Zion National Park

Zion National Park, located in Utah's southwest corner and named after the Hebrew word "refuge", is no longer the peaceful haven it once was. With over four million visitors each year, the park is currently one of the most popular in the country. It's as if visitors have discovered a hidden gem and can't get enough of the apricot-colored Zion Canyon, which they can see when wading through its Virgin River or ascending Angels Landing, with each curve in the river or turn in the path providing an even better perspective.

In addition, the blanket of stars that blankets the night sky is a nice end to a day of busy sports. When it's time to return to reality from the refuge, the 166-mile journey from Las Vegas or the 308-mile drive from Salt Lake City provides just enough time to contemplate all the beauty you've just witnessed.