In an effort to avoid a big bridge heading south from Bryce Canyon, we followed the GPS through the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument without knowing where we were going.

We had no idea the adventure that awaited us.

When we first came to the entrance of the park, we were blown away by the beauty. Big fields with sparse green bushes and mountains in the distance. I specifically remember us listening to Africa by TOTO as we passed the open fields. Picture perfect.

Without any warning, the paved road suddenly turned into dirt, despite the road being a state road. My family looked at me in complete confusion since I was the GPS navigator.

My signal was barely holding on for dear life, but I could tell we were on the right path.

At least I hoped so.

And like all adventurers, we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous scenery by stopping to take some pictures in the dirt.

But the wind was so ferocious and made the process extremely difficult.

So ferocious, in fact, that the wind actually knocked me over.

Little did I know what was in store on the path ahead.

As we continued traveling, the cliffs started to become steeper and the roads started to become narrower.

Miles of traveling on dirt paths and even through a pile of water – still heading towards the other end.

Finally, we met up with an oncoming truck and stopped to ask for directions.

To our dismay, we were told we had another 27 miles until the end -which would take hours going 15 miles per hour.

The longer we journeyed, the rougher terrain.

We glanced ahead and only saw mountains and a dirt path that disappeared behind the mountains. Sharp curves. No guard rails. Steep cliffs. In the middle of nowhere. Completely alone.

Let’s just say our hands got a little workout that day between all the sweating and all the gripping of the roof handles.

In fact, we were so nervous we stopped taking pictures or videos – which is why I do not have photos to display the roughest parts of the experience.

Mile after mile we travelled, with only a couple hours left of daylight. It was such an odd experience. Afraid to go forward without knowing what’s around the turn, but unable to turn around.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally started approaching flat land – closer to the end.

Little did we know at the time, that we passed some amazing pit stops I wish we would have experienced.

Proof that we survived – lol

Even though the experience was very stressful, it became one of the most memorable times of the whole trip. Nothing like a little fear or trauma to bond a group of people – lol. We all agreed that if given the opportunity, we would willingly choose to go through the monument again – not because it wasn’t scary – but because we now know that it’s officially a state road and that there is light at the end of the tunnel, or as we called it – Diablo Canyon.

• Pack water and snacks, because you will be on this road for hours
• Make sure your gas tank is full or you will literally be stuck in the middle of nowhere
• Make sure the driver of your vehicle isn’t afraid of heights
• Do not take this route in a car – only take a SUV or truck

I would like to visit:

• Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
• Calf Creek Falls
• Zebra Slot Canyon
• Toadstools
• Coyote Gulch

Once we made it out of the Grand Staircase Escalante, we felt the weight of the world off our shoulders. I have never been so exited to see pavement in my life.

No more bumpy roads!

That night we stayed in Flagstaff – completely exhausted but excited for the day ahead.