In November, I set off for a five‑day flying adventure in a Piper Arrow (N16422), starting from Montgomery Field (KMYF) in San Diego. After arriving from Europe and sorting out some practical issues like phone connectivity, I met with Mike, the club instructor who would conduct my checkout. Mike again proved incredibly knowledgeable and supportive — the perfect guide for flying in Southern California’s complex airspace.

Our checkout flight took us toward Thermal, a route Mike chose for its terrain and airspace considerations. He also shared valuable tips on aircraft handling and avionics, and even threw in a simulated engine failure to keep my skills sharp. A short session with him was a great investment and set the tone for a safe and confident trip.

That same afternoon, I departed for Bullhead City/Laughlin, where a simple overnight stop turned into a great introduction to desert flying. The next morning, I crossed the Grand Canyon through the Dragon Corridor and then continued to Bryce Canyon — a stunning approach surrounded by red rock formations and high‑elevation terrain. A friendly airport manager, a Turo rental waiting on the apron, and a long scenic hike made the stop unforgettable.

The journey continued toward Moab, with breathtaking views over Escalante, Capitol Reef, and Goblin Valley. Canyonlands Regional proved a bit sleepy in terms of radio traffic, but landing there opened the door to more exploring, including Arches National Park.

From Moab, I followed the Colorado River southward on one of the most scenic VFR legs imaginable — deep canyons, dramatic cliffs, and the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers were absolute highlights. Monument Valley added its iconic silhouettes to the list.

My final major stop was Flagstaff, with gorgeous scenery on arrival and outstanding service at the FBO. After an afternoon at a shooting range and dinner in the historic center, I prepared for the final IFR leg back to San Diego. The route passed Sycamore Canyon, Joshua Tree, and the Salton Sea before I touched down again at Montgomery Field — ending 14.5 hours of flying across five days.

This trip offered everything: challenging airspace, stunning geology, quiet high‑elevation airports, national parks from the air and on foot, and the freedom of covering vast distances in a light aircraft. An absolute recommendation for any pilot seeking adventure in the American Southwest.