September 3, 2024

National Park Road Trip: Top Scenic Spots and Landscape Architecture Tips

Howdy you botanical travelers! Who would have thought that cramming for my last LARE exam would spark a blogging revival? With over 50 posts lined up, I’m excited to turn The Botanical Texan into your go-to for all things landscape architecture and nature. As a landscape architect, my biggest tip is to soak in the beauty around you—after all, God’s landscape architecture ability is truly unmatched!

Last summer, my friend, Laurel, and I set off on an epic national park road trip. We explored the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. I can’t wait to share the best hikes, the stunning horticulture, and how you can draw design inspiration from these natural wonders.

So lace up your hiking boots, grab your sketchbook, and let’s dive into this botanical adventure exploring national park landscape design together!

Destination 1: The Grand Canyon

Hike Recommendation: Ooh Aah Point

So, you’ve arrived at the first stop on your national park road trip—The Grand Canyon! Sure, I’ve seen a million videos of this place, but nothing prepares you for that first moment when you’re standing at the edge of the South Rim. Gazing out at the world’s most epic erosion example, with jaw-dropping views stretching to the horizon, is downright spiritual. I’ve never felt so small and yet so loved—if the God of the universe can create this masterpiece and still have time to create me, I must be pretty special, right?

Now, let’s kick off this adventure with a hike to Ooh Aah Point! This short, sweet trek on the South Kaibab Trail serves up stunning views that will leave you, well, oohing and aahing. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just in it for the scenery, this hike is the perfect way to dive into the canyon’s grandeur and get those adventure vibes flowing! Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, so if you’ve got kiddos in tow, no worries—they’ll handle it like champs! Fun fact: This trail was the first one built by the National Park Service in 1925.

The hike to Ooh Aah Point involves a descent of about 700 feet into the Grand Canyon. It’s a .9-mile trek down, making it a 1.8-mile round trip that typically takes around 1.5 hours. The trail starts with a series of switchbacks, known as “The Chimney,” which is probably the most challenging part of the hike. The trail here is narrow, about 6 feet wide, so you may need to pause to let others pass as they make their way back up.

Once you conquer the switchbacks, the trail rewards you with stunning, panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. To your left, you’ll see a striking display of the layered rock formations that make this place so iconic. And trust me, the views only get better as you approach Ooh Aah Point! When you reach the point, be sure to snap a pic with the sign—because if there’s no photo, did it even happen? Just be careful—people have fallen here, and I don’t want any of my botanical travelers making that list!

Plants of The Grand Canyon

Now, if you were only interested in the hiking aspect of the Grand Canyon, you’d probably be on some hiking guru’s blog right now. But since you’re on The Botanical Texan, you’re clearly as passionate about plants as I am. So let’s dive into the botanical wonders of the Grand Canyon! This place isn’t just a geological marvel; it’s a botanical treasure trove. As we hike to Ooh Aah Point, get ready to spot a fantastic array of plants that have mastered the art of thriving in this rugged, varied terrain. Let’s dig into the greenery that makes this grand adventure even more exciting!

I’m going to try to share a comprehensive list of plants you can see while on your hike but some of these plants include the following:

Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis): Common at higher elevations, these sturdy pines are known for their edible pine nuts and are often found clinging to rocky outcrops.
Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma): With its twisted, gnarled branches and small blue berries, the Utah Juniper is a familiar sight along the South Kaibab Trail, adding a touch of green to the arid landscape.
Cliffrose (Purshia stansburiana): A hardy shrub with fragrant white or yellow flowers, Cliffrose often blooms in the spring and can be found along the trail, especially in sunnier spots.
Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata): These striking plants with sharp, sword-like leaves are scattered throughout the canyon. Their large, creamy flowers are a standout feature in the spring.
Agave (Agave utahensis): Known for its rosette of thick, spiny leaves, the Agave is a desert survivor. Its towering flower stalk, which can reach several feet tall, is a sight to behold when in bloom.
Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): These vibrant golden blooms add a splash of color to the landscape, brightening up the trail with their cheerful presence.
Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa): Look for these fluffy, plume-like seed heads that resemble Apache headdresses, adding a soft touch to the rugged environment.
Palmer Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri): This striking plant features tubular, magenta flowers that create a beautiful contrast against the canyon’s landscape.

