Utah road trip

Mai 2023

The road trip plan

Salt Lake City > Zion > Bryce > Pink Coral Sand Dunes > Horseshoe bent > the new wave > Cathedral wash > Glen Canyon Dam >
Lake Powell > Capitol Reef > Moab > Arches > Salt Lake City > Idaho Falls > Yellowstone

Where I stayed

I had multiple places to stay. I mostly camped because it's free or cheap but I wanted to have a shower once in a while and some access to wifi and electricity. I then used all those options: camping, airbnb, motel, car and it was all good!

I am showing here photos of the camping. I only had a small stove for the cooking and the weather was not always as nice as you would think. I had a wind storm and a snow storm. My tent is only a backpacking tent which doesn't make it really snow resistent. It actually half collapsed on me during the night because of the weight of the snow. During the wind storm I was in Moab and got some "Moab seasoning" (sand) everywhere in my tent. The next morining I woke up covered in sand even with the home made barrier.

I promise camping is fun!

How long did I take

I wasn't sure how long to stay and how long it would take to visit all those places. I think the three weeks were a great amount as it allowed me to do everything. The smaller parks I spent one day (canyonland, arches, bryce) and the bigger parks I spent two days (Zion, Yellowstone, Page area...). I also had some extra activities like kayaking, canyoneering and so on that would take me a day or half a day of the planning.

How not to get bored

Well you can't. But that's ok! It's actually part of the proccess and I was really scared of it when I left. So I made sure I had friends I could call during my trip. I wanted to have a way to feel connected. I would charge my phone and make calls during the drives. I had some TV shows downloaded, books to read and activities. I definitely got bored but it wasn't that bad. It is scary to be on your own but you end up meeting people on hikes, at restaurants... Journaling every evening also helped because it would take me half an hour and I would feel more relaxed and rested. And honestly after a day of hiking or driving you just want to sleep ;)

Lonely burger

That day was a hard one. I did canyoneering in the morning and had to drive 4h to get to the next camoing. I was tired and felt a bit lonely and sad. I decided to buy myself some nice food from the food truck in town. I ate it in the trunk of my car while watching people passing by. Honnestly it helped! Some days are hard and the energy is low. It's ok and it's important to listen to your body.

Lonely dunes

When you travel alone you see magestic things that you wish you could share. I love hiking and doing a lot of outdoors visits. It is hard to be on your own but it shouldn't stop you from doing what you like or want. Here is me enjoying the sand dunes in Utah on my own.

Food!

When you travel alone and you're an extrovert like me you probably hate eating alone. And that's ok. But you know what? Just do it! I was eating this peach pie in Canyonland on a bench and made a friend. Going out to eat or order food is also a way to make connectionsa and on a solo trip it is important!

Here are some photos of my the trip

My favorite part?

Well I don't think it's fair to pick but Canyonland was by far the most impressive one. It was a lot like Grand Canyon but in a very different shape. It was so big and magestic. I loved it and I don't think a lot of peoplle do visit it. I also really enjoyed the geology talk they gave where they would explain the connection of all those national parks in Utah but also with Arizona and Nevada. It was very instructive and well made. Loved it!

One advice?

Go in April or May. It is less warm than the summer months and every hike is going to be open. It will be crowded so reserve your spot in advance. You'll be able to hike a lot which is the best way to see everything you need.

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