California is the perfect place to visit if what you’re after is a bit of diversity in your itinerary. From exciting cities to charming vineyards and towering snow-capped peaks, it’s almost impossible to believe so much beauty can fit into a single place.
Simply put, you could easily dedicate an entire year to exploring the Golden State and still not get to see a quarter of the beauty it has to offer. So if you’re planning a visit and trying to decide what to see and do, chances are you’re currently having a really hard time narrowing down the options.
The good news? Cali isn’t going anywhere. So my biggest recommendation would be to focus on a few main places instead of trying to tick off everything on the list. If you’re visiting for the first time, here are the main spots you definitely don’t want to miss out on during your visit!
Places in California You’ve Got To Visit At Least Once
1. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Home to the largest sequoia trees in the world, this stunning national park will make you feel as though you’re walking inside a storybook forest. Picture views of humongous natural canopies backdropped by snowy mountain peaks and you’ve got a pretty good image of what a visit to Sequoia National Park is all about!
In case you didn’t know, sequoias are the biggest trees in the world. Redwoods can grow taller. But sequoias win in overall size. In fact, General Sherman, the name given to the biggest tree on the planet resides inside Sequoia National Park!
Seeing groves of sequoias is the main highlight during a visit to this majestic national park. But it also has more surprises on the menu for its visitors, including the highest peak and one of the deepest canyons inside the continental USA. The Great Western Divide is also set here, providing some of the most jaw-dropping views of mountains in the distance!
2. McWay Falls
A road trip through Big Sur is a bucket-list-worthy item in itself. But if you don’t have time to do the entire trip, an absolute must-do in your list should be witnessing the beauty of McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
This stunning 80 feet high waterfall cascades down into a gorgeous beach tucked inside a hidden cove, making the view a sight you aren’t bound to forget anytime soon. Accessing McWay falls requires hiking a relatively short and gentle trail, making it a perfect place to stop and stretch your legs after a drive!
3. Lake Tahoe
Imagine a dreamy alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and you’ve got yourself a pretty good picture of what a day spent at Lake Tahoe is all about. Being one of the largest lakes in the USA, Lake Tahoe is home to a myriad of fun activities year-round, making it the perfect respite for any season of the year!
During the summer months, Lake Tahoe’s waters become the stars of the show, with beach activities and watersports turning into the main thing to do for visitors and locals alike. Think paddleboarding, hiking to hidden beaches, or kayaking as a few examples of the activities on offer here – all of which come with stunning views of the lake and the Sierra Mountains off in the distance!
Winter brings in mountain activities. During the colder months, people flock to Lake Tahoe’s world-class ski resorts in search of some serious fun in the snow. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your jam, though, there are plenty of things to do here, including skating, snowshoeing, and hiking!
4. Joshua Tree National Park
California’s desert adventures are unparalleled, and one of the best places to experience them is Joshua Tree National Park. Located exactly on the spot where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet, this alluring national park is a combination of two entirely different ecosystems that, put together, create the quirkiest landscape you could think of!
Joshua Tree is a mecca for outdoor activities, with hiking, rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding being just a few of the activities on the menu. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also considered one of the best places in the USA for clear night skies, making stargazing here an absolute dream!
5. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is THE place to go if you’re eager to experience California’s love for great wine. Picture rolling hills dotted by quaint wine farms, restaurants in every corner offering wine lists longer than their food menus, farm-to-table eateries spread all over town and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the love Napa has for great hosting.
Naturally, the main thing to do while in Napa is to go on a vineyard-hopping adventure. If you’re new to wine-tasting, a great option for you is Beringer Estate. For special occasions worth splurging on, Inglenook, which is a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, is a must, and for the most Instagram-worthy spots, Chateau Montelena is your go-to!
6. Channel Islands National Park
Commonly dubbed the Galapagos of North America, Channel Islands National Park is one of the most unique places in the world and a must-visit if solitude and peaceful nature outings are what you’re after. Thanks to the fact that this park is pretty remote, it still remains a bit of a secret in the national park system.
