U.S Route 89 is the ultimate road trip. It is one of the most scenic highway and a great American Road Trip. The U.S 89 begins at Arizona, north of the Mexican border and passing over The Grand Canyon, The Colorado River and the Glen Canyon Dam to reach Utah. This highway has two sections. The northern section covers a distance of about 404 miles and the southern section (which passes through the famous Yellow Stone National Park) runs for about 848 miles. It is also called The National Park Highway with seven national parks along the way.
My husband and I agreed to take this trip and I was amazed since day one. We started in Ash Fork, Arizona and ended all the way in Sedona, a few days later. After a short stop in Flagstaff for some shopping, we proceeded to the Cameron Trading Post where we spent the night. On our way, we passed by the painted dessert. The view was lovelier than you can ever imagine. Everything about the desert is beautiful. As if the desert colors weren’t enough to amaze me, the sun kept me in awe. I realized that sunrise in the dessert is as equally beautiful as its sunset.
After an overnight stay at the Cameron Trading Post Hotel, we drove towards Kanab, Utah. I was once again in awe of the varied and rustic landscape of Arizona. The red and white mountains and chocolate colored hills were splendid and stunningly beautiful. The U.S route 89 is a journey any backpacker or adventurist should take. It gives you a complete road trip experience and in the end you are left craving for more. This trip takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S as well as geographical wonders like The Grand Canyon and the Yellow Stone National Park. It is a perfect road to find peace and thrill.
The Marble Canyon is the mini version of the Grand Canyon. Situated in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, the Marble Canyon provides a breath taking view. About a hundred or so miles away from Cameron Trading Post, we crossed the Navajo Bridge, which was built it 1927. Beneath it is the Colorado River which traverses through the Marble Canyon all the way to the Grand Canyon.
Nearby stand the wall of the Vermilion Cliffs. The Vermilion Cliffs are considered to be the second step in what forms the Grand Staircase in the Colorado Plateau. They are in the physiographic High Plateaus Section and Canyon Lands Section of the Colorado Plateau Province. The red colored or Vermilion hills provide a different hue to the journey and you cannot take your eyes off the gorgeous landscape of this place. In spring, this area is covered with beautiful spring flowers.
On top of the Vermillion Cliffs, sits a nice plateau that offers a panoramic vista of red and white mountains from a distance. In 1996, condor viewing was introduced here since the California condors frequent the place. John and I didn't see them during our visit but the view was more than enough reason to enjoy the place. Moving on, the landscape has changed once again. From red colored hills to white ones. Splattered with green bushes and colorful trees, they look different but still so pretty.
The hubby and I found ourselves at Kaibab National Forest, right before entering the State of Utah. The place borders both the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon. In fact, the Grand Canyon divides this place into two zones. Filled with wildlife and greenery, this place is a refreshing experience. The view of the Canyon and the lush green forests is something you will always remember and cherish. But, most of all the peace and quiet is something that I will always love about this place. We ended our trip at Utah.
