Temple of the Sun is in Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
Get Outside
Celebrate spring with our roundup of some of the West's best natural wonders.
The days are getting longer and temperatures are slowly rising. If you’re tired of being cooped up, head to warmer climates to see giant, spiky cacti; or clear your head near a serene lake in Great Basin National Park. Need to laugh? Visit a Utah state park with funky rock formations resembling mushrooms and gnomes. Need to feel inspired? Visit carpeted fields of wildflowers or gaze up at towering geological wonders. Our roundup shares some surprising natural delights in the West.
Best cactus spots: Spiky giants in Arizona and Southern California
Wildflowers in the West: Bountiful blooms herald in springtime
Great Basin National Park: Nevada's mountain lakes and ancient trees
Goblin Valley: Rocks shaping the imagination in Utah
Giant rocks: Four massive stone formations around the West
Photography courtesy of National Park Service
This article was first published in March 2013. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