Made up of five remote islands, the Channel Islands is a haven for incredible views. While here, you’ll get to see jutting rock cliffs, untouched beaches, isolated ocean views, and wildlife sightings you can’t find anywhere else in the world!
Getting to the Channel Islands can be a bit tricky, as the only way to access them is via plane or boat. The easiest islands to get to are Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz, which you can access year-round. The remaining three islands are a bit trickier to get to, but with a little planning, you can find boats on a seasonal basis.
I hope this list of the best destinations in California helped you plot the ultimate bucket list. With so many incredible things to do spread all over the state, choosing where to go can be a pretty difficult feat, but these places are a great way to start exploring the Golden State!
Have you ever been to any of these California destinations? What was your experience like? Let me know all about it in the comment section below!
I’ll let you in on a secret. I have a love and hate relationship with summer. So many fun things to do, but there’s also the humidity and the sun’s scorching heat. So, I make sure to choose my wardrobe for this season to make sure that I enjoy it. The thing is, this weather calls for fewer layering pieces and more skin, and there are days when it feels too hot and humid that I tend to sweat a lot. If you live in a desert climate like me, summer isn’t only May-September. We have temperatures well into the 90s from May-October and sometimes November.
It’s easy to keep comfortable and stylish throughout summer when you have a few styling tricks up your sleeves. For us, less is more, and can be for you too to beat the summer heat! So I’m sharing practical and helpful styling tips for creating fashionable yet comfortable outfits that never go out of style.
8 Summer Style Tips
Wearing loose-fitting clothes
Your summer bestie is loose-fitting clothing. It helps you stay cool as it allows good air circulation. Try loose shirts, flowy dresses, oversize tops, wide-leg pants, and skirts with light fabric. So get away from clingy sweaty clothes and always go with incredible airflow.
Choosing breathable fabrics
Choose breathable fabrics to fill your summer wardrobe. Soak up the fun under the sun while wearing the best clothes fit for humid weather. Here are some of the best summer fabrics:
Cotton is excellent for the heat with its lightweight and breathable fabric that leaves you staying cool.
Linen, another breathable fabric, is light, and I love that it is loosely woven because it allows heat to escape from your body easily and dries quickly.
Rayon blends well with cotton, and it’s very thin fibers make it lighter, preventing it from sticking to your body.
Opting for lighter colors
Beat the summer heat with light-colored clothing. Choose white and light colored outfits that quickly absorb the heat of the sun. Black and other dark colors absorb more heat than lighter ones. Classic options are white summer tops which go well with neutral colored skirts or pants. A breezy linen top is another summer wear must-have whether you’re dressing up or down.
Choosing a smaller bag
Since summer means adventures, carefully choose the bag you’ll pair up with your summer outfit. Make it fashionable and should be functional too. If you have kids, sometimes a smaller bag may not work, so choose a lighter colored bag, a longer strap, or even a tote in canvas to keep cooler but have space for all the things.
Wearing open-toe sandals/slides
Dress up your summer look with pretty open-toe sandals that let your toes breathe. The warm weather requires you to keep your heels away for the meantime and elevate your summer outfit with easy-to-wear slides.
Using a lightweight scarf/wide-brimmed hat
Buy a wide-brimmed hat and a scarf for the ultimate summer look. Wearing these is essential because it minimizes your sun exposure, thus protecting your skin. According to dermatologists, choose a wide-brimmed hat that covers not just your face but your ears and neck too.
Wearing minimal jewelry/accessories
For the perfect summer accessories styling, less is more. Stay away from bangles, dangling earrings and necklaces because they cling to your skin under the heat of the sun. Try accessorizing with a thin and simple gold necklace and stud earrings. Also, remember that neutral colors match white and light summer outfits.
