Dawn in the Desert
Before the sun began its slow ascent from the desert landscape, I climbed to the top of the slickrock behind our campsite to catch a better view of the mesas, hoodoos, and spires emerging from the darkness. Silence blanketed the landscape—broken only by a few birds singing their early morning songs. I relished the quiet, something rare since living in a metropolitan area. What a treat to sit still and find solitude, with only a cool breeze softly rustling the scattered trees dotting the dry landscape.
Suddenly, the silence shattered: Yip-yip-yip and howls of a lone coyote echoed through the chilly air. Experiencing the desert stillness at first light was one of the reasons we chose to take a camper van to The Needles District in Canyonlands National Park. Nothing compares to waking up in this landscape, feeling like we’re among only a handful of humans for miles around.
This moment was just one of many extraordinary experiences from our road trip to some of Colorado and Utah’s lesser-known parks. From watching an eagle glide across a sunset sky to meditating among ancient hoodoos, the magic unfolded daily—made all the easier from the comfort of our little house on wheels and some incredible campsites.
The Magic of the Open Road
Road trips offer a unique kind of freedom—the anticipation of new adventures, never knowing exactly where you’ll end up, and the curiosity about what lies around the next bend. Traveling by RV takes that freedom to the next level. We could pull off anywhere, rest when we needed, cook a meal, and fall asleep beneath the stars.
My husband and I rented our camper van (Liberty Lodge) from Roadsurfer’s new Denver location. The van came equipped with almost everything needed for the road: two camp chairs, a folding table, a complete kitchen box, and optional bedding. After a thorough equipment walkthrough and contact information for support, all we had to do was pack our personal belongings and food, then hit the road.
Colorado National Monument: A Surprise on Colorado’s Western Slope
Colorado may be known for its alpine landscapes, but on the western slope near Grand Junction lies a dramatic surprise: Colorado National Monument. This underrated gem offers towering red rock canyons carved by the same Colorado River that created the Grand Canyon.
The 22-mile scenic Rim Rock Drive between Grand Junction and Fruita offers jaw-dropping views throughout the park. Trails like the Canyon Rim and Window Rock loops near the Visitor Center are short but stunning, tracing the edge of the cliffs. Alcove Trail, with its quiet box canyon and views of the Book Cliffs, was a delightful surprise.
A Monument’s History
At the Visitor Center, we learned about the park’s rich history—from being home to various Ute and Navajo tribes to its “discovery” by John Otto, who promoted the idea of national monument status from his first visit in 1906. In 1911, President Taft established Colorado National Monument with Otto as its first superintendent, earning $1 per month. He lived alone in the canyons with his horse and burros most of the year, building trails by hand.
During the Depression, young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Projects Administration (WPA) worked thousands of hours building Rim Rock Drive and other structures from 1933-1942. The road was finally completed in 1950.
Camping Among the Canyons
Our campsite at Saddlehorn Campground became one of the trip’s highlights. Spectacular canyon views surrounded us as we walked to the rim for sunset and sunrise, watching light dance across the rocky landscape and piñon pines hanging over the edge—a photographer’s dream. On our final night, a golden eagle appeared seemingly from nowhere, silently soaring into the western sky as we waited for the sun to set in all its glory.
Your Guide to Travel in Colorado
Dead Horse Point: Where Movies Come to Life
At 2,000 vertical feet above the Colorado River, it’s hard not to feel dizzy peering over the canyon edge at Dead Horse Point State Park. This gem delivers breathtaking views and fascinating stories. According to legend, cowboys once corralled wild mustangs at the point, from where it gets its haunting name.
Geologically, the park is a marvel: a layered record of time shaped by wind and water. Movie buffs may recognize it as the dramatic cliff from Thelma & Louise and a backdrop in Mission: Impossible.
Adventure Capital Base Camp
Located 25 miles from Moab and 10 minutes from Canyonlands’ Islands in the Sky entrance, the state park makes an excellent base camp. Beyond 8 miles of hiking trails, the Intrepid Trail System offers over 17 miles of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Don’t have bikes? Rent them through Bighorn Mountain Biking.
We enjoyed lunch from our van at the visitor center, soaking up the immense canyon before hiking. Trails lead to beautiful rim walks, or you can drive directly to Dead Horse Point for incredible Colorado River vistas. Since it’s a state park, pets are welcome on trails.
Read More: Moab Travel Guide: National Parks and Adventure in Utah
Stargazing Paradise
Staying overnight offers the best park experience. With 56 sites across two campgrounds and nine yurts, the state park provides accessible connections to nature. Our high plateau campsite sat within easy walking distance of the canyon. We watched an evening storm roll over the La Sal Mountains from our van—a special treat as beautiful light shifted before our eyes.
We hiked the short trail from the campground to the canyon (camper-only access) to watch light transform canyon colors as the sun descended. As darkness fell, a crescent moon appeared alongside billions of stars. Another perk for camping overnight: Dead Horse Point State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, and the night sky here is truly awe-inspiring.
The Needles District: Canyonland’s Hidden Corner
Our final destination was the remote Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. While Island in the Sky is the most popular section, we were drawn to the solitude and rugged beauty of The Needles, south of Moab.
The 75-mile drive through what can only be described as the wild west featured ranch land with free-roaming cattle, hoodoos straight from a Road Runner cartoon, and amazing pinnacles and cliff faces. Along the way, we stopped at Newspaper Rock, a wall of ancient petroglyphs—a powerful reminder of the people who once called this region home.
A Wilderness of Rock
Canyonlands preserves a wilderness of rock at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Water, wind, and gravity carved sedimentary layers into hundreds of canyons, mesas, buttes, arches, and spires. When established in 1964, few people knew these remote lands well besides Native Americans, cowboys, river explorers, and uranium prospectors.
