if you think you've seen every possible
hue of sandstone the rising to setting
sun over utah's national parks will show
you otherwise
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perhaps nowhere else in the southwest
can compete with southern utah when it
comes to the sheer number of geological
works of art soaring pinnacles and
arches dizzyingly deep canyons and
rainbow colored rocks are all par for
the course there's no better way to get
a feel for this red rock wonderland than
by having some fun whatever your sport
there's a good chance that utah sets a
pretty high standard
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one of utah's most famous backcountry
routes is this remarkably fun hike down
the virgin river it's deceptively easy
at first but once you hit the confluence
with deep creek you'll be glad you
brought that walking stick
canyoneering is that perfect combination
of adventure problem solving unsettling
beauty and commitment and indeed it's
that last element that gives the sport
its particular thrill for once you repel
into a serious canyon there's generally
only one way out
moab is one of the mountain biking
capitals of the world where the desert
slick rock surrounding the town makes
the perfect sticky surface for knobby
tires
the sorbet-colored sandcastle-like
spires and hoodoos of bryce canyon pop
like a dr seuss landscape though the
smallest of utah's national parks this
is perhaps the most immediately visually
stunning particularly at sunrise and
sunset when an orange wash sets the
otherworldly formations ablaze
if you want to walk on the wild side
sign up for a guided tour through the
sandstone labyrinth known as the fiery
furnace you'll be scrambling your way
through one of the most improbably
natural mazes on the planet
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high season runs may through august fall
is ideal september is still hot but the
days are clear rivers remain warm and
the leaves begin to change
travel costs in zion and bryce canyon
national parks can range from less than
100 a day if you enjoy a tent and
self-catering to over 250 a day for an
upscale hotel and restaurant
traveling with your own vehicle is the
easiest and most rewarding way to
explore the national parks signing on to
a bus tour such as adventure bus or
green tortoise is the next best option
this is where the bones of the earth and
the powerful natural processes that
shape them are laid bare it's much like
life itself from afar it may appear
tough and unforgiving but take the time
for a closer look and you'll find that
each moment has its own special beauty
you