3AM In Red Rock Country

Personal Reflections From A Series of Southwest National Park Visits

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Myself at Eagle Point | Courtesy of the author

Each day I was out in the American southwest in December 2022, I had 21 Savages “3 AM In Glenwood” on. The song is about 21’s triumph over adversity and his experiences with survivor’s guilt. Despite these guilt trips, he perseveres and continues to win for those who couldn’t make it to the top with him. I’m happy that a good friend joined me on this trip.

I spent a week visiting the area and was based in Vegas. In this piece, I will break down one memorable visit to the Grand Canyon through several lyrics from “3 AM In Glenwood” as the header. So many lines from that song accurately captured my mood and actions during this unforgettable trip. So with 21’s help, I will share what the Grand Canyon taught me about friendship, being brave, and the tourism industry.

Hello, Grand Canyon | Courtesy of the author

“I Get Rid Of All The Smoke Like Ozium”

It was an unforgettably cloudy day on the way there. My friend and I were in the front seats of a bus to one of the most beloved national parks in the country, the Grand Canyon. I had the 21 Savage song on for most of the ride there.

Our tour guide’s jokes were average at best, but my friend and I were cracking up. Pun after pun about the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and the different animals we saw on the side of our bus were landing at different and off times throughout the ride. She wore this strange costume as well.

Suddenly the clouds cleared away like smoke blowing away after a fire. I could instantly see the valley to the canyon. Behind me, I heard people straighten their backs in their seats to get a better view of the changed landscape around us. I also could hear people wake up, yawn, and exasperate little “wows” and “do you see that?” pointing at lonely bighorn sheep and far-off pine trees.

After a quick bathroom break, we headed towards the canyon. Once we were exposed to it, the red rocks spread as far as the eyes could see. It was absolutely marvelous. I had never seen anything so vast and unspeakably beautiful in person before. Up to this point, the Grand Canyon was something on my bucket list. Now, it was turning into a newly created memory.

Zion views | Courtesy of the author