Located in Canyonlands’ southeast corner, The Needles earned its name from colorful Cedar Mesa Sandstone spires dominating the area. We decided to hike the Lost Canyon trail before lunch—this expansive yet intimate high desert landscape was so uncrowded we passed only a few people on the 2.6-mile trail. The trail crosses slickrock and winds through piñon pine forest. Most trails use cairns (small rock piles) for marking, so attention to the path and foot placement when climbing rocks is essential. Cacti blooming with vivid red flowers lined the trail alongside other spring wildflowers. The Needles offers over 60 miles of interconnecting trails for longer day hikes and backpacking trips (permit required from the visitor center for overnights).
Exploring the Scenic Drive
We drove the 6.5-mile scenic route from the Visitor Center to Big Spring Canyon Overlook, checking out trails filled with hoodoos and tall spires. Pothole Point Trail, a short, easy walk, features potholes that collect water and small creatures after big rains. The incredible rock formations reveal distant Needles views with endless photographic possibilities. Though dry during our visit, it’s important to avoid stepping in potholes since some creatures lie dormant until the next rain.
Defining Wilderness
“What does wilderness mean to you?” the park ranger asked during the afternoon program we attended. We reflected on the meaning of wilderness while learning about the many different ways to describe it. The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines it as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain,” but for us, it became something more personal–a state of presence, solitude, and connection.
One of our favorite hikes was the Cave Spring Trail, a short loop that passes an old cowboy camp and prehistoric rock art. Complete with ladders and shady spots, it’s a trail that blends history with natural wonder.
Into Canyon Time
We were fortunate to secure a coveted Needles campsite and extended our stay another night. This landscape of color, texture, and wonder demanded more time—and we gladly surrendered to its pull. Finally, we slipped into relaxation mode, settling into what I like to call canyon time.
The quiet here defies description. Our campsite overlooks the vast expanse of high desert, with no trace of human presence for miles in any direction. Life suddenly downshifts. We lose connection to civilization—no noise, no people, no internet, no distractions—and discover something we hadn’t realized we’d been missing.
In this rugged territory, we become more adaptable, more present. We sink into the rhythm of the land itself, reconnecting not only with the wild around us, but rediscovering the wilderness that still lives within ourselves.
Read More: 7 US Summer Camping Spots to Visit This Year
The Roadsurfer Experience
Road-tripping in a Roadsurfer RV provided a wonderful adventure. Escaping the city for natural environments always proves positive, and Roadsurfer makes it effortless. Founded in 2016, this well-established company operates 90+ locations worldwide, including seven U.S. locations.
They offer four rental models accommodating 2-5 people. All vehicles come fully equipped and road-trip ready with kitchenettes, hot showers, toilets, AC/heat, camping equipment, and kitchen utensils. Features include unlimited mileage, one-way rentals, free second driver, and competitive pricing. Bike racks and bedding are available extras, and dogs are welcome to travel with you!
Where to Stay
Colorado National Monument – Saddlehorn Campground
- 3 loops with 79 sites
- Reservations required via recreation.gov; same day sites are available
- $22/night plus entry fee (America the Beautiful Pass accepted)
- 4 miles from west (Fruita) entrance
- One loop open year-round
- Flush toilets, no hookups or dump station
- Picnic table and charcoal grill per site (no wood fires)
- 40-foot maximum RV length
Dead Horse Point State Park
- Tent sites: $40/night (includes entry fee)
- Standard electric hookup: $50/night (includes entry fee)
- Fill water tank before arriving (no water access)
- Kayenta and Wingate Campgrounds: 56 sites, 9 yurts
- Flush toilets, dump station, shade shelters, tent pads
- Advance reservations highly recommended
The Needles District – Canyonlands
- 26 individual sites
- $20/night plus entry fee (America the Beautiful Pass accepted)
- Spring-fall reservations available in Loop B; other seasons first-come, first-served
- Arrive 8am-10am for first-come, first-served sites in Loop A
- Toilets, picnic tables, fire rings provided
Practical Tips
RV Rental Tips
- Understand all equipment before departure
- Review Roadsurfer’s equipment checklist thoroughly
- Fill water tank before heading to remote areas
- Start with full-hookup campground to familiarize yourself with the RV and fill tanks
- Keep meals simple to maximize exploration time
- Bring dishwashing supplies and collapsible water jugs
- Consider bringing portable cooking equipment like a griddle to cook outdoors
Canyon Country Essentials
- Hydration is critical: Bring one gallon of water per person per day
- Proper gear: Hat, rain jacket, quality footwear, sunscreen
- Weather awareness: Storms develop quickly; seek shelter in buildings or vehicles during thunderstorms
- Limited services: No food, gas, stores, or lodging in Canyonlands; cell service only at Needles Visitor Center
- Best seasons: Spring and fall (summers can be extremely hot)
- Trail etiquette: Leave cairns undisturbed, stay on established trails
- Soil protection: Avoid stepping on biological soil crusts—recovery takes years to centuries
- Safety: Most overlooks lack fencing; use extreme caution near cliff edges
Ready to discover your own hidden gems? The American West’s lesser-known parks offer solitude, natural beauty, and the chance to reconnect with wilderness—all just a road trip away.
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Author Bio: Teri K. Miller is a travel writer and photographer based in Colorado. She has captured award-winning images around the world, including two years of living and traveling around the U.S. in an RV. Teri still loves hitting the road when she can, exploring the world with an insatiable curiosity about what’s around the next bend. Explore Teri’s stunning photography portfolio on her website.
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