Welcome And Summer Road Trips

Speaker 0:00

Hi, and welcome to the Zee Michelson Travel Podcast, a ZMax Travel Radio production presented by Collage Travel Media Network. This is your space for inspiration and confidence-building while traveling, and along with a little bit of luxury. So whether you're traveling across the world or simply dreaming about your next adventure, we hope you enjoy the show. Of course, I am Zee Michelson. I'm a travel advisor, a media host, and an advocate for all those who love to travel and who refuse to wait to see the world. But on today's show, we are gonna be talking a little bit about rediscovering America. It's our own backyard, and it is the summertime of 2026, and road trips are starting So first I'd like to thank you for joining me today, and we are gonna be talking about national parks in Utah and Colorado. And honestly, there has never been a better time to rediscover the beauty that exists right here in our own backyards. Now, over the past few years, travelers have shifted the way they explore the world. More people are looking for meaning instead of speed, experiences instead of checklists, and connections instead of crowds. Now, I know we are talking summer, and sometimes these parks can be a little crowded in the summertime. But it's still a great experience, and nowhere do you feel that more powerfully than inside America's national parks. So there are so many national parks in the United States, and they're all beautiful and breathtaking. Today we're gonna head into the dramatic red rock deserts of Utah, and then climbing into majestic alpine beauty of Colorado So today we're gonna be talking about the best parks to visit during the summer, luxury and adventure travel options, scenic drives, hidden moments that travelers remember forever. Here's a biggie that everybody needs to know: what to pack best photography spots, wellness and solo travel opportunities, as you know, I've been doing a series on solo travel, family adventures, romantic escapes, and why these destinations reconnect us to something we may have forgotten. Okay.

Why National Parks Are Booming

Speaker 2:42

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's rediscover America together Okay, so why are the national parks booming again? Hmm. There's something really emotional happening in travel right now. People are craving open space. They want fresh air. They want silence. They want mountains. They wanna see the stars at night. And the national parks are delivering exactly that, particularly in summer. When you stand beneath towering canyon walls in Utah or breathe in the cool pine air of Colorado, life just slows down in the best way possible. Travelers are no longer asking, "What can I see quickly?" They're asking, "How do I wanna feel?" And the American West delivers feelings you simply cannot manufacture: freedom, perspective, adventure, peace I remember traveling one time with a friend of mine. We were actually in Arizona, and we climbed on top of a bluff. We had to climb up to the top of the bluff, and we just sat there enjoying the view and enjoying the day. Now, these places, the beauty of exploring Utah and Colorado together is quite the contrast, and that's why I picked these two different states. We'll be talking more about rediscovering Americas on future episodes, but I wanted to get these two in utah gives you red rock deserts, sandstone arches, slot canyons And otherworldly landscapes. Now Colorado, on the other hand, gives you snow-capped mountains, wildflower meadows, crystal lakes, alpine villages. I remember being in Colorado, driving through Colorado, and I loved to see all the wild animals. I actually seen wild horses. I thought that was very exciting. Now together, it becomes one of the most incredible summer road trip combinations in North America. And the best part? You don't need a passport to feel like you've traveled to another world.

Utah’s Mighty 5 Highlights

Speaker 5:09

Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks. Hmm, they got five national parks. So we're gonna begin in Utah today. Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks are legendary among travelers, and first is Arches National Park. Now, I've spoken about Utah and their parks many times before in podcasts years ago, but I wanted to remind everybody, America the Beautiful, and rediscovering it is fabulous. Now, in the Arches National Park, this place feels almost unreal. You have massive red rock formations that rise from the desert floor like sculptures carved by another planet. The most famous landmark is Delicate Arch, and seeing it at sunset is unforgettable, and summer mornings here are completely magical. Get up early. Beat the heat, because yes, we're talking summer, and we're talking desert, and we're talking hot. So beat the heat. Watch the sun ignite the red sandstone. It's peaceful, quiet, even spiritual. Now, if you're a photographer, this park is heaven, and for solo travelers, it's very empowering, and for couples, it's incredibly romantic. But what about families? It feels like walking through a real live adventure movie. So when you think of Utah and The Mighty 5, we got Arches National Park. Now, not too far away is Moab. Moab has become one of America's coolest adventure towns. It has boutique hotels, Jeep tours, river rafting, desert spas, that's one of my favorites, and luxury glamping experience. What is glamping? It's kind of like camping on an upscale. You don't have to run out in the middle of nowhere to go, go potty or things. It's really, really, you know, glamorous. It's glamping. Now Zion National Park, we're gonna be moving to, Zion is dramatic. It has towering canyon walls that surround you in every direction. This is the kind of place that humbles you immediately. And summer visitors, they love to hike the Narrows, where you literally walk through the river between canyon walls. And for thrill-seekers, Angel's Landing is one of the most famous hikes in America. But even if you never hike a mile, Zion's scenic beauty alone is worth the journey. And one of my favorite luxury travel tips, stay just outside the park in Springdale. In Springdale, you'll find upscale lodges, spa resorts, there's my favorite again, rooftop dining, and incredible desert wellness retreats. So if you're putting a wellness trip together, you might wanna think of Zion National Park. Right outside, there's some great places. Now, imagine ending your hiking day with, hmm, a glass of wine, mountain views, and stars. Stars so bright they don't even look real. Many people, when they're living in the city, they don't realize how many stars we have above our heads, because you really can't see it with the city lights. And cityscapes are fabulous as well. I personally love cityscapes. But if you wanna see the stars, go out to these parks. Now that's the magic in Zion Moving right along in Utah, we have Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Plus Utah’s Quieter Parks