Plants Unique to the Grand Canyon:

Even though you might not spot these plants on your hike to Ooh Ahh Point, I couldn’t resist sharing some of the Grand Canyon’s unique botanical residents! These endemic beauties are just another reason why this place is so awe-inspiring. It’s a reminder to be thoughtful stewards of this incredible land, helping to preserve its natural wonders for future adventurers.

Grand Canyon Wild Buckwheat (Eriogonum apricum): This plant is unique to the Grand Canyon and is known for its distinctive flowering habits and rarity.
Grand Canyon Mariposa Lily (Calochortus nuttallii): This beautiful lily, with its striking petals and yellow center, is found only in specific areas of the Grand Canyon, making it a rare and special sight.
Kaibab Monkeyflower (Mimulus eastwoodiae): A delicate perennial with bright red flowers, this species is native to the Grand Canyon and thrives in moist, shaded areas of the park.
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia): This rare orchid is found only in the Grand Canyon, particularly in cooler, shaded areas of the North Rim

Landscape Architecture Design inspiration

As I mentioned earlier, one of the best things you can do as a landscape architect or designer is to draw inspiration from the natural world! I’ve created a special section in this post for each destination to show you how to incorporate the elements you see on your hikes into your own designs. And don’t worry—you don’t have to be a pro to benefit from this! Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just got back from the Grand Canyon, staring out at your Missouri backyard wishing for something more exciting than Bermuda turf, this is for you. I’ll share tips and examples on how to bring a touch of the canyon’s grandeur to your landscape, no matter the scope!

Layered Rock Formations

Design Inspiration: Mimic the canyon’s stratified rock layers with horizontal and vertical layers in hardscaping or garden beds.

Application: Create terraces or layered planters that reflect geological strata, enhancing visual interest and providing structure. You can also include a variety of different stone facades to planter walls to create the depth of layered rock.

Color Palette

Design Inspiration: Reflect the canyon’s rich color palette, from deep reds and oranges to subtle browns and grays.

Application: Choose landscaping materials, plants, and features that replicate these natural hues, creating a cohesive and visually striking design.

Natural Erosion Patterns

Design Inspiration: Draw from the unique erosion patterns and formations within the canyon.

Application: Incorporate undulating or organic shapes in pathways, water features, or garden beds to evoke a naturalistic, flowing design.

Vast Vistas and Open Spaces

Design Inspiration: Emulate the expansive views and openness of the canyon.

Application: Design open, unobstructed spaces that maximize sightlines, creating areas for contemplation or gathering, reminiscent of the canyon’s grand vistas.

Canyon Flora

Design Inspiration: Take inspiration from the flora that have adapted to the canyon’s extreme conditions.
Application: Integrate native or xeriscape plants to evoke the canyon’s flora and ensure sustainability.

Rock Formations and Texture

Design Inspiration: Use the texture and patterns of the canyon’s rock formations.

Application: Incorporate textured stones, pebbles, or gravel in hardscaping to emulate the canyon’s rugged surface, adding tactile interest to your design. Using a variety of colors of stones or pebbles will also emulate the variety of colors you may see at the Grand Canyon

Canyon Shadows and Light

Design Inspiration: Capture the interplay of light and shadow within the canyon.

Application: Use strategically placed trees to create dynamic shadows and play with light, mimicking the canyon’s natural lighting effects.

Water Features

Design Inspiration: Take cues from the Colorado River’s role in shaping the canyon.

Application: Design water features such as streams, ponds, or fountains that echo the river’s flow, adding a refreshing element to the landscape.

Cultural and Historical Elements

Design Inspiration: Honor the canyon’s cultural significance to indigenous peoples and its historical context.

Application: Incorporate elements or motifs inspired by local cultures or historical features to add depth and storytelling to your design.

DEstination 2: Antelope Canyon

Hike Recommendation: Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour

After a quick 4-hour drive through the Wild Southwest, you’ve arrived at the next stop on this road trip: Antelope Canyon, or Tsé bighánílíní in Navajo, meaning ‘the place where water runs through rocks.’ Located in Page, Arizona, and nestled on Navajo Territory, this destination requires booking a tour guide, but trust me—it’s worth every penny!We went with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, and our guide, an older Navajo gentleman, was hands down one of the best guides I’ve ever had. He knew all the perfect photo spots, shared tips on which filters to use, and kept us laughing the whole time. It was the ultimate way to experience the slot canyons.

