Zion National Park (Zion National Park, Utah)

When entering Zion Canyon, for which the national park was created to protect, I cannot help but think of much it reminds me of Yosemite Valley, though cut in sandstone instead of granite. The towering peaks on either side offer some amazing views. As we rise from a restful night's sleep under a warm breeze, we break camp and head to the visitor’s center to catch the shuttle. Private cars are generally not allowed in most of the canyon and visitors must take advantage of free shuttles that ferry adventurers to the various parts of the canyon.

We first stop at the Court of the Patriarchs, as the sun just begins to crown the three tall red peaks. The view from here is amazing and there is no wonder why early Mormon settlers named this area after the patriarchs of the bible. The stop is short though and we quick catch the next shuttle and continue on our journey.