Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Day 3 of our Utah journey greeted us with a stunning morning, the lake shimmering under the golden sunlight as paddleboarders glided across its surface. While I couldn’t resist the allure of paddleboarding, our packed itinerary beckoned us onward, with miles to cover and sights to behold. Bill seized the opportunity for a bit of fishing before we embarked on our day’s adventure.

Our destination: Cottonwood Canyon Road, a scenic unpaved route winding through the vast expanse of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. What initially appears as miles of sagebrush-dotted terrain soon reveals itself as a gateway to breathtaking natural wonders.

With a carefully curated playlist as our soundtrack, we rolled down the windows and embraced the 47 miles of adventure stretching before us. Along the way, Cottonwood Wash Narrows and Grosvenor Arch awaited, each promising to leave an indelible impression on our journey.

The drive was a sensory delight, with the mid-70s temperature offering the perfect backdrop for our exploration. Our dogs, experiencing their first canyon hike, proved to be intrepid companions, navigating the trail with boundless enthusiasm. Cottonwood Wash Narrows greeted us with its cool canyon walls and fascinating rock formations, while our furry friends reveled in the adventure. The trail was full of beauty, twists, and turns that took us by surprise.

As we ventured north along the road, Grosvenor Arch emerged as a breathtaking spectacle, its towering sandstone arches reaching skyward. Standing in awe of the arch’s sheer magnitude, we marveled at its beauty and grandeur, a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature.

Arriving at our campsite in Kodachrome Basin State Park, we were greeted by Lennon’s exuberant antics, his joyous romp in the dirt a reminder of the simple pleasures of life on the road. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered around the crackling fire, the night sky ablaze with a myriad of stars.

With the dogs snoozing contentedly by our side, we reflected on the day’s adventures, grateful for the opportunity to witness the raw beauty of Utah’s landscapes. As we drifted off to sleep, the memory of Cottonwood Canyon Road and Grosvenor Arch lingered, a testament to the wonders that await those who venture off the beaten path.