Speaker 9:07

Now, Bryce Canyon feels like you're stepping onto another planet. It has famous hoodoos. Those towering orange rock spires create one of the most unique landscapes anywhere in the world. Sunrise here is extraordinary. The colors shift every few minutes. Yeah, they really do. You see oranges and pinks and golds and deep reds, and this is in Bryce Canyon. Bryce also has some of the darkest skies in America. If you've never truly seen the Milky Way before, this is the place. Remember what I said about those cityscapes. Cityscapes are great, but when you go to some of these parks, you can see the stars and the sky. And during the summer, temperatures are cooler because of the elevation, and it's perfect for travelers wanting desert beauty without the extreme heat. So if you wanna see the desert, but you don't want it 125 degrees, think Bryce Canyon So there you have it, five of Utah's national parks Now, some of the things that we see over and over and over again, um, we have Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park. These parks are often quieter, and that's exactly why seasoned travelers love them. Capitol Reef offers scenic drives, orchards, peaceful hiking experiences away from the crowds. Canyonlands delivers vast dramatic overlooks that make you feel tiny in the best possible way. Standing at Mesa Arch at sunrise, it really changes you. These are the moments people remember forever. And again, it's right here in our own backyard. This is what rediscovering America is all about Now I know I've talked a lot about Utah, and there's so many more things that we can discover in Utah, but I just wanted to hit some of the top five destinations in national parks. Now if you're a senior, you get a one-time pass and you can get into all of the national parks in the United States. Now I'm talking national parks, not state parks. I'll have that difference on another show. But these are the national parks.

Crossing Into Colorado By Road

Speaker 11:41

So how about we get out of Utah and head over to Colorado? Now these places are close together. That's why I chose Utah and Colorado. This way if you wanna do a road trip, you can do that. Also, train trips are excellent this time of year, and we have some great train companies that are out there that can bring you through some of Colorado's fabulous places. So now Colorado's summer mountain magic is unbelievable. You got Rocky Mountain National Park. Yep, we are in Colorado now. And at Rocky Mountain National Park, And this is where the landscape completely transforms. Suddenly the air gets cooler, the mountains rise higher, and the forests grow deeper Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the crown jewels of America's park systems. Travel Ridge Road, one of the highest scenic drives in the country, offers jaw-dropping views at every turn. Now, again, we're talking summer, because a lot of these parks can shut down certain areas in the wintertime because of snow. So remember, in the summer, you're gonna be seeing wildflowers, elk sightings. Have you ever seen... They have so many elks. You don't just see one. Sometimes you'll see a whole herd of elk. Crystal lakes, they have waterfalls, and of course, alpine hiking Now we're gonna go to the town of Estes Park. It's a charming and classic little town in Colorado, and this place is perfect for romantic cabins, family vacations, wellness escapes, there's that wellness escape again, and luxury mountain resorts. That's right. And this is Estes Park Now, there is so much in the United States to discover, and we're only touching the tip of the iceberg. I've been to Colorado several times, and I still haven't been to all these places. I've been to Utah a couple of times, and I still haven't been to all these places. I need to get on the road. Now, there's something deeply healing about mornings in the Rockies. Imagine this: go out onto your balcony with a nice cup of coffee. You'll see the pine trees swaying. You'll have the cool mountain air. It kinda resets your whole nervous system. You just go in and go, "Ah." Doesn't that sound like fun? It does to me. Now, another park in Colorado, another national park in Colorado, is Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde And Colorado Luxury

Speaker 14:35

Mesa Verde combines nature and history beautifully. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving ancient cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Pueblo people centuries ago. So if you're into archeology, and you're into history, this is the place for you. Walking through these structures is very, very powerful. It reminds travelers that America's story stretches far beyond the modern cities and highways. It's one of the most culturally important parks in the country, and in the summer, ranger-led tours brings the history alive for you. So if you're into history, this might be the place for you to go. Can you imagine going through all of this and learning the history hundreds of years ago? It's amazing Now, Colorado does have a luxury side. Yep, it really does. Many travelers don't realize Colorado can also be incredibly upscale. Summer luxury in Colorado includes... Write this down. If you're driving, don't write it down, just try to remember it Or come back to my broadcast, you'll hear it again. Summer luxury in Colorado includes Aspen resorts, Telluride mountain lodges, private guided hiking, luxury train journeys, this to me would be special, spa treats, there's my favorite again, spa retreats, wellness resorts, and scenic helicopter tours. And unlike the winter ski crowds, summer feels more relaxed and intimate, so it's really perfect for travelers who want adventure but they want the comfort. That's kind of me, I like comfort. I really don't do a lot of camping. My idea of hard camping is in an RV. But other than that, this is perfect for travelers who want the adventure and they want the comfort Now, the great American road trip experience is one of the best ways to experience Utah and Colorado, by road.

The Slow Road Trip Mindset

Speaker 16:58

And this isn't about rushing. This is about slowing down. I know a lot of people, they get on the highway and they say, "Okay, we gotta make this place by dawn. We gotta make this place by 10. We gotta do here, we gotta do there." Don't do that. This isn't about rushing. This is about slowing down, rolling the windows down, stopping at the scenic overlooks, discovering those small towns. I've been to a lot of small towns, and some of the best food I've had are in some of these small towns, little hole-in-the-wall places. Rediscover America. Rediscover what we're all about listening to music while driving through landscapes that look like paintings. I hate to tell you this, but ZMAX Travel Radio you can take on the road with you, and you can listen to the music while you go through all of these places Now, here are some of the recommended routes. So if you're gonna go to Utah, if you're gonna go to Colorado, there's ways to get there if you're not driving completely. You can fly into Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. You can explore Utah's parks. You can continue through Moab. You can enter Colorado through the San Juan Mountains, and you can finish in Denver. And summer is ideal because roads are fully open. You heard me say a few seconds ago, sometimes in the winter, some of these roads are closed because it's winter, and it's mountainous, and it's snow. So roads are fully open, mountain passes are accessible, wildflowers are blooming, and of course, longer daylight hours maximize your sightseeing And this kind of travel works beautifully for who? Well, for me, I love to travel. I love road trips. But it works great for couples. Not only are they rediscovering America, sometimes they're rediscovering themselves together. It works great for solo travelers 'cause there's great places along the way that are safe for solo travelers. Great for families. How many times do you have the kids in the car and they, you just gotta release some energy? Some of these parks, they can just go and run and have a great time. And of course, multi-generational trips. You got grandma, you got mom, dad, the kids. They're great on these trips because there's something for everybody. And also friend groups. Get all the girls together. Get all the guys together. Go on a trip. Rediscover America. You don't have to do all the parks in one sitting But go and see some of them. America's parks remind us of this, the journey itself matters I love to do road trips. And a lot of people like to stay in the United States. And if you don't want to use your own car, again, there's lots of trains, or you can fly into certain areas and then grab a car So what are my tips for summer national park travel?

Summer Park Tips That Matter

Speaker 20:11

Hmm. Let's see. A few important tips if you're planning this adventure. One, you might wanna start early. Summer afternoons can get really hot and crowded, so sunrise is your best friend And you've heard me say this on almost every episode, hydrate constantly, particularly when you're in Utah's dry desert climate. Make sure you have your water with you. Always, always, always hydrate. Reserve early. Again, this is summertime and people do start planning. So reserve early your lodges inside and near parks because they book really quickly. And that goes too if you're RVing because you gotta check your RV. Certain size RVs, the really, really big ones, sometimes they're not allowed in the parks. Depends on the size of the RV. So call and find out Mix luxury with adventure so you can hike during the day and then still enjoy fine dining and maybe that spa treatment at night And leave space for wonder. Don't overload your schedule that you're busy, busy, running, running every second of the day. Some of the best travel moments happen unexpectedly. Like I just said, a wildlife sighting. When I was driving through Colorado, I saw all the wild mustangs running. I never seen that before, and I'm pretty old, and I've been out west for a long time. Enjoy a sunset Enjoy a quiet overlook like I did with my friend in Arizona Or here's a good one, have a conversation with another traveler. I know RV parks are great for this. A lot of the RV families, they all kind of get together around the campfire, and they chat, and they talk about stories, and they share the moments, and it becomes their memories.

Gratitude, Wonder, And Farewell

Speaker 22:24

These are some of the best things to do. Now, there's something emotional about standing inside these national parks. You realize how vast the United States of America is. You realize how beautiful it is, and you also realize how much there is still to explore. We have a great country, and there's so many things to do out there, and experience, and have a good time doing it. Sometimes we spend so much time dreaming about international travel that we forget what we have right here in our own hometown. So Utah and Colorado, they remind us of adventure, and adventure doesn't always require crossing oceans. Sometimes the greatest journey happens on the open highway beneath American skies. And maybe that's what rediscovering America really means, not just seeing the country again, but seeing it differently, seeing it with gratitude, with curiosity, with wonder Thank you for joining me on this episode of Z Michaelson Travel Podcast. If today's journey inspired you, share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that beauty and adventure are still waiting out there. And if you're planning your own national parks journey through Utah and Colorado, I'd love to help you create something unforgettable. So until next time, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep rediscovering the world around you. I'm Z Michaelson, and this has been my travel podcast, and been brought to you by Zmax Travel Radio, a part of Collage Travel Media Network. And if you're ready to plan your journey, I would love to help guide you. And I'm reminding you, you deserve the journey, so go boldly, go beautifully, and don't wait. Life is too short. Again, thanks for listening today, and like I always say, shoot for the stars, and if you only get to the moon, at least you made the trip. I'm Zee Mickelson. Hope you enjoyed the show, and I'll see you on your next adventure