I recently completed a three-week road trip through Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, and overall it was an incredible experience, though more hectic than expected. Sharing some key takeaways for anyone planning a similar trip.
One major realization was that driving times are often longer than they appear on mapping apps. What looks like a 4-hour drive can easily stretch to 6 hours due to frequent stops at scenic viewpoints, which are hard to resist along the way. Planning extra time between destinations like Moab and the Grand Canyon is essential.
Camping required much more advance planning than anticipated. Attempting to find campsites without reservations resulted in being turned away, even at multiple locations. Popular destinations such as Zion tend to fill up weeks or even months in advance, so booking early is important.
Fuel availability can also be a concern in more remote areas. Distances between gas stations in parts of New Mexico and Utah are significant, and careful planning of refueling stops is necessary to avoid running low in isolated stretches.
On a positive note, small-town diners stood out as highlights, often surpassing food quality found in larger cities. Regional specialties, particularly green chile dishes in New Mexico, were especially memorable.
From a practical standpoint, having multiple payment methods proved useful after one card was flagged for unusual activity, which could otherwise disrupt travel plans.
Finally, the night skies in southern Utah were a standout experience, offering exceptional visibility and stargazing conditions that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Overall, the trip was highly rewarding but required careful logistical planning to manage distances, accommodations, and resources effectively.
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