What you see when you vacation outside your comfort zone

Things to Do

The things you see when you leave your comfort zone

I never expected to book a vacation that would require hiking boots, but I'm glad I did. After a few trips to Europe, I decided to explore my beautiful country and learn a few things about myself. For one, I think it's cool when my socks coordinate with the Grand Canyon. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

At Zion National Park, we had two trail options: Angel's Landing or Emerald Pools. Knowing my limitations, I opted for the hike that wasn't a strenuous, 5-mile climb with "dizzying drop-offs on both sides." (http://zionnational-park.com/zion-angels-landing-trail.htm) There are three pools on the Emerald Pools trail -- the lower, middle and upper. This is the middle pool, about a mile into the hike. (http://zionnational-park.com/zion-emerald-pools-trail.htm). The reflection in the water is just beautiful. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

The paths leading to the Emerald Pools in Zion are well-maintained, and include steps as well as flat paths. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Whether you look up or down, the scenery through Zion is beautiful. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Part of our adventure in Zion National Park was exploring the Narrows. The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. You can see the Virgin River via the Riverside Walk for about a mile. After that, you have to get your feet wet, so to speak, in the Virgin River. We were outfitted in neoprene socks and special shoes, so our feet stayed dry. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

No makeup, hair in braids, pale legs on display, and I couldn't have been happier. Sometimes you have to get over yourself. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

That's the majority of my group, far ahead of me climbing the Canyon Overlook Trail. The trail is only a mile rountrip, but seems a lot longer when you're out of shape. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Because the rock juts out so far, there is a wooden walkway along the Canyon Overlook Trail. I hesitated for a second, but gathered my courage to walk across it. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

At the end of a half-miile, uphill climb of the Overlook Canyon Trail is this amazing view of Zion Canyon. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

The hoodoos in Bryce Canyon are natural marvels. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Mother Nature used water -- rivers and ice -- to create this arch at Bryce Canyon. It's called Natural Bridge, which is a misnomer, and is one