Towering above wide swathes of green in Zion National Park are rock elephants the color of rust and copper. At points, water seeps out of their skin in dark wet bands after having slipped through pores for over 2200ft. And trapped between their legs are reflective mirrors fed by springs, the upper emerald pools essentially chalices cupping water pouring out of their trunks as waterfalls. One is struck rock silent before their hulking figures, giants of mudstone, siltstone, limestone and sandstone that appear to have stepped out of the set of Jurassic Park.

These are all the rock formations that make up the canyons and mesas of Zion Park. Each day, visitors hike up and down the backs of these stone elephants on trails that lead you through switchbacks (one trail has 21 of these) and onto overlooks. The Great arch as seen from some of the highest vantage points resembles a gaping gate into the unknown, hooded in shadows beneath the setting sun. For a taste of the star spangled skies, pick trails like the West Rim which can only be covered over two days. No matter the route, make sure to include Angels Landing within. It is here that the sandstone plunges into a jagged in-fold, two parallel walls of fire separated by a band of green. So wait no further and join the 4 million and counting visitors who walk through the gates of Zion National park each year.