Wearing natural makeup
Heavy makeup is a big no-no on a hot summer day. Say goodbye in the meantime to heavy and dark eyeliners, eye shadows, lipstick, and heavy foundation. Go for more natural and light makeup. Use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation and add a touch of liquid highlighter; top it off with pale pink tinted lip balms.
I’ve always loved summer more than any other time because I grew up in the midwest and it seemed to get shorter and shorter each year. Now that I live in the desert, I still love summer and all the freedom it brings. I also love the variety of clothing and less need for makeup day to day. I feel like my skin can breathe better in summer and is much more healthy versus any other time of the year. If you have any other recommendations for summer styling, I’d love to know the ones I left out. Please share in the comments which of the tips were your favorite and if you’d like more of these tips!
Comfortable is my main fashion language, especially when it comes to footwear. Which is the reason I hop in now and then to the espadrille trend. When I need something that screams chic and summer, espadrilles make it on top of my styling list.
Ahhh, strolling on bright summer days becomes exceptionally comfortable with this footwear, a light canvas shoe with a plaited fiber sole. It’s made of esparto rope and has many styles ranging from sandals, wedges, and flat slip-ons. It’s standard Spanish footwear for summer, so it’s widely manufactured there in Spain and Bangladesh, a massive jute producer.
It was initially considered peasant footwear that gained popularity in the 20th century. The word espadrille is French derived from the Catalan term “espardenya and “esparteña” in Spanish. Its popularity rose from its versatility to withstand many seasons.
Spring and summer fashion is not without every style of espadrilles. Think summer dresses, skinny jeans, and daisy dukes paired up with espadrilles shoes. The natural jute fibers pair so well with these summer outfits as they come in plenty of styles and colors. To know more about creating beautiful outfits with the ever-comfortable flat espadrilles, here are some tips to guide you.
How To Wear Flat Espadrilles
Aside from being comfortable to wear, espadrilles are eco-friendly, which is why it’s a major trend worn by fashion bloggers and celebrities alike. For flat espadrilles, here’s how you can style them:
Jeans
Jeans and espadrilles go so well together. Both boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans will take the cake for an off-duty casual or a chic street style combination. Both look better with a black espadrille or a stripe combination of white and black.
Leather
It gives a city-cool look when pairing leather and flat espadrille. Try pairing this duo with denim, and it sure brings an element of class. To tone it down, an oversized tee can do the trick.
Shorts
To highlight your flat espadrilles, wear shorts with them. It’s a total classic style, and pair it up with an oversized top. A white espadrille is a perfect partner for this styling.
Floral Dresses
Nothing says spring and summer better than a floral outfit. Work this pattern with neutral-colored accessories, and oversized sunglasses, and a flat espadrille. Floral summer dresses look great for either flat or a wedge espadrille.
Tropical Prints
Look fresh and vibrant by using tropical prints and bold colors. A red espadrille is the best option to achieve this look. It will really bring out the summer vibe of your outfit.
Short Dresses
For a chic and semi-formal look, wear your flat espadrilles with short dresses. Shirt dresses are so in trend right now. Find your favorite espadrille to go with it and oversized sunglasses too.
Maxi Dresses
For the ultimate spring pairing, rock your maxi dresses with flat espadrilles. Don’t forget a wide brim hat, ratan bag, and belt to complete the look!
Skirts
Spring and summer wardrobes are incomplete without skirts. Flat espadrilles are must-haves when wearing your skirts, be they printed or in solid color.
Sweaters
Another off-duty look goes well with flat espadrilles, and it’s with sweaters and chinos. This is a good season transition outfit from winter to spring. Maybe accessorize it too with gold hoops and bangles to add a sophisticated casual feel to it.
Now that you know how to wear flat espadrilles, you can feel confident in investing in a good pair that will last a long time. You can pair them with everything in your closet, making them a staple for sure, especially if your significant other says you don’t need another pair of shoes! I’d love to see what outfits you come up with, so please share and also tag me on social if you post!
