Leaving Montrose, we decided to take the long way around to Durango, trading a direct route for one that promised red rock, desert drama, and a touch of adventure. Our detour through Moab, Utah turned out to be exactly what we needed — and allowed us to explore what we missed when our May visit was cut short..

We booked a few nights at Utahraptor State Park, Utah’s newest campground and a great base for revisiting Canyonlands National Park. It’s hard to ever tire of this landscape — the layers of stone, the endless horizon, and the feeling that you’re standing inside the world’s most beautiful painting.

One evening, we drove up to Dead Horse Point State Park to catch the sunset, and it did not disappoint. The view was pure magic — fiery skies reflected on the canyon below as photographers, engagement couples, and bridal shoots all tried to capture the moment. It’s easy to see why — the light here makes everything glow.

Back in Canyonlands, we took a couple short but stunning hikes — Mesa Arch and Grand View Point — both offering incredible perspectives without long treks in the desert heat.

But the real surprise came the next day when we took the La Sal Mountain Scenic Loop Drive. It quickly became Laurie’s highlight of the trip — a refreshing change from the desert. The road wound through aspen trees and mountain meadows, leading us to a hidden alpine lake that felt like a secret world far above the red rocks below. Going a bit off-road to reach it just added to the fun.

By the end of our stay, the desert heat had us ready for higher elevations and cooler air. So we hit the road once again — this time bound for Durango, Colorado, where mountain breezes and new adventures awaited.