Southwest Utah and Arizona

May 2022

I drove the six hours from Los Angeles, CA to St. George, UT on Highway 15. I stopped for gas in Baker, CA where I bought bags of Alien Fresh Jerky. There were numerous statues of aliens that were worth taking pictures of. My next photo stop was Seven Magic Mountains, an outdoor art installation, in the middle of nowhere smooth.

I drove through Las Vegas, NV for gas and finally stopped at my first camp site at St. George/Hurricane KOA. There was a small grocery store called Leeds Market of all food and drink items. Note: they don't sell wine. You'd have to go to a liquor licensed store, I was told by the owner who then told me: “We have White Claw for you California folk!”

The next day, I explored Red Cliffs National Conservation Area which was on BLM land. There were historic dinosaur prints which I never found. I was recovering from a cold and probably ingested some sand. I got very lost in the sea of redness but that was all part of the adventure. I drove under an overpass, the only shaded part of the park. It was just a short distance from the granite highway. I imagined different scenarios and thought about the Mormons then went to sleep.

The following day I continued on Highway 15 leaving St. George, UT and passing through Hurricane, UT for breakfast at Main Street Cafe and River Rock Roasting Co where both had amazing views, one of the kitchen and the other of the Virgin River on the 9.

Through La Verkin, UT, I drove towards Springdale, UT for more gas. At Zion National Park, I checked out Zion Park Gift & Deli, Zion Rock & Gem, Zion Canyon Offerings and Trailhead Gifts. This may all sound so redundant but everything was named Zion this, Zion that. Adults have named their children Zion too.

For groceries, I went to Happy Camper Market. My second campsite was at Watchman Campground which was a large corner spot. All that room made me feel open, being too seen was weird. My hikes in Zion National Park were Court of the Patriarchs Trailhead, Temple of Sinawava, and a quick look at The Narrows before heading back because I wasn't prepared with the waterproof gear. I had read stories where people died. I needed to come back alive.

After meeting my camp neighbors, a group of retired seniors from Colorado who often go on 2-week adventures together, from the previous night, I decided to take Highway 89 to Bryce Canyon National Park for a day trip. You will need to leave early to beat all the 10AM traffic. Once I was out of Zion, I enjoyed the drive very much. On the side of the highway, I saw a herd of bison grazing.

I stopped by Hatch Station Cafe in Hatch, UT for coffee. There were snacks and sit down area with a large deer on the wall. At Bryce Canyon, I completed the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail, Fairyland Loop Trail, Wall Street Trail as well as the paved perimeter loop. Then headed back to Watchman Campground where I had one more night.

I drove from Zion, UT to Grand Canyon, AZ, stopping in Kanab, UT for 87 gas. For my film photo friends, there is a great store called Terry's Camera Trading. If you're low on Kodak or Ilford, they've got it.

I made a pit stop at Toadstools Trailhead - there is a portable potty with surprisingly clean toilet paper. I ended up not hiking this but there were too many visitors. I continued my drive on Highway 89 S towards Grand Canyon National Park where I stayed at Mather Campground. The rangers said my site was one of better ones because it wasn’t too close to the road. This was somewhat true but I could still hear cars passing by. For groceries, I went to Canyon Village Market & Deli. It was huge and overwhelming, so I quickly made it back to camp.

It’s not fun when you have to switch campsites due to being unable to obtain the same spot. I was still at Mather but in a different loop. These sites were close to each other but I couldn't tell the start of where my neighbors campsite was. Be aware of this if it bothers you. It didn't bother me. Later, I walked around the Grand Canyon Rim Trail. Still don’t understand why people need to tag or graffiti the rocks.

The next day I had to wake up super early and drive 2.5 hours from Mather Campground to Page, AZ on Highway 89 to go on an Antelope Canyon X Tour. It was a great informative tour that lasted from 10AM to 1PM. Supporting Navajo-led tours.

By this time, I headed towards several spots: Horseshoe Bend (go early because it'll be super crowded, doesn't matter what time), Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, Glen Canyon National Recreation, Great Wall at Waterholes Canyon, and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

SPOILER: I discovered Hanging Garden Trailhead and The Chains (Chains Rd) where you can actually dip your toes in the dam and swim in the water. It saved me from the heat.

By this time, I was in dire for a shower so I booked a few days stay at a hotel. It was worth the cold shower.

I headed out for a group boat tour (I forgot the name of it, I will update this accordingly) which started from Glen Canyon Dam and through the Colorado River and Marble Canyon, AZ. After that, they have tour buses that drive you back to Page, AZ. I wanted to do the Cathedral Wash Hike on Lees Ferry Rd and Cathedral Rock but again, the weather was hot!

I stayed indoors to beat the heat. It was terribly uncomfortable outside for too long. This was a good day to clean my cooler and reorganize my car.

I wanted to do the Lonely Deli Ranch Hike, River Trail and explore Coyote Buttes and The Wave. Alas, it didn't happen. Maybe next time.

On my return route, I woke up super early and watched the sun rise as I drove from Page, AZ on Highway 89 and down to Fredonia, AZ then hopped on Highway 389 towards Hurricane and St. George, UT for even more photos. This four hour route was the alternative because I didn't want to go through Zion.

I made a quick stop to Lake Mead National Recreational Area because why not, I was passing through Las Vegas, NV anyway. It's worth seeing the water levels of the dam but it wasn't necessary.

I made another pit stop since I was so tired but I kept driving as I wanted to get back to California. I originally was suppose to camp at Barstow KOA Campground for a night but I ended up drinking so much coffee that I just decided to refuel on gas and eat up the two hours.

I made a quick pitstop at Calico Ghost Town which you have to pay an entrance fee. It was eery and maybe not worth the money but if you like history and mining, then this is for you. From Barstow to Victorville, CA, I took Route 66 then Highway 210 W and Highway 134 E to head home. Finally!!!

For two weeks solo, this wasn't too bad at all. I definitely think I overstayed in Page, AZ and felt stuck because of the heat. Thinking about it now, I could have driven down to Flagstaff, AZ and checked out Coconino National Forest or hiked in Sedona, AZ and eventually make my way through Phoenix, AZ then take Highway 10 E passing through Joshua Tree National Park and then Los Angeles, CA. But that’s for another trip.