Rainbow Bridge National Monument sits within Lake Powell on the Utah side, and although is one of the largest natural bridges in the world, this national monument is one of the smallest managed by the National Park Service. Rainbow Bridge itself stands 290 ft tall from the base to the top of the arch, and is 275 ft across, making it nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
Hiking to Havasu Falls is not your typical day hike - it requires a 10 mile trek through the desert, a large canyon, and finally through the small village of Supai, AZ. The people of Supai are apart of the Havasupai tribe, which is an American Indian tribe that has lived in this area of the canyon for the past 800 years. Havasu means "blue-green water", and pai means "people". Havasu Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in the world due to its paradise-like location.
Getting a permit to Havasupai Falls is the first step in your adventure to the beautiful, turquoise falls, but how do you get one? And how far in advance? What about group size? These are all questions I hear all the time when it comes to wanting to travel to Havasu & Mooney Falls. I'll fill you in on some secrets, tips, and the know-how so you can have the best waterfall adventure yet!
Today's Guest Post is brought to you by Mitch Stevens, the founder and lead guide of Southwest Discoveries.
These trips of a lifetime will challenge you physically and engross you spiritually, leaving an unforgettable and enduring impression of the richest wild places on the planet. The southwest contains literally thousands of amazing hikes. Therefore, we decided to separate the wheat from the chaff and give you the absolute cream of the crop. We rounded up 7 of the grandest adventures in the southwest, treks we have experienced firsthand.
While Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail and Ribbon Falls in Grand Canyon National Park, I was amazed at all the beautiful flowers appearing for Spring along the canyon. Bright pinks, purples, lavender, and yellow flowers appeared everywhere! I couldn't help but stop and take a photo of each type of flower I came across.
Hiking to Ribbon Falls from Bright Angel Campground – Grand Canyon Backpacking
On Day 2 of our Grand Canyon backpacking trip, we woke up at 5 a.m. to begin our day hike to Ribbon Falls, located about 6 miles from Bright Angel Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. Despite the steady rain all day, the conditions made Ribbon Falls even more stunning, with mist and flowing water enhancing the dramatic scenery.
Ribbon Falls stands approximately 140 feet tall and features a unique travertine spire formed by mineral-rich water over time. Water flows down into two distinct pools—one at the base and another about halfway up the formation, roughly 50 feet above ground. While swimming is allowed here, the chilly 45°F temperatures and constant rain made that a no-go for us!
You can hike beneath and around the waterfall, offering an incredible up-close view. Although reaching Ribbon Falls requires careful planning and a valid Grand Canyon backcountry permit, the 2.5-hour hike from Bright Angel Campground is absolutely worth it.
Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) had been one of my top bucket list goals for years. I first visited the Grand Canyon about six years ago, but I wasn’t able to hike below the rim because I had my dog with me (note: dogs are not allowed below the rim). While I could enjoy the scenic overlooks, I never got a true sense of just how deep, wide, and awe-inspiring the canyon really is. I knew I had to return—this time, to explore it from within.
Visiting Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – Scenic Drive & Wildcat Trail Hike
Our Day Trip from Goosenecks State Park
On our first full day exploring Southeastern Utah, we crossed the state line into Arizona to visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. From our base camp at Goosenecks State Park, the drive took just 45 minutes—an easy and scenic route.
When planning our trip, we initially considered taking a guided tour. However, due to budget constraints, we looked into self-guided options instead. It’s important to note that Monument Valley regulations prohibit visitors from leaving their vehicles on the scenic drive to hike around iconic formations like the Mittens—unless accompanied by a Navajo guide or holding a permit..
Thankfully, we discovered that one trail is open to the public without a guide: the Wildcat Trail, a must-do if you're exploring the area on a budget or prefer hiking at your own pace.