Just before the coronavirus closed down the world, I took a trip that I didn't imagine I was going to enjoy as much as I did. I know that sounds strange, but let me explain. I had wanted to go to Antelope Canyon in Arizona for quite some time and I always thought it would be sort of a pit stop on the way to somewhere else. I started looking for a way to see this amazing slot canyon and I found Bindlestiff Tours, a company that does small group adventure tours in the western USA. Since I would be travelling solo, I thought this group might be a good idea. They offered a 7 day trip to the southwest that included Antelope Canyon and I thought — why not? I’ll get to see something on my list and I'll see a bit of the rest of the area. Truthfully, most of the destinations had never even been on my radar. Sure, I knew a bit about the Grand Canyon but that wasn't the real draw for me. Nevertheless, I booked the trip and WOW — what an experience.

Bindlestiff Tours does camping style trips. They have options that include motel lodgings as well, but I figured if I was going to the southwest I should be sitting around a campfire at night and sleeping under the stars. What a trip it turned out to be!! We visited Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, Arches National Park, and the Grand Canyon. Here are 7 epic spots in 7 days.

2)   Bryce Canyon was a surreal landscape and hiking down amongst the hoodoos provided an opportunity to see the rock layers up close. There is also a nice walkway along the rim if you're not feeling up to a trip down in - and hiking back out! Park rangers are readily available to answer questions and they are hiking in the canyon as well so are able to help out if needed. I met up with a ranger in the bottom of the canyon and he checked to make sure I had enough water and that I was enjoying myself. Later, I saw him again on the rim of the canyon. Just a great experience for this first real hike of the week.

3)   Monument Valley was nothing short of epic. This is my tent — seriously!

A late afternoon jeep ride along the valley floor with a Navajo guide was a great way to see the massive stone formations up close and hear the history and lore of the area. It was amazing to travel through one of the most iconic landscapes from the old western movies I watched as a kid.

5)   Antelope Canyon was everything I hoped it would be. You definitely need to be able to climb up and down fire escape type stairs easily as that is how you get in and out. The canyon is dramatic and you can almost picture the water rushing through the spaces carving out the sandstone into its distinct sweeping arcs and if the sun is out, as it was the day I went, shafts of light filter down from above and set the colors in the sandstone on fire. It is not possible to enter the canyon without a guide so be sure to make arrangements in advance as it is a very popular place to visit.

6)   I was glad I was able to see Horseshoe Bend but it was a hot climb up the sandy walkway without any shade. Still, it's only a mile hike round trip and there is a shelter along the way and some benches if you need to take a rest on a hot day. And its an impressive drop to the Colorado River below!

AND... last but certainly not least!

7)   The Grand Canyon was, well…it has that name for a reason. It is massive. And epic. And breathtaking. Standing on the rim of the Canyon watching condors soar overhead was a moving experience. A day, a week, a month, is not enough time to experience all this incredible miracle of nature has to offer. Fortunately, the park also has shuttle buses to transport visitors to different vantage points throughout the park. Be sure to stay for sunset if possible -- it is breathtaking. ( But obviously not photographable with the equipment I had at the time!)

If you decide to visit any of these locations, and I sincerely hope you do, please exercise caution. Each of these destinations have been left as natural as possible so that the experience isn’t disturbed by fences and guardrails. Having said that, a woman in my group fell at the Grand Canyon. Her foot slipped as she was getting to a vantage point on the rim and slipped about 15 feet down an incline towards the sheer drop off. She was fine but shaken up. I cannot say enough good about the park rangers and their quick response to assist her to safety. Sadly, we learned that the emergency services are used every day as people sometimes venture beyond what wise and have accidents. In no way should this discourage you! I just want to point out the risks as well as the immense rewards. For those who don't want to venture out on to lookout points, there is a wonderful paved path along the rim of the canyon. I was pleased to see that these spectacular views are made available to all with handicapped accessible walkways. Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon also have great options for those with mobility issues as they also have vantage points or paths that are accessible.

Being from the East coast of the United States the wide open spaces were like nothing I had seen before. The landscapes are stunning and I highly recommend a trip. This post is not sponsored by Bindlestiff Tours but I would recommend them highly. Their tours are structured to give you freedom to explore and independence while you are there. You will definitely not be following your tour guide around as they carry a little flag! We were provided information and maps and then able to meander on our own. Our guide was able to recommend hikes and paths suitable for the abilities of all in the group and he was also able to answer questions about the plants, animals, and rock formations we encountered. Alex clearly loved this part of the country and his passion for it showed. Of the 10 people in my group, 8 were solo travelers so it makes a great option for people traveling on their own as well. I enjoyed the trip so much I just booked my first post corona virus trip with Bindlestiff Tours for later this summer to Yellowstone National Park! What a way to get back out on the road!