Must-See Southern Utah Landscapes

Globetrotters and naturalists agree '" Southern Utah is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Breathtaking landscapes stretch for hundreds of miles, rolling from deep slot canyons and lush riverbanks to high desert scenes full of colorful rock formations. Each scene offers something special, from natural arches and towering spires to rainbow-colored cliffs and hidden waterfalls. These are landscapes you have to see to believe, and there's something mind-blowing around every corner.With Brian Head serving as your central base camp, you'll find it easy to explore Southern Utah's most extraordinary must-see landscapes.The Grand Staircase-Escalante National MonumentThe largest national monument in the country stretches across 1.8 million acres of high desert backcountry in the heart of Southern Utah. But don't let the idea of a desert country fool you '" you'll find far more than endless sand and sparse vegetation in this natural wonder. In fact, the vast region boasts some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the world.In the park's western area, technicolor cliffs form a stunning natural staircase with risers of chocolate, vermillion, white, gray, and pink sandstone. This is the Grand Staircase, a massive sequence of sedimentary rock layers that stretch more than 100 miles from the Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon National Park. In the eastern Escalante Canyons area, colorful slot canyons rise into sheer cliffs and sweeping vistas. Geological marvels abound, from natural bridges and archways to towering rock spires and active waterfalls.The Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National ParkYou can't talk about Southern Utah scenery without including Bryce Canyon. The park is known for its bold red rock landscape and towering hoodoos, tall spires of sedimentary and volcanic rock that are formed by wind and water over millions of years. The scenes here feel extraterrestrial as the hoodoos rise from the canyon floor in striking shades of red and white, a stark contrast to the blue skies and pink sandstone cliffs.Sunset Point is one of the best spots in the park to view these otherworldly formations. The overlook peers into the park's main amphitheater, offering a birds-eye view of the landscape beneath. You can even locate Thor's Hammer - the park's largest hoodoo - among the colorful spires and ancient fir trees.Zion Canyon at Zion National ParkUtah's first national park remains one of her best, a sweeping portrait of lush canyon country carved by the mighty Virgin River. The landscapes here are diverse, a breathtaking maze of deep sandstone canyons, forest-clad cliffs, verdant riverbanks, and scenic plateaus. Zion Canyon, a 2,000-foot gorge carved by the river's North Fork, is one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the country.Zion Canyon is the most popular area of the park and a great spot for scenic exploration. Take an easy trek to the Lower Emerald Pool before heading to The Narrows, an iconic hike through the lowest section where the river carves a narrow gorge through thousand-foot walls. If you're still up for a challenge, scale to the summit of Angel's Landing for a jaw-dropping view of the entire park.Book Your Stay with Family Time Vacation Rentals!Southern Utah's fabulous landscapes are great for sightseeing, but you don't want to sleep there. Instead, book one of our great vacation properties to relax in comfort while still surrounded by the area's most stunning scenery. Manitoban Trail is a luxurious private home in a central location, with fresh mountain air and panoramic views to keep you in true Southern Utah style.