UTAH, USA
4 Days "On The Road" in Utah + Solar Eclipse in Texas
We decided a bit at the last minute to go on this road trip in Utah, we only had 4 days because the main purpose of the trip was to see the solar eclipse near Dallas, Texas. Even though it was only for such a short time we saw SPACE landscapes, in the true sense of the word, it always seemed like we were on another planet, pristine landscapes characterized by deserts, canyons, colored mountains, immense salt flats.
utah 2024
Day 1 – Salt Lake City – Bonneville Salt Flats – 178km / 1.5 hrs
Accommodation: Bonneville Salt Flats State Park, Wendover, UT 84083, United States
Once we arrived in Salt Lake City we picked up our Jeep (Wrangler) and headed towards one of the largest salt flats in the USA, Bonneville Salt Flats. The landscape is surreal, an immense expanse of salt (260 square kilometres), a spot not to be missed. miss especially at dawn and dusk when the sunlight reflects on the expanse of salt and water creating magical colors. We were very lucky because when we arrived there was a small layer of water that helped create space colors especially at dawn.
Day 2 - Bonneville Salt Flats – Bentonite Hills - 567km / 6.30 h
Accommodation: At the top of Moon Overlook, Moon Overlook Rd, Utah 84734, United States
After enjoying a spectacular sunrise in the salt flats, we set off again towards the Bentonite Hills , crossing the suggestive landscape of Capitol Reef National Park. Between deep gorges, spectacular canyons and endless expanses, every curve offered views that seemed like postcards. Utah is truly a natural paradise, where the contrasts and the immensity of the landscapes leave you breathless at every kilometre.
In the afternoon we arrived at the Bentonite Hills , just in time for the sunset. The hills, with their incredible shades, seemed to come from another planet: a real Martian landscape . Here too we were completely alone, perhaps because to reach the areas more remote ones you have to take a dirt road and ford a small river.
OUTSTANDING , in the truest sense of the word!
Day 3 - Bentonite Hills - Moon Overlook - 50km / 1.15 hrs
Accommodation: At the top of Moon Overlook, Moon Overlook Rd, Utah 84734, United States
We woke up early to watch the sunrise from the Moon Overlook. This isolated canyon is simply spectacular: a huge expanse with imposing rocks and natural turrets that stand out against the sky, creating a lunar landscape. The atmosphere was surreal, surrounded only by from the silence and majesty of this natural wonder.
Afterwards, we moved to Factory Butte for breakfast. This giant rock formation, which stands out in the middle of nowhere, is incredibly impressive with its sculpted lines and solitary position.
Here we relaxed and prepared a real champion's breakfast: eggs, bacon and avocado!
Day 4 – Moon Overlook - Arches National Park - 198km / 2.10 hours
Accommodation: In the vicinity of Arches
The morning began with a visit to the majestic Canyonlands. With little time available, we chose to take a spectacular road that descends to the bottom of the canyon: an incredibly exposed and suggestive route, with breathtaking views of this immense expanse of rocks and gorges . Every curve offered seemingly endless views.
After Canyonlands, we moved to Arches National Park. One important thing to know: you need to book your entrance a few days in advance, otherwise you can only access in the afternoon at specific times. We managed to enter in the afternoon and, Having little time, we visited the main spots in a bit of a hurry (Sand Dune Arch, Double Arch, Balanced Rock)
However, we couldn't miss out on a sunset walk to see Delicate Arch, the most famous and iconic in the park. Getting there was challenging, but it was absolutely worth it: admiring it at sunset, with its colors lighting up against the the sky, it was an unforgettable experience.
