As a business traveler and resident of the northeastern United States, I think I am a bit spoiled by convenience in travel. When planning a trip, I have three international airports within an hour of my home (PHL, ABE, ACY) and three more within two hours (JFK, BWI, EWR).

Imagine my surprise when I was invited to a wedding in Boulder, Utah, where the nearest large airport is four hours and 45 minutes away. Regardless of the trek, my family and I booked our tickets into Salt Lake City (SLC) and mapped the drive south to Boulder Mountain Lodge where the wedding would take place.

I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience. Though the drive, following a flight from the East Coast, was long, it was possibly the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. The lodge was quaint and featured an award-worthy restaurant — Hell’s Backbone Grill. All ingredients came from the property’s no-harm organic farm. The restaurant is named for the jagged mountain range and 38-mile road connecting the towns of Boulder and Escalante. Half way between the two, if you dare — and we did — you will cross a 109-foot bridge towering 1,500 feet above ground. It was an experience I will never forget.

Sadly, our trip was far too short. We took only one short hike, six miles round trip, to see Lower Calf Creek Falls. I hope someday to return and further explore Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Though it is not easy to get there, having seen many parts of this country and others, I feel this is one spot not be missed by outdoor lovers and adventurers alike.

— Danielle Hudena, director of sales and marketing

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