Now, you might be wondering, “Michelle, we just saw the Grand Canyon—isn’t Antelope Canyon just another canyon?” Not at all! While the Grand Canyon is your classic, sprawling canyon, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon. These are narrow, deep canyons where sometimes only one person can squeeze through at a time. The experience is entirely different and absolutely magical! The Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours website compares entering the canyon to stepping into a grand cathedral, and having visited many great cathedrals in Europe, I can wholeheartedly agree!

As you walk through the canyon, you’ll witness waterfalls of sunbeams cascading down the vibrant rock formations. Just keep in mind that the sun needs to be high in the sky for these magical sunbeams to appear, and they only occur from mid-March to mid-October.

If you’re deciding between tours, I’d recommend Upper Antelope Canyon for a more beginner-friendly hike. Lower Antelope Canyon involves some climbing and is a bit more rigorous—or so I’ve heard!

Plants of Antelope Canyon & Glen Canyon

The plants I’m about to introduce are like the VIP guests at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. And yes, I get it—there are a lot of canyons in this corner of Arizona, but they’re all part of the same spectacular landscape around Page, Arizona. Now, what makes the botanical life here so special? It’s the “hanging gardens.” In the desert, water is a sacred resource, and at first glance, those vibrant orange and red rocks might seem too harsh for anything to grow. But oh, how wrong you’d be!

Picture this: lush, green ferns and wildflowers that seem to have found the ultimate secret hideaway, clinging to sandstone walls and thriving in places you’d never expect. It’s like nature threw a surprise garden party in the middle of the desert! These hanging gardens form in alcoves—also known as “glens” (see where the canyon gets its name?)—where winter precipitation gives life to spring water, nourishing these botanical wonders.

These hanging gardens are a true biodiversity hotspot. Sure, it’s not Costa Rica, but for the Southwestern U.S., it’s pretty impressive! There are 35 endemic plant species that call the Glen Canyon hanging gardens home, making it a special place for nature lovers and plant enthusiasts alike. Some of the plants you may see on your hikes within Page, Arizona include:

Starry False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum): This plant produces tiny, star-shaped flowers followed by small berries that turn dark red when ripe.
Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris): Known for its delicate, fan-shaped fronds, this fern thrives in moist, shady areas, often near waterfalls.
Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum): This graceful fern is notable for its circular arrangement of fronds, making it a popular choice in shaded gardens.
Monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.): Named for its flowers that resemble a monkey’s face, Monkeyflower species are known for their vibrant colors and are often found near water sources.
Littleflower Columbine (Aquilegia micrantha): This dainty plant has nodding, spurred flowers that are often pale pink or yellow, attracting hummingbirds.
Curator’s Sedge (Carex curatorum): This sedge is adapted to rocky environments and often grows in the crevices of cliffs or canyon walls.
Rydberg’s Thistle (Cirsium rydbergii): A rare thistle with striking purple flowers, it’s a vital food source for pollinators in arid environments.
Kachina Daisy (Erigeron kachinensis): This daisy is endemic to specific regions, meaning it’s found nowhere else in the world but its native habitat.
Zion Daisy (Erigeron sionis): Named after Zion National Park, this daisy is a resilient plant that blooms in rocky soils.
Zothecin Fleabane (Erigeron zothecinus): This fleabane is known for its small, white to pinkish flowers, which add a delicate touch to the rugged landscape.
Alcove Bog-orchid (Platanthera zothecina): This rare orchid prefers the moist, sheltered environments of canyon alcoves, where it can access consistent water sources.
Eastwood’s Monkeyflower (Mimulus eastwoodiae): This bright red monkeyflower is named after Alice Eastwood, a prominent botanist, and is often found in sandy soils.
Canyon Rock Daisy (Perityle specuicola): This daisy clings to the rocky walls of canyons, showing off its yellow blooms in the harshest of environments.
Cave Primrose (Primula specuicola): Found in the shady recesses of canyons, this primrose thrives in the moist conditions provided by the canyon walls.

Landscape Architecture Design inspiration

When I think of drawing inspiration from Antelope Canyon, the first things that come to mind are the mesmerizing light beams and the lush hanging gardens. This breathtaking natural wonder is brimming with design ideas that you can bring into your own landscape! Whether you live in the rainy Pacific Northwest or anywhere else, incorporating some of the design elements inspired by Antelope Canyon can transform your outdoor space and transport you to this awe-inspiring canyon, no matter where you call home

Light Play and Beams

Design Inspiration: The dramatic beams of light that penetrate the narrow canyon walls, creating a magical interplay of light and shadow.

