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The US Southwest is noted for several types of outstanding scenery, including the greenery and snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the stark beauty of saguaro-covered Arizona hillsides. Another visual treat awaiting your discovery in the Southwest are the hills of wind and water-carved red rocks…looking, at times, as if they’ve been crafted by a master sculptor’s hand.

Though you can find examples of Western red rock beauty in a number of places, one road trip in particular will take you past a number of renowned sites. The route claiming such a distinction is US Highway 191 in southeastern Utah.

This “Red Rock Roadtrip” begins in Moab, Utah, near the junction of US 191 and Interstate 70. (”Moab” is pronounced with 2 syllables: MO-ab.) Unbeknownst to many, Moab is a hub of activity, well-known especially to young adults who love “slick rock” bike trails, and to all sorts of folks who love jeep touring in desert back-country.

Red rock lovers should head straightaway to Arches National Park. At Arches, you can see example after example of red rock erosion in its finest, artistic glory. For those physically capable, I’d highly recommend taking the strenuous hike to Delicate Arch. If you’re like me, you’ll discover that beholding the very famous–and very beautiful–Delicate Arch “in person” is one of the highlight experiences within the entire US National Park system.

For those who can’t undertake a mountainous hike, don’t worry! There are internal roadways throughout Arches National Park leading past other handsome formations that you’ll be sure to enjoy. You’ll want to plan to spend time in the park’s visitor’s center, as well. There, you’ll find interpretive exhibits telling you the story of how the lovely rock features were formed over vast eons of time. The information you’ll learn at the Arches National Park visitors center (or via live ranger programs) will serve as a background for viewing the other red rock formations along the rest of your road trip…where no formal guides or educational displays are available.

While staying in Moab, you’ll want to take a scenic drive along Utah Hwy 128, which heads eastward out of town. On your scenic drive, you’ll drive lengthwise along a narrow canyon with the wide, muddy Colorado River running through it. Tall rosy-colored cliffs line both sides of this scenic riverway. I would suggest that you take this drive in the late afternoon…preferably after 3 pm…because at that time of day, the rays of the sun bring out the red colors of the canyon’s walls to their fullest. I’d also suggest that you take a camera! In trying to capture the “best shots” of the cliffs, you’ll actually SEE the rocks better. You’ll study them and observe them more closely than you ever would otherwise.

Another way to see the canyon is by taking a raft ride down the Colorado River. This is what I’d term a “beginners” raft ride, for there aren’t any white-water rapids along this stretch of the Colorado. Children and senior citizens can enjoy this trip; for kids, it would make a good “first raft ride” experience.

From Moab, you’ll head southwards along US 191, motoring towards Arizona. No need to rush—there are sights to see along the way! Not long after leaving Moab, you’ll find an attraction of a different kind—a kitschy souvenir area left over from the days of yore. Welcome to “Hole in the Rock.” Here, nestled in a shallow cave of red stone, you’ll find a souvenir complex dating from the same time period in which Route 66 experienced its glory years. For today’s youngsters, Hole in the Rock is a learning experience about “grandma’s day.” Attractions such as this one dotted the West when cross-country automobile vacations were the “brand new thing.” A visit to Hole in the Rock can be a fun way to remember the not-too-distant past. And, you’ll get to see a display of quirky souvenir keychains. mugs and thimbles while you’re at it!

Continuing south along US 191, you’ll reach a turn-off that leads westward a short distance to “Newspaper Rock.” Newspaper Rock is covered with Native American symbols from long ago. If I had to choose only ONE place to view Native American glyphs, I’d pick Newspaper Rock. Why? Because the rock is big and it’s paintings are clear. If you’ve been wanting to see Native American glyphs in their natural setting, you’ll want to add a side-trip to Newspaper Rock.

You’ll reach two more turn-offs that I’d like to mention (as you continue down US 191.) The first is Utah Hwy 95, which leads to Natural Bridges National Monument. Just as its name suggests, you’ll find several rock bridge formations that were slowly carved by nature. The other turn-off is towards Hovenweep National Monument, home to Native American ruins. (Hovenweep is a multi-location site; which turn-off you’d take depends on which site you’d be visiting.)

Your next red rock treat will loom up before you at Mexican Hat, Utah. The town, Mexican Hat, is named after its stellar attraction, a rock shaped like a large Mexican-style sombrero. This feature is seen against the backdrop of a tall, miles-long red-orange cliff. Definitely try to view the Mexican Hat in the hours just before sunset. If you do, you’ll view the “reddest red rock” that you may ever see!

In order to view Mexican Hat, you must leave US 191 (at Bluff, Utah) and head still southwards along US Highway 163. After passing Mexican Hat, continue southward towards Arizona on US 163…and you’ll end your Red Rock Road Trip with one of the USA’s “must-see” sights—Arizona’s Monument Valley. You’ll view formation after formation of intricately carved spires. Monument Valley will make an unforgetable ending to an unforgetable trip!

When Monument Valley ends, you’ll be at the Navajo Reservation town of Kayenta, Arizona. Plan to be hungry! You should stop in at the Burger King, where a most interesting display about the Navajo “Wind Talkers” of World War 2 is showcased. And where should you go from Kayenta? You’re poised to head on to that super-wonder of them all—the Grand Canyon!

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