Zion National Park, a dream destination for both hikers and photographers, may sit in the heart of the desert, but its landscape is far from desolate. Shaped by millions of years of erosion, the park boasts striking rock formations, vast wilderness trails, and diverse wildlife that invite visitors in search of solitude and inspiration. Its winding canyons, vibrant ecosystems, and rich cultural sites offer endless opportunities for exploration year-round, though spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather and bursts of blooming wildflowers.

ChatGPT said: Bryce Canyon National Park, in southwestern Utah, isn’t actually a canyon at all. Instead, it is a massive natural amphitheater carved into the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau by millions of years of erosion. Its most iconic features—towering rock pillars called hoodoos—were sculpted by the combined forces of wind, water, ice, and the slow wearing away of ancient lakebed sediments. The striking red, orange, and white hues of these formations create a breathtaking landscape, earning Bryce the nickname “Palace of Natural Stone Figurines.”

Lower Antelope Canyon, located in northern Arizona, was carved from soft sandstone over millions of years by the relentless forces of erosion. During the monsoon season, sudden flash floods rush through the narrow passageways at high speed. The confined space channels the water’s power downward, creating the smooth, flowing walls and sculpted corridors that define the canyon’s unique beauty. With no artificial lighting, the only illumination comes from sunlight streaming through narrow cracks above. This light bounces off the textured rock surfaces, scattering into a mesmerizing display of shifting colors—ranging from deep, rich tones to soft, pastel hues—creating an otherworldly, ever-changing spectacle.

Horseshoe Bend—named one of the top ten photography spots in the United States by National Geographic—is a stunning natural wonder along the Colorado River. Here, dense aquatic plants on the riverbed give the water a vivid, almost fluorescent green hue under the sunlight. The river makes a dramatic 360-degree curve through the reddish-brown canyon, carving out the iconic horseshoe shape that gives the site its name. From the cliff’s edge, visitors are captivated by the striking contrast of emerald water, brilliant blue sky, and rich red rock.

Grand Canyon National Park, in northwestern Arizona, is the 15th site in the United States to receive national park status. Its crown jewel—the Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River—is often hailed as one of the Wonders of the World. Spanning 1,217,262 acres across Coconino and Mohave counties, the park drew over six million visitors in 2017, making it the second most-visited national park in the country after the Great Smoky Mountains. In 1979, UNESCO recognized the Grand Canyon’s unparalleled natural beauty and geological significance by designating it a World Heritage Site.

Welcome to the Fabulous Las Vegas sign—snap a photo and take home a memory!

Depart from Las Vegas and head back to San Francisco/Los Angeles.