7/29 Arches National Park, UT

I almost bypassed Arches because it was pouring for two hours before I got there and thought the weather would ruin the experience; I'm glad I reconsidered and was especially thrilled that Mother Nature even cooperated.

While the place has some similar physical characteristics of a few other parks, there was certainly a uniqueness about the way these rocks have been eroded.

I thought that looked like a boot.

A rhinoceros skull?

The picture on the Utah license plate is based on that particular arch.

I guess it makes sense that this arch appeared at Arches National Park.

When I saw this, I sort of felt like the "double rainbow guy" from youtube. In case anybody hasn't seen it....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

7/28 Bryce National Park, UT

The "hoodoos" are caused by millions of years of erosion and give the place a mythical looking landscape. If it wasn't for normal looking terrain in the background, it's almost as if Bryce was located on another planet.

So much for my luck with the weather on this trip. It rained the night before while in Zion, and it was overcast and rainy much of the day in Bryce, with a few patches of clear skies. There was a beauty of a nice lightning storm as well.

And this is where the storm rolled in while I was on my hike. Ugh! I was about 2 miles from my car.

And under this rock is where I huddled for a little while until the lightning passed.

This hike was much better than the first. I hiked down into a valley of those hoodoos.

7/27 - 7/28 Zion National Park, UT

I must say that I got a little emotional as I hiked through the Zion Canyon. It is truly a special place and no surprise that early Native Americans were drawn to this region.

Underneath a trickling waterfall

The clouds started rolling in... it rained overnight.

This is where I camped for the evening and the view I woke up to!

As I left the park towards the east, the characteristics of the land changed a great deal.