When you have opted for a sustainable lifestyle, there’s no vacation – even on vacation. In other words, you cannot stop being considerate to the environment, and communities around you just because you are traveling. You cannot stuff and depend on plastics because it’s break time. It might be a break from your work, mundane lifestyle, but there shouldn’t be a break from being environmentally conscious.
I mean think about it, it’s not just you who’s traveling, but there are plenty of tourists, so imagine the waste and wreckage everyone will create together when not traveling responsibly.
Ergo, if you are living a sustainable lifestyle already – Kudos to you! You are doing an amazing thing. But don’t you forget sustainable travel. You have to be a responsible tourist – besides being a responsible citizen. This article will help you do just that. So, keep reading.
Responsible tourism – amazing tips for sustainable travel
1. Carefully plan your itinerary
Trust me, if you want your trip to be enjoyable and sustainable at the same time, picking places to visit would make all the difference. Try to visit less crowded places. Doing so will be beneficial for their economy. Not to mention, crowded places cannot provide you peace as isolated places would – that’s the reason why you are taking the trip in the first place, isn’t it? Try to look at places locals tend to visit when you get to your vacation if you are like me and want to play things by ear. If it’s a local recommendation, there’s less of a chance tourists will be flooding the place.
2. Opt for sustainable transport
Transportation is a trivial factor when it comes to the environment. Going for non-eco-friendly travel would not only increase pollution but may also use up more fuel. Having said that, try to avoid road trips via personal vehicles – go for alternatives that go easy on the resources; such as buses, trains, and airplanes. Another opportunity to see and take routes you wouldn’t normally take or think to take when hiring a vehicle.
3. Take your own mugs and bottles
You wouldn’t want to stop on your way to buy plastic packaged drinking bottles, right? So, the solution here is obvious – take your own mugs and bottles. Apart from environmental benefits, don’t forget the monetary benefits it carries. You can also ensure you have something to drink aways, instead of having to wait until you make a stop. It’s super important to always have water with you in Arizona because the summer heat is unforgiving. A reusable water bottle like my favorite Hydroflask is the best option as it keeps cool things cool, and warm things warm, even in the heat!
4. Take your own toiletries
Almost every hotel provides toiletries – from creams to face wash to everything. Although you must be tempted to use them, it is not a good idea from the point of sustainability. Using such items would increase their demand, which would lead to more consumption of resources. Thus, it would be better if you take your own toiletries and use them. If you have sensitive skin or hair, you probably have a special cream or lotion which makes your skin easier to manage than introducing something new to your skin and risk it causing issues. When we travel, we make sure to use our products from home in a travel sized container, and take them with us so we can use what our skin and hair is used to and keep on track.
5. Conserve resources – even when you are in a hotel
Even though you would be paying for these services, using them all the time even when there is not a need would only create more wastage. Remember your goal, and try to conserve resources. Many places on islands require a room key to be placed in a slot to turn on electricity, so it reminds you to conserve. However, that’s not everywhere, so being mindful of conservation is the best idea.
Here are a few tips.
You can choose to ventilate in place of using air-conditioners.
Switch off electrical appliances when you go out.
Reduce your shower times.
Stay in nature as much as you can
Don’t use paper napkins. Use clothe ones or your own handkerchief.
6. Don’t use airplane supplies
Remember the headphones and the plastic cutlery? Airplanes are not at all sustainable when it comes to the resources they provide you. These items are made from cheap quality plastic – it’s better to avoid using them. For God-knows-what happens to the used ones – they might keep it, or throw it away. If it’s the latter, then it only means one thing – Plastic waste. We know how we feel about that, don’t we?
