In October of 2016, three friends embarked on a week-long adventure in Zion National Park.
Coming from the east coast, it was their first time experiencing the wonders of the American Southwest.
Despite being more accustomed to mountains and rivers, they soon discovered the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert.
Upon arriving at Springdale, Utah after a few hours of driving from Las Vegas, they set up camp at the Watchman campground.
The campground, named after the magnificent Watchman peak that stood guard overhead, provided a stunning backdrop for their stay.
The weather during their visit in early October was perfect – with highs in the 60s-70s and lows in the 40s.
They wasted no time and immediately set off to hike the Watchman Trail to catch a breathtaking sunset just hours after arriving in the park.
The following day, they embarked on a backcountry adventure along the West Rim Trail.
Starting from Lava Point, the group backpacked their way back into Zion Canyon.
They stopped at campsite number 8, located near Sleepy Hollow, a picturesque canyon near Potato Hollow.
In the solitude of the backcountry, they enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature and the stunning night sky.
During their trek, they encountered various forms of wildlife, including numerous birds, mule deer, and mysterious glowing eyes in the distance.
Thankfully, they had no unwanted encounters with the creatures of the desert.
However, they did experience a chilly night with temperatures dropping into the mid to upper 30s.
The next morning, they were greeted by a breathtaking sunrise over the canyon.
With breakfast in their bellies and cameras in hand, they continued their journey along the trail, passing through groves of aspens blanketed in fall foliage.
The West Rim Trail treated them to countless mesmerizing views of peaks and valleys, leaving them in awe of the natural wonders surrounding them.
Their week in Zion National Park was an unforgettable adventure, filled with stunning landscapes and breathtaking moments.
It was a journey that opened their eyes to the majesty of the desert, and one that they knew would not be their last.
Check out the 16 photos from their week in Zion National Park to get a glimpse of their incredible experience..
