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In 2015 summer, my mom visited us in the United States. \u00a0We took the opportunity to go to those national parks in the (mid-)west. \u00a0It’s a nice trip!<\/p>\n
Here’s the overview of the Grand Circle<\/strong> we did:<\/p>\n Day 1. \u00a0We took an early flight\u00a0to Grand Junction<\/em>. \u00a0Had a quick lunch\u00a0at Subway in the airport. \u00a0Picked up the rental car (4wd), and drove to Moab (1h46m). \u00a0Checked into Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn. \u00a0Got takeout from a Sichuan Restaurant. \u00a0Drove to Arches National Park<\/em><\/a> ~4:30 (got a NP annual pass).<\/p>\n Day 2. \u00a0We got up really early to go for the sunrise at Mesa Arch<\/em><\/a> (49m drive). \u00a0Then went back to the hotel to have breakfast. \u00a0Checked out the hotel, and visited Arches NP<\/em> again! \u00a0After some hiking in Devil’s Garden, we left Arches NP, and drove to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park<\/em><\/a>\u00a0(2h44m). \u00a0Stayed in The View Hotel, which gave us stunning views!<\/p>\n Day 3. \u00a0Sun rises behind the monuments. \u00a0We can enjoy sunrise from the balcony. \u00a0However, I still went out to have a better angle. \u00a0 In the morning, we did about 3h hiking around the monuments (wildcat trail, 4 mile). \u00a0After that, we checked out the hotel, and drove the 17 mile scenic drive. \u00a0Driving to Page was about 2h. \u00a0We had dinner at Lake Powell<\/em>.<\/p>\n Day 4. \u00a0A special day – we went to White Pocket<\/em><\/a> (2h57m)! \u00a0Since it’s kind of unplanned, we did not fill the gas. \u00a0So we worried about running out of gas all the day! \u00a0 We even kept the AC off to save gas. \u00a0White pocket is a place that no help can be found. \u00a0We then went to Kanab (2h51m).<\/p>\n Day 5. \u00a0I did the lottery for the Wave, but did not have luck. \u00a0 So we drove back to Page to visit the Antelope Canyon<\/em><\/a>. \u00a0Our tour was around noon, which should give the best light effect in the canyon. \u00a0 After the tour, we went to see Horseshoe Bend<\/em><\/a>. \u00a0 The short trail actually took much longer time due to the hot weather and the sand surface. \u00a0We went back to Kanab.<\/p>\n Day 6. \u00a0Lottery for the Wave, again! \u00a0This time my husband did it, but he did not have luck either. \u00a0 Therefore, we went to Zion NP<\/em> (1h). \u00a0We did a special hike – The Narrows. \u00a0Dinner was Thai food – amazingly tasty! \u00a0We never thought tourist place has so good restaurant.<\/p>\n Day 7. \u00a0Last day of lottery! \u00a0Planned to let my mom do it, but it’s done when my mom just entered the room. \u00a0A group of six got the last six permits! \u00a0What a luck! \u00a0At least we tried. \u00a0Then, we went to Zion again. \u00a0This time we did Angel’s landing. \u00a0 We drove to Bryce Canyon NP<\/em> afterwards. \u00a0Caught the sunset, but the weather was not great. \u00a0However, the starrynight was unbelievable. \u00a0I could, for the first time, photograph the Milky Way and star trails.<\/p>\n