7. Eat, stay and shop locally
Whether it is for shopping, resting, or eating, always make a wiser choice. Do not go for international shops, hotels, and restaurants that are franchised, or are a part of large chains. The profits go out of the country – so for the benefit of the country’s economy and communities, always choose local. When you shop and eat and stay local, you oftentimes get to experience your travel as if you lived there locally. You might save some money, but you will also be getting the best immersive experience like those who live there daily.
8. Limit snacking
Road trips cannot go without dozens of chips, beers, drinks, and snacks – all of them that have plastic packaging. Thus, to avoid all of it, limit your snacking. If it helps, always eat out at the stopovers. Moreover, if you happen to struggle with hunger – make sandwiches and other snacks for your journey – but don’t rely on plastic packaged foods.
9. Ask for Green Certifications
When choosing a hotel, be mindful of what you choose. It’s better to choose hotels that operate in eco-friendly and sustainable habits. Thus, go for hotels that have Green Certifications from authentic bodies.
Apart from that, enquire the following.
The eco-friendly services and sustainability initiatives they provide such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and low-flow toilets.
Recycling programs.
If they provide plastic bottles to customers. One must go for glass bottles to be sustainable.
In case, if they don’t have either of the mentioned services, encourage them to start.
10. Lastly, be on your best behavior (environmentally friendly I mean)
Little things matter, such as these.
Walk, use public transportation, or go biking but avoid using cars to save on fuel.
Return brochures, and pamphlets for them to be reused.
If you still use toiletries, take the leftovers with you. Don’t let the hotel throw them away.
Bring bags to collect your trash.
Do not engage in any activity that exploits wildlife – such as camel and elephant riding.
That’s all folks; my work is done here but yours start. Follow these tips for your next eco-friendly travel, and let me know how they work out for you in the comments later.
Longing for a road trip through the desert? If you’re planning a getaway to the Southwest, the best way to get to know the region is by checking out some of the most enthralling sites in the area, and many of those happen to be set in both Utah and Arizona.
Planning a road trip across the desert can be quite overwhelming because of the huge number of possibilities, but don’t worry, here’s the perfect Utah & Arizona itinerary created with first-timers in mind.
From Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoos to the amazing vistas of Canyonlands National Park, here’s the perfect Utah & Arizona road trip even for those who don’t have much time!
The Ultimate Arizona & Utah Roadtrip Itinerary for Desert Lovers
Day 1: Zion National Park
Begin the day as early as possible by driving to Zion National Park to embark on the road trip of a lifetime.
Once there, get acquainted with the area by visiting the Zion Human History Museum, where you’ll learn about the indigenous Paiute who once inhabited the place. Some of the most famous rock formations of Zion are located right outside the museum (including Watchman and the Towers of the Virgin), so you’ll get to free two birds with one key!
Next, put on your hiking shoes and start exploring the park on foot. Many trails here are short, gentle, and very alluring, so you can cross off several hikes off your list in a few hours.
If you’ve still got some energy after hiking, hop on your car and drive to Kolob Canyon, the lesser-visited part of the park and the ideal place to catch a sunset. For the ultimate spot to watch the sun go down, hike Timber Creek Overlook at Kolob View Point, where you’ll get to admire 360-degree views of the nearby rock formations and even some glimpses of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!
Days 2 and 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Because it is one of the smallest national parks in the USA, one day and a half is more than enough to catch the highlights of Bryce Canyon National Park. Do start your first day as early as possible to get the most out of it.
Red rock hoodoos are the stars of Bryce Canyon, so start the day by packing a lunch and driving along the park’s scenic road (Highway 12). During the drive, stop by at some of the park’s most scenic overlooks to get a wildly picturesque introduction to some of the best vistas at Bryce Canyon.
Come afternoon, pick one of the many short hiking trails if you’re in the mood to get to know the park a little better. For an epic sunset, head to Sunset Point, where you’ll get to see the sun go down while overlooking the striking amphitheater of red rock hoodoos!
