Zion National Park, Utah

Red and cream canyons lead to huge towers of rock filled with natural hanging gardens. Big Horn Sheep face off in the valleys below like something out of Nat Geo. The Virgin River flows through it all, changing colors from neon aquamarine to milky silt depending on the rainfall.

Adventure hounds are going to go bananas with hikes to Angels Landing, short (or long) water adventures in The Narrows, or the insanely famous jaunt to The Subway. Those looking for an adventure of the vertical nature will be psyched on the hundreds of traditional climbing routes here. Make sure you wait a few days after it rains, sandstone breaks easily when wet!

Even just driving through the park is an experience. The park is well mapped, with hikes and climbs leaving from the shuttle stops. Speaking of the shuttle, the main loop through Zion Canyon is closed to private vehicles during the spring and summer. Fortunately, the shuttles run often and are an efficient way to get around. Just don’t miss the last one!

Stay overnight at one of the park’s three campgrounds. Car camping can be had at the South and Watchman Campgrounds. There’s also the rustic campground at Lava Point. It only has six first-come, first-served sites but they are free (and the views are incredible).