Orderville, Utah

Water Canyon is a narrow canyon on the southern side of Canaan Mountain in the Canaan Mountain Wilderness south of Zion. It makes for a great hike away from the crowds, though do not expect to have the trail to yourself as it is a great starting point for backpacking and canyoneering trips into t...

…Who doesn’t enjoy a hike that gives you views as if you’re on top of the world! I know I do, and this hike to Water Canyon Arch (Eye of the Heavens Arch) will do just that!There’s two ways of getting to the arch, but the route I took was the squirrel creek trail, to the Canaan mountain trail. On...

This 5.8 mile (one-way) trek is a multi-functional trail. The trail can serve as standalone trail allowing hikers to get in either a solid in-and-out day hike or as a leg to a much bigger and epic Trans-Zion Trek. For those interested in the later, the Wildcat Canyon Trail is the leg of the journ...

The only access to the Northgate Peaks Trail is by the Wildcat Canyon Trail, which has a trailhead just off Kolob Terrace Road. From the start of the trail you have a good view of Pine Valley Peak on your right. The trail passes on the left into an open green and lush area. After hiking a little ...

Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway is gorgeous 9.5 mile road that runs between Rockville near the entrance to Zion National Park and Apple Valley UT, and affords excellent places to camp & boondock *as long* as it is 0.5 miles from the road itself (and there are numerous turn offs). To get ...

Start your day early at the Left Fork Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin outside Zion National Park. This 6.5 mile out and back hike will take you to one of the most beautiful features in Zion National Park: The Subway. You'll start with a steep descent into the canyon. This ...

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a gorgeous multi-colored limestone amphitheater that many consider to be more beautiful than Bryce Canyon National Park given its greater depth over a shorter distance and higher elevation. It is far less traveled than its neighbors of Zion and Bryce. The Sunset ...

Grafton Ghost Town is an abandoned small town 7 miles outside Zion National Park and the modern towns of Rockville and Springdale, Utah.  To get there from Highway 9, get off on Bridge Lane residential road and cross the Virgin River on a historic single track iron bridge- then  head west. At th...

Wire Mesa off the Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway is a fantastic place to camp in southeastern Utah even if you do not plan on visiting Zion, just a few miles to the north. There several backcountry campsites on the Mesa, with the northwestern-most site giving the best views overlooking the V...

To call this place "breathtaking" would not do it justice. The rusty red, orange, purple colors of million-year-old rock erosion are otherworldly, something you'd imagine on Mars. The Indians named Cedar Breaks the "Circle of Painted Cliffs," and when you see this brilliantly colored coliseum you...

Started the hike at the visitor center. The walk is fairly level and there is not much altitude gain. There are very good views of the park and in the summer there is a profusion of wildflowers. At the beginning of the trail the different wildflowers are labeled. 

Park at the visitor center parking lot and start hiking the trail. You'll admire the great views of the breaks and canyons below. If you hike in the summer, be sure to take the time to photograph the many beautiful wildflowers, old cedars, and marmots. 

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a spectacular place. It really has to be seen to be believed. Some of the most scenic parts of Bryce are easily accessible by the average visitor via car-accessible overlooks. However, if you're not into crowds or want to hike/backpack in Bryce...there are so...

If you're a rock climber, then chances are you've got Zion National Park on your list of to do's, or must go back. The beautiful sandstone just keeps calling you back and asking you to climb more. Although not technically in the park, Lambs Knoll is right across the street in the north western pa...

This incredibly scenic ride is just out of Zion National Park and is a great place to escape the tourists. The ride starts at the end of Dalton Wash Rd just off of Route 9. High clearance vehicles are recommended and one should not attempt to drive this road in wet conditions. If you are having t...

Zion National Park. Truly one of the beauties of the American Southwest. With red walls and orange sunsets, Zion is a must-see. However, during the busy season of the parks, finding a campsite that hasn't been snagged can be difficult. That's why I'd suggest looking for a quieter, equally as beau...