Six national parks

Zions is a favorite ride for us.  We ride through the park almost every year.  

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, USA, is renowned for its dramatic red cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse landscapes. Established in 1919, the park encompasses over 229 square miles of stunning terrain. Key attractions include the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon, the Narrows where hikers can trek through the Virgin River gorge, and the scenic drive along Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. 

Bryce is another favorite destination for us to ride.  Brad's parents grew up in this area so it is like home.  We love driving through the park as well as the towns of Tropic, Cannonville, Escalante, Boulder, and Torrey.  

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, USA, is known for its spectacular hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that form a surreal landscape of amphitheaters and pinnacles. Established in 1928, the park covers approximately 56 square miles and sits at high elevation, offering stunning views of rock formations illuminated by the sun at sunrise and sunset. Popular viewpoints like Bryce Point and Inspiration Point provide panoramic vistas over the colorful canyon. 

We always stop at Ruby's Inn to eat.  They have a buffet that has good food, but also a regular menu.

Capitol Reef National Park, located in south-central Utah, USA, is a hidden gem known for its stunning geological features and colorful landscapes. Established in 1971, the park encompasses the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline extending almost 100 miles. Visitors can explore the park's diverse terrain, which includes towering cliffs, natural arches, and narrow canyons. Highlights include the scenic drive along Capitol Reef Scenic Byway, viewpoints like Panorama Point and Sunset Point, and historic orchards preserved from early Mormon settlers. 

Grand Canyon National Park, located in northern Arizona, USA, is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon showcases layers of colorful rock formations spanning vast distances. The park covers over 1.2 million acres and offers numerous viewpoints along the South Rim and North Rim, including popular spots like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. 

Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, USA, is renowned for its stunning natural arch formations, sculpted over millions of years by wind and erosion. Established as a national park in 1971, it spans over 76,000 acres of desert landscape punctuated by over 2,000 natural stone arches. Key attractions include the iconic Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch (one of the longest natural stone spans in the world), and Balanced Rock. 

Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, USA, is a vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Established in 1964, the park spans over 337,000 acres and is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the riverside districts. Each district offers unique geological formations, panoramic viewpoints, and opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and exploring rugged terrain. Highlights include Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and the challenging Maze District for experienced adventurers. 

Monument Valley, located on the Arizona-Utah border in the southwestern United States, is famous for its iconic sandstone buttes and mesas that rise dramatically from the desert floor. These towering formations, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion, have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, making Monument Valley instantly recognizable worldwide. The Navajo Nation manages the park and offers guided tours that provide insights into the area's rich cultural and geological history. 

Kodachrome Basin State Park, located in southern Utah, USA, is known for its unique geological features and vibrant colors. Established in 1962, the park covers nearly 3,700 acres and is named after the colorful Kodachrome film due to its striking rock formations and spires. The park features over 70 monolithic stone spires known as sedimentary pipes, some reaching up to 170 feet tall. Visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through these formations, including the Panorama Trail and Shakespeare Arch Trail. 

Torrey, located in south-central Utah, USA, is a small town nestled near Capitol Reef National Park. Surrounded by stunning red rock landscapes and the scenic Waterpocket Fold, Torrey serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures and natural wonders. Visitors to Torrey can explore Capitol Reef's rugged canyons, historic orchards, and viewpoints like Sunset Point and Panorama Point. The town itself offers charming accommodations, local eateries featuring Southwestern cuisine, and art galleries showcasing local artists. Torrey's proximity to Capitol Reef and its tranquil, picturesque setting make it an ideal base to stay on your ride. 

Escalante, located in southern Utah, USA, is a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Established in 1996, this vast area covers over 1.9 million acres of rugged canyons, colorful cliffs, and expansive plateaus. Escalante offers opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and exploring slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. The town itself is small yet charming, with local shops, cafes, and accommodations catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby attractions include the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and the scenic drives along Highway 12, known as one of America's most scenic byways. Escalante is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Hurricane, located in southwestern Utah, USA, is a growing city known for its proximity to outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes. Situated near Zion National Park and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Hurricane offers easy access to hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The city itself has a vibrant community with local events, art galleries, and historical sites like the Hurricane Canal Trail and Pioneer Heritage Park. Visitors can enjoy the mild climate and stunning views of the surrounding red rock formations. Hurricane's blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.

Blanding, located in southeastern Utah, USA, is a town surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Four Corners region. Situated near Bears Ears National Monument and close to Canyonlands National Park and Natural Bridges National Monument, Blanding is a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins. The town itself offers museums like the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, showcasing Native American artifacts and archaeological exhibits. 

St. George, located in southwestern Utah, USA, is a vibrant city known for its sunny climate, outdoor recreation, and proximity to stunning natural attractions. Nestled near the Mojave Desert and surrounded by red rock cliffs, St. George offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, rock climbing, and golfing at courses like the renowned Sand Hollow Resort. Nearby attractions include Snow Canyon State Park with its scenic red sandstone cliffs and petrified sand dunes. The city also boasts cultural amenities such as the St. George Art Museum and Tuacahn Center for the Arts, known for its outdoor amphitheater productions. St. George's blend of natural beauty and cultural offerings makes it a popular destination year-round.

Page, located in northern Arizona, USA, is a small town known for its proximity to several iconic natural attractions. Situated near Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring slot canyons like Antelope Canyon and Secret Canyon. The town is also close to the famous Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic meander of the Colorado River with breathtaking views from the overlook. Nearby attractions include the Rainbow Bridge National Monument and the scenic drives along the Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. Page is a gateway to stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures in the American Southwest.