In addition to see-forever views of the Cave Creek Mountains and Verde River valley, the route has two signature attractions: a granite-walled slot canyon and a gloriously gnarled crested saguaro.

At first glance, the desert landscape of Southern Utah seems like a sweeping, sun-baked canvas — wide open and endless. But ...

When here do visit the Bryce Canyon National Park which is noted for its hoodoos. Zion National Park offers towering sandstone cliffs and slot canyons, ideal for hiking and photography.

“We also have lots of food with Canyonlands, which is a like a slot canyon, Grand Canyon themed restaurant,” said O’Connell. “And we have the Bearizona Grill, which is kind of snack shack ...