Last year, while buddy reading Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench, my friend said, “You know, I’d really love to see an actual Shakespeare play in person someday.” That’s when the light bulb went off and I suggested the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival that’s held every year. This led to my first road trip. Well, the first one I was at the helm of, anyway.
The festival is held in Cedar City, Utah, which is a lovely place, but there aren’t a ton of things to do while you’re there. We did go walk through downtown, stopped in a bookstore (of course), and ate a lot more food than we probably should have. But we wanted something more. So, it was only inevitable that we’d find something else to squeeze in on the off day we had between plays.
Enter Bryce Canyon National Park. I’m ashamed to admit that, despite living in the southwest United States for 46 years, I’d never visited Bryce Canyon before. (Or the Grand Canyon or Zion or…) However, this trip rectified that big, glaring error in my life.
Bryce Canyon is only an hour and a half from Cedar City, making it a quick and easy day trip there and back again. I am so glad that we decided to make the trek, too. The drive up was easy going and the scenery was amazing. We even saw a deer running up the side of the mountain, a real special treat for someone like me. The wildlife I get to see most are lizards, jackrabbits, and the occasional quail. When that’s your experience, deer are exciting.
The views are spectacular, with the reds and oranges of the rock contrasting with all the green trees. Having spent nearly my entire life in the desert, things like this really impress me. I’d be willing to bet, however, that these views would likely impress anyone. The magnificence is boundless.
Something else that amazed me was the variation in the colors of the rock. Some areas were deep rust while others were more faded shades. Still beautiful no matter how vibrant or not. Nature sure is creative in how she decorates, that much is for certain. Do you see those tall, thin spires jutting up all over? They’re called hoodoos of all things and are created by erosion. They’re fascinating to see in person as they look as if they were hand carved, rather than carved out by wind, rain, and ice.
The only downside to the trip – and I honestly wouldn’t even call it a downside – was that the skies decided to open up on us while we were walking around. Didn’t deter us though, we stood in the downpour and took pictures and marveled. Kind of crazy how much more radiant and beautiful it all was in the rain. But maybe that was just me.
In the end, we hit the gift shop for a nice, warm sweatshirt to change into. That was something else that impressed me – the gift shop. Maybe it’s because it’s run by the National Park Service, but there wasn’t really anything gaudy or cheap in there. They offered a wide range of items, from puzzles and toys to books and clothes and hats. All of it seemingly good quality. Oh, and the reusable tote I bought to carry my swag in gets taken to the grocery store every weekend.
This trip really started something for me. Not only do I want to go back to the Utah Shakespeare Festival soon, but I also want to visit all the National Parks I can. This summer, my friend and I are embarking on yet another road trip. This time to the Petrified Forest, the Grand Canyon, and hopefully down to White Sands in New Mexico as well.
Have you ever been to any of the US National Parks? Or, if you’re living outside the US, is there anything similar in your country? There’s something so calming and peaceful about being surrounded by nature like this. Tell me where you think I should go next!
I am a huge advocate of our National Parks Service. They take such great care in preserving and teaching in regards to things that absolutely are not reparable. Go see them! Go see them all!
I couldn’t agree more! And that’s 100% my plan – to see as many as humanly possible.
Yes, my parents took us to a lot of them when I was growing up. I loved watching Old Faithful erupt at Yellowstone.
That’s fantastic! My dad wasn’t a vacation person and mom preferred to visit her family on the rare times we did take a trip. So, I’m making up for it now.
We have some wonderful National Parks in NZ! Hope to show some of the off to my overseas friends in 2026! We even have a town called National Park, which is ridiculously unoriginal, but they are changing it to the Maori name soon, which is Waimarino, which means “calming waters”. The Europeans who came here originally had some really silly ideas about naming things! North Island and South Island anyone! Lol. Now that we have become much more culturally aware, we are using so many more Maori place-names (either in tandem or instead) and it’s so nice to see as they have so much more meaning! Anyway, Waimarino is near to Tongariro Nat. Park in the middle of Te Iki-a-Maui (North Island) with three volcanoes – one of which is still active – with some wonderful lakes and forested areas there too. We have 10 impressive & beautiful parks in Te Waipounamu (South Island), and another 2 in Te Ika-a-Maui, so plenty to explore! I haven’t seen them all, but have been to a few and hope to see the others before too long!
I bet your parks in New Zealand are amazing! I got a good laugh out of the English naming things. Americans aren’t all that much better, honestly. It’s also fantastic that the Maori names are getting more recognition. It’s important to honor culture.
One of the things I will always be thankful about my dad is every year we did a long road trip. We saw so many National Parks and so much of America’s gorgeous wilderness. I didn’t understand how much work they were until I tried planning them as an adult.
I love the pictures. I’m glad you got to see such an awesome park. Arches National part would also be a great one to visit.
I’m telling you – the trip to Bryce was a bit spur of the moment, but the trip we’re planning for this summer has been crazy. We keep changing our minds. Might just wander through Arizona for a week. Hahaha.
Arches National Park is definitely on the list for the future! Also, I love that your dad was so dedicated to getting you guys to go out and adventure.
I think I’ve read about Bryce Canyon via Ed Abbey. Looks pretty! The Grand Canyon is absolutely worth going to, though I’d go in the off-season and early/late in the day when it’s not SATURATED with people.
Bryce Canyon was amazing and a nice little trip. Unfortunately, I’m stuck going during the height of summer since it’s when my friend will be here, but I get it. It’s a huge draw for people. But thank you!