Day 3 will be all about getting closer and more personal with Bryce Canyon. As mentioned before, hoodoos are what make Bryce Canyon’s landscape so unique, and there’s really no better way to admire them than braving the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop and Wall Street trail. As you make your way through otherworldly-looking rocky tunnels and pine forests, you’ll get access to the best views of the park’s iconic sandstone hoodoos that will make you feel as though you’re walking on another planet!
In the evening, leave Bryce Canyon and drive to Capitol Reef to get a good night’s sleep and prepare for another full day of desert goodness.
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park
Get the most out of your visit to Capitol Reef National Park by hiking to Hickman Bridge, a classic, 2-mile round trip trail that will have you stumbling across some of the most iconic sights in the park. When you’re done hiking, hop back in your car and drive down Highway 24 to check out the park’s famous petroglyph panel, which will give you a good insight into the Capitol Reef’s indigenous heritage.
Next, drive along the 8-mile long scenic road, where you’ll get to check out some of the most iconic sights of Capitol Reef. If you’ve still got time and energy after the drive, try the hike to Cassidy Arch, one of the most thrilling trails and probably the most iconic photo spot in the whole park!
Day 5: Arches National Park
Although it is very small, Arches National Park isn’t short of incredible things to see and do, so get ready for another day of desert adventures!
Start the day by checking out Delicate Arch, which is undoubtedly the most iconic sight in Utah (actually, it’s the arch you see on Utah’s license plates!). Next, get ready for some desert hiking by following the Landscape Arch trail, the largest natural arch in the USA and an absolute must.
When you’re through exploring on foot, jump on your car and drive down the Arches Scenic Drive, which offers a variety of incredible viewpoints where you can revel in the sweeping desert views.
For a stunning sunset, hike the Double Arch trail to check out yet another arch before finishing at The Windows to say goodbye to another amazing day in your road trip!
Days 6 & 7: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky and The Needles)
Canyonlands National Park is so huge that you could keep going back and never get to do the same thing twice. For first-timers, though, the best way to go about it is taking off at the easier-to-explore Island in the Sky section of the park to get to see some of the most famous landmarks of the park.
Rise and shine early and hike up to the iconic Mesa Arch, where you’ll get to witness one of the most stunning sunrises of your life. Then, you can take on a few of the hikes (recommended ones are Gooseberry Canyon, Grand View Point Trail, and Upheaval Dome).
To top off your day, head over to Green River Viewpoint to catch an epic sunset with sweeping views of the canyons, with the sun illuminating the canyon walls and making the hues of red on the rocks jump to life.
The next day, you can either explore more of Island in the Sky or venture deeper into Canyonlands by hitting The Needles, which offers extensive vistas of the canyons and off-the-road, more challenging hikes, and backpacking opportunities.
Day 8 & 9: Grand Canyon National Park
Cap off an unforgettable desert road trip by challenging your desert hiking skills on the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5 mile-long trail that stretches from the rim of the Grand Canyon all the way down to the Colorado River at the bottom. The trail itself begins close to Bright Angel Lodge and ends at Phantom Ranch, which is the only place other than camping where you can sleep inside the canyon before heading out to the trailhead in the morning.
I hope this itinerary helped you plan the perfect Arizona + Utah road trip! Even though both states are king when it comes to incredible sights and nature, these destinations are the perfect stops to make if it’s your first time traveling through the area to get a pretty good introduction to the best of the desert in both states!
Do you only have a week for a Southwest road trip? Worry not! Even though the Southwest is enormous and has tons of amazing sights and things to do, a week is enough to get a pretty good feel of some of the best that it offers if you’re able to maximize your time and don’t mind a bit of a challenge. If you’re currently struggling to put together a perfect one-week itinerary through the Southwest, here’s the ultimate one-week itinerary that will get you in touch with the enchanting Southwest of the USA, taking you from the Mars-like landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands in Utah to the historical jewel of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.
