Winter Storm In Canyon Country

Canyonlands - Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Storms last week dumped new powder in our high country, to the delight of skiers, and created amazing scenery in the national parks of southern Utah. Clouds and fog in our red rock canyons delighted photographers.

The Deseret News has this beautiful photo essay showing Canyonlands National Park, with features glazed by snow and obscured by low clouds.

The photo at right was taken from the essay, by Scott G Winterton.

Lake Powell is a favorite subject for photographer David O Rankin, who has this gallery of remarkable photos including a new one showing fog obscuring Lone Rock.

Here's another interesting blog post, with this title:

Backpacking Utah’s Mighty 5

The blog has some good general information and travel ideas. Unfortunately, it provides no real information about backpacking the parks. Here's an excerpt:

Utah boasts 5 National Parks within its borders that will take you to breathtaking heights as you ascend 1500 feet from the canyon floor to the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park, or to heart pounding depths as you walk through red rock hoodoos that look like they are from Mars in Bryce Canyon...

The last stop on Utah’s Mighty 5 is Arches National Park. With more arches, hoodoos and towers than anyone can count Arches National Park is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Most people start by hiking to Delicate Arch, probably the most famous arch in the world. If you want to try something a bit different try heading to Landscape, Double O Arch, or get permits and hike the Fiery Furnace.