KSM Guide to hiking the canyons of Utah + Arizona

As frequent travelers, being confined due to a global pandemic has proven to be no easy task. We also are expecting a baby, so we wanted to find a way to go on a babymoon to reset our minds AND celebrate this milestone. While I am not an avid hiker like my husband, spending five days breathing fresh, crisp air while admiring some of the most breathtaking parts of the United States sounded good to me.

We decided to visit the national parks in Utah and Arizona. There were many parts of our trip that were affected by COVID-19, so here is our recommended itinerary if you plan on visiting in 2020.

START

We flew into Las Vegas, Nevada and rented a car. We found driving from park-to-park easier than coordinating tours. That way, you also get to soak in magnificent views along the way.

ITINERARY

Stop 1: Zion National Park

As the first national park of Utah, Zion is home to massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. The hikes vary in difficulty, so there is a trail fit for everyone.

The most well-known would be the Angel’s Landing, which takes you on a narrow, fin-like mountain formation where you have to hold on to the planted chains to get through. Not fit for anyone afraid of heights, and it is a rather strenuous hike.

If you stay at the Zion Lodge, which we did, you will have access to a parking lot within the park. There are two shuttle options — one that takes you from Springdale into the park (free), and one that takes you to and from each trail stop within the park (buy a ticket in advance).

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Our favorite of the trip. Bryce is famous for its bizarre shaped mudstone and countless hoodoos. You can access the unique, easy accessible views just a quick walk from your car via the Sunrise and Sunset Points.

You also can hike the Navajo Loop to Wall Street, a 3-mile trail, which allows you to walk through this beautiful geology. We stopped here en route to Lake Powell.

Stop 3: Lake Powell

Lake Powell s a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River in Utah and Arizona. There are multiple activities you can do here, from hiking to waterskiing. We stayed at the Lake Powell Resort + Marina, which is a 15-minute drive from the Horseshoe Bend and 20-minute drive from the famous Antelope Canyon.

Unfortunately, Antelope is currently closed due to COVID, so we were only able to enjoy the Horseshoe Bend. You have to pay $10 to enter the parking lot, and there is a paved trail that will lead you to the Bend. No hiking required, so this is accessible by all.

Stop 4: Grand Canyon National Park

A must to check off your list. There are many trails you can do here, from seeing the canyon from up top, to hiking through it along the river.

We stayed at the El Tovar Hotel right in the park, so we woke up with the canyon a few steps away from us. You can walk along the paved trail for aerial views, and can even enjoy a meal with the scenery of the Grand Canyon from the comfort of the hotel’s restaurant.

Stop 5: Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a cute town. There is great food and awesome hikes. We decided to explore the Devil’s Bridge Trail, which is the largest natural sandstone arch located in the Coconino National Forest. Fair warning, the elevation picks up fast, but the breathtaking views of Red Rock country at the end are worth it. If I can do it at seven months pregnant, so can you!

Go to dinner at Dahl + Di Luca (make a reservation ahead of time), and visit the quaint Tlaquepaque Village for a little shopping and lunch.

END

We ended the trip in Scottsdale, Arizona with a five-night stay at The Phoenician. I highly recommend putting the “poolside” relaxation at the end of your trip as your body will need the rest, and I don’t think I would’ve been up for five days of hiking at the end of the trip.

Here, you can hike the Camelback Mountain (high elevation!) for a great view of the city. For dinner, we recommend Marcellino Ristorante for the yummiest handmade pasta dishes.

I am still in awe of how beautiful our country is, and feel so fortunate to have access to these wonders without leaving U.S. soil. If you end up visiting any of these destinations, be sure to tag me @karolinastateofmind and used the hashtag #KSMinstaguide! Happy hiking :)