31. Canyonlands NP, Moab - UT

9. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park and is divided into four diverse districts, separated by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The park’s vastness feels like an endless canvas, offering breathtaking vistas and a deep connection to nature. The most visited area, Islands in the Sky, is closest to Moab and sits atop a towering mesa, offering panoramic views. The Needles district, with its colorful spires and more remote trails, makes for excellent day hikes and backcountry exploration. The Maze is the wildest, least accessible district—only for those with a high-clearance 4WD and plenty of time, which we unfortunately didn’t have!

We spent our time exploring Syncline Loop Trail, a challenging 5-hour scramble that led us through valleys and ridges. The natural wonder of Mesa Arch, with its iconic sunrise views, was a highlight, as the early morning light painted the landscape in glowing oranges and reds. Another favorite was hiking through The Joint slot canyon on the Chesler Park Trail, which provided much-needed shade from the desert heat and stunning views of The Needles and the surrounding landscapes.

We also made a stop at Newspaper Rock, a petroglyph-covered sandstone panel that tells the story of over 2,000 years of early human history. From ancient B.C. carvings to more modern A.D. etchings, it was like a time capsule etched into the rock. To cool off, the mighty Colorado River became our personal bathtub again—refreshing and perfect after a long day of hiking!

10. Moab

Moab, the adventure capital of Utah, was next on the agenda, and Theo couldn’t resist tackling the famous Whole Enchilada mountain bike trail. This 30 km (2300m descent!) ride takes you from the high alpine forest, through rocky landscapes, and down into the dramatic slickrock formations of the Colorado Canyon. He had a blast bombing down the trail, taking in the stunning views along the way.

Meanwhile, Max and I took a more relaxed approach, scrambling around the Morning Glory Trail to discover natural arches and ending our morning with a refreshing dip in the Colorado River, surrounded by a stunning alpenglow that lit up the landscape. It was the perfect way to recharge.

The next day, we all hit some of Moab's famous mountain bike trails, navigating slick rock and red sand simultaneously, with jaw-dropping views of Arches National Park as our backdrop. Afterward, we cooled off in the Colorado River again, followed by a well-deserved cold Colorado beer and fantastic burgers at Milt's Stop & Eat. The night ended under the stars at a quiet Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campsite, with the half-moon lighting up the desert sky.Okumaya devam et