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All in Utah
Possibly the most recognizable icon of the Southwest. These monoliths have been featured everywhere from the Roadrunner cartoon, to Mario Kart, to Forrest Gump. Although these monuments are synonymous with the American desert, the valley is actually a Tribal Park on the Navajo Nation near the border of Arizona and Utah.
Massive sandstone natural bridges span White Canyon, carved by water that periodically runs through it. Kachina Bridge spans 204ft, 210ft. above the canyon. Owachomo Bridge is 180ft. long and 104ft. high. Sipapu Bridge (the 13th largest in the world) spans 255ft and is 220ft. tall. Owachomo is at risk of falling, since it is only 9ft thick at its center and this area is prone to earthquakes.
A marvelous maze of canyons stretching across eastern Utah. Second only to the grand canyon, this massive expanse of cliffs was carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. Three distinct districts (Island in the Sky, Needles, and the Maze) are comprised of spectacular rock formations sculpted by the force of wind and water.
Make sure you bring an extra memory card for your camera, because nearly every square inch of this park is picture worthy. Two thousand foot tall sandstone bluffs seem irresponsibly tall, yet millions of people make the pilgrimage to climb these cliffs every year. Towering vertical walls feel like the world’s largest tunnel is missing its ceiling. It’s easy to see how some might feel religious in such an incredible natural sanctuary.
These massive dunes of red-tinted sand are a quite the geologic coincidence. It may not be terribly obvious to people who have spent time around “normal” quartz sand dunes that those in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park are not the same color, but they are. The pink hued sand here is fairly typical of northern Arizona and Southern Utah, but it is normally not collected into towering dunes.
Some of the greatest views available at a state park can be found at Dead Horse Point. A nearly 360 degree view of the precipitous canyons that make Canyonlands National Park so spectacular, the Colorado River, and the La Sal Mountains can be found at the end of UT-313, roughly forty minutes from Moab, Utah. The magnificent views and peculiar name make this state park a local favorite. You may see Dead Horse Point T-shirts and hoodies in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The park got its name form the narrow end of the mesa. Cowboys would herd wild horses toward the cliffs, where they would be cornered between fences and the sheer cliffs. The most docile would be broken and tamed, and for reasons unknown, the rest were left for dead.
Between the stark palette of colors and the unusual hoodoos that cover the park, Bryce canyon is one of the most unique landscapes in the United States. The colors of these rocks have even inspired a Utah Jazz jersey. Contrasted against thick pine forests, Bryce canyon in an incredible sight to be seen. Elevation at Bryce Canyon is upwards of 8,000 ft. so temperatures are much cooler than surrounding Utah and it is not uncommon to see snow during much of the year.
A valley full of unusual rock formations that you can climb on. Hike the scenic trails or freely explore the fairytale-esque hoodoos that give this park its name.
Near the border of Colorado and Utah, tucked into the Little Ruin Canyon sits the remains of an ancestral Puebloan city. Perched precariously on steep cliff walls and boulders, these towers may have been used for defending precious resources, perhaps water.
The famous Hoover Dam is known around the world. This impressive structure attracts tourists from all over and countless Southwest itineraries include a trip to this historic and monumental structure. Being only a one hour drive from the Las Vegas strip makes the dam a popular side trip from the neon capital of the world.
The San Juan River cuts deep here and nearly doubles back on itself in multiple locations. This spectacular sight is only a few minutes off of Rt. 261 in Utah and is only 45 minutes from the famous Monument Valley. If you’re in the area and have a little time to spare, the views here are incredible.
