We embarked on a classic Southwest USA road trip. We started from Las Vegas and covered over 1,250 miles in five days. The journey took us through the iconic landscapes of Arches National Park. We also passed through Capitol Reef National Park and the breathtaking Monument Valley. We had memorable stops like Forrest Gump Point and the Seven Magic Mountains. The loop took us from towering sandstone arches to sacred Navajo lands. It was a perfect blend of adventure, scenic drives, and desert serenity. Each mile unfolded a new chapter of red rock wonders and unforgettable views.
March 28th, 2024 – The Road to Moab: A Long Drive Through Utah’s Canvas
Our journey kicked off from the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas. By the afternoon of March 28th, we were ready to swap slot machines for sandstone. We started driving around 3 PM. We knew the road ahead was going to be long. But when the road leads to Moab, you don’t complain, you cruise.
As we crossed into Utah, the scenery transformed almost instantly. The flat Vegas outskirts gave way to winding highways carved through red cliffs and wide-open skies. We took breaks along the way—not just for coffee. We paused to soak in the kind of landscapes. These landscapes make you pause, breathe deeper, and remember why road trips are magic.
Utah roads have a vibe of their own. There’s something surreal about driving past endless red rock formations. The sun slowly dips into the horizon. It casts long shadows and golden hues across the land. It’s the kind of drive where even silence feels like a part of the soundtrack.
After hours on the road, our playlists were exhausted. Our conversations dipped into that fun travel delirium. We finally reached Moab. It was late when we checked into Red Stone Inn. It was a cozy and no-nonsense spot. It was exactly what we needed: a place to crash and recharge.
Day 1 ended with tired feet, full hearts, and anticipation for the adventures ahead.
March 29th, 2024 – Arches National Park: A Day Lost in Stone Wonders
Day 2 began early. We left the comforts of Moab and set our sights on Arches National Park. It is one of Utah’s most iconic landscapes. The excitement was real—the kind of buzz you get when you know you’re about to witness something extraordinary. Before diving into the park, we stopped first at the Arches National Park signboard. A trip is not official without that classic road trip snapshot.
From there, we headed straight to the visitor center, where the friendly rangers shared maps, trail conditions, and personal tips. Their advice? See as much as you can because Arches isn’t just about Delicate Arch—it’s a whole world of geological masterpieces.
So, we did just that.
Our Stops Inside Arches National Park:
Park Avenue Viewpoint – This was our first real taste of the park’s grandeur. Imagine walking into a stone city—massive sandstone walls on either side, towering like skyscrapers but carved entirely by nature. The early morning sun lit up the canyon walls in golden hues, setting the tone for the day.
Courthouse Towers Viewpoint – Next, we pulled over at the Courthouse Towers. Here, the rock formations stand proudly, resembling ancient structures from civilizations long gone. It’s impossible not to feel small while staring up at these colossal stone monoliths.
Tower of Babel – As we drove further, we reached the Tower of Babel. It is a single, towering rock. This rock dominates the skyline. Its sheer size and vertical rise made it one of the most jaw-dropping sights of the day.
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint – We continued to the Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons and spires. From the viewpoint, it looked like a tightly packed maze of red rock, glowing brightly under the midday sun. It’s one of those places you could stare at for hours, wondering how nature managed to carve such a puzzle.
Sand Dune Arch Trail – This was a short hike. It led us to Sand Dune Arch, which is a secluded spot between tall sandstone fins. The cool sand beneath our feet was a welcome relief from the desert heat. It felt like stepping into a secret hideaway, away from the crowds.
Broken Arch Viewpoint – Our next stop was Broken Arch, where erosion is slowly but surely shaping the landscape. The arch isn’t actually broken—it just looks that way because of a large crack running through it. We stood there for a while, marveling at how time and weather continue to sculpt this place.
Panorama Point – Before leaving the park, we made one last stop at Panorama Point. The sweeping views of the high desert stretched as far as the eye could see. It was a perfect end to our Arches adventure.
Pine Tree Arch – This arch surprised us with its size. It is bigger than it looks in photos. The trail leading to it was peaceful, framed by juniper and pine trees. Standing underneath Pine Tree Arch was like walking through nature’s doorway.
Tunnel Arch – Nearby, we visited Tunnel Arch, a smaller but unique formation set high into the sandstone wall. It’s perfectly named, as it really does resemble a natural tunnel carved into the rock. These lesser-known arches added the perfect finishing touch to our day.
Ending the Day: A Drive to Capitol Reef
We explored all day. We left Arches with red dust on our shoes. We also left with thousands of photos and a sense of awe. The road then took us west, through winding Utah highways, all the way to Capitol Reef National Park.
