Friday, April 8, 2016

Celebrating a Trip out West, Part Two

Zion National Park

Last week I posted about my trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. While I was there I was fortunate enough to visit Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, both of which are within easy driving distance from the sanctuary. Both were so spectacular I'm still celebrating the trip!

I'd heard great things about Zion and it definitely didn't disappoint. It was hard to be anything but speechless while driving through it. I felt as if there were majestic temples towering over me on either side of the road.





I really couldn't stop saying "Wow" the whole time I was at the park. I would love to go back sometime and explore more of it. It's so spectacular that one afternoon wasn't nearly enough time.

Amazingly, Bryce Canyon is just as spectacular in its own right. The amount of beauty in this section of the country was extraordinary to me. If anything, I almost enjoyed Bryce more simply because it was less crowded.

We drove up to the highest point in the park, which is at 9,115 feet. That's the highest elevation I've ever been at and it was simply stunning.






The snow made it even more beautiful, although I was glad that none of that snow was on the roads!

The natural bridge at Bryce is also amazing. We read that there is no way to know when the arch could collapse, as similar structures at other parks in the west have collapsed without warning. I was glad that nothing like that happened while we were there, and the arch is so beautiful I hope it remains intact for thousands of more years.


I haven't been able to stop thinking about this trip and the extraordinary landscape since I returned home. I now have a special place in my heart for Southeastern Utah and I definitely hope I can return again someday. I felt so fortunate to be able to visit such a phenomenal place.





The Celebrate the Small Things hop is hosted by my buddy Lexa Cain and co-hosted by L.G Keltner at Writing Off the Edge, Tonja Drecker at Kidbits, and Katie at The Cyborg Mom. Visit Lexa's blog here to find out how join in the hop yourself and to see the list of participants.





I hope you have all had lots to celebrate this week and enjoy the weekend ahead!

29 comments:

  1. I've never been out that way but your photos and enthusiasm make me want to go! :)

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  2. Isn't Zion the most gorgeous place to visit? You made me want to go there again. Haven't seen it for several years. All that beauty out there and I'm at my computer.

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  3. This place is beautiful! I love the strong colours of the rocks against the sky. You must have loved this trip

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  4. You've been enthralling me with these photos! I've been to Salt Lake and Park City but not to these gorgeous locations.

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  5. Oh wow. Absolutely beautiful. Have a great weekend! :)

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  6. I can't stop saying wow at your photos! I visited as a child, but I'd like to go back now. I'd appreciate it more.

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  7. Yeah, I love it there. And you came home with great pics! So pretty with the snow.

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  8. The pictures are gorgeous, Julie. One of our sons hopes to go there next year. Hope you have a great weekend with lots to celebrate. :)

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  9. I was there a couple of years ago. The scenery was gorgeous.

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  10. Wow! Those pictures are beautiful!

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  11. *sigh* I'm getting need to go on vacation blues. Lovely!

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  12. One of the things you wrote sums it all up: I felt as if there were majestic temples towering over me on either side of the road.

    So true.

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  13. Such gorgeous photos. One of my nephews has visited the Best Friends Sanctuary. He and I both provide some monetary support. Almost all members of my family adore animals.

    Love,
    Janie

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  14. Wow... I love the photos, but I bet it was amazing to be out there.

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  15. What amazing pics! I love that the rocks are red and striated like that, and the natural arch is truly amazing. Thanks so much for sharing so we get to experience the wonder with you! Hugs!!! :)

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  16. Such an amazing trip, and the photo's equally so. Thanks for sharing them!

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  17. Beautiful pics! I've always wanted to visit that part of the country, although those heights are a little...scary!

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  18. Hi, Julie!

    HOW AWESOME! There really isn't any more to say...

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  19. I want to go to there!!! So beautiful!

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  20. Awesome pictures! Bryce Canyon is so distinctive--I was there about 15 years ago, and I still remember it vividly!

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  21. Julie, your photos are absolutely breathtaking! I think you should add photographer to your many talents!
    Glad you had such a wonderful adventure.

    Julie

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  22. I miss Colorado!!!! WOW!!! Beautiful picture, Julie!!! Looks like you had a fantastic time!!!!

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  23. Wow, so many gorgeous photos! Glad to hear you had such a fantastic time in Utah! :)

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  24. Beautiful, haunting scenery! I love the striated rock. Reminds me of the Painted Desert.

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  25. Those are amazing photos! I've never been there but would love to go! We spent some time in Moab, Ut which was also beautiful.

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  26. We went to Southwest a couple of years ago. My first time. I fell in love with this country.

    Your pictures are amazing.

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