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Gateway to the Grand and Mighty National Parks -- 8 NPs in 10 days (1 of 2)
"Everyday is a winding road, I get a little bit closer. Everyday is a faded sign, I get a little bit closer to feeling fine." -- Sheryl Crow
Gateway Arch, MO; Petrified Forest, AZ; Grand Canyon, AZ; Zion National Park, UT
After a few days on the road, our September National Park adventure kicked off with a bang in St. Louis, MO at the incredible Gateway Arch NP - NP #16! We eagerly explored the national park grounds, covering a few miles on foot before heading into the visitor center. There, we hopped on the tram to the top. What an experience! It's a bit unusual to be on a tram/elevator that ascends while curving, and I couldn't help but bury my head in Jack's shoulder until we reached the top. Once there, I was thrilled to soak in the breathtaking views! After our exciting visit to the Arch and a delightful lunch, we strolled over to City Park to marvel at the amazing sculptures before setting off for our next destination.
On our way to Arizona, we took a joyride on the legendary Route 66 for a spell, feeling like time-traveling road trip warriors!
In the sun-baked deserts of Arizona, we sauntered over to the Petrified Forest NP - NP #17 - like a couple of tumbleweeds looking for a good time. We strapped on our trusty hiking boots—because, you know, safety first—and set off on a half-day extravaganza of leisurely strolls to dust off our hiking skills. First up, the Painted Rim Trail, a whole mile of pure endurance! Then we conquered the Puerco Pueblo, a staggering 0.3 miles (hold your applause). Next, it was the Blue Mesa Trail, another mile—look at us, we're unstoppable! The Crystal Forest Trail followed, with 0.75 miles of sheer adventure, and finally, the Agate House Trail, a whopping 3 miles. Along the way, we tripped over some ancient petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but holy guacamole, these trees are gigantic and have transformed into the coolest stone statues!
Ohhhh, the Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) - NP #18 - has been on my bucket list for ages, ever since my BFFs and their hubbies took us to play helicopter tourists and swoop into the North Rim. Definitely a jaw-dropper!
Regrettably, a severe flash flood occurred in August, affecting their water supply, several trails, and tragically resulting in the loss of a few lives.
Fortunately, we're not exactly hiking ninjas, so we didn't miss out on those closed trails. But Mather Campground, where we bunked for two nights, and the local eateries sure felt the pinch. Day one had us strutting our stuff on the Bright Angel Trail—a 4.4-mile escapade. The first two miles were a breeze, all downhill glory, but the return trip? Let's just say, gaining 1,258 feet in elevation is not for the faint of heart! We capped off the day with a jaw-dropping sunset at Mather Point. Day two kicked off with a Ranger-led program that was so good, even the squirrels took notes! Then we biked to Hermits Rest, a 9.5 mile climb one way from the Village Market and Deli, for some epic views. Just as we were feeling like pro adventurers, a storm crashed our party, so we retreated to our van for some quality chill time.
The first stop on our Mighty 5 Utah National Parks tour was Zion - NP #19, or as I like to call it, "Nature's Theme Park." We skipped hiking the Narrows, which was originally on my "let's pretend Jack's more adventurous" list, but we still had a blast with other escapades. Zion NP was hands down my fave among these four parks. The shuttle system is like a magic carpet ride—I've heard the lines can be longer than a sloth's nap, but we hopped on every time with barely a yawn.
On our first day, we kicked things off from the Zion Lodge on the Grotto trail (a breezy 0.6 miles), then strutted along the Riverside Trail (2 miles), and tackled the Weeping Rock Trail (0.6 miles roundtrip with a 149-foot elevation gain). That short hike to Weeping Rock was totally worth it because we got to witness a whole herd of longhorn sheep having a family reunion. After that, we rolled into town for a drink and dinner at the Zion Canyon Brew Pub, because hiking is thirsty work.
Day 2 was when we decided to up the ante with a more challenging trail to see the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools (3.3 miles with an 870-foot elevation gain), followed by a delightful lunch at the Zion Lodge. We then shuttled back to the Watchman Campground, grabbed our trusty bikes, and pedaled along the Pa'Rus Trail (4.3 miles roundtrip) like we were in the Tour de Zion. And if we ever make a return trip, I might just twist Jack's arm to hike the Narrows. Wish me luck!
5 Recommendations:
If you're from the east coast or any place where humidity is your constant companion, brace yourself for the elevation and an environment drier than a stand-up comedian's wit. Even though we visited during their so-called 'Monsoon Season,' it was as dry as a cracker in the desert. No amount of lotion could save us! And don't even get me started on the elevation—it left us gasping for air like a fish out of water!
Rumor has it the Gateway Arch is getting a title downgrade from National Park to National Monument. But don't let that fool you—this giant shiny horseshoe is still worth a visit! If you're cruising westward, make a pit stop at this unique landmark. It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs and snap a selfie with a giant metal rainbow.
Compared to other National Parks we've frolicked through, Petrified Forest is like the kiddie pool of hiking spots—ideal for the whole family! The trails are so easy, even someone whose main workout is reaching for the remote could handle them! Plus, you can cruise from North to South (or South to North) with an AudioGuide like GuideAlong to spice up your road trip.
Grand Canyon NP is absolutely mind-blowing, and it might just leave you speechless! September is the ideal time to visit if you're not planning to tackle Everest, as the crowds are scarce. Even after the August storm excitement, the weather was behaving beautifully. If you're up for some adventure, try hiking a bit of Bright Angel's trail to catch a glimpse below the rim. And for those who love two wheels, biking to Hermit's Point is an exhilarating ride—just be prepared for those hills! An e-bike might just be your ticket to avoiding a sweaty meltdown!
Zion National Park is so stunning it might just take your breath away—and not just because you're panting from the hike! I've got a sneaky suspicion that May and September are the prime times to visit, mainly because the shuttle lines won't make you feel like you're waiting for a ride at an amusement park. Plus, unlike other parks where deer seem to be the only residents, Zion's wildlife actually makes an appearance, which is always a treat!
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