Application: Design features that create dynamic lighting effects, such as strategically placed landscape lighting, trees that allow for light to dapple through, or trellises that cast intriguing shadows.

Hanging Gardens

Design Inspiration: The unexpected lushness of hanging gardens in a desert setting.

Application: Create vertical gardens or green walls in urban spaces, using native plants or those adapted to arid environments, mimicking the natural alcoves where these gardens thrive.

Water in the Desert

Design Inspiration: The contrast between the vast, dry desert and the life-sustaining water sources.

Application: Design water features such as reflective pools, streams, or small lagoon that emphasize the preciousness of water in a dry landscape, creating a sense of tranquility and highlighting sustainability.

Narrow Passageways

Design Inspiration: The narrow, winding passageways of the canyon.

Application: Create intimate, winding garden paths or corridors that evoke the canyon’s narrow spaces, adding a sense of discovery and exploration.

Warm Color Variations

Design Inspiration: The rich palette of colors in the canyon, from warm reds and oranges to cooler blues and purples.

Application: Use a varied color scheme in plant selections, materials, and hardscaping to replicate the canyon’s vibrant hues and create a visually stimulating environment.

Natural Light and Reflection

Design Inspiration: The way light reflects off the canyon walls, creating stunning visual effects.

Application: Utilize reflective materials, such as polished stones or water features, to enhance light play and create a shimmering effect in your design.

Eroded Patterns

Design Inspiration: The intricate, eroded patterns and formations within the canyon walls.

Application: Incorporate patterned paving or sculptural elements that reflect the natural erosion patterns, adding artistic detail to the landscape.

Vertical Lines and Forms

Design Inspiration: The vertical striations and narrow openings of the canyon.

Application: Use vertical elements such as tall planters, sculptural columns, or trellises to echo the canyon’s towering formations.

Destination 3: Arches National Park

Welcome to stop number three on our landscape architectural national park road trip! We’ve bid farewell to Arizona and rolled into Utah—the land of no T-Mobile service! Yep, I had to ditch Apple Maps and rely on good old-fashioned road maps. Lucky for me, making maps is part of the job, so I knew how to navigate like a pro. Otherwise, who knows where I’d have ended up? Certainly not Moab!

But here we are, and I can’t wait to dive into Arches National Park with you, fellow Botanical Texans! A quick heads-up: this park requires a timed entry reservation. We snagged ours the day before and had no issues getting in. But if you’re more of a type-A planner than we are, you might want to book in advance to avoid any surprises!

Hike Recommendation: Devil’s Garden Trail

We did a few different hikes while at Arches National Park, including hiking to a point that we could see the Delicate Arch (aka the most iconic of the arches), I would still recomend Devil’s Garden trail as the best hike. It can be both easy or difficult depending upon where you stop on the hike. When we did Devil’s Garden, we only hiked to the landscape arch (fitting considering this is a landscape “arch”itecture influenced post!). This is definitely the easiest portion of the hike, but if you were to hike the full loop you’d get to see 8 different arches including Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Black Arch, Double O Arch, Dark Angel (not an arch but a prominent rock feature at the end of the trail), and Private Arch.

As I mentioned, the hike to Landscape Arch is fairly easy, with no steep grades making it a leisurely 1.9-mile walk. Along the way, you’ll pass by impressive sandstone fins, which are a key step in the formation of the famous arches that make this park so special. Fins are long, narrow walls of rock that are gradually sculpted by erosion. Over time, they form openings that eventually become the arches that draw visitors from around the world. As you stroll toward one of the world’s longest arches, these fascinating formations offer a glimpse into the geological processes that shaped this remarkable landscape.

Now, let’s talk about the Landscape Arch itself. This natural wonder stretches a jaw-dropping 306 feet, and at its narrowest point, it’s just six feet wide! Back in 1991, a chunk of the arch fell off, proving that nature is always on the move. Eventually, the whole arch will succumb to the elements, so catch it while you can. Before the collapse, visitors could walk right underneath it, but for safety reasons, the park service doesn’t allow that anymore. No worries, though—there are still plenty of epic photo ops to capture this fragile beauty!