The Ultimate One-Week Itinerary through the Southwest USA
Day 1 and Day 2: Moab
Stunning red rock formations that look like they belong on Mars, gorgeous canyons with sweeping vistas, and sandstone spires that pierce the skies are only a few of the highlights this enchanting region of Utah has to offer. Although a whole week can be devoted to visiting the Moab region, the main sights can be seen in two days in both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National.
Begin your road trip by checking out the iconic Delicate Arch, one of the most famous landmarks in the state (so much that it’s depicted on their license plates!). Next, get a pretty good feel of what hiking in the desert is like by doing the Landscape Arch trail, which leads to the largest natural arch in the USA.
Hop back in your car and drive down the Arches Scenic Ride, which will have you taking some of the best viewpoints in the park in no time. Put your trail shoes back on and prepare for an epic sunset by hiking the Double Arch trail and finishing at the Windows, where you can find a cozy spot to watch the sun go down and think back on the first day of your road trip!
Day 2 will be about visiting the main highlights of the Island in the Sky district at Canyonlands. Even though Canyonlands is huge, one day is enough to see some of the best it has to offer if you focus your attention on this district. The reason for that is that it boasts the most iconic sights at the park while also offering relatively short and easy trails, which means you can cover a ton in just a few hours.
To start an unforgettable day, set an early alarm and hike up to the emblematic Mesa Arch for an epic sunrise you won’t soon forget.
Afterward, pick a few hiking trails to follow (don’t worry, Island in the Sky’s trails are pretty short and gentle). A few must-do hikes include the Delicate Arch trail as well as the Landscape Arch trail, where you’ll get to see the longest natural arch in the United States.
For a stunning sunset with sweeping views of the canyons, you can head to Green River Viewpoint, where the sun shines over the walls of the canyons and makes the rocks come alive with color.
Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park
The third day is about driving to Colorado to visit one of the most intricate areas of the Southwest! Nestled deep in the cliffs, ruins of complex structures and dwellings built way back by ancestral Puebloans are today open to visitors.
Nobody quite knows why this ancestral society collapsed, but you’re welcome to come up with a theory or two while walking through the site!
Days 4 and 5: Grand Canyon National Park
No Southwest itinerary would be complete without a visit to Grand Canyon National Park.
Day Four will be for driving your way from Mesa Verde to Grand Canyon (5-6 hours), so take things slowly today. You should have enough time to drive a section of the viewpoints and might even be able to fit in a short hike below the rim. A top one here is the trail that leads to Ooh Aah Point, which is only a 1.8-mile round trip and provides sweeping vistas of the canyon.
On day 5, you can challenge your desert hiking skills by braving the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5-mile hike that will have you going past some of the most alluring views of the Grand Canyon. Although doing the complete hike out and back in a day is not recommended, there are many milestones where you can turn around and get back to the trailhead. It’s completely up to you and your skill level when to get back. As a tip, bring plenty of water (that means more than you think you’ll need).
Day 6: Zion National Park
Another day spent hiking in the desert in search of awe-inspiring views? Yes, please!
Before taking on the trails, be sure to visit the Zion Human History Museum, where you’ll learn about the indigenous Pauite people who once inhabited the region. Once you’re acquainted with Zion’s past, set off to conquer a few more desert trails. A lot of the trails in Zion are short, relatively easy, and absolutely stunning, so you can do several of them in just a few hours.
A few of the must to hikes include Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook (perfect for families), and The Narrows, which will take you through canyon walls and wading through the river. Note that The Narrows hike is 16-miles long and not exactly doable in just a day, but you can turn back any time in order to maximize your time at Zion!
Next up, drive to Kolob Canyon, which is the less visited part of Zion. Park your car and hike Timber Creek Overlook at Kolob View Point, where you’ll get a 360-degree vista of the landscape (on clear days, you might even catch glimpses of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim!)
