Why Zion National Park might be America's most beautiful autumn escape

The beauty of Zion National Park in autumn rivals the stunning vistas of Victoria's Bright with its ever-changing trees. Utah's first national park boasts towering sandstone cliffs in hues of red, pink and cream which give way to azure skies. Running through the 59,326-hectare park is the 24-kilometre-long Zion Canyon. The canyon walls are made from Navajo sandstone, eroded over thousands of years by the Virgin River. The park's scenery has been featured in films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Offering plenty of walking trails for beginners right through to the most experienced hikers, Zion has beauty in abundance. In one day, we were able to complete three hikes, including two easy trails and a longer walk to the three Emerald Pools, which featured a beautiful waterfall and majestic sights of Lady Mountain, the Great White Throne and Red Arch Mountain. Despite it being a hugely popular national park, this shot was taken during a quiet moment with no one else on the trail.