“You don’t know until you go.”

This phrase has become the unofficial motto of Wayfarer Vans, or at least it has for me.

I think it perfectly captures what travel is all about: the unknown experiences, moments of joy, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable memories that only happen once you leave the driveway. It’s a phrase that neatly bookends every trip.

If the forecast looks terrible before you leave? “You don’t know until you go… so let’s go.”

You return home after something completely unexpected happened? “Well… you don’t know until you go. That was amazing!”

Our recent trip through Grand Staircase-Escalante was the perfect example. Rain, lots of it. Sunshine. Snow. Incredible scenery. Fresh pie. Slot canyons. Epic sunrises. Ancient pictographs. And a Thanksgiving dinner shared with a wonderful group of Wayfarians.

In other words, everything we hoped for… and everything we never expected.

Planning a Wayfarer Weekend in southern Utah in mid-November felt like a safe bet. Sure, temperatures could dip, but historically it’s a dry time of year. After all… it’s the desert.

This trip had other plans.

Capitol Reef National Park

If you’re following along on your own trip, you can retrace our muddy footprints starting in Capitol Reef National Park, one of my favorite national parks in Utah. Along with Bryce Canyon, it receives far fewer visitors than Zion or Arches, making it a perfect destination if you’re looking for incredible scenery without the crowds.

During peak season (April through October), book a site at Fruita Campground. It’s an ideal basecamp with easy access to some outstanding hikes ,and perhaps more importantly, some outstanding pie.

If you’re looking for an easier hike, don’t miss Hickman Natural Bridge. For something a little more strenuous, hike Cassidy Arch.

Either way, reward yourself afterward with a mini pie from the historic Gifford House. Trust me.

Eventually, as difficult as it may seem, you’ll have to tear yourself away from Capitol Reef. It’ll be worth it.

Over Boulder Mountain

From Capitol Reef, head west over Boulder Mountain toward Escalante.

Here’s a pro tip: at nearly 9,600 feet, the top of Boulder Mountain offers dispersed camping and temperatures that can be dramatically cooler than the sweltering rock oven below. It’s about 50 minutes from the park, making it a great option if you’re traveling during the warmer months.

The drive itself is spectacular, climbing from towering sandstone cliffs into alpine forests before revealing sweeping overlooks of Capitol Reef’s colorful landscape.

For us, though, things looked a little different. The storm rolled in before we’d even finished our last bites of pie, and by the time we reached the summit we were driving through heavy snowfall. But fortune favors the bold. At the top of the pass, the clouds parted and the desert had transformed into a winter wonderland.

You don’t know until you go.

Exploring Escalante

Descending into Escalante, simply enjoy the scenery rolling through your windshield.

Camping options are plentiful. You can choose from free dispersed camping on surrounding BLM land or stay at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, where we hosted this year’s Wayfarer Weekend. The campground offers showers and other welcomed amenities after a day spent exploring the desert.

There is no shortage of adventures nearby. A few of our favorites include:

• Lower Calf Creek Falls
• The 100 Hands Pictograph
• Zebra Slot Canyon, for those looking for a little more adventure

Each offers a completely different glimpse into the remarkable landscape that makes Grand Staircase-Escalante so special.

Sunrise at Bryce Canyon

Personally, I think sunrise at Bryce belongs on every van traveler’s bucket list. From Escalante, Bryce Canyon National Park is about an hour away, which means an early alarm if you’re chasing sunrise.

If you’d rather shorten the drive, there is dispersed camping just outside the park (posted in the Wayfarer App by your one and only), along with several campgrounds inside Bryce Canyon National Park.

As we climbed toward the park, we drove through dense winter fog. Standing at the canyon’s edge with chattering teeth, we watched the first rays of sunlight break through the clouds.

It was one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever witnessed. Golden mist rose from the canyon floor while Bryce’s pink, orange, and crimson hoodoos glowed against a blanket of freshly fallen snow.

Bryce offers hikes for every ability level, so grab a trail map and choose your own adventure. If hiking isn’t your thing, simply driving the scenic road and stopping at the overlooks is well worth the trip.

One Last Stop

Continuing south from Bryce, I highly recommend spending a day or two at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Here you’ll find rolling dunes painted in shades of peach. Pack a picnic and stay for sunset, I can personally vouch for how incredible they are from a previous bikepacking trip.

Unfortunately, our weather had other ideas. Because the rain fell almost nonstop, we never made it out onto the dunes.

I was, however, extremely grateful for the campground’s hot showers, during the damp mid-November weather.

Community Makes the Trip

For the participants of this trip, Coral Pink might be the final stop. For us, it was time to head back to Escalante and reunite with our adventurous Wayfarians.

As if on cue, the weather finally cleared.

Over the next three days we shared hikes, scenic drives, van tours, campfires, and a Thanksgiving potluck that reminded us why these gatherings have become such a meaningful part of the Wayfarer community.

Looking back, there were moments during the trip when the endless rain wore on me. But that’s the beauty of traveling in a van. No matter what the weather throws your way, your little home comes with you. It gives you the freedom to adapt, to stay comfortable, and most importantly, to keep going.

This trip challenged us. It rewarded us. And like every memorable adventure, it reminded me why we travel in the first place.

Because… You don’t know until you go.

The step by step guide

1. Start at Capital Reef National Park
   • Stay at Fruita Campground or a dispersed spot at the top of Boulder Mountain Pass. 
   • Grab a pie, or several, at the Gifford House
   • Hike Hickman Natural Bridge or Cassidy Arch.
2. Drive up and over Boulder Mountain pass and enjoy the views down Hyw 12 to Escalante, crossing over the “Hogback.”  Trust me, you’ll know when you’re on it.
3. Camp on BLM land outside of Escalante or at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
   • Enjoy one of the many hikes in the area. Our favorites included Lower Calf Creek Falls, The 100 Hands Pictograph and Zebra Slot Canyon.
4. From  Escalante head to Bryce Canyon National Park
   • Catch the sunrise (a must) and take a hike among the hoodoos, or take a scenic drive along the rim.
5. Camp a night at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.