My father-in-law, Kelvin, has an unmatched passion for the southwest. He’s traveled there many a time attempting to quench his thirst for red rocks. He stays thirsty, my friends.

Kelvin treated his kiddos (hey, that includes me!) to a week long excursion to S. Utah / N. Arizona. We feasted on good food, breathtaking sites, and fine company. Some of the places we visited are so remote that you have to try very hard to find them and, in a few occasions, even obtain a permit. Here’s the highlight reel:

Horseshoe Bend

Upper Antelope Canyon

It’s been a dream of mine to photograph Antelope Canyon ever since I first discovered its existence. It did not disappoint, except for the sheer amount of people there. It was totally worth taking advantage of the photographer tour that requires a tripod and extra time. I was a bit saddened I didn’t get to experience any light beams but there’s always next time!

Lower Antelope Canyon

The upper section of the canyon requires a separate tour from the southern, and they are indeed two different experiences. The southern bit is much tighter and requires more agility while you’re navigating it. I’m torn on which is my favorite and would certainly recommend both of them because YOLO.

South Coyote Buttes

North Coyote Buttes is all the rage because the wave is God’s half pipe and everyone wants to ride it. Everyone means everyone, apparently. Because to get in you need a permit that is super hard to acquire. We opted for the southern side of life and found it to be very much worth the hype its northern neighbor enjoys. Thank you, more, please. Oh, there’s more? Great.

White Pockets

Confession: this isn’t planet earth. Okay, maybe planet earth on a really weird hair day. At any rate, it is beautifully absurd and probably my favorite visual treat we had. I hope these photos do this place some justice. It’s just gnarly and I love it. The weather also decided to make sweet love to us by providing crazy cloud cover pregnant with a deep blue rain over the horizon coming straight for our eyes, already soaking wet from joy.

Capitol Reef National Park

Unfortunately, we did not have a lot of time to explore this park. We just drove through all slow like. Lots of driving on this day of the trip. But dear Capitol Reef, we did find you to be a sight to behold. Wish we had more time. But that’s pretty much the story for everywhere we went. Always need more time to explore.

Boulder Mountain

We just drove through with no time to explore but enjoyed a brief stop at the top to see… The entire western half of the country? Not sure how far that view stretched, but it was incomprehensible. Oh, and it rainbowed on us.

Bryce Canyon

You couldn’t dream this place up. Take your imagination and throw it in a blender with ultra-creativity, a crap ton of orange crayons, and dirt–you still wouldn’t think of Bryce Canyon. It’s amazing. Oh, and it rainbowed on us again. I mean, seriously. Mind = blown.

Zion Mountain Ranch

I’m sure there are other places one could find lodging near Zion National Park, but I couldn’t care less about them. This spot is the bee’s knees and it had Beas on his knees basking in its glory. I wish I had more shots but we got in late and left early. Only one night. Oh, my heart! The shot is of the buffalo (which are delicious) that roam the ranch… and a random cow.

Angel’s Landing at Zion

Without question, the best hike I have ever been on in my life. The views are incredible and only achievable by making the trek. This thing is the real deal, as my boyfriend-in-law, Mack, would say. It’s scary and people die attempting it. You have to be safe and take your time. It’s 100% worth the calories you are going to shred on the way up. Who wants to go back!? Pick me!

The Narrows at Zion

This hike was legit. Amazing views around every bend while you wade waist deep in the Virgin River. I would absolutely love to go back and make the full trek 18 miles in two days with a slumber party half way through. If this interests you, just make sure you rent the proper gear and get a proper pass. Preparation is key.

Snow Canyon

This state park in Utah’s Dixie was a bit of surprise for us. We didn’t quite know what to expect but found it surprisingly grand. There are a few caves provided by the volcanic rock that I wish we were prepared to explore (no flashlights!). Some pretty views to be had, regardless. This park is super accessible.

Kelvin in his natural habitat:

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The trip was? Awesome. Would I recommend? Absolutely.