For Lindsay Gilliland and Debby Myers, both residents of Highland Meadows, a planned adventure to hike the Grand Canyon took an unexpected detour—but the journey turned out to be just as thrilling and rewarding. The duo, friends, and coworkers at First American Title were joined by Julie Constance, a co-worker at First American Title, and Jessica Joles, a Realtor® friend. They embarked on a six-day road trip through some of the Southwest's most breathtaking national parks, with the primary focus being hiking in Moab, Antelope Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon. Five days packed with adventure, laughter, and breathtaking scenery will be lasting memories.

 

The original plan was to hike the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, a challenging and awe-inspiring trek. However, the group had to postpone the trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, they explored some of the region’s other famous landmarks. This change didn’t dampen their spirits in the least. As Debby puts it, “We may have had to swap out the Grand Canyon, but the national parks we visited offered us incredible hikes and gave us more opportunities to train for the Canyon in 2025.”

 

The road trip in Julie’s car started over Labor Day weekend, 2024, when the weather was warm but still manageable for outdoor activities. While some parks were busy, it was a great time to travel. The group’s six days on the road allowed them to visit multiple locations, and they stayed in four different hotels along the way in Moab, Antelope Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.

Their journey began in Moab, Utah, where the group explored the stunning Arches National Park. Known for its iconic sandstone arches, Moab offered the perfect beginning to their hiking adventure. One of the highlights was taking a jeep tour through the rugged terrain, with Jessica as their fearless driver.

 

The next stop was Antelope Canyon, famous for its winding passageways and vibrant, sculpted walls. The otherworldly beauty of this desert landscape left them speechless. They spent time soaking in the surreal beauty of the canyon, snapping photos, and exploring the iconic slot canyons.

 

The group continued their journey to Zion National Park, home to some of the most popular and challenging hikes in the U.S. Among these, The Narrows and Angel’s Landing were must-do hikes. Zion's narrow, winding trails offered intense climbs, jaw-dropping vistas, and a true sense of accomplishment. Lindsay commented, “The views were worth every step."

 

Their final destination was Bryce Canyon, known for its unique hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock). The colorful rock formations were unlike anything they had seen before, and the group took full advantage of the serene surroundings.

 

Despite changing their original plans, the group had no shortage of memorable moments. From hilarious road trip banter to unexpected hiking challenges, the trip was full of surprises. While the Grand Canyon may have been out of reach for now, the experiences at each park more than made up for it.

 

“The scenery was breathtaking, the food was delicious, and we shared so many belly laughs along the way,” Debby recalls. “Even though we missed out on one big goal, we achieved so much more as a group. It was the perfect reminder of the importance of having fun, laughing, and enjoying the journey, not just the destination.”

 

Would the group go back? Absolutely. "We’d love to go back to explore more hikes and see even more of the amazing terrain," Lindsay says. The group recommends that anyone visiting the national parks take their time appreciating the views and the fresh air. “The pictures could never do it justice,” says Debby. “You have to see it in person to truly understand the beauty of these places.”

 

Their advice for anyone planning a visit is simple: "Take your time, enjoy the views, breathe in the fresh air, and do all the hikes you can. There’s so much to see and do!"

 

Looking ahead to 2025, the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike is back on the books for the group. But no matter what destination they choose next, this unforgettable road trip will remain one of their most cherished memories, a perfect reminder that even when plans change, the adventure is what you make of it.