List: The Grand Circle - A Grand Vacation

The Grand Circle - A Grand Vacation

In the southwestern United States lies an amazing selection of National Parks, dubbed it "The Grand Circle" for the rough shape they form when viewed on a map. The Grand Circle is comprised of six National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and Zion (sometimes the Grand Canyon is also included on this list, but this makes the circle much, much larger due to its remote location). All of these parks are open year-round and each season offers a unique opportunity to explore their beauty. Below are descriptions of these parks, referenced in a logical travel pattern that you could use to experience the Grand Circle.

1. Arches National Park; Moab, Utah

Arches is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The most famous of these is Delicate Arch, which has become a symbol of the State of Utah and adorns one of the state's license plates. The Delicate Arch hike is the most popular in the park and is best done very early in the morning or late in the evening, not only to avoid crowds but to also keep you out of the blazing mid-day sun. Another famous area is Double Arch, named because of the two arches that stand on top of each other; this location was shown in the opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The longest arch in the park is Landscape Arch--a long, thin arch which spans over 300 feet! Although the trail under the arch has been closed for many years due to sections of the arch falling, there are still plenty of great photographic opportunities. There's more than just arches at this park, though, and any traveler will find no shortage of things to explore. In addition to the rock structures, the area is covered with brightly colored desert wildflowers, and lizards, rattlesnakes, and cottontail rabbits are a frequent sight.

2. Canyonlands National Park; Moab, Utah

There are actually three districts which make up Canyonlands, two of which are easily accessible. The entrance to the Island in the Sky district is north of Arches. The Island in the Sky provides an amazing view of an array of canyons that were carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. There are also some hiking trails to natural arches in this area, including the frequently photographed Mesa Arch. The canyons are sometimes filled with smog, which drifts to the area from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. However, on the plus side, the poor air quality can make for amazing sunrises and sunsets, because the smog enhances the golden oranges and yellow of the sun.

The Needles district is much further south and is about 30 miles off of the main road. The Needles are named for the thousands of huge, pointed pinnacles that stand there. Most of the Needles can only be explored by on foot or with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but some places are accessible to those in a standard car. The drive out to the Needles takes you by the remarkable Newspaper Rock, one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs from both historic and prehistoric times.

The third district is the Maze, which is on the west side of the park. The Maze is accessible only by unpaved roads and is considered one of the most remote areas in the lower-48 states. There are no services in the area, so you will need to plan well ahead and get a back country permit. If you're adventuresome enough to visit the Maze you'll find...One of the most notable features of the Maze district are the Chocolate Drops. These sandstone mesas, also known as the Locomotive Buttes, rise high above the surrounding landscape. T he Maze District is also well-known as a previous hideout for famous outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. There are no services in the area and the trails are considered very difficult, so you will need to plan well ahead and get a backcountry permit

3. Mesa Verde National Park; Cortez, Colorado

Mesa Verde is the only U.S. National Park protecting structures made by man rather than nature. These miniature cities were built into the cliff walls by the ancient Pueblo people about 1,000 years ago. Most of the structures can be visited only through guided tours, where you will get an up-close view of the homes and learn how the Pueblo people lived. When you sign-up for a tour, Park Rangers will usually warn you that tours are moderately strenuous and that it will be necessary to climb ladders to reach some of the structures. What they don't tell you about are the narrow spaces. If you are tall, round, or simply carrying a lot of camera gear, you may have a difficult time moving through the tiny doorways used by the ancient Pueblens. Exploring the wonders of Mesa Verde and learning about the Pueblo people is well worth some of the difficulty you might encounter there. As a bonus, the endangered horned owl has often been seen nesting in the cliff structures of Mesa Verde.

4. Capitol Reef National Park; Torrey, Utah

Due to its more remote location, Capitol Reef receives fewer visitors than the other parks on this list. But the beauty of the park is well worth the extra time it may require to get there. Capitol Reef features beautiful white sandstone domes, plus good hiking trails that will take you to natural arches. The cliff faces show spectacular colored layers of rock, while the canyon floor is covered by lush green trees. Petroglyphs are easily reached by a wheel-chair friendly boardwalk. The park is also home to several species of endangered wildflowers--a special treat for those visiting during the late spring and early summer months.

