Today was an incredible day. I woke up early and hit the road from Ely, Nevada, hoping to get ahead of some potential snow showers. The morning drive along Route 50 was spectacular, passing by Great Basin National Park with its towering, snow-capped peaks. The mountains continued to frame the drive as I wove through valleys, each turn revealing another breathtaking view. Eventually, I picked up Route 70, and what followed was one of the most stunning stretches of road I’ve ever driven.
I started the day at 7,500 feet of elevation and ended at 5,000 feet, with much of that descent happening through the San Rafael Swell. The landscape shifted from high-altitude mountain terrain to the dramatic, rugged canyons of southern Utah. It was the kind of drive that keeps you in a state of awe, where you find yourself pulling over just to take it all in.
As I made my way toward Moab, I finished listening to East of Eden, and once again, I found myself in tears as Adam breathed his final words to his son, Caleb: Timshel. What a beautiful book—especially to experience while traveling alone. The themes of choice, redemption, and the human spirit resonated deeply, making the journey feel even more profound.
Instead of heading straight to my campsite, I went directly into Arches National Park. I hiked the Delicate Arch Trail, a three-mile out-and-back that rewarded me with one of the most iconic views in the country. Not ready to call it a day, I drove further into the park and tackled another four-mile hike, surrounded by towering red rock formations and endless desert sky.
For all of America’s flaws, I hope we can all agree that our National Parks are one thing we’ve done incredibly well. I’ve traveled a lot, but today may rank as one of the best travel days of my life. For someone who doesn’t spend much time alone, the solitude made the experience even more contemplative.
