A Journey Through the Southwest: A Road Trip of Memories with My Mom

​This summer, I had the privilege of taking a 13-day road trip through the Southwestern United States, exploring some of the most stunning national parks in the country. What made this adventure even more special was that I was able to share it with my mom. It wasn’t just about the landscapes, the hikes, or the historic sites—it was about spending quality time together, making memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s a look at our journey and the unforgettable experiences we shared.

Day 1: Amarillo, TX

​We began our journey in Amarillo, Texas. After a late-night drive from home, we arrived and immediately set out to explore some of the city's iconic sights, including the famous Cadillac Ranch along Route 66. It was such a fun stop—seeing the art installations and being able to leave our own mark with spray paint. The quirky charm of Amarillo, along with the history of Route 66, set the tone for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Chaco Canyon National Park

The next day, we made our way to Chaco Canyon National Park in New Mexico, arriving just in time for a morning hike. Chaco Canyon is rich in history, featuring ancient Puebloan ruins and impressive petroglyphs. We hiked the Wijiji, Una Vida, and Petroglyph Trails, soaking in the stunning desert landscapes. The peacefulness of the park and the sense of history really resonated with both of us.

Day 2: Mesa Verde National Park

After a scenic drive from Chaco Canyon, we headed to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. The cliff dwellings here are a testament to the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans. We took a tour of the park, marveling at the preserved cliff houses and learning about the lives of those who once lived there. Exploring the ancient dwellings with my mom was such a powerful experience, and we both left with a greater appreciation for the history of the region.

Day 3: Arches National Park

Arches National Park in Utah was the next stop, and we were in awe of the park’s iconic rock formations. We hiked the Double Arch Trail, Delicate Arch Trail, and the Windows Loop Trail, all while taking in the breathtaking red rock scenery. Delicate Arch, in particular, was a highlight of the trip.

Day 4: Canyonlands National Park

We spent the day in Canyonlands, exploring both the Island in the Sky district and the Needles district. From the Shafer Canyon Overlook to the Mesa Arch, every vista was more spectacular than the last. We even hiked to the Cave Spring Trail and Pothole Point, both of which offered unique views of the desert landscape.

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Next, we ventured to Capitol Reef, where we hiked the Capitol Reef Petroglyph Trail and explored Sulphur Creek Waterfall. The park’s beauty was enhanced by the red rock formations, and we were able to drive the scenic Capitol Reef Byway, which provided even more stunning views.

Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock—were a sight to behold. We hiked along the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail, and the views were simply magical. The unique landscape of Bryce Canyon left us both speechless, and we couldn’t stop talking about it for days.

Day 7: Zion National Park

We made our way to Zion National Park, known for its towering cliffs and dramatic canyons. Our hikes along the Pa’rus Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, and The Narrows Trail were unforgettable. Zion’s beauty was overwhelming, and the time we spent there was all about immersing ourselves in nature and connecting with the stunning surroundings.

Day 8: Death Valley National Park

Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, proved to be a different kind of beautiful. We hiked the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes and visited Badwater Salt Flats, the lowest point in North America. Zabriskie Point offered stunning panoramic views of the desert landscape. It was an incredible experience, and we were amazed by the vastness and stillness of the desert.

Day 8 & 9: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite was one of the most breathtaking stops of our trip. From the moment we entered the park, we were surrounded by towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows. We hiked to Lower Yosemite Falls, took in the sweeping views from Tunnel View, and marveled at El Capitan and Half Dome. ​

Day 10: Sequoia National Park

The sheer size of the giant sequoias was awe-inspiring. Walking among these ancient trees, especially the General Sherman Tree (the largest tree by volume in the world), was humbling. We hiked the Congress Trail and admired the grandeur of these living giants. The peacefulness of the Giant Forest made it one of the most serene and memorable parts of our journey.

Day 10: King's Canyon National Park

Just a short drive from Sequoia, Kings Canyon was a hidden gem. We explored the scenic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, stopping at Grizzly Falls and Roaring River Falls. The grandeur of the canyon itself, with its deep valleys and rugged terrain, was reminiscent of Yosemite but with far fewer crowds. Hiking through Zumwalt Meadow gave us incredible views of the Kings River and the surrounding granite cliffs.

Day 11: Las Vegas & Hoover Dam

On the way to the Grand Canyon, we made an exciting stop in Las Vegas. We had a blast trying our luck at the poker tables, with the lights of the Strip providing the perfect backdrop for some thrilling moments. After the excitement of Vegas, we took a short drive to see the Hoover Dam—an engineering marvel that straddles the border between Nevada and Arizona. The sheer size and power of the dam left us in awe, and it was a memorable stop on our journey.

Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon was the highlight of our trip. We spent the day hiking along the South Rim, taking in the incredible views from Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point. Watching the sun set over the canyon was a breathtaking experience that we will never forget.

Day 12 & 13: Sedona, Flagstaff, & Albuquerque 

Our final days of the trip were spent exploring Sedona, Arizona, where we drove the Red Rock Scenic Byway and visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The natural beauty of the red rocks surrounding Sedona was awe-inspiring. We also explored Flagstaff’s Wupatki National Monument and finished our trip in Albuquerque, where we visited the Petroglyph National Monument and hiked the Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail.

Day 13: Petrified Forest National Park

After Albuquerque, we made one last stop at the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The park is known for its colorful petrified wood and ancient fossilized trees, some dating back over 200 million years. We hiked the Giant Logs and Blue Mesa Trails, both of which provided amazing views of the painted desert and fascinating geological formations. It was the perfect way to wrap up our epic Southwest road trip.

A Trip Full of Memories

This road trip was more than just a visit to some of the most beautiful parks in the United States—it was a chance to bond with my mom and create memories that will last a lifetime. From hiking together to sharing quiet moments under the stars, every experience felt even more special because we shared it. The Southwest’s stunning landscapes were the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.