Where the Earth Runs Red

Utah does not really do subtle — red, then orange, then pink, then cream, then suddenly black volcanic rock. This loop deliberately skips the five-park speedrun and goes deep into three that each offer a completely different Colorado Plateau: Zion is vertical, Bryce is surreal, Capitol Reef is expansive. Autumn adds the one color the red country doesn't have in summer — gold, as cottonwoods turn yellow along the rivers beneath enormous red cliffs. From Las Vegas you climb into Zion's canyon, cross to Bryce's hoodoos, and end among the quiet orchards and folds of Capitol Reef, with the landscape changing every thousand feet of elevation.

Questions, or a problem with your itinerary? Just email hello.livingearthco@gmail.com — I read every message, and I stand behind what I make.