BRYCE
If Disney animators and George Lucas were given the opportunity to create a fantasy landscape together, the results would probably look something like Bryce Canyon. Not a true canyon but a large natural amphitheater, Bryce's surreal landscape was sculpted by weather and time. A strange and wonderful place, the park is centered around formations known as hoodoos—pillars (thousands of them) that tower above the amphitheater floor. If possible, view the park both from the rim (to see the big picture) and from one of the many trails (for a more intimate look), but even if you only have time to stop at the numerous rim viewpoints, it's well worth the time. In addition to the hoodoos, there are extensive pine forests that harbor plentiful wildlife: mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, yellow-bellied marmots, prairie dogs and porcupines. The park lies between 6,600 ft/2,000 m and 9,100 ft/2,775 m above sea level, so take along a jacket any time of year. Sunscreen is also a good idea. There's a lodge inside the park—make reservations early—as well as campsites.
West of Bryce Canyon is Cedar Breaks National Monument, near Cedar City. It's another natural amphitheater and shares many of the features found at Bryce (it's from the same rock layer). It can be cold and windy at this park, as it's at an elevation of 10,000 ft/3,000 m. It's a great place to see wildflowers in the summer. Bryce Canyon National Park is 200 mi/335 km south of Salt Lake City.