Utah is a state located at Central Southwest region of United States. A majority of the land there is dessert like that is dry and hot. Due to Utah's unique environment, it has many unique land formation with breathtaking views. Thus Utah has 5 national parks in total and has attracted thousands of visitors every year. These 5 national parks are Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches.
We decided to pay a visit to these 5 mighty national parks in Utah. We chose to go there around Memorial Day week because we were thinking that it shouldn't be too hot. But we were wrong. It was still extremely hot.
We first flew to Las Vegas and rented a car from AVIS. AVIS gave us a Mitsubishi Outlander with AWD and it turned out to be a great decision. The Outlander was capable of handling off road conditions without any difficulties.
After we got the car, we went to Albertsons to stock up water. We bought 2 packs of 24 bottles of water and also some fresh fruits. We then headed our way to Zion National Park. By the time we got to the La Quinta hotel that is at Springdale, it was already 6PM. We were quite tired for the day and went to sleep right away.
The second day morning we went to Zion at 6AM and first did Angels Landing hike. Then we did riverside walk at the narrows and went to do Emerald Pool Trail. In the evening, we got takeout from Oscars Cafe.
On the third day, we checked out the hotel and went to Zion Observation Point with amazing view. Then we drove our way towards Bryce National Park. We visited all the view points while we were there and did Bristlecone Loop Trail.
On the fourth day, we went to see sunrise then did the figure 8 hike that includes Navajo Loop Trail and Peekaboo Trail. After the long hiking day, we had dinner at Canyon Diner.
On day 5, we drove to Capitol Reef National Park. We first did the off road drive through Cathedral Valley. It was beautiful. Then we did Hickman Bridge Trail. In the evening, we had dinner at Chak Balam Mexican restaurant.
On day 6, we drove to Canyonlands National Park. We did the hike at Grand View Point Trail and Shafer Canyon Overlook Trail. Then it was getting so hot, so we went to grab lunch at Arches Thai. In the late afternoon, we went to Delicate Arch at Arches National Park.
On day 7, we went to Mesa Arch for sunrise. Then we immediately went to Windows Arch and Double Arch. After that we did Devils Garden hike. By noon, we made our way to Monument Valley. On the way there, we passed by Valley of Gods, which was pretty cool. The town of Bluff that we passed by also showed historical fortress by in the 1800s.
On day 8, we enjoyed the sunrise at Monument Valley, It was phenomenon. Then we headed back to Moab and rest there. In the late afternoon, we drove to Arches National Park again just to look around and enjoy the scenery.
On day 9, which is the last day, we made our way to Salt Lake City airport to head back to Portland. This was an amazing trip nevertheless. Switched 5 different hotels and drove across the state of Utah.
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