Day 7: Valley of Fire State Park
Finish an action-packed itinerary with a visit to Valley of Fire State Park, a place that will transport you into a world of epic red Aztec sandstone outcrops, petrified trees, ancient petroglyphs, and landscapes colored in all shades of red, orange, and pink.
While at Fire State, gear up for another day of hiking in search of out-of-this-planet landscapes. Two must-do hikes are Fire of Wave and Rainbow Vista trails, both of which are relatively easy to follow and provide some of the most incredible views in the park.
If you prefer to relax on your last day, though, you can opt to explore Valley of Fire from the comfort of your car by taking Mouse’s Tank Road, which will have you going past some of the most breath-taking viewpoints you can calmly gaze at while bidding goodbye to the desert!
I hope this itinerary helped you plan a perfect one-week in the Southwest! Even though there’s a humongous array of incredible things to do in this part of the United States, these 4 destinations are a great place to get started exploring the best it has to offer.
Have you ever visited the Southwest? What are some other incredible places everyone’s got to visit at least once in their life? Let me know all about them in the comment section below!
year-round, making it the perfect respite for any season of the year!
wine farms, restaurants in every corner offering wine lists longer than their food menus, farm-to-table eateries spread all over town and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the love Napa has for great hosting.
and a must-visit if solitude and peaceful nature outings are what you’re after. Thanks to the fact that this park is pretty remote, it still remains a bit of a secret in the national park system.
dresses, oversize tops, wide-leg pants, and skirts with light fabric. So get away from clingy sweaty clothes and always go with incredible airflow.
and celebrities alike. For flat espadrilles, here’s how you can style them:
really bring out the summer vibe of your outfit.
to complete the look!
You can pair them with everything in your closet, making them a staple for sure, especially if your significant other says you don’t need another pair of shoes! I’d love to see what outfits you come up with, so please share and also tag me on social if you post!
your own mugs and bottles. Apart from environmental benefits, don’t forget the monetary benefits it carries. You can also ensure you have something to drink aways, instead of having to wait until you make a stop. It’s super important to always have water with you in Arizona because the summer heat is unforgiving. A reusable water bottle like my favorite 
them, it is not a good idea from the point of sustainability. Using such items would increase their demand, which would lead to more consumption of resources. Thus, it would be better if you take your own toiletries and use them. If you have sensitive skin or hair, you probably have a special cream or lotion which makes your skin easier to manage than introducing something new to your skin and risk it causing issues. When we travel, we make sure to use our products from home in a travel sized container, and take them with us so we can use what our skin and hair is used to and keep on track. 
restaurants that are franchised, or are a part of large chains. The profits go out of the country – so for the benefit of the country’s economy and communities, always choose local. When you shop and eat and stay local, you oftentimes get to experience your travel as if you lived there locally. You might save some money, but you will also be getting the best immersive experience like those who live there daily. 
it.
another day of desert adventures!
section of the park to get to see some of the most famous landmarks of the park.
mile-long trail that stretches from the rim of the Grand Canyon all the way down to the Colorado River at the bottom. The trail itself begins close to Bright Angel Lodge and ends at Phantom Ranch, which is the only place other than camping where you can sleep inside the canyon before heading out to the trailhead in the morning.
sandstone spires that pierce the skies are only a few of the highlights this enchanting region of Utah has to offer. Although a whole week can be devoted to visiting the Moab region, the main sights can be seen in two days in both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National.
the cliffs, ruins of complex structures and dwellings built way back by ancestral Puebloans are today open to visitors. 
should have enough time to drive a section of the viewpoints and might even be able to fit in a short hike below the rim. A top one here is the trail that leads to Ooh Aah Point, which is only a 1.8-mile round trip and provides sweeping vistas of the canyon. 
Pauite people who once inhabited the region. Once you’re acquainted with Zion’s past, set off to conquer a few more desert trails. A lot of the trails in Zion are short, relatively easy, and absolutely stunning, so you can do several of them in just a few hours. 
orange, and pink.
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