I opened the latest issue of “Departures” magazine and read an article where they asked their contributors the question, “Which U.S. destination is on your must-visit list?” HALF of the contributors selected locations in Southern Utah. I found this amazing because these folks travel the world and stay at the finest resorts, yet their selected destinations included Moab, Monument Valley, and Capitol Reef National Park. Another contributor mentioned the Grand Canyon, which is partially in Utah, so of 6 contributors, 4 mentioned Southern Utah. The photos uploaded in this blog were taken in the town of Springdale, just outside of Zion National Park (my personal favorite). My kids are pictured with their friend, Olivia (seen in the middle of both photos), whose family owns a second home in Springdale. No matter how many times I return to view and hike the red rock formations at Zion, I never tire of going there. What can not be captured in photos is the feeling of total relaxation one gets by being on such hallowed grounds. On the trip to Zion last month, my husband arrived with a terrible cold. Within 12 hours of being there, it was gone, only to mysteriously return when he arrived back in Los Angeles.
I found the “Departures” mentions of Southern Utah by its contributors so interesting because 
those of us who live in Park City, which is driving distance from these wonderous places, take them for granted. They are truly spectacular in their beauty and sublime grandeur. If you haven’t taken a road trip to Southern Utah lately (or ever) I highly recommend it. I know of some nice places to stay in Springdale, Moab and Torrey (outside Capitol Reef). Of course if you really want to splurge, there is the Amangiri, which is centrally located within driving distance of all the National Parks but is close to none of them. A $100 million dollar resort built literally in the middle of nowhere but in the center of it all. http://www.amanresorts.com/amangiri/home.aspx