Brian Smith's Photos

For this road-trip, my daughter was joining me in Los Angeles, then we were driving to Salt Lake City, via Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Arches, and various other ‘Fallout’ related sites. Despite never having been to California, my daughter knew some of the roads and pathways in Santa Monica better than I did – thanks to Grand Theft Auto… The first days were spent in Marina Del Rey, with walks to Venice Beach and the canals, then a trip into Los Angeles to Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Universal Studios! The timing was just right for the Halloween evenings too!

The next morning it as along to Santa Monica for breakfast, before heading down the coast and then into Anaheim for a walk through downtown Disney. Not enough time for a park visit. We did get a bonus along the coast, as there were some practice flights for the Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach.

The next day was a long drive Northeast to Las Vegas, via a few Fallout locations, Nipton, Buffalo Bills Casino and the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, as well as visiting the cemetery there. Just before arriving in Vegas we headed out to the Red Rock Canyon Overlook. Slow getting into the hotel due to a Hockey game happening – so then a brisk walk along to the Venetian for some dinner!

While in Vegas, we headed to the Hunger Games exhibit I was rubbish at the archery…) the Neon Museum, The Atomic Museum, Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, experienced Fremont Street and headed out to Cantina Tequila to eat.

First stop out of Las Vegas was the Hoover Dam. We took the tour deep down inside before continuing on the Gran Canyon!

Always worth aiming to get some sunrise shots, so that meant a reasonably early start, then heading along the south rim before heading on toe Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park and an overnight stop in Bluff Dwellings.

Four Corners was the first stop the next day – the only place in the US where 4 States meet at one point. We continued up to Moab and Arches National Park, getting in late afternoon when things were cooling down.

Another trip into Arches the following day, as well as a quick trip around Castle Valley and Spanish Valley, finally getting to also see some of Canyonlands. 2 visits to the Proper Brewing and Burger Co too!

The next day we headed up to our final destination, Salt Lake City, and had a Zoo visit! Evening lights, and also a “Last of Us” connection – with the giraffes walking the streets.

The final day, before getting on flights and going our separate ways, we headed out to the Bonneville Salt flats. Over 100 miles West of Salt Lake City, and most of that in a straight line with very few other cars about. The flats were pretty impressive, and very salty. A short stop on the way back by the Lake finished an amazing trip!