Day 1

Arrival to Denver

The journey with Iceland Air was very efficient. In Reykjavik, the change was completely smooth without waiting time. The stop after 4 hours was very pleasant. So the long flight was interrupted and you could stretch your legs.

Quality Inn & Suites Denver International Airport***

20mi

Day 2

Nice first day. Since we were there after 5 pm, we were allowed to drive to Maroon Bells without a shuttle. That we are here over 3000m high, we notice already with the first steps on the parking lot. The air is already noticeably thinner. The adjustment probably takes a few days.

Quality Inn & Suites Glenwood Springs***

260mi

Day 3

If you pre-book a tour to Crystal Mill, you are out of luck if the weather is bad. We had to drive in the snow rain in an open jeep. There are nicer things.

Quality Inn & Suites Glenwood Springs***

220mi

Day 4

If the weather is bad, you have Hanging Lake to yourself even in the fall.

Inca Inn Moab****

256mi

Day 5

The False Kiva is a very nice location. Unfortunately, the trail to it has been closed since fall 2018 due to vandalism. Whether it will ever be reopened is written in the stars.

Inca Inn****

135mi

Day 6

There was a moth plague in the hotel. The whole rooms were full of moths. This was more than unpleasant. Unfortunately, there was no alternative accommodation for us in Monicello.

Inn at the Canyons Monticello*

196mi

Day 7

Even if you only hike to the Chesler Park Overlook, the hike is worth it.

Inn at the Canyons Monticello*

110mi

Day 8

All around great and relaxing day.

The View Hotel, Monument Valley****

145mi

Day 9

Also a quiet, beautiful and relaxing day.

Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn, Tusayan****

230mi

Day 10

Strenuous but beautiful hike.

Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Square Inn, Tusayan****

14mi

Day 11

We are very lucky and catch a small group for them hiking through Antelope Canyon. We are only 7 people in total.

Best Western Red Hills, Kanab***

234mi

Day 12

Unfortunately, we have no luck with the wave lottery. In Zion NP it is extremely crowded, nevertheless, we manage by a miracle to get a parking lot at the Visitor Center.

Best Western Red Hills, Kanab***

115mi

Day 13

Yay we win wave permits for the next day!!!!!

Best Western Red Hills, Kanab***

111mi

Day 14

Wow, there is nothing more to say.

Best Western Red Hills, Kanab***

96mi

Day 15

We are taking the tour with Paria Outpost.

Best Western Red Hills, Kanab***

85mi

Day 16

On the way we get delicious bread at Forscher in Orderville. A Dutchman who bakes and sells German bread.

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel****

349mi

Day 17

Bryce Canyon is always worth a visit.

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel****

44mi

Day 18

This was a day of driving with a little sightseeing.

Best Western Plus Tempe by the Mall, Phoenix***

444mi

Day 19

Beautiful quiet and relaxing day.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Willcox***

283mi

Day 20

We hiked the combination of the following trail sections: Ed Riggs - Mushroom Rock - Big Balanced Rock - Heart of Rocks - Sarah Deming - Upper Rhyolite Canyon - Echo Canyon.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Willcox

88mi

Day 21

Highway 152 was unfortunately not open, but we still had time for the sunset at White Sands NM.

Hampton Inn, Alamogordo***

352mi

Day 22

We were in the park in the morning and evening.

Hampton Inn, Alamogordo***

121mi

Day 23

Santa Fe is always worth a trip, the Turquois Trail has disappointed us rather a bit.

Hampton Inn, Santa Fe***

315mi

Day 24

Churches in Nambé, Chimayo, Las Trampas, Ranchos de Taos. The day still leaves time for shopping or relaxing by the pool.

Hampton Inn, Taos***

94mi

Day 25

A day for Georgia O'Keefe fans.

Hampton Inn, Alamosa****

242mi

Day 26

Hike on the High Dune - an absolute highlight.

Hampton Inn, Alamosa****

89mi

Day 27

Denver will not be our favorite city. The hotel was an imposition, unfortunately.

Best Western Plus Denver Hotel*

300mi

Day 28

Packing and return flight

Since the hotel is not really nice, we spend the waiting time until the return flight at Starbucks in the sun.

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20mi