I could easily spend weeks in this part of the country. My only regret is that schedules on this trip prevented me from taking advantage of golden light during the early morning and dusk hours. None the less, I was treated to a stormy sky and brief showers which added some interest to the sky and created some nice light patterns. 

Away from the lake, there is little water, but the plant life which abounds finds a way to survive and flourish. 

The rock formations here are every bit as fascinating as Zion. The same geological forces at play executed with an entirely different color palette. 

Lake Mead, formed by Hoover Dam is very large and with limitted time, I was unable to hike to high enough ground to get the perspective I was after. 

After dropping Jeanine at the airport, I need to switch into work mode and make a brief presentation to our sales team before our big trade show begins on Monday. As soon as that obligation is satisfied, I am back in the rental car and headed for Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 

This morning, we got up bright and early to make the two-hour drive back to Vegas so Jeanine could catch a flight back to chilly Boston. Having driven to Hurricane in complete darkness, the return trip was a completely different and thrilling experience. 

After having diner at the Zion Lodge, we head back to Hurricane, vowing that we will return to this park with the kids someday soon. 

All the canyons in Zion have been formed over the eons by water carving its way through the ancient sea bed. Flash floods are a real danger here and a small steam can turn into a raging river in a matter of minutes. 

Water and vegetation continue to shape the environment here and offer beauty in their own right. 

Hard to believe that these trees have taken root and thrived in this setting. 

Even the most simple rock face is a study in color and geometry. 

Ancient water dripping from Weeping Rock having taken thousands of years to make its way through the rock. 

This rock formation had the appearance of a whirlpool at its base. 

Everytime you turn around there is a magnificent view better than the last.