Autumn glow along the Virgin River in Zion.

A couple weeks ago I took my family on a quick trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. It has been a few years since I’ve been to Utah and I couldn’t take it any more so I packed everyone into the van and we made the long drive out there. The plan was originally just to go to Zion but we were able to tack on a day at Bryce as a considerable bonus.

Everything was fantastic, the only hang up being my two sons both got sick. They were tough though and despite some real low points for them, they really pushed through the sickness and managed to have a lot of fun. I was grateful we decided to dispense with camping for this short trip and we just stayed at the lodge in Zion. It was convenient in general but even more so as a place for the sick kids to recoup after an outing. Thankfully, neither my daughter nor my wife and I ever got the bug.

Needless to say, even with the sudden colds, everyone had a magnificent time. How can you not in the midst of such incredible scenery? This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet!

Aside from just being there and enjoying the awesome geology, the best part of the trip was the fall color and the great light. Bryce, being higher and more open didn’t have as much color but the light on the hoodoos was terrific. Zion, on the other hand, has lots of cottonwoods and I had been hoping since I planed the trip we would catch them in their autumn display. We did and it was glorious. Even though the days were short in Zion Canyon, the light just seemed to make everything glow. It’s not something easily forgotten.

One thing I did not expect was how full and cold the river was. The heavy winter continues to have a lingering effect. It did make for a fantastic companion during our stay in the canyon.

We reluctantly left early in the morning when only the silhouettes of the canyon walls were visible against the morning darkness. Sad at our leaving, we still looked forward to the drive across the emptiness of Nevada, something my family takes a lot of joy in. My daughter in particular is always on the lookout for mustangs. We had seen several from afar but on the way home, she finally got an up close encounter.  It was the highlight of her trip. Of course, she had to name them all and the white stallion is now among her most favorite horses.

This trip is going to have to tide me over until 2025. We’re probably not going back to the desert next year, as we are turning our sights towards Washington and Idaho in 2024. It is amazing how diverse this country is and I am grateful for it. There is near infinite diversity in this land and exploring it is a privilege and blessing.