Distance: 50 miles

Every one has to have a bit of relaxation time and we have planned yours at Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort just south of Salt Lake City in Provo. The setting invites you to “come stay with us, watch the moon climb over Utah’s Mt. Timpanogos from your Sundance patio and enjoy a fireside dinner in your mountain home.” You can retreat where centuries ago the Ute Indians retreated to escape the summer heat and enjoy the natural abundance. As Robert Redford says about his very special resort, “this place in the mountains is the perfect host for inspiration.”

Accommodation: Sundance Resort or similar

Distance: 126 miles

Today, a portion of the Highway 12 National Scenic Byway is going to take you from Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park. The section of the Scenic Byway, called the “Million Dollar Road to Boulder,” was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was completed in 1935, but not paved until 1971. The roadway provided the first year-round access for cars to this isolated pocket of South western Utah. Before then, mail and supplies were carried by mules and pack horses over Hell’s Backbone or the Boulder Mail Trail, both hazardous routes. Highway 12 winds through vast expanses of “slick rock” country including part of the Escalante Canyons and other popular hiking areas. Pullouts along the route enable you to view the Escalante Basin, the Henry Mountains and other awesome scenery.

Passing the Calf Creek Recreation Area, the drive climbs Haymaker Bench and crosses the Hogback, a ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. The road is very narrow at the top, twisting through Dixie National Forest and across Boulder Mountain. The section of road between Boulder and Torrey was paved in 1985. Part of the Aquarius Plateau, Boulder Mountain exceeds 11,000 ft. and is the highest timbered plateau in North America. Closer to Bryce, the route then climbs past a rocky section with unusual clay coloured hills, called “The Blues.”

Bryce Canyon National Park, named after the Pioneer Ebenezer Bryce, became a national park in 1924. Famous for its unique geology, the Park is not really a canyon, but a series of horseshoe shaped amphitheatres carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Lodge or similar

Distance: 99 miles

Once you get to Zion, you’ll quickly understand why a writer experiencing Zion said, “It is here that the grandeur of the natural form unites with brilliancy of colour.” From sunrise to sunset, the changing scenes pass before you in awesome hues. Be sure to watch as light plays upon the rock, immersing you in a dazzling light show. You are surely in one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces.

Zion National Park is located along the edge of a region known as the Colorado Plateau. As you travel between the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park and on to Bryce Canyon, the rock layers are a series of stair steps referred to as the Grand Staircase. The bottom layer of rock at Bryce Canyon is the top layer at Zion and the bottom layer at Zion is the top layer at the Grand Canyon. At the land in the area transformed, each layer of rock was created from a different type of material. The ancient sea beds became limestone, mud and clay became shale and desert sand became sandstone.

There is a free shuttle that travels throughout the park and stops at eight locations. The transfer of passengers between loops is made at the Zion Canyon Visitor Centre. You may get on and off the shuttle as often as you like. You can also visit the Zion Human History Museum, a regular stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Permanent exhibits display the rich human history of Zion National Park, showcasing American Indian culture, the historic pioneer settlement, and Zion's growth as a National Park. The Human History Museum also illustrates the effects of water on Zion, both as creator and destroyer. In addition, a 22-minute video, shown every half hour, provides an excellent overview. There is another Visitor Centre at Kolob Canyon.

Accommodation: Zion Lodge or similar

Imagine seeing the Milky Way galaxy in such incredible clarity that is appears three dimensional, like a river of millions of stars and planets flowing above you.  this is exactly what you will experioence this evening at Natural Bridges National Monument, which has been designated the world's first "International Dark Sky Park" by the International Dark Sky Association.  Not surprisingly, it is an absolute mecca for star gazers.

During the day the park offers up some of the southwest's most spectacular natural stone architecture, including its namesake natural bridges, and awe-inspiring sandstone canyons.  Hiking trails and an 8.6 mile scenic drive allow visitorsa closer exploration of these wonderful structures.  By night, Rangers specially trained in astronomy advise visitors on the best opportunities for star gazing.  These "Dark Rangers" also educate the public about the effects of light pollution on humans, plants and animals, and how we can all make a positive difference.

Your accommodations for tonight are a short drive away in Bluff, so take your time enjoying the truly amazing celestial light show.

Accommodation:  Desert Rose Inn or similar

Distance: 234 miles

Leaving from Moab you’ll be turning slightly back southwest to reach Island in the Sky, the largest portion of Canyonlands National Park open to visitors. Island in the Sky offers the most expansive views from overlooks along the paved scenic drive. Many overlooks are perched 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain, providing spectacular views of the canyons below. Several short trails including Mesa Arch, Upheaval Dome and Aztec Butte, lead to interesting natural and cultural resources. A drive out to Grand View Point gives you access to an area evident by its name. An orientation video at the Island in the Sky Visitors Centre highlights the geology of the Park.

Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge or similar