I went on a really quick 48 hour southwest road trip through Nevada, Arizona and Utah. As with all my trips, they aren’t really true vacations because the intent is to get content for my blog and social media. Regardless, they are always fun, whirlwind trips and I end up making lots of memories. This trip was definitely a good one that I won’t ever forget.
My friend Joel Schat came along with me and helped to document the trip. His photos and video are always amazing and I am so lucky to have a friend that is so crazy talented. Follow him on Instagram.
Las Vegas Night Helicopter
We flew into Las Vegas on Friday afternoon, rented a Jeep (thanks, Avis!), checked into our hotel and then headed out to catch a doors off heli flight with FlyNYON to see the Vegas lights. If you follow my blog you will recall that I went on a flight with them over New York City just a few weeks prior to this flight. I am addicted!! 🙂
You can see the footage from the flight in my Southwest Road Trip vlog, and it was so impressive to see all those lights from that perspective.
Antelope Canyon
The next morning we left early to make the 4 plus hour drive to Antelope Canyon. It is best to get there mid day for the tours so the light is streaming into the slot canyon. We went on the lower canyon tour, but there are also upper canyon tours. Definitely book your tour as soon as you plan your trip because in peak season they fill up quickly. You can’t go into Antelope Canyon without a tour guide.
Just a PSA about time zones which really confused us…there are areas in Arizona that don’t observe daylight savings time. So when driving to Antelope Canyon you need to go through Utah, which does have daylight savings time. It seemed to confuse Google maps, too lol.
I had actually planned to go to Antelope Canyon on my last trip to Arizona, but the canyon was closed due rainfall. I am glad I made it this time because it was so beautiful.
This trip the weather was sooooo hot. Literally 105 to 115 degrees out. This Canadian girls isn’t used to that kind of heat! The struggle was real!
We loved the Jeep that we rented. It was way too hot to take the top fully off…maybe next trip.
You can see other southwest road trip blog posts about trips to this area at:
Horseshoe Bend
After Antelope Canyon we drove to Horseshoe Bend for sunset. Once again, I had made it to Horseshoe Bend on my last trip but it was overcast but this time it was perfect.
The sunset was spectacular and I think these photos are my most favourite photos ever!
It was at Horseshoe Bend that I felt I was going to pass out from the heat. Way too hot for me.
My Southwest Road Trip Vlog
You can watch my Southwest Road Trip vlog below or on YouTube for better quality.
Bryce Canyon
Next stop on this southwest road trip was Bryce Canyon in Utah. After taking photos at sunset at Horseshoe Bend we drove through the night to get to Bryce Canyon to shoot star and sunrise photos. Sometimes when you only have a few days you need to skip some sleep to get the good shots. Joel and I took star photos on a trip earlier in the year to Oregon and I always love star photos! So crazy to see so many stars.
It turns out that Bryce Canyon is insanely beautiful, and I wish we had dedicated more time to spend there. I would love to spend a few days visiting Bryce Canyon on another trip to hike.
We rested for a tiny bit in the parking lot (lol) and then were up for sunset. This was my first trip to Bryce Canyon and it was so unique. It is amazing how a few hours drive can take you to such a different landscape.
Last Stop in the Southwest Road Trip
Next stop on our southwest road trip was back to Vegas to catch our flight home…which ended up being delayed several hours. Ugh…I hate that and it wasn’t how I wanted to end this trip. We didn’t get home until early the next morning and then I had to leave that day for a trip to San Francisco. I was sooo tired.
As I write this I am somewhat ashamed to say that it has been a month since this trip and my suitcase is still sitting in the basement waiting to be unpacked. I really need to get that done!
Thanks for always reading my blog! I love all your support and encouragement. Do you have any southwest road trip stops that I should add to my next trip?
This southwest road trip blog post is brought you in collaboration with FlyNYON. I appreciate it that you support the brands that support me.
This is so amazing! I grew up in Utah for these photos of Bryce Canyon are awesome to me! I can’t believe you are sitting at the edge! Fantastic post!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
OMG Bella!! These pics are UNREAL, so stunning!
xx Mollie
These pictures are so amazing!! What incredible experiences in just 48 hours!
xo, Laura
http://www.have-need-want.com
These photos are beyond incredible!!! Such an amazing adventure and I loved that you captured so many incredible moments!
This is amazing! It doesn’t even look real! I want to go here–your photos are unbelievable 🙂
x
Missy
http://popofstyle.com
Gorgeous photos! I love this area so much 🙂
Bella, these photos are stunning! What a fun road trip!
What an awesome trip! I’d love to see Antelope Canyon!
This looks like an amazing trip! Your photos are so stunning!
These photos are beautiful!!
~Adriana
http://www.leopardmartini.com
Such gorgeous photos Bella!! My boyfriend and I are trying to plan a road trip like that for the end of summer
OMG these pictures! SO incredible! I love the nighttime shots with the stars!
These pictures are absolutely AMAZING – probably my favorites that I’ve seen on your blog haha. So glad you had fun, and it definitely gave me a few picture ideas when I finally make it out there!
These photos are STUNNING! I am obsessed with the Antelope Canyon shots and the one of you “leading” him to Horseshoe Bend…and the star shots. Okay all of them!
xoxo, SS
Southern and Style
GIRL!!!! You are always my travel inspo! I would never have guessed you did all this in only 48 hours! You certainly know how to make the most of everything! Beautiful composition!
I’m in love with your photos with the stars! They are so pretty!
These photos are absolutely stunning!!! I want to go here sooo bad someday!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Breathtaking and beautiful. All of your pictures are my favorite. You are my travel inspiration girl!
xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com
Wow these photos are magical and you are so brave! Love your fearless attitude!
xoxo, Candice
http://www.candicenikeia.com
Wow, you got such AMAZING photos!! I’m hoping to go to Antelope Canyon in December- I can’t wait!
your pictures are gorgeous girl!
This looks like quite the trip, girl!
Tori || Victori Media
https://www.victorimedia.com
This looks like so much fun! I went on a rafting trip in Glen Canyon and went around Horseshoe Bend but I’ve never seen it from the top. I would like to do that some day!
Bella how do you always have such incredible photos!?! You are seriously gorgeous. This looks like such a fun trip too!
xo
Sami
The Classic Brunette
These pictures are so beautiful! Sounds like a fun trip xx
What amazing photos! I suddenly want to travel back to Arizona again now.
Jennifer Ashley // http://www.prettylittledetails.com
Beautiful photos you have here!