March 26, 2024
This leg of the journey happened because we had to take a pit stop back in Denver to pick up license plates. Luckily that meant that the road took us through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the American Southwest (as Denverites, I may be biased to portion or the country). From the Great Sand Dunes to the canyons of Moab, hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and cliffs of Zion National Park, each destination was a wonderful chapter in our adventure. Take a glimpse.
Visiting the Great Sand Dunes outside the busy season was a GREAT decision. With fewer people and cooler sand, the park was ours to explore. The dunes, challenging yet hilarious to hike, looked almost too beautiful to be real, as Laina pointed out repeatedly. Sledding down the sandy slopes was an absolute blast, full of both adrenaline and laughter. Our nights were spent under a sky so clear, the Milky Way sprawled above us sparked Laina's curiosity in constellations. Our cozy stay at the Great Sand Dunes Oasis provided the perfect basecamp for our sandy adventures, complete with friendly faces and all the amenities we needed.
Moab feels like a second home to us. With each visit, we discover new trails that match Laina's love for adventure. The beauty of Moab at dusk, with its echoing canyons and ever-changing landscapes, never fails to amaze me. It's a place where every shout and laugh bounces off ancient stone, reminding us of the sheer joy of exploration. Plus, it's one of the best small towns to enjoy.
Bryce Canyon took my breath away. With recommendations from our favorite vanlifers @smilkos_lens, we embarked on the Navajo Loop Trail, a hike that was manageable but beautiful. The unique rock formations, known as hoodoos, had us excited at every turn, making every step of the hike an experience. It's a place I'm eager to return to, there's to much to see in a single trip.
Zion was a lesson in spontaneity. Our week-long stay had us enjoying the charming town of Springdale, with its good food, parks, and even a Halloween movie night at the local ice cream shop/movie theater. Despite missing out on Zion's famed shuttle hikes due to a lack of research (I'm notorious for this!), the town was the perfect backdrop to our adventures. I will also be excited to return to Zion!
Each park taught us something new about nature, spontaneity, and enjoying the journey. What a wonderful reminder of the endless sights our world holds.
Follow along on our adventures on Instagram for more stories of travel, exploration, and imperfect parenting in the great outdoors. There's a whole world out there waiting to be discovered, and I feel like we're just getting started.
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