There are so many incredible outdoor spaces and wild places within the United States. When I ventured out to all 47 parks a couple of years ago, there were multiple parks and reserves that I was unable to visit simply due to the sheer quantity, particularly out west.

Dead Horse Point State Park (there’s a strange legend surrounding its name) is on the same road that leads to Canyonlands National Park. Six years ago, I bypassed it due to time constraints. This time around, I decided to pay a visit to this uniquely-situated geological wonder.

It did not disappoint.

The entire park is mostly located along an elevated canyon with beautiful views of the Colorado River down below. True to many desert parks, there was a diverse array of rocks – sedimentary, igneous – that told a complex story of the landscape. The colors were at times subdued and surreal, while at other times they seemed to sparkle. As the sun made it’s way across the sky, its varying position caused the hues to shift and change.

I opted to do a classic rim hike that would place me along a steep overlook for the majority of the morning. I enjoyed the array of desert foliage, and I spotted some small desert creatures scampering about.

When I got to the official overlook, it was stunning. There were quite a few people around by this time, but I managed to find my own little spot for viewing paradise.

The air smelled dry but clean, and the day felt fresh. It was a spectacular place to be, and I appreciated the new experience.

Perhaps little by little I will continue to check off incredible parks within the contiguous United States – ones that I didn’t have a chance to visit the first time around.

America – you have a lot to offer.