It’s the classic Southwestern loop through national parks and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area that can run 1,000 to 2,000 miles and hit up to five states, with the route running through some of the most scenic portions of each. Traditionally the parks have included the Grand Canyon in Arizona; Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park in Utah; and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, but if time permits, worthy additions include Colorado’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, New Mexico’s Pecos National Historical Park and Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Arizona’s Petrified Forest and even Nevada’s Great Basin. In case that’s not enough, along the way, plenty of national forests, monuments, state parks and designated wilderness areas tempt with further recreational goodies.
The route most traveled: When you look at a map, generally the trip looks more like a big horizontal oval. Leaving from Denver, you can either head south on Interstate 25 and start with Mesa Verde or go west on Interstate 70 and begin with Arches or Canyonlands. From there, it’s a matter of so many choice stops, so little time.
Off the beaten path: Some people foolishly leave Capitol Reef off their itinerary, but it’s often one of the least-crowded parks on the tour. Designated in 1971, the park features the cooling Fremont River, slot canyons carved out of the rust-brushed, varnish-striped cliffs, domes and other fascinating formations lining the Waterpocket Fold, which also clasps a lush verdant valley in its red rock shell.
The kitschy-kitschy coup: If you happen to be in Capitol Reef in July, the coolest thing to do is swing by the Bicknell International Film Festival, which celebrates “Better Living Through Bad Cinema.” The 17th annual BIFF is July 22-23 and, as always, has a theme: This time, it’s “Superheroes,” and the announced films so far are the 1966 “Batman” and the 1980 “Flash Gordon.” In addition to cheesy movies, the festivities include a killer mutton-and- taters meal served by local firefighters, the “world’s fastest parade” and dinner and dancing with a live band at the best area restaurant, Cafe Diablo (599 W. Main St., 435-425- 3070, ). Cost is $60 for adults, $30 for kids, all-inclusive; visit .
Refuel on road food at: The Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon (1212 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, 435-772-3498, ), which sits at the entrance to Zion. The rustic eatery serves creative upscale Mexican fare, with an emphasis on local and organic when possible. Well-executed options: the stuffed jalapeños (they bite back), the grilled salmon (glazed with balsamic brown butter) and the almond-flavored house margarita with Almendrado tequila (an acquired taste).
Sweet dreams: The Far View Lodge at Mesa Verde (800-449-2288, ) is aptly named, as the casual, Southwestern-style rooms do indeed feature wonderful vistas from their balconies, and you get a pair of binoculars to borrow for your stay. Dining in the Metate Room is also a treat. Rates start at $107 per night.
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