - as little as 2 miles or as much as 10 miles round-trip.
Welcome to the narrow canyon walls of Zion. Refreshing, relaxing and great sense of scale when looking up.
Bryce Canyon
Minor DETOUR! Bryce Canyon wasn’t on our itinerary. Took a little last minute convincing the driver from the moment we left Zion. Worth it!
DAY 4-6
Horseshoe Bend
I would have prepped for a picnic and just people watched. My heart dropped a couple of times watching how close people got to the edge for a picture.
Antelope Canyon
Wow wow wow. We booked a photography tour so the photographer himself captured all these amazing photos. I on the other hand decided to take it in and do a quick sketch. I was told by the tour guide this was this first time he has ever seen someone sketch in here. People should do it more often. It's a good way to allow time to slow down, while everyone around you flies by to capture photos. Pop some music in your ears, zone out and just sketch. I received this advice from my professor during a study abroad semester in Europe - initially hating it. When you actually give it a chance, it's the best feeling. People thought I was Picasso or something…until they saw my doodle. Unfortunately, you wont get to see my masterpiece because I misplaced it somewhere! :)
Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
Grand views! Best part of the Grand Canyon was bringing back a ton of Mexican food to our hotel room and just eating endless amounts of chips and guacamole - YUM. Would recommend keeping your Grand Canyon Visit at a maximum of one day :) - more than enough time!
More doodles.
DAY 7
Hoover Dam...was pretty damn big.
Las Vegas
Hard Rock Hotel
Neon Museum
Oh how much I love neon signs. Fun fact: Betty Willis was one of the few women designers in a male-dominated design industry to make a name for herself and her memorable designs. ‘Moulin Rouge’ and the famous ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign was all Betty - Ritsa be more like Betty Willis.
Photos by Michael Mucciaccio.