Finding Solitude In These Desert Destinations
Finding peace and tranquility is needed in today's social world that the west has grown accustomed to. With devices in our hands, demanding commutes to cities, noise on the internet, toxic home situations, etc., we have detached from environments that gave us the power to be strong in the first place. Sure the desert doesn't appeal to everyone for peace. However, as an individual who has been a desert dweller for many years, it is possible to find much-needed solitude in the dry climate. Below I list wonderful desert areas that can give you the peace-of-mind you have been seeking while giving you a wonderful adventure.
St. George is found in the southwest corner of the state of Utah. This city brings traditional values and newer ideas together in a slower-paced environment. If the mini-city is not your style, there are a variety of locations nearby that can calm the noise. Zion National Park is about 40-60 minutes away northeast of St. George. Snow Canyon State Park is an amazing place for cycling and shorter-than-typical hikes. There are several areas for bodies of water such as Gun Lock State Park, Fire Lake, Quail Creek State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Kolob Reservoir, Navajo Lake, and the Virgin River. As a former resident of Southern Utah, our family found ourselves wandering in many unknown locations and enjoying the serenity of the desert. It may be dry, however, it is full of life if you look deep enough.
When our family took trips between Southern Utah and Scottsdale, Arizona we would stop at Marble Canyon to rest and help the blood flow from hours of sitting in the car. There you will find The Navajo Bridge. You can walk, read the history of the Navajo nation, and not be bothered by active populated areas. Just a mile north of Navajo Bridge are structures of man and nature that are awe-inspiring. When visiting, know that this is sacred land. You can feel the presence of our ancestors of the past that made this area an absolute wonder. Not to mention that it's very close to Grand Canyon National Park.
This popular Hollywood-Western location is located east of St. George and a 30-minute drive from Zion National Park. This small town offers more than just a small-town vibe. There are western film sets that you can visit and learn the history of. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a great place to visit for ORV, picnicking, enjoying the sunset, or basking in the glory of mother nature. If planning on hitting non-pavement, it's recommended to have an off-road vehicle that can handle the terrain. During our time in wedding photography, a client of ours desired a hidden location only known by the locals as Cutler Point. If traveling with little ones, you can interact with rescued animals at the Best Friends Sanctuary location or visit the stunning Sand Cave or Moqui Cave.
Most likely if you've seen wedding elopement photos of Arizona they were either taken in Sedona or at Apache Junction. This town has everything for couples looking to elope in this desert oasis or for peeps who love the outdoors. The majestic superstitious mountains are one of a kind, especially during sunset. Don't catch yourself in a summer rainstorm here or during the HOT summer months. However, the best time to visit is between late September through early May. You may also find hidden gems such as Petroglyph Spring or The Wave Cave for amazing social media posts.
A hidden super volcano tucked away in the high hills of New Mexico. This dormant volcano has the right balance of peace and nature. As I was driving through the valley of the Valles Caldera, I knew this place offered the much-needed peace this city boy needed. The calming wind, the soothing sounds of birds, and complete serenity gave me a sense of heaven. With very little foot traffic, the entire area is spotless of any real human noise. I found myself most of the time listening to the sounds of mother nature while she calmed my nervous system and let me know that we all belong to the earth. If you ever find yourself in the land of enchantment, I highly recommend visiting this ancient wonder.
In conclusion, the desert, regardless of its location, offers an enduring sense of solitude. If you find yourself surrounded by tourists, just walk a mile, and tranquility will surely be yours. Countless undiscovered places await your exploration. Let's embark on this journey together!
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