Saturday Summary - Week 23 - A Park I Remembered, One I Loved, and One We Left Behind

Alamo, NV (80’s) → Panaca, NV (70’s)  → Baker, NV (70’s)  → Richfield, UT (70’s)

After the intensity of Death Valley National Park, we eased back into a slower rhythm, fewer “must-see” moments, more time to settle in, explore, and just be on the road. It also marked the start of a big stretch through Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, packed with national parks, scenic highways, and (as always) a few unexpected pivots.

Valley of Fire: The one I remembered

We re-entered Nevada for the second time on this trip, starting with a long-awaited stop at Valley of Fire State Park. Even before we stepped out of the bus, it hit me, I had been here before. As we sat on the Kuhl Call, I suddenly remembered the trip for Vickie’s birthday years ago. Within minutes, Mom had pulled out the photo book and found the exact picture of the five of us at that same sign. One of those unexpected full-circle moments that make this trip crazy fun. We couldn’t get a campsite (Easter weekend), but it made for a perfect day visit. The rocks resembling beehives made me think of our stop with Lara. This park is one of those places where every turn feels like a new photo opportunity. Lucky loved it too, which always makes a stop better. That night, we kept it simple by boondocking at a rest stop near Pahranagat Lake Rest Area. Safe, quiet enough, and best of all… free. Those $0 nights never get old.

Cathedral Gorge: The one I loved

Then came Cathedral Gorge State Park, and honestly, this might be my favorite stop in Nevada. The formations are unreal. Soft clay carved into slot-like canyons and cathedral spires, it truly is a photographer’s dream. Every corner felt more interesting than the last.

We stayed three nights, which felt like a luxury.

• Don ran his 5K, I walked mine

• I biked (and attempted a mountain biking loop… emphasis on attempted 😄)

• We explored, took photos, and just slowed down

It was exactly the kind of stop we want more of, less rushing, more experiencing.

Of course, departure day still comes with reality: securing everything in the bus, managing water systems, and noting that yes… the engine or most likely muffler is making another questionable noise. A future mechanic stop is inevitable.

Great Basin: The one we left behind

Next up was Great Basin National Park, one of the least-visited national parks in the country, and unfortunately, we understand why. Between a campground we didn’t love (we couldn’t get a spot inside the park), the road to the peak still closed due to winter snows, and Lehman Caves unavailable (they’re in the middle of a six-month electrical renovation—Sloth family, you’d understand the importance of that!), it just didn’t come together for us.

Add in me waking up feeling off (headache, low energy), and it became clear pretty quickly this wasn’t our stop. We could have pushed harder, and maybe we’ll regret that later. But one thing we’re learning on this trip is to listen when something doesn’t feel right. So… we pivoted. Again. We found ourselves on U.S. Route 50: “The Loneliest Road in America.” As a tourism professional, I appreciate the branding. As a traveler… we’ve driven lonelier roads 😄

Utah: Small Town Connections

We landed in Richfield, which became our home base for a couple of days. There’s a funny connection to Cayuga County in the area: Millard Fillmore, born in Cayuga County, played a role in establishing the Utah Territory. The original capital? A town called Fillmore… just down the road. Add in nearby towns named Scipio and Aurora, and it really makes me pause and wonder how these threads connect across the country.

We stayed at two Harvest Hosts:

• Bar 86 – relaxed, local vibe, billiards tournament, friendly crowd

• Steve’s Steakhouse – a well-earned splurge with a great meal and cocktails

In between, we spent time exploring the town, including a stop at the local visitor center (always!), a perfect pastry break at Leona's Bistro, and wandering local shops, chatting with business owners, and picking up a few small items. Emphasis on small. It was simple, local, and the kind of experience that reminds me why I love small-town tourism.

Looking Ahead

Week 23 may not have had the headline-grabbing moments of some of our bigger national park stops, but it delivered something we’ve been chasing this entire trip. A true 70-degree week. Not a day here or there. A full week of comfortable days, cool nights, and just the right kind of weather to slow down and enjoy where we are. After bouncing between freezing temperatures and desert heat, this felt like a win.

Next up: Capitol Reef National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and we’re ready for whatever pivots and changes come with them.