UTAH’S NATIONAL PARKS #1: STARTING IN ST. GEORGE

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Less than three weeks after returning from Italy, we were off again to see the Grand Circle of Utah’s National Parks, along with a few state parks and monuments.  This time, we did a small group tour with Road Scholar, although “small group” amounted to 24, instead of 16 like we had in Italy with Overseas Adventure Travel.

This was a completely different type of trip than Italy.  Instead of a focus on the culture, cultural connections with the locals, connections with our tour leaders, incredible food, and beautiful historic sites; Utah was all about the gorgeous scenery and photography.  If you would like to see more pictures and read less stories, join me for a tour of Utah’s most beautiful parks.

We arrived a day early ahead of the tour, so we could explore a little on our own and relax before joining what would be a busy tour.  The first flight out got us in early to St. George, so we checked in at our hotel (which, thankfully, was happy to accommodate us ahead of check-in time), and hopped on a bus to town.  From there, we walked up to Red Hills Desert Garden, which was ranked #1 on Trip Advisor as a “Traveler Favorites” for St. George.  It was a free attraction, the weather was gorgeous, the spring flowers were in bloom, and we were up for a walk after the flight; so, what could be better than that?

Trip Advisor rarely disappoints, and the reviews were spot-on this time.  It was gorgeous there!  It was such a beautiful and peaceful place to wander around or sit on a porch swing and relax.  I chose to put my camera in action:

(For all pictures, click on the image to see full screen view.)

This is behind Red Hills Desert Garden, a beautiful backdrop!
This, Allen, is for you, King Frog!
Apache Plume
Desert Museum Palo Verde
On our way back to the bus terminal, we passed by the power station and saw this “linesman” made out of parts used on power lines. Clever!
Mee-meep! Watch out for Roadrunner! This guy was out in the parking lot of the hotel.

Little did I know, the garden was on the program for the following afternoon with the group, so we returned for another visit.  These are my afternoon photos:

Coming up next: Snow Canyon State Park and Bloomington Petroglyph Park

7 thoughts on “UTAH’S NATIONAL PARKS #1: STARTING IN ST. GEORGE”

  2. Elaine,
    I’m writing this from North Truro and the Cape Cod National Seashore near Provincetown which as you may know is part of the National Park System. (Spans 40 miles of seashore and encompasses 68 sq miles.) Quite unique among the National Parks that you are so well covering in this series. Getting this “preview” on my tiny phone screen, I look forward to viewing your spectacular pictures on my huge desk top monitor at home. Keep these coming!
    Al

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  3. Hi Elaine,I’m finally sitting down to read your blog posts. Tonight workshop shoot was canceled due to weather, so I’m relaxing in my motel room, listening to the sound of thunder and light rain. I’ll start my drive towards ho.e tomorrow, after spending the day with Linda Sirus, my old Bluebirds and Campfire girls sister. Your photos are beautiful! What a terrific start to your tour. Love,Linda

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