Our colleague Linda toured the western part of the USA in both 2009 and 2016. We asked her to share her top 5 most beautiful national parks in west USA that are not to be missed.
Moab / Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located in the state of Utah near the town of Moab, is a relatively modest national park. What I particularly liked about Arches National Park were the various hiking trails that you can walk. You will find easy hikes, but also treks of 2 to 3 hours. This means there is something for everyone. I myself also took a jeep safari through Canyonlands National Park. This tour was driven by a guide, so driving yourself was not possible. It was a special experience to go off-road. In Canyonlands, you also have the option of rafting.
Zion National Park
My first visit to Zion National Park was when we were passing through on our way to Bryce Canyon. As we drove through it, we all had this feeling of 'maybe we should have stayed here for a night after all'.... On my second visit in 2016, we stayed for two nights, giving us a full day to explore the park. During this trip, I had planned a unique excursion: the Narrow Hike, which goes through the water. We were one of the first shuttle buses to pass the nine stops in the park. The Narrows Hike is the last stop, and from there it is a short walk before the hike begins. Although I have done many hikes, hiking through the water is still an unforgettable experience. Not afraid of heights? Then the Angels Landing Trail is also highly recommended during your adventure in Zion.
Bryce Canyon
In this park, I experienced the most breathtaking sunrise ever. The sun reflecting off the colorful mountains created an impressive spectacle. It is an accessible national park to explore by rental car or RV. If you prefer not to drive yourself but want to fully enjoy the views, there are shuttle buses from Best Western Ruby's Inn that drive through the park and stop at all panoramic points. Several trails are available here, of which the Navajo Trail is perhaps the most famous. Only when you walk at the bottom do you realize how immense and grand the hoodoos (earth pyramids) are. Some places even have orange sand dunes. For me personally, Bryce Canyon is the most beautiful national park in west USA; this park has truly stolen my heart!
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is of course an iconic destination, an absolute must-see for any traveler and often part of a USA road trip. It is among the oldest national parks in the United States. Within the park are several hiking trails and beautiful viewpoints. Personally, I experienced the mesmerising sunrise at Point Imperial and enjoyed a stunning sunset at Horseshoe Bend (about a 2.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon). My advice: make sure you get a spot at the viewpoints in time and take your time to enjoy them. For those looking for a bit more adventure, a helicopter tour is highly recommended. From the air, you really can see the immense size of the Grand Canyon. It offers a breathtaking perspective of this natural wonder.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley, a Tribal Park, is known for its unique rock formations. Located on the Colorado Plateau, 100 km west of the Four Corners, the point where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico meet. This park is best explored via an organized tour. Besides the fact that by doing so you support the indigenous people of this area (they act as guides), not every place is accessible with your own vehicle. After a day of driving around, enjoy a tasty meal at The View Hotel, which lives up to its name by offering fantastic views of the park. Note that this park is not covered by the National Park Pass. During my visit, the entrance fee was $25.
