ZION NATIONAL PARK
BAJA CALIFORNIA
Zion National Park, Utah This is the route of which dreams (and profile pic- tures) are made, packed with massive sandstone cliffs that are swirled with colour and reach towards what looks like an endless blue sky. It is quite literal- ly the stereotypical image most people have in their brains when referring to the American southwest – even if they have never been to the area. Specifically, the Zion Canyon scenic drive and Zion-Mount Carmel Highway are bucket list drives not just for their wind- ing tarmac but for the otherworldly beautiful scenery which awaits around every single corner. A tunnel presents itself along the Zion-Mount Carmel route, a 1.8-km feature whose construction began in the 1920s. At the time of its dedication on Independence Day in 1930, it was the longest tunnel of its type in the U.S. These days, it’s worth keeping an eye on the height and width of your vehicle, with anything taller than 11’4” and/or wider than 7’10” re- quiring a permit thanks to the tunnel’s unique form. Regular traffic is fine but big motorhomes could be a challenge. Despite this, the tunnel is one of the park’s busiest spots. No permits or reservations are required to simply enjoy the drive through Zion, though there is a park fee which is totally worth it. Open year-round, the prettiest routes generally start on Highway 9 and run to, well, wherever your heart desires. The section from I-15 to Mount Carmel is popular and takes about 90 minutes, cutting through Checkerboard Mesa and past many famous landmarks. This part of the world is actually at the convergence of three major eco- systems – the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin.
Baja California, Mexico This one is not for the faint of heart or ill-prepared – but undertaken properly, a drive of Baja California is likely to be one of the greatest road trips you will ever take. Stretching every bit of 1,600 km from start to finish, this route from Tijuana to Los Cabos is bless- ed with everything from desert vista to oceanside views to alien rock formations. The road itself snakes the spit of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, through laid-back coastal places like Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe deep in Baja’s wine region before hitting traditional celebration spots of La Paz and Cabo. Be mindful the border crossing and, as anywhere you go, be respectful of the locals. Many people consider this jaunt a good weekend trip from the Los Angeles area, though starting in San Diego will obviously save time especially if there are lineups at the border – as is often the case. Make sure your passport, driv- er’s license, and associated paperwork are ready to go before you even leave the house. Download some wayfinding apps on your smartphone and be certain those maps are accessible off-line since cell service can be spotty at best. It always pays to be safe and alert, with daytime driv- ing being preferred, but Baja is no stranger to tourism which makes the effort worthwhile, especially when trekking to a place like Mulege which is a beautiful small town known for its freshwater oasis. With the right planning, this part of the world will enchant with its pristine coastlines, all but infinite camping spots, and easy-going locals. The road to paradise hugs the Pacific Ocean in Baja California. Mi
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