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The Reading Room

A road trip to remember

Words by Hannah Ross
3 min read

The coasts of the USA get a lot of love and among the cornucopia of things synonymous with them, family road trips are near the top of the list. But sticking to the seaside means you miss out on the beauty of the vast and varied national parks. With private drivers and local guides along for the ride, this tour introduces the clan to a unique take on the rich history, diverse environments and awe-inspiring landscapes of these areas of natural beauty.

The three peaks in Monument Valley
Stories for... The Head
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Bryce Canyon - Zion - Grand Canyon - Red Rock

A different way of life

A community doused in mystery and spirituality; wander the lands of the Navajo with a tribal guide leading the way. Swerve the Lower Antelope Canyon and feel the grooves of the sandstone rock that has been shaped over millions of years to create its spiral-looking arches, known locally as Hasdeztwazi. Venture further into sandstone towers at Monuments Valley’s Navajo Nation Tribal Park and learn about the history of the community and what life is like in this life-on-mars-landscape before sitting down for a traditional lunch.

People hiking through a stream that passes through a rocky ravine in Zion national park
The caring side

Hikes and bike rides are of course a sustainable way to explore these wide open spaces, revealing hidden nooks that otherwise would have been missed from the car. But just visiting the national parks is a way to do some good. Tours are always educational and help keep funds within the parks to ensure both the areas and residents (both human, animal and plant alike) who live within them are protected.

The Navajo name for Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdeztwazi or “spiral rock arches.” This incredible canyon has been created over millions of years by the relentless forces of water and wind, slowly carving and sculpting the sandstone.

Take on a challenge

Going off-road proves to be a turning point in bravery for your brood. Bouncing over the coral pink sand dunes on an ATV one day, exploring the crevices the tour boats can’t access around Lake Powell’s naturally formed ‘rainbow bridge’ the next, and confronting any acrophobia on a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon on another. Teaching that the easy way isn’t always the best way.

A view of the Grand Teton mountains in the morning as the mountains catch some alpen glow and the Snake River shimmers
Take some downtime

Dawn and dusk in these otherworldly scenes are the perfect times to take things slow. An early morning induced mope is soon forgotten about as the sun rises over the Grand Canyon’s contours, inviting you to set intentions for the day ahead. Later on, a wander over the rim away from the crowds allows time to reflect on the adventures of the day. Stars become your table-light in Lake Powell, as you enjoy a private dinner with a local chef on a remarkable overlook, or time your trip well and you can marvel at the full-moon rising over Sedona.

Middle of the road view of a scenic route in American Canyons Mountain Landscape
A way to remember

One-upping the beautiful yet humble photograph, guides are on hand to capture the special moments on film, ready to be pieced together into a personal documentary. Keen to record each family members’ highlight, it’s a way to not only look back on an amazing trip but to remember how daring, how elated and how connected everyone was.

Wake up
here

A river running through tall trees towards big stone cliff mountain

Wake up
here

From the only lodgings within or bordering the national parks to others with spectacular panoramic views, nights are spent staying at: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park Lodge, Cliffrose Lodge, Lake Powell Resort, Thunderbird Lodge, Orchards Inn.

Learn more

On the
agenda

- Off-roading coral pink sand dunes on a family ATV adventure

- Checking off bucket-list sights including the Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon, stopping off at remarkable landmarks

- Wander the Navajo nation with a local guide to learn about the histories of Arizona’s Lower Antelope Canyon and Navajo Nation Tribal Park at Monument Valley

- Private speedboat around Lake Powell’s Rainbow Bridge, exploring usually hard-to-access side canyons

 

- Dinner under the stars with a local chef, to the backdrop of an incredible outlook

- Witness a birds-eye-view of the Grand Canyon from your private helicopter

- Visit a winery in Sedona

Explore the
collection

Explore the
collection

Uncover journeys that help your teens thrive as they start their next chapter.

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Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.

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