I am always overconfident with my ability. When I planned out our trip to visit National Parks in Utah, I wanted to get the best out of it. Once I plotted out where I wanted to go, I realized there are only so many hours in a day. I had to plan everyday by the hour to make sure it would work and the boys won't be stressed out.
=== Day 1, Denver, Colorado National Monument, and Arches NP ===
We got up early in the morning, threw the children and the complimentary breakfast into the car and started driving at 7:30 am. Beyond the Great Plains of Denver, the golden sun shined on the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
=== The Colorado Rockies ===
We drove through the Rocky Mountain range along I-70. The snow still covers the mountain tops. Looking at the mountain ridge and beyond, I dreamed of the Swiss Alps.
=== Colorado National Monument ===
As we were traveling from Colorado into Utah, we passed the Continental Divide at one point. I-70 is alongside with the beautiful Colorado River and magnificent gorge. Along the scenic drive we first witnessed mountains timbered with Conifers and Aspen and later the scenery transformed into bare rugged mountains.
Our first stop is Colorado National Monument, which locates just off I-70 near Grand Junction area. The park's main road is Rim Rock drive, which is an exhilarating winding road drive with a series of tunnels, exceptional views of formations and canyons, and beautiful scenery. There are two entrances to the park. The east entrance put you on the cliff side of the road and the north entrance provides you an easier drive on the mountain side. I am so afraid of height so we opted for the north entrance. The red rock canyon is amazing and it is worth for all that trill drive!
=== Arches National Park ===
Arches National Park is two hours drive from Colorado National Monument. By the time we got to the park, it was already 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Since we still had three and half hours to sunset, we wasted no time. The drive into the park was very spectacular. We drove uphill through the canyon wall into the open view of desert and red rock formations. The majesty La Sal mountains is always in the backdrop. Within 3.5 hours, we hiked to 8 different arches: Sand Dune Arch, Broken Arch, Tapestry Arch, Skyline Arch, Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. Can you believe there are over 2000 arches in the park???!!!
At dusk, we stayed at Moab town, just outside of the national park. This popular tourist spot makes everything so expensive in town, including foods and lodging.
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