The road between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon lies entirely within Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument--a protected wilderness area of 1.9 million acres! Along the way, you will drive upward through the forests and cliffs until you reach a high, narrow plateau with a breathtaking view. If you choose to explore the area beyond your car, you will find waterfalls and beautiful natural arches.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park; Tropic, Utah

Despite its name, Bryce Canyon isn't really a canyon--it's an amphitheater full of distinctive red, white, and orange rock formations called hoodoos. Much like at the Grand Canyon, most of the hiking in Bryce starts with a descent and then you must make an ascent to return to your vehicle. The most popular hike at Bryce is the Navajo Loop trail, which takes you through "Wall Street"--a stunning section of trail where you will be bathed in the orange light of the canyon walls. Horseback riding and snowshoeing are popular summer and winter activities. For the bird enthusiastic, birds a-plenty can be seen here, particularly the uncommonly large common raven.

With the high altitudes, clear air, and the naturally orange-colored rock at Bryce National Park, make sure to bring your camera to photograph the amazing vistas and fabulous sunsets.

The drive between Bryce and Zions is a beautiful one and well worth it. The road takes you through Red Canyon, where you will be surrounded by gorgeous red-rock cliffs. There are many popular hiking trails in Red Canyon, too, so it's worth stopping at along your way. It features many of the same red-rock and hoodoo formations common throughout Bryce. Red Canyon is also a popular destination for horseback riding and ATV trails.

6. Zion National Park; Springdale, Utah

With over 2.5 million visitors a year, Zion is one of the most-visited parks in the United States. There's a good reason for it, too. There are dozens of waterfalls, rivers, and awe-inspiring vistas. Cougars, bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagles, bats, foxes, cottontail rabbits, and wild turkeys are just a few of the animals that can be seen here. Flowers are also abundant throughout Zion, from columbine that grow on the rock-face to the night-blooming sacred datura on the canyon floor. Most of the hiking trails and sights are along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is closed to private vehicles from April to October and is accessible only by a free shuttle bus . One of the best hikes is Angel's Landing; the trail ascends 1,500 feet over a distance of 2.5 miles to the summit of nearly 6,000 feet! Ringed on three sides by the Virgin River far below, Angel's Landing provides an amazing view in both directions along the canyon. The trail is rated "strenuous" and is not recommend for anyone fearful of heights, especially because the end of the trail is along a narrow stretch of rock with a simple chain attached for hikers to hold.

Extra Information

So how much time and gasoline does all this take? Make no mistake--these parks aren't right next to each other. The Grand Circle will take you over 600 miles across the western United States, through two states, and over 12 hours of driving (not including the driving you will do inside the parks). I did this whole itinerary in a super-fast 5 days, but it can certainly be expanded to fit a more leisurely pace. No matter how long you choose to stay, be sure to purchase a National Parks Pass; the current price is $80. The Parks Pass is good for one year at any National Park or Monument and costs much less than buying admission to these parks separately. Be sure to stock up on water, food, and gasoline when you can, follow the park rules, and use common sense when it comes to hiking.

Bonus!!!

7. Grand Canyon; Grand Canyon, Arizona

For the more adventuresome, the Grand Circle may also include a trip to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and may be the most famous National Park in the United States. Carved over several million years by the waters of the Colorado River, it is impossible not to marvel at the enormity and beauty of this national park.

With over 5 million visitors a year, the Grand Canyon is a busy place, especially during the summer months. But there are ways you can still enjoy the sights and avoid the crowds. There are two areas to the Grand Canyon--the North Rim and the South Rim. The North Rim only receives 10 percent of the visitors at the Grand Canyon (and is about 3 hours away from Zion). Although this area is closed in the winter due to snow, it provides some spectacular views and is a great place to photograph the summer lightning storms during July and August--months that are extremely crowded at the South Rim. If you'd like to see the South Rim, the winter is the best time to go; although there may be snow, temperatures are moderate and visitors are few.

The Bright Angel trail on the South Rim is one of the most popular ways to get to the canyon floor. You can walk or ride a burro. Just make sure that you stick to the trail and don't overexert yourself. Many deaths at the Grand Canyon are attributed to people trying to get a photograph and falling over the edge; most rescue efforts are for healthy, athletic people who underestimated the heat and incline of the trail. If you plan on hiking in the Grand Canyon, make sure to pack plenty of water, some light snacks, and, of course, don't forget your camera.

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