Exploring from Chicago, Illinois to Springdale, Utah

Chicago, Illinois, to Springdale, Utah, is a fascinating road trip venture. Starting from the Windy City, travelers can embark on a journey through the western region and encounter some of the most incredible natural wonders in the United States. The trip takes around 27 hours, and the halfway point is Sedgwick, CO. Along the route, several breathtaking landmarks are worth stopping to see. Here are the top five things to see.

1. Gateway Arch, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot monument and an excellent place to start the journey. It is famous for its unique shape and a perfect backdrop for Instagram photos. Tourists can enjoy a beautiful view from the top by taking a tram ride that goes up to the observation deck, which lies beneath the capstone of this renowned monument. An interesting fact about the arch is that the construction of its radius is the same as the color's height, making it a perfect equilateral triangle.

2. Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Colorado's Rocky Mountains offer a stunning and picturesque view along the route. The mountains offer a breathtaking view during the day and an unforgettable view under the stars. Visitors can experience various outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and many more throughout the year. Also, the mountains have a wide variety of wildlife that’s unique to the area.

3. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park is a popular tourist destination in Utah, featuring over 2000 natural sandstone arches. Apart from the arches, the park features a vast landscape with contrasting colors and contours, making it a perfect spot for nature photography. At sunset, the arches light up with vibrant colors, making it a sight to behold. An interesting fact is that delicate arch, the most iconic of all the arches, stands at ten stories tall.

4. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is a unique park offering not only stunning views but also the experience of exploring hoodoos and spires. Visitors can hike through the massive stone formations, which look otherworldly. The most famous section of the park is the Bryce Amphitheater, a natural arena, and a perfect spot to take pictures. An interesting fact about the park is that the hoodoos continue to erode and change their shapes in surreal ways.

5. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is a natural wonderland featuring sheer cliffs, emerald green waters of the Virgin River, and a variety of hiking trails. The park boasts some of the most exquisite canyon views in the country, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The highlight of the park is the Angel's Landing trail, which features a steep climb overlooking the valley below. An interesting fact about Zion is that the park contains some of the most extended slot canyons in the world.

This road trip from Chicago to Springdale, Utah traverses some of the most awe-inspiring and tranquil natural wonders in the United States. The highlight of the journey is the drive through the Rocky Mountains, which offer breathtaking views of nature's grandeur. The trip takes roughly 27 hours, and visitors can spend a few days or even weeks exploring some of the locations mentioned above at their own pace.