Southwest Road Trip: Arches, Monument Valley & Petrified Forest! A Scenic Photo Tour

My daughter goes to college in Arizona. To help her move in, I’ve made the long drive to Phoenix twice so far.

It’s about 800 miles one way—roughly 1,300 kilometers. If you drive non-stop, it takes around 13 hours. With a bit of endurance, you could technically make it in a single day.

But when you’re driving that kind of distance, just speeding straight to your destination feels like a missed opportunity. So, I decided to turn these trips into a chance to explore the magnificent, uniquely American nature scattered across Utah and Arizona.

Today, I’d like to share a few of my favorite spots from these unforgettable drives.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located in Moab, Utah, is about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver. True to its name, massive rock arches—sculpted by nature over millions of years—are scattered all across the vast landscape.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is one of the most iconic sights in Arches National Park. It’s so famous that it’s featured on Utah’s license plates, making it a true symbol of the state.

There’s a round-trip trail of about 3 miles (5 km) that takes you right up to the arch, and the view is especially breathtaking at sunset. While we didn't hike the trail this time, we were still able to take in its magnificent beauty from the viewpoint.

Balanced Rock

While it’s not an arch, it’s one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Arches National Park. A massive boulder sits precariously atop a slender rock tower, balancing in a way that looks like it could fall at any second.

Double Arch

Walking along the trail brings you directly beneath these towering arches.

After hiking under the intense heat, the shade created by the giant rock formation feels unbelievably comforting. When we visited, many people were sitting in the shadows of the rocks, taking it easy and gazing out at the sweeping views ahead.

The Windows Section

Giant holes are hollowed out of the massive rock formations, making them look just like enormous windows into the sky.
Except for Delicate Arch, most of the spots we visited can be reached with just a short walk from the parking lot.

This area is also famous for its stunning night skies. Once darkness falls, stargazing tours are held, offering an incredible view of the stars above.

 

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona. Named for its striking resemblance to a horseshoe, this breathtaking spot features the Colorado River making a dramatic U-shaped curve.

Since it isn't a national park, you can easily visit just by paying a $10 parking fee.

It’s about a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) walk one way from the parking lot to the overlook. The way there is downhill, which naturally means the return trip is all uphill. We visited in August, and the heat was intense. Walking along a trail with absolutely no shade was quite a challenge. It was so hot that park rangers were stopping visitors to ask, "Do you have enough water?" and handing out bottles to anyone without them.

As we pushed through the scorching heat and kept walking...

And suddenly, this unbelievable view opens up right before your eyes.

The view looking down from the overlook was truly breath-taking. It’s the kind of magnificent, powerful scenery that makes you want to stand there for hours, thinking, "I could stay here forever."

Antelope Canyon is also located nearby. Since it sits within Navajo Nation land, you need to join a guided tour to visit. We couldn't make it this time due to our schedule, but it's definitely at the top of my list for next time.

 

Monument Valley

Monument Valley straddles the border between Utah and Arizona.

When you approach it from the Utah side, there's a spot where you can take in this absolutely incredible view. It’s a famous pull-off where everyone stops to snap photos, so it’s definitely something you don't want to miss!

Monument Valley is not a national park; it is managed directly by the Navajo Nation. Towering across the red desert wilderness are massive, iconic buttes.
Because it has been featured in so many movies, it’s a familiar sight for many Japanese travelers—the quintessential image of the American West.

As evening approaches, the desert and the giant rock formations are bathed in vivid shades of red and orange.

Inside the park, there's a lodging option called "The View Hotel."
True to its name, the views from the rooms are extraordinary, and if you stay in a room with a balcony, you can even watch the sunrise painting Monument Valley in brilliant morning light.

And at night, a vast sky full of stars spreads out above you.

Daytime, sunset, and late into the night—one of the greatest charms of Monument Valley is how dramatically its face changes with each passing hour. I highly recommend staying overnight so you can fully immerse yourself in its magic.

 

Petrified Forest National Park

The final spot I’d like to share—one that might be less familiar to many Japanese travelers—is Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
Scattered all across this landscape are giant, ancient trees that have turned completely to stone over millions of years.

And the magic of this park doesn't stop with the petrified wood.

Another major highlight is the Painted Desert, where layers of mineral-rich soil have created incredible, vibrant colors over millions of years. Sweeping badlands painted in shades of pink, red, and white stretch out as far as the eye can see.

In addition, the park includes a section where the iconic Route 66 once ran.
A historic Route 66 sign and the remains of an old 1958 Studebaker still mark the spot, preserving the nostalgic spirit of the legendary highway.

It isn’t just a showcase of natural wonder, but also a place where you can feel the deep history of America.

About 800 miles to Phoenix—the number alone sounds daunting, but when you’re driving along listening to your favorite music and singing along, the hours pass in the blink of an eye. Driving down straight, endless highways with the road stretching all the way out to the distant horizon is a truly invigorating experience.

And whenever you take a little detour along the way, you’re greeted by magnificent, sweeping nature that you rarely get to see in Japan.

I still have one round trip left. Where should I stop by next time? Looking at the map and planning the next road trip is half the fun, and I’m already looking forward to it.

Report by Yoshiko Wootten