By the time we reached our hotel near Capitol Reef, the sun had already set behind the mesas. We checked in. We grabbed a quick dinner. Feeling tired, we called it a night. We were ready for whatever Day 3 had in store.
March 30th, 2024 – Capitol Reef & Monument Valley: From Sandstone Canyons to Sacred Lands
Day began early again—because when you’re surrounded by Utah’s national parks, sleeping in isn’t an option. We set out to explore Capitol Reef National Park, a less crowded but equally spectacular gem in Utah’s Mighty 5.
Our first stop was the Capitol Reef National Park signboard, because no road trip photo album is complete without it. After snapping a few pictures, we headed to the Visitor Center, where we chatted with the rangers. They gave us tips on utilizing our limited time well. We planned to head to Monument Valley later in the day.
Capitol Gorge Scenic Drive – The real adventure began when we drove on the Capitol Gorge Road. It is a stunning scenic drive that winds deep into the canyon walls of Capitol Reef. This isn’t your average drive most of the road is unpaved, sandy, and narrow. It’s a one-way in and out trail, so you need to be cautious. A four-wheel drive is highly recommended. We were glad we had one. The loose sand and rough patches made the experience feel like part drive. It also felt like part adventure trail.
The towering red cliffs on either side made the drive unforgettable. It’s like cruising through a natural hallway carved by millions of years of erosion.
Golden Throne Trail (Trailhead Stop) – At the end of Capitol Gorge Road, we reached the Golden Throne Trailhead. Even if you’re not planning to hike the full trail, it’s a great place to stretch your legs. You can use the restroom facilities and soak in the views. The Golden Throne itself—a massive, golden-hued rock formation—loomed over us, glowing in the morning light.
After wrapping up Capitol Reef, we hit the road toward Monument Valley. The drive itself became part of the adventure.
One of the most thrilling sections was passing through the Valley of the Gods. It is a remote backcountry route. The route is known for its towering rock formations and off-the-grid vibe. The road here is unpaved, dusty, and has steep drops from hilltops down to the valley floor. If you don’t have a four-wheel drive, exercise serious caution here. The mud and loose gravel can easily catch you off guard. But for us, it was one of the highlights of the day, like driving through a real-life western movie set.
Monument Valley Stops:
Forrest Gump Point – Before reaching Monument Valley proper, we stopped at Forrest Gump Point. It is the famous spot on Highway 163 where Forrest decides to stop running in the movie. The view is picture-perfect—the straight road stretching into the distance with Monument Valley’s iconic buttes framing the background.
Monument Valley Visitor Center – We arrived at the Monument Valley Visitor Center. Then, we took a break for some food. We soaked in the panoramic views from the terrace. The sun was starting to lower in the sky. Long shadows were cast over the sandstone giants. It was cinematic in every sense.
Driving the Monument Valley Loop
We couldn’t leave Monument Valley without doing the classic Monument Valley Scenic Drive, a 17-mile dirt road that winds through the heart of the buttes and mesas. Again, four-wheel drive was a lifesaver here—the road is bumpy, uneven, and full of red dust, but that just adds to the adventure.
Here’s where we stopped:
- Wildcat Trailhead – The only self-guided hiking trail in Monument Valley, circling the West Mitten Butte.
- The Mittens & Merrick Butte Viewpoint – Arguably the most famous view in Monument Valley, where the rock formations resemble giant stone mittens.
- John Ford Point – Named after the legendary director who filmed classic westerns here. Standing at this viewpoint feels like stepping onto a movie set.
- The Cube – A massive, square-shaped rock that seems like it’s been perfectly carved, standing alone in the desert.
- Artist Point – Our final stop, offering a sweeping panoramic view that artists (and photographers) dream of capturing.
Back to Vegas: Closing the Loop
We soaked in the sunset views at Monument Valley. Then, we made the long drive back to Las Vegas. We were tired but still buzzing from the day’s adventures. We stayed overnight at a friend’s place, reminiscing about the trip over late-night conversations.
This trip was more than just a road trip—it was a deep dive into the heart of the American Southwest. We traveled from the towering arches of Moab to the remote canyons of Capitol Reef. We also explored the sacred landscapes of Monument Valley. Every mile brought us closer to nature, history, and moments of awe.
Driving through Utah and Arizona’s backroads reminded us why road trips are still the best way to explore. It’s about more than just reaching a destination. It involves the scenic pit stops. There are also the unplanned detours and shared memories along the way.
As we boarded our flight back to Chicago, we carried with us not just photos. We carried stories of red rock sunsets, rugged trails, and the kind of silence you only find in the desert.
Until the next adventure.
Manoj's Photography 
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