Arizona Road Trip

This summer, I took a week-long road trip through Arizona with my family, where we visited the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Sedona. We wanted to focus on Arizona this summer because my parents wanted to explore Monument Valley, which we had driven through on a previous road trip. However, a short visit is not enough to really learn about it, so we decided to stay there this time. My dad also loves watching sunsets, which are beautiful at the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Our first stop was the Grand Canyon. We have visited the Grand Canyon twice before because it’s my favorite National Park. Seeing it always takes my breath away, which is why I love visiting. The Grand Canyon holds a large amount of wildlife and greenery, and as it is a National Park, these parts of nature are protected by it. For example, when I visited, I was lucky enough to see two California Condors. Previously endangered, some of them now live in the Grand Canyon, an environment in which they can thrive. It’s important that we protect the National Parks, as doing so ensures that unique environments and life are preserved for future generations.

However, National Parks do more than just protect the natural world. Oftentimes, they help preserve cultures as well. Monument Valley, while not a National Park, is still a protected area. This is because it is found in the Navajo Nation Reservation. The Navajo people have been living in Monument Valley for hundreds of years, and because of this, Monument Valley has a deep connection with their culture. Similarly, Indigenous people have lived in and around the Grand Canyon for hundreds of years. By preserving these pieces of land, we are able to protect cultures and nature that would otherwise be lost.

One of the most important parts of our National Parks is the Park Rangers. In the case of the Grand Canyon, they help keep people safe and protect the Canyon itself. They also help educate people about the National Park by teaching them about the Canyon’s geology, wildlife, and cultures. During our visit, I saw that the Visitor Center was offering Park Ranger crochet kits. Because I love our National Parks and I love to crochet, I decided to buy one and make my own Park Ranger.