America's Best Idea

Bryce Canyon National Park

Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I stumbled upon a check-in at The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Climbing Gym. Without hesitation, I reached out to someone I hadn't connected with in ages, commenting, "Let me know if you want to run up some routes together!" Seeing her in that familiar setting sparked a rush of nostalgia and a desire to revisit the sport I once cherished. Even though I had stepped away from climbing due to our retirement from the business a few years prior, her post and the sight of the climbing wall stirred up memories and reignited my passion for the sport.

With half days at work due to COVID-19, Fridays became our regular meetup, and we stuck to this routine for the next 10 months. As we spent our Fridays scaling walls and swapping stories, we discovered countless shared interests and dreams. It was during one of these climbing sessions that the idea of paddling on Lake Powell came up. Neither of us had traveled together before, but there was an unspoken understanding that this was something we had to do together.

With a basic plan in place, we left room for surprises and eagerly embraced the freedom of spontaneity. It felt liberating to set aside all responsibilities and simply go with the flow as we embarked on our adventure. Like two kids at summer camp, we were brimming with boundless energy for the adventures ahead.

Our journey began with a stop at Tonto National Forest, where we arranged for a rock climbing guide to lead us through the routes in Queen Creek Canyon. Towering cliffs and stunning rock formations welcomed us, providing both a thrilling challenge and breathtaking views as we navigated the pockets and edges of volcanic tuff. It had been ages since I climbed outdoors, and Queen Creek Canyon proved to be the perfect spot for my reunion with outdoor climbing.

The following day, we had a group tour booked with Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks in Page, AZ, choosing the Antelope Canyon Kayak & Hike Tour. We paddled several miles beneath the towering sandstone cliffs of Lake Powell. The serene water and breathtaking scenery made the experience unforgettable. Our tour led us to a unique slot canyon accessible only by water. We disembarked and hiked through a section of Antelope Canyon, which was absolutely mind-blowing.

Just when you think you've seen something incredible, you're blown away even more. After our paddling adventure, we headed to the iconic landmark, Horseshoe Bend. It was just a short walk from the parking lot to the viewing area, and we couldn't resist running towards it with excitement. When we arrived, the winds at Horseshoe Bend were incredibly strong. The dirt felt like it was stabbing our eyes. Despite the discomfort, we couldn't help but laugh, spit out dirt, and cover our eyes, all while being fascinated by nature's work. Seeing this landmark up close and in person was a million times better than seeing it on my screensaver at home.

Next, we visited Glen Canyon Dam, a massive structure in northern Arizona, constructed in 1966. It holds back the Colorado River, forming Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S. The dam generates electricity, stores water, and aids in flood prevention. Its sheer size and striking contrast against the canyon walls make it an impressive sight. Walking across it was a bit dizzying but undeniably impressive.

As we explored the Southwest, we stumbled upon hidden gems like the Moqui Sand Caves and the Belly of the Dragon. Carved from native sandstone, these caves and formations mesmerized us with their surreal beauty. The Moqui Sand Caves, with their mysterious allure, invited us to explore their sandy chambers and winding passages. And amidst it all, the Belly of the Dragon stood as a testament to nature's artistry, its intricate patterns resembling the belly of a mythical creature, captivating us with its otherworldly charm.

After we left our roadside attractions, we decided to squeeze in one more adventure before calling it a day: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. These unique dunes, with their soft pink hue, invite you to venture onto a shifting sea of sand. The pink hue of the sand is caused by the presence of iron oxide, giving the dunes their distinctive color. As the golden hour approached, we found ourselves lounging in the dunes, feeling the soft, cool sand  beneath us. Watching the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors, it felt like the perfect way to end our day, surrounded by the stunning desert landscape.