WynnWorlds

I had heard of the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument, but I did not know why it was called that and I didn’t really understand the importance of the place. As I drove the Hells Backbone Road at the northern end of the National Monument, I could see for miles and miles, no civilization except the road I was on. I wasn’t the only one pulling off at every scenic viewpoint, trailer in tow, to try and capture the expanse before me. But, the National Monument is only part of the Grand Staircase. What exactly is it, and why…

Coming out of the tunnel into Zion literally made me cry with happiness. I was completely overwhelmed by the canyons, towers, and temples of this place. This was Utah’s first National Park and it is, without any doubt, it is the most breathtakingly beautiful one. Just look at this view. It’s like a painting, all soft colors and hard edges as far as the eye (and camera) can see. If you’re reading this on an iphone or small tablet, please don’t. Go sit at a bigger screen to really appreciate the beauty that is Zion National Park. I’ll wait…

Bryce. Just that one word evokes an entire lifetime of hearing stories from my Dad about this place. He went a few times, back in the days when he and his buddies were going up to Bonneville to run hot rods they’d built (and just that once, the company car my Dad had on loan, but that’s a whole ‘nother story…). As I approached Bryce, my excitement grew. It took a big hit as I passed through the tourist traps that are line both sides of the road approaching the park boundary. But then, I saw the entrance sign and…