Know Before You Go | America's Southwest Canyons
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming adventure to America's Southwest Canyons or just want to learn more about these ancient, sculpted rocks, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of useful resources, from packing tips and geology trivia to compelling first-hand accounts written by Nat Hab travelers and staff.
Travel Tips
Wildlife Guide
Wildlife Guide
Learn about bighorn sheep, golden eagles, coyotes and the other hidden wildlife you may encounter in the canyonlands.
Photography Tips
Photography Tips
Whether you're an experienced photographer or just getting started, you'll want to read these essential photo tips from our Natural Photographer blog before your Southwest Canyons adventure.
Southwest Canyons Trivia
Southwest Canyons Trivia
Take our quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with your family and friends to see who knows the most about these colorful canyons!
Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Find out what the typical weather conditions in America's southwest canyonlands in this month by month breakdown of temperature and rainfall.
Packing List
Packing List
Check out our comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your canyons adventure.
Travel Stories & Articles
Highlights of Bryce Canyon: Helicopters, Historic Lodges and Hoodoos
Highlights of Bryce Canyon: Helicopters, Historic Lodges and Hoodoos
—By Megan Brief
Behold the natural wonders of Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park—with vistas so dramatic, you might think you’ve been transported to a world galaxies away.
Behold the natural wonders of Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park—with vistas so dramatic, you might think you’ve been transported to a world galaxies away.
Get to Know the Geology of the American Southwest
Get to Know the Geology of the American Southwest
—By Cathy Brown
Two billion years of the Earth’s history are represented in the landscape of the American Southwest.
Two billion years of the Earth’s history are represented in the landscape of the American Southwest.
Best Places to Watch Sunrise and Sunset in the Canyonlands
Best Places to Watch Sunrise and Sunset in the Canyonlands
—By Michelle Peters
Here, we take a look at the best spots for sunset and sunrise views, as well as stargazing in our favorite Southwest national parks.
Here, we take a look at the best spots for sunset and sunrise views, as well as stargazing in our favorite Southwest national parks.
Discover the Desert Secrets of the Southwestern United States
Discover the Desert Secrets of the Southwestern United States
—By Megan Brief
Have you ever seen a greater short-horned lizard scrape its crown of spines along a canyon rim? Heard the love songs of a northern pygmy-owl duet? These are just a few of the secrets told by the deserts of the American Southwest, and there are many more—if you look and listen closely.
Have you ever seen a greater short-horned lizard scrape its crown of spines along a canyon rim? Heard the love songs of a northern pygmy-owl duet? These are just a few of the secrets told by the deserts of the American Southwest, and there are many more—if you look and listen closely.
History of the Grand Canyon: Icon of the American West
History of the Grand Canyon: Icon of the American West
—By Emily Goodheart
The Grand Canyon is steeped in human history. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the region for more than 12,000 years, and it was officially designated a national park in 1919.
The Grand Canyon is steeped in human history. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the region for more than 12,000 years, and it was officially designated a national park in 1919.
Recording the “Voices” of Utah’s Red Rocks
Recording the “Voices” of Utah’s Red Rocks
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Castleton Tower, a red-rock formation northeast of Bryce Canyon National Park, is pulsating at about the rate of a human heartbeat—and we can hear it.
Castleton Tower, a red-rock formation northeast of Bryce Canyon National Park, is pulsating at about the rate of a human heartbeat—and we can hear it.
Utah’s Canyons: Structures, Spectacles and Straight-Up Lands
Utah’s Canyons: Structures, Spectacles and Straight-Up Lands
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
The best obelisks and pillars, spires and towers, in the Southwest Canyons are made of ice, wind, rain and rock. They glow with crimsons, reds and scarlets.
The best obelisks and pillars, spires and towers, in the Southwest Canyons are made of ice, wind, rain and rock. They glow with crimsons, reds and scarlets.
Video: Zion National Park, Where Color Lives
Video: Zion National Park, Where Color Lives
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
In Zion, rock canvases and stone sculptures in colors of cream and pink seem crafted by some ancient Michelangelo rather than by the fancy and whim of nature.
In Zion, rock canvases and stone sculptures in colors of cream and pink seem crafted by some ancient Michelangelo rather than by the fancy and whim of nature.
20 Tips for Making the Most of Your National Park Trip
20 Tips for Making the Most of Your National Park Trip
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Once you’ve chosen which national park is right for you, use the following tips to make the most of your adventure!
Once you’ve chosen which national park is right for you, use the following tips to make the most of your adventure!
The Grand Canyon National Park Celebrates 100 Years
The Grand Canyon National Park Celebrates 100 Years
—By Hannah Wagner
Signed into being the 15th National Park by Woodrow Wilson on February 26, 1919, the Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Grand Canyon Video: The Fluid Fingers of Formation
Grand Canyon Video: The Fluid Fingers of Formation
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
While continental drift helped sculpt one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, it was the liquid and fluid fingers of an artistic river that finally produced the exquisite results we have today.
While continental drift helped sculpt one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, it was the liquid and fluid fingers of an artistic river that finally produced the exquisite results we have today.
Tips on Photographing the
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon
Tips on Photographing the
Grand Canyon
—By Court Whelan
When it comes to Canyon Country, the Grand Canyon stands alone. While there are many other iconic desert landscapes within short drives from both the North...
When it comes to Canyon Country, the Grand Canyon stands alone. While there are many other iconic desert landscapes within short drives from both the North...
Know Before You Go
