We’ve taken to calling Utah the dusty, beautiful state. No matter how often we sweep, there’s sand in our shoes, our clothes, our ears—and most definitely all over Shaun. But dust aside, traveling through southern Utah has been nothing short of a joy.

It’s a land of towering red rock, deep canyons, and endless skies. With five national parks, numerous state parks, and vast wilderness areas, it’s honestly impossible to choose a favourite. In fact, it’s become a running joke—every time we arrive somewhere new, I declare: “This one’s my favourite!”

After exploring Arches and Moab, we made the short drive to Canyonlands National Park, which felt like stepping into an entirely different world. Unlike the towering cliffs of Zion or the dramatic rock formations of Arches, Canyonlands offers an expansive, open landscape that feels almost infinite. Despite a 30-minute wait at the entrance (only one ranger was on duty), the park itself felt peaceful and uncrowded.

We explored the Island in the Sky district, known for its breathtaking overlooks. With only one campground—just 13 sites—we were incredibly lucky to grab a spot. It was rustic (no services), but quiet and close to the Green River Overlook, which offered one of the most mesmerising sunset views of our trip.

Our first afternoon took us to Mesa Arch, a graceful span perched dramatically above the canyon. It’s a short and accessible walk from the scenic drive, so it’s very popular, but well worth the crowd. A kind fellow traveller offered to take our photo—and we returned the favour, of course.

We also cycled the entire scenic drive, soaking in view after stunning view. One of the most intriguing stops was Upheaval Dome, a massive crater-like formation scientists believe was created by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Its unique geology made for a fascinating walk.

That same day, we visited a granary built by the Ancestral Puebloans around 1200 C.E.—used to store corn, beans, squash, and seeds. It was incredible to glimpse into the everyday lives of people from so long ago.

Unfortunately, I managed to twist my ankle while focusing too much on getting the perfect photo and not enough on watching my step. A day of rest, ice, elevation, and ibuprofen did the trick, and within a few days, I was back hiking again.

After four memorable nights in Canyonlands, we drove to Goblin Valley State Park, where the landscape is pure fantasy. The area is filled with bizarre, mushroom-shaped rock formations—nicknamed goblins—sculpted by wind and water over millions of years from Entrada sandstone. It’s easy to see why this place has been used in science fiction films; it genuinely feels like another planet. We had fun naming the rock shapes and wandering among them.

We found a free campsite just outside the park and thought we’d scored a peaceful night—until a large family group set up nearby. They stayed up late and rose early! Luckily, we were moving on anyway, so it didn’t put too much of a dent in our plans.

Before we left the area, we hiked the gorgeous Little Wild Horse Canyon, a classic Utah slot canyon with twisting passages and glowing red walls.

On the way to our next destination, we stopped in Hanksville for a quick bite—burgers and an American-style milkshake. I opted just for the shake, which was thick enough to be ice cream! While wandering the attached general store (also a gas station), we were reminded again of cultural differences—alongside snacks and souvenirs, they also sold rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. Still a bit of a shock to us!

Our next overnight was one we’d been looking forward to: Moonscape Overlook, a remote viewpoint we discovered through a YouTube vlog by A & K. The 8-mile road in was rough—gravel, washboard, and deep ruts—but oh, was it worth it. We arrived in time to blag a good spot to view the sunset, gazing over a vast, grey-blue landscape that truly lived up to its name. It felt like standing on the surface of the moon.

This spot was extra special because it marked one year since we picked up Shaun—our “Shaunaversary”! We toasted the occasion with a few celebratory drinks (details discreetly omitted!) and woke early for a spectacular sunrise. We weren’t alone—quite a few fellow campers and day trippers had also made the trek arriving early just to catch the dawn light.

After some minor running repairs to Shaun, we set off for Torrey, a small town on the edge of Capitol Reef National Park—our next stop, and yes, probably my next “favourite place.”

Until next time, from the ever-dusty and endlessly stunning Utah…