Plants of Arches National Park

Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima): Thrives in the arid desert environment by maintaining a deep root system to access underground water.
Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma): Known for its resilience, Utah Juniper can live for hundreds of years, often standing as a silent witness to the changing desert landscape.
Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis): The nuts of the Pinyon Pine, known as pine nuts, have been a staple food and valuable trade item for Native American cultures for centuries.
Cliffrose (Purshia stansburiana): Cliffrose not only smells wonderful when in bloom but also serves as a crucial food source for local wildlife like deer.
Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis): Mormon Tea lacks traditional leaves to minimize water loss, a perfect adaptation to its dry environment.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.): Prickly Pear Cactus fruits, known as “tunas,” are edible and have been used in traditional Mexican dishes and beverages.
Four-wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): This plant is highly salt-tolerant and plays a key role in stabilizing disturbed soils and preventing erosion.
Rockmat (Petrophytum caespitosum): Rockmat forms dense mats over rocks and can survive in the thin soil layers that accumulate in rock crevices.
Yucca (Yucca spp.): The fibers of Yucca plants have historically been used to make ropes, baskets, and sandals.
Cryptobiotic Crust: This crust is so crucial to desert ecosystems that damaging it can lead to increased erosion and decreased soil fertility, impacting plant and animal life for decades.

Landscape Architecture Design inspiration

Bringing the iconic beauty of Arches National Park into your backyard or landscape design is all about getting creative with rock formations and crafting bold contrasts between the ruggedness of stone, the lushness of greenery, and the open expanse of the sky. Taking inspiration from Arches National Park is like a fun exercise in site analysis—figuring out the key features you want to showcase and creating “windows” that perfectly frame those borrowed landscapes. It’s also about mastering the dance of sunlight and shadow, understanding how they play together to transform your space throughout the day.

Natural Arches and Rock Formations

Design Inspiration: The unique shapes and structures of the natural arches.

Application: Implement arch-like features in garden designs or urban spaces, using materials that mimic the park’s sandstone to create focal points that draw the eye upward and outward. A great thing to think about when doing this is if there are views that you want to emphasize in the landscape, and to position you arch feature to where it acts as a window to that focal point.

Rock Gardens

Design Inspiration: The natural accumulation of rocks and boulders.

Application: Create rock gardens that feature native rocks and boulders, arranged to mimic natural deposits while providing habitat for native plant species.

Desert Color Palette

Design Inspiration: The rich, warm hues of the red rock against the often stark blue skies.

Application: Utilize a color palette derived from the park’s natural red sandstone, incorporating shades of red, orange, and terra-cotta in paving, walls, and other structural elements.

Textured Surfaces

Design Inspiration: The textured, weathered surfaces of the rock formations.

Application: Integrate textured materials like rough stone or sculptural concrete in landscape features to add depth and tactile quality, mimicking the erosion-worn rocks of the park.

Contrast Between Rock and Vegetation

Design Inspiration: The striking contrast between the arid desert ground and the bursts of greenery.

Application: Design landscapes that emphasize contrast, using sparse, resilient plantings against a backdrop of more minimalist, harsh hardscaping.

Natural Pathways

Design Inspiration: The winding paths and trails that navigate through rugged terrain.

Application: Design pathways that follow natural contours and encourage exploration, using materials that blend with the natural environment to enhance the journey through the landscape.

Shadow and Light Play

Design Inspiration: The dramatic shadows cast by rock formations at different times of the day.

Application: Incorporate dynamic lighting in outdoor spaces to replicate the interplay of shadows and highlights seen in nature, enhancing the atmosphere and altering perceptions as the day progresses. A key consideration for this application is using arches or other structures to frame the light as it sets or rises, creating captivating “windows” that showcase the changing light.

Destination 4: Canyonland Island in the Sky District

Congratulations, fellow adventurer, you’ve made it to the final destination of our epic road trip! If you’ve been following the same itinerary that Laurel and I tackled, you’re in for a treat—because the Island in the Sky District is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Moab! No need to pack up and leave your previously booked accommodations; you’re practically there already.

Now, let’s dive into a quick overview of Canyonlands National Park. The park is divided into four distinct districts, each separated by natural boundaries and offering a unique blend of scenery, geology, and adventure. We’ve got the Island in the Sky District (our focus today), the Needles District, the River Confluence District, and the Maze. Each area brings its own flavor to the adventure, but trust me, the Island in the Sky is where the views will leave you absolutely breathless!

