5. Arches National Park, Utah Arches National Park looks like a scene out of a movie. Erosion from millions and millions of years has led to the creation of more than 2,000 arches, each fashioned naturally from sandstone. It is worth noting that environmental change has caused 43 of these arches to fall. Officials warn against getting too close. Still, the sight of these bright, orange structures is well worth the extra caution and you’ll want to plan your trip soon, to catch as many of them as possible in full glory. 6. Mount Robson, British Columbia Mount Robson, the second-oldest park in British Columbia’s park system, is truly one of Canada’s crown jewels. The mountain for which the park is named guards the park’s western entrance. At 3,953 m, Mount Robson – the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies – towers over the lesser surrounding peaks; this is one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains. Just as the early trappers, hunters and explorers felt in awe at the mountain’s magnificence, travellers today experience the same feelings. 7. Sedona, Arizona Renowned for the radiant red sandstone formations surrounding it, Sedona is set in a serene spot. The towering red cliffs are almost other-worldly in a way, and they are definitely worthy of a photo or two. Make sure to check out some of the area’s most popular sightseeing spots while you’re there, such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Coffee Pot Rock. Located in the centre of Arizona, the small city has long been considered a sacred and spiritual place. Many New Age shops, alternative healing and wellness centres can be found around town. 8. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta The unusual landforms of Writing-on-Stone resulted from the dynamic interaction of geology, climate and time. In a dramatic landscape of steep-sided canyons and coulees, sandstone cliffs and eroded sandstone formations called hoodoos, Indigenous peoples created rock art in what is today Southern Alberta. Thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs at more than 138 rock art sites graphically represent the powers of the spirit world that resonate in this sacred landscape and chronicle phases of human history in North America, including when Indigenous peoples first came into contact with Europeans. 9. Black Hills, South Dakota In the early 1800s, 60 million buffalo roamed the plains. Rampant overhunting decimated their ranks and by 1889, fewer than 1,000 remained. Today, their numbers have climbed up to 500,000; Custer State Park manages a healthy herd. Driving the Black Hills, you’ll see the iconic buffalo and other legendary sights including the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, sprawling parks and the town made famous for having no law: Deadwood. 10. Jasper National Park, Alberta Jasper can sometimes be overshadowed by its cousin to the south, Banff, but this park is the definition of wild and scenic. It’s the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, as it has one million-plus more acres than Banff. Jasper is also host to a robust population of wildlife including black and grizzly bears, elk and moose, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats, making it a popular destination for travellers to explore. 11. Santa Fe, New Mexico Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the U.S. and, as such, it has a very colourful history including a historic main plaza that will make you feel as if you’re in an entirely different country. The City Different is renowned for its abundance of unique attractions, a wide array of art galleries, extraordinary museums and magnificent architecture. Not surprisingly, for decades Santa Fe has also been a haven for artists including Georgia O’Keefe. By staying in the downtown area’s historic La Fonda, you can walk to the Plaza to discover handmade jewellery and browse beautiful works of art. 12. Wells Gray, British Columbia Wells Gray is not as highly acclaimed as Mount Robson or the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Having been there, I have no idea why. I mean… this place is awesome! Wells Gray has something to offer every outdoor interest: lush alpine meadows, excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Guiding businesses offer horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, fishing and hiking. Many people head to Wells Gray for the lakes, but there are also more than 40 named waterfalls in the park. Many of these are in remote corners of the park, but eight of them are easy to reach from Clearwater Valley Road. RV Lifestyle Okanagan Valley Mount Robson Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park Wells Gray CSANews | SUMMER 2023 | 23
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