Red Earth

Three national parks in three days; each awesome and impressive in its own way. Often referred to as “the staircase”, Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon have one thing in common – scorched, vermillion earth, unlike anywhere else in the world. We descended the staircase, starting with the lofty hoodoos of Bryce, travelling through the prehistoric landscape of Zion and ending in the gaping, gargantuan Grand Canyon.

Bryce Canyon

A rugged, layered cavern still littered with snow. Fiery orange hoodoos – improbably narrow, balancing rock formations referred to by ancient Indian tribes as “the legendary people” – growing out of the furnace. Natural bridges, arches and caverns. We peered in from the rim, feeling heat even in the chill.

Zion National Park 

I couldn’t help but think of the Land Before Time. Dinosaurs wouldn’t have looked out of place in this verdant valley, surrounded by impressive, rocky peaks. The temperature soared as we hiked up and around, walking along rivers and under waterfalls and next to emerald pools.

Grand Canyon

Bigger than Delaware. A mighty hole in the ground, a mile deep, the Colorado River splitting it like an artery. We stood on rocks that jutted out over the canyon, hearts racing and palms sweating. 

Have you ever visited any of these national parks? What did you think?