| The US Southwest is noted for several types of | | | | towards Arizona. No need to rush---there are |
| outstanding scenery, including the greenery and | | | | sights to see along the way! Not long after leaving |
| snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and | | | | Moab, you'll find an attraction of a different |
| the stark beauty of saguaro-covered Arizona | | | | kind---a kitschy souvenir area left over from the |
| hillsides. Another visual treat awaiting your | | | | days of yore. Welcome to "Hole in the Rock." |
| discovery in the Southwest are the hills of wind | | | | Here, nestled in a shallow cave of red stone, you'll |
| and water-carved red rocks...looking, at times, as | | | | find a souvenir complex dating from the same |
| if they've been crafted by a master sculptor's | | | | time period in which Route 66 experienced its |
| hand.Though you can find examples of Western | | | | glory years. For today's youngsters, Hole in the |
| red rock beauty in a number of places, one road | | | | Rock is a learning experience about "grandma's |
| trip in particular will take you past a number of | | | | day." Attractions such as this one dotted the |
| renowned sites. The route claiming such a | | | | West when cross-country automobile vacations |
| distinction is US Highway 191 in southeastern | | | | were the "brand new thing." A visit to Hole in the |
| Utah.This "Red Rock Roadtrip" begins in Moab, | | | | Rock can be a fun way to remember the |
| Utah, near the junction of US 191 and Interstate | | | | not-too-distant past. And, you'll get to see a |
| 70. ("Moab" is pronounced with 2 syllables: MO-ab.) | | | | display of quirky souvenir keychains. mugs and |
| Unbeknownst to many, Moab is a hub of activity, | | | | thimbles while you're at it!Continuing south along |
| well-known especially to young adults who love | | | | US 191, you'll reach a turn-off that leads |
| "slick rock" bike trails, and to all sorts of folks who | | | | westward a short distance to "Newspaper Rock." |
| love jeep touring in desert back-country.Red rock | | | | Newspaper Rock is covered with Native American |
| lovers should head straightaway to Arches | | | | symbols from long ago. If I had to choose only |
| National Park. At Arches, you can see example | | | | ONE place to view Native American glyphs, I'd |
| after example of red rock erosion in its finest, | | | | pick Newspaper Rock. Why? Because the rock is |
| artistic glory. For those physically capable, I'd highly | | | | big and it's paintings are clear. If you've been |
| recommend taking the strenuous hike to Delicate | | | | wanting to see Native American glyphs in their |
| Arch. If you're like me, you'll discover that | | | | natural setting, you'll want to add a side-trip to |
| beholding the very famous--and very | | | | Newspaper Rock.You'll reach two more turn-offs |
| beautiful--Delicate Arch "in person" is one of the | | | | that I'd like to mention (as you continue down US |
| highlight experiences within the entire US National | | | | 191.) The first is Utah Hwy 95, which leads to |
| Park system.For those who can't undertake a | | | | Natural Bridges National Monument. Just as its |
| mountainous hike, don't worry! There are internal | | | | name suggests, you'll find several rock bridge |
| roadways throughout Arches National Park leading | | | | formations that were slowly carved by nature. |
| past other handsome formations that you'll be | | | | The other turn-off is towards Hovenweep |
| sure to enjoy. You'll want to plan to spend time in | | | | National Monument, home to Native American |
| the park's visitor's center, as well. There, you'll find | | | | ruins. (Hovenweep is a multi-location site; which |
| interpretive exhibits telling you the story of how | | | | turn-off you'd take depends on which site you'd |
| the lovely rock features were formed over vast | | | | be visiting.)Your next red rock treat will loom up |
| eons of time. The information you'll learn at the | | | | before you at Mexican Hat, Utah. The town, |
| Arches National Park visitors center (or via live | | | | Mexican Hat, is named after its stellar attraction, a |
| ranger programs) will serve as a background for | | | | rock shaped like a large Mexican-style sombrero. |
| viewing the other red rock formations along the | | | | This feature is seen against the backdrop of a tall, |
| rest of your road trip...where no formal guides or | | | | miles-long red-orange cliff. Definitely try to view |
| educational displays are available.While staying in | | | | the Mexican Hat in the hours just before sunset. |
| Moab, you'll want to take a scenic drive along | | | | If you do, you'll view the "reddest red rock" that |
| Utah Hwy 128, which heads eastward out of | | | | you may ever see!In order to view Mexican Hat, |
| town. On your scenic drive, you'll drive lengthwise | | | | you must leave US 191 (at Bluff, Utah) and head |
| along a narrow canyon with the wide, muddy | | | | still southwards along US Highway 163. After |
| Colorado River running through it. Tall rosy-colored | | | | passing Mexican Hat, continue southward towards |
| cliffs line both sides of this scenic riverway. I | | | | Arizona on US 163...and you'll end your Red Rock |
| would suggest that you take this drive in the late | | | | Road Trip with one of the USA's "must-see" |
| afternoon...preferably after 3 pm...because at that | | | | sights---Arizona's Monument Valley. You'll view |
| time of day, the rays of the sun bring out the | | | | formation after formation of intricately carved |
| red colors of the canyon's walls to their fullest. I'd | | | | spires. Monument Valley will make an unforgetable |
| also suggest that you take a camera! In trying to | | | | ending to an unforgetable trip!When Monument |
| capture the "best shots" of the cliffs, you'll | | | | Valley ends, you'll be at the Navajo Reservation |
| actually SEE the rocks better. You'll study them | | | | town of Kayenta, Arizona. Plan to be hungry! You |
| and observe them more closely than you ever | | | | should stop in at the Burger King, where a most |
| would otherwise.Another way to see the canyon | | | | interesting display about the Navajo "Wind |
| is by taking a raft ride down the Colorado River. | | | | Talkers" of World War 2 is showcased. And |
| This is what I'd term a "beginners" raft ride, for | | | | where should you go from Kayenta? You're |
| there aren't any white-water rapids along this | | | | poised to head on to that super-wonder of them |
| stretch of the Colorado. Children and senior | | | | all---the Grand Canyon!Author Vicki Funes, a |
| citizens can enjoy this trip; for kids, it would make | | | | California native and travel buff, has also spent |
| a good "first raft ride" experience.From Moab, | | | | time living in Utah, Arizona and Colorado. |
| you'll head southwards along US 191, motoring | | | | |