What truly set this park apart from the canyons I had visited before was the rice grass—a sea of delicate white blooms swaying in the breeze, like a gentle dance to nature’s quiet song. Combined with the sweeping, endless vistas unfolding like a dream, I felt as though I were floating far above the world, cradled in a cloud of pure serenity. After a week of driving and hiking, this peaceful escape was the perfect destination to end on.

Hiking Recommendation: Mesa Arch Trail

For this hiking recommendation let me whisk you away on a trail that’s nothing short of magical! The Mesa Arch Trail, a mere 0.7-mile jaunt, is as easy as pie but oh-so-enchanting. As you meander along, you’ll find yourself drawn to a magnificent natural arch, perched ever-so-precariously on the cliff’s edge. This stunning arch isn’t just a rock formation; it’s a grand frame, showcasing the endless tapestry of canyons below and the majestic La Sal Mountains in the distance.

Word has it that the sunrises here are pure magic, painting the sky in hues that take your breath away. But even in the middle of the day, which is when we visited, the beauty is nothing short of spellbinding!

Plants of Canyonland Island of the Sky District

Canyonland National Park boasts a variety of plant life, much of which you may recognize from nearby Arches National Park, so I won’t have a list for this section. However, one plant truly stands out in this unique landscape: Indian ricegrass. This perennial bunchgrass, scientifically known as Achnatherum hymenoides, is native to western North America, thriving particularly well in the arid regions of the Southwest, including Utah’s Canyonlands National Park.

Indian ricegrass is well-adapted to the harsh environment, flourishing in dry, sandy, and rocky soils. It’s a common sight in the park’s deserts, grasslands, and sagebrush ecosystems. This resilient grass is not only an essential part of the local ecosystem but also holds cultural significance. Native American tribes, such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Paiute, highly valued Indian ricegrass as a staple food. They would gather the seeds, dry them, and grind them into flour to create traditional dishes. Beyond its nutritional value, Indian ricegrass symbolizes resilience and sustenance, thriving in even the most challenging conditions.

Totally unrelated, but since we’re on the topic of traditional Native American foods, let me give you some life advice: If you leave Moab without trying a Navajo taco, you’ll be making the biggest mistake of your life. Seriously, your taste buds will never forgive you. Best. Taco. Ever.

Landscape Architecture Design Inspiration

Cloud-Like Serenity

Design Inspiration: The sensation of walking through the clouds as you overlook the expansive vistas from Island in the Sky.

Application: Use ornamental grasses like Muhlenbergia capillaris (pink muhly grass) or Stipa tenuissima(Mexican feather grass) in your design to create soft, undulating waves that mimic the ethereal quality of clouds. Position these grasses on elevated areas or along pathways to enhance the sensation of being enveloped in a delicate, airy environment.

Panoramic Vistas

Design Inspiration: The expansive, unobstructed views from the Island in the Sky mesa.

Application: Design open, elevated viewing platforms or observation decks that frame long-distance views and create focal points for contemplation and enjoyment.

Mesa and Butte Formations

Design Inspiration: The flat-topped mesas and isolated buttes that dominate the landscape.

Application: Incorporate tiered or elevated elements in your design, such as multi-level gardens or platforms, to evoke the dramatic rise and isolation of mesa formations.

Canyon Depth and Scale

Design Inspiration: The depth and scale of the canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Application: Use varying elevations and depths in landscaping to create dramatic visual contrasts and simulate the vastness and grandeur of canyon landscapes.

Sky and Light

Design Inspiration: The vast, open sky and changing light conditions over the mesa.

Application: Design features that play with light, such as reflective surfaces or light fixtures, to capture the changing colors and effects of the sky.

Color Palette

Design Inspiration: The warm, earthy colors of the rock formations, including reds, browns, and oranges.

Application: Use a color scheme in landscaping materials and plant choices that reflect the rich hues of the desert environment.

Well, my fellow botanical enthusiasts, we’ve reached the end of this road trip… but not entirely. If you followed the same route as Laurel and me, you’re now facing a seven-hour drive back to Las Vegas for a 4 a.m. flight—only to have it delayed until noon! Am I still a bit salty about waking up that early for no reason? Nooooo, of course not.

Anyway, I hope this post provided a fresh take on a national park road trip itinerary by highlighting the captivating horticulture you’ll encounter on your hikes and offering landscape architecture tips on how to bring these natural wonders into your own designs, whether for grand resorts or cozy backyards! If you do transform a space inspired by a Southwestern USA national park, please email me a picture—I’d love to see it!