Roadtrippin’ the US
12 Jul 2015
Rock ‘n’ roll, apple pie and baseball aside, America’s true beauty lies in the landscape itself. And what better way to experience the spectacular scenery than to hire a car and hit the road? Here are three trips to enjoy.
Stunning views and sunrises
Flying into Las Vegas puts you in a prime location for a tour of the Grand Circle through the southwest. Zion National Park is three hours away on Interstate Highway 15. Here at the edge of the Colorado Plateau, where the high country meets the lower dry desert, the colours are brilliant. Angels Landing runs along a narrow rock fin with dizzying drop-offs on either side. Another hour east is Bryce Canyon National Park. Watch the sunset over the wind- carved amphitheatre and spend the night in the park or at a nearby hotel. Bryce is best viewed at dawn, so start your day at Sunrise Point and gear up for your four-hour drive on Interstate 89 to Grand Canyon National Park. Horseshoe Bend is on the way, featuring an outstanding view. The South Rim is by far the most impressive. The closest description of it might be to imagine how the ocean would look if you removed the water. The drive back to Las Vegas is a spectacle in itself. If time is on your side, the sun will set directly ahead of you and cast beautiful golden beams along the highway.
Wineries and lush forests
San Francisco is a great place to start heading to the California parks. En route to Redwoods National Forest, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to Napa Valley Wine Country. Don't forget to reserve seats on a shuttle, as tastings will ensue. Make your way back to US Highway 101 for a drive through sunflower fields and the famous purple mountain majesty to the Redwoods. These 500+ year-old trees are typically 100 metres tall and seven metres wide. Prepare to be humbled by the Avenue of the Giants. The cool climate, soft ground, and lush growth make for cosy camping in the forest. Drive down Highway 120 to Yosemite National Park. Before entering, hike through the gorgeous Mariposa Groves. Once you enter, have your camera ready for the jaw-dropping view winding down the road. Half Dome is often called the ultimate hike in the US. However, if the 14-hour trek is daunting, ride the bus to Glacier Point in time for sunrise. Then a four-hour downhill hike will give you views of Yosemite Valley.
On the fringe of Mexico
Big Bend National Park is in a region known for its natural beauty. The majority of high and low intensity trailheads start at Chisos Basin and the hot springs run along the edge of the Rio Grande River. The ancient, irreplaceable water emerges at 40°C and carries dissolved mineral salts with healing powers for the body and soul. In such close proximity to the border, you can literally splash water into Mexico. Have your passport ready. If the crossing is open, you can ride a mule to a Mexican cantina. Explore the eerie ghost town of Terlingua, Texas, close to Big Bend and on par with the most chilling of Scooby-Doo mysteries. Two hours north on Texas State Highway 118 will take you to the artist colony of Marfa, with a wide range of galleries and peculiar installations. Consider spending the night at the teepee/trailer hotel called El Cosmico, and point an eye skyward for the paranormal phenomenon known as the Marfa lights. The carefree spirit of flying along the highway and the indescribable sense of awe that washes over you is what defines these journeys.
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