Nice work, esp the absence of people. It's been a mob scene here (near Capitol Reef NP) since mid-March, hiking trailheads packed, etc. We took our new puppy on his first hike this week and there were people camping all over the place where we usually see no one. Getting to be alone these days is a challenge, more so with a bum ankle. Looks like you appreciate the value of getting up early to get the shot!

Ann, I hear you! It was apparently spring break week, so I was lucky to find campsites and hotel rooms (I chose hotel for Zion and then a couple of days in Kanab and Page -- I like camping for 3-4 nights and then getting a break with a real bed!). One place in particular took me by surprise at how much traffic there was -- the slot canyons of the Dry Fork of Coyote Gulch (Peek-a-Boo and Spooky). When I went there maybe 12 years ago, I ran into maybe two other people. This time I couldn't even take decent photos because there was no chance or room to set up a tripod. I shudder to think what Antelope Canyon has become! Tour buses, etc. Also, Zion was crazy with people, especially since I was not doing long, intense hikes. I escaped the crowds by finding random interesting places off the scenic road where I would pull over my car and hike down an intriguing-looking wash. I found some amazing rock abstracts that way in the pour-offs where centuries of water have worn the rock into sinuous shapes. That's what you're seeing in photo #18.

Evie, you are welcome to use a photo as wallpaper if you like! Thank you for asking.

Elizabeth, I do a little editing in the iPhone's built-in editing tools -- just a little adjustment here and there. I am pretty careful about getting exposure right, and I'll use the HDR setting too, which helps get a bit more detail out of some shots (like the Grand Canyon ones in particular).

Thank you, Janet! I had a hard time choosing, but I ended up using photo # 10 (Zion National Park) as my Home Screen on my iPad. I just can't get over how skillfully your eye discovers and captures the beauty around you!

These are gorgeous. I have only touched on this part of the US but it is a stunner, so different to where I live.

Wonderful photos and I agree, life affirming.

Awe man Janet thank you for sharing. Oh the views are special.

Amazing pictures !! I want to go .

Thanks for sharing your photos and trip impressions, Janet. You remind me of some destinations I want to prioritize. Beautiful shots of breathtaking scenes! Sounds like an amazing trip. Hope your ankle mends quickly.

Beautiful pics - it's such a scenic part of America - thanks for shaing!

love your pics and just started following you on IG!

What an amazing trip - the scenery is incredible. Zion has been on my list for a while - I think you just help me decide to move it up in priority!

Fun fact - my parents had a DeSoto just like the one on top of that cafe. That car was so big, the neighbor kids and I would play "house" in it when we were little. I hadn't seen one in decades until we went to Havana in January and finally found one.

Thanks for sharing these gorgeous, soothing photos, Janet. So beautiful.

Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos. I'm adding to my places to visit!

Stunning pics, Janet! You do have an eye for composition, details and creating depth in your work. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing Janet, I always enjoy your photos. Such a foreign landscape for an Aussie yet so familiar too from movies

oh the colors! stunning.
thanks so much for sharing these wonderful photos....i haven't been to the grand canyon since i was 16, but was in sedona about 10 years ago and remember being in awe of the majesty of it....seeing your pictures makes me want to go back again.

Absolutely fantastic photos, thanks so much for sharing natures beauty!

my favorite part of our country! gorgeous, all of them. when we went to zion many years ago i got up before light, still on east coast time. started running from the lodge, up into the canyon. pretty much a religious experience as the sun started to come up.

my first trip with lou when we were dating was to Arizona - had never been. we started in sedona (long time ago, before it got disney-ish) and camped our way through grand canyon, monument valley, canyon de chelly and the white mountains.

went to UT with the kids - but only bryce and zion. so much more to see! LOVELY!!!!

Thank you, everyone, for the kind words! It's amazing, every time I go out there, I come home with an even longer list of places I want to go back and explore more thoroughly. I am seriously considering buying a cheap flight to Vegas for a long weekend just to explore Valley of Fire in more depth now that my foot is healing and I'm up for more hiking.

Amazing photos! I'm taking notes and making a list of places to visit. DH and I are making our plans!

Janet, just wanted you to know that I find myself returning to this post over and over to look at your mesmerizing photos. Scrolling through them is like a meditation for me!
Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

Thank you, Ryce, and everyone!