From Mesa Verde’s Ancient Cliffs to Zion’s Towering Tunnels

Waking up in Colorado to crisp air and blue skies, we knew Day 11 of our overlanding adventure was going to be something special. After a restful night at an RV park under a blanket of stars, we packed up and hit the road toward our first stop of the day—Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde: A Walk Through Ancient History

Tucked in the cliffs of southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde left us speechless. The ancient cliff dwellings—home to the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago—are carved with such precision and beauty that it’s impossible not to be humbled by the craftsmanship and the culture. We took our time soaking in the views, wandering trails, and imagining what life must’ve been like for those early settlers.

The early morning sun casting shadows on the sandstone cliffs made every picture feel like it was straight out of National Geographic.

Four Corners: One Foot in Four States

Next up—Four Corners Monument, where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. It may be a roadside attraction, but it’s a bucket list item for many travelers—and now for us too. Standing in four states at once with Cayden was such a fun moment, and of course, we had to leave our Vancity Adventure sticker behind!

Coral Pink Sand Dunes: Nature’s Playground

Crossing into Utah, our next stop was Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. These rich, rosy dunes against the blue sky were surreal. We saw side-by-sides racing across the dunes and even spotted a Ford Bronco that had gotten seriously stuck far off in the distance. Watching it all unfold made for some great entertainment—and reminded us why off-road recovery gear is a must on every trip.

The warm sand under our feet and the vast open space were a perfect way to burn off the long hours of driving.

Zion National Park: Sunset in the Canyon

As the day wound down, we pushed onward to one of our favorite places—Zion National Park. Driving into the park through the long tunnels carved into the rock and catching glimpses of natural bridges and sheer cliffs had us wide-eyed and silent. Zion always impresses, no matter how many times you’ve visited.

To top it off, we even spotted a small herd of buffalo along the route, a reminder of the wild and raw nature still alive in the American Southwest.

With the sun setting and our bodies ready for rest, we found a quiet campground not far from Bryce Canyon—our next destination. It was the perfect place to rest, relax, and reflect on one of the most epic days of our journey.

Final Thoughts

From the spiritual stillness of Mesa Verde to the adrenaline of the sand dunes, the fun of Four Corners, and the awe-inspiring cliffs of Zion—this day was a reminder of why we overland. It’s about discovery, the open road, and the memories we make along the way.

Whether you’re planning a similar route or just dreaming of adventure, this stretch from Colorado to Utah is a must for every road tripper and overlander.