Ten days with three friends spent traversing through seven parks. Every day, we watched the sun’s first and last rays paint the desert with the colors of the American Southwest. We camped and hiked in some of the most remote areas taking in the most astounding rock formations we had ever laid eyes on.

A hazy glow bathing the valley — contrary to the calm of this moment, I can’t help but note that this was capured just moments before we saw a mountain lion bounding for the woods on the other side

Sunrise at the Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

First light rays of the day touching down on Cathedral Valley and some quieter moments after an hour of driving through remote gravel roads in hopes of finding a primitive campsite. The two reefs in the photo below are called “The Temples of the Sun and Moon”.

The textures of the Southwest are endlessly fascinating. The different colors and striations on the rocks make for striking compositions around every corner.

Just the beginning of the switchbacks we would experience along the Angel’s Landing trail

Looking a little too eager for someone who is about to trudge up that steep ridge and white-knuckle the chains bolted into the cliff…

… and we made it!

Descending from the rim and winding our way through a colorful world of larger-than-life sandcastles at Bryce Canyon National Park

Snack hunters must remain vigilant to scavenge for any and all trail mix remnants

Precariously balanced rocks, towering spires, and the grandest of them all: arches cast against the clearest blue sky

Taken just before the blanket of clouds above our tent tucked us into bed

A small video I put together recalling some moments from this trip