During my unforgettable trip to the West Coast of the US with my friend Alex, we embarked on an adventure like no other. Our journey began in Los Angeles, where we opted for a discreet car rental to set the tone for our exploration. Our first destination was Joshua Tree National Park, my inaugural encounter with a desert landscape. The vast expanse of the Mojave Desert further north took my breath away. However, it was the Grand Canyon that truly left me awestruck. No amount of pictures could have prepared me for the sheer magnitude of this natural wonder. We hiked into the canyon, relished the enchanting sunset, and spent the night in a nearby national forest. Monument Valley, renowned for its appearance in countless Western movies, lived up to its legendary status. As we ventured onward to Death Valley, the name seemed fitting as we played Frisbee on a salt lake resting 80 meters below sea level, enduring scorching temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius. Yosemite awaited us on the other side, offering an abundance of natural marvels. The valley, waterfalls, towering peaks and cliffs, lush meadows, and diverse wildlife made it an extraordinary place to explore. Alas, time flew by, and I yearned for more days to uncover the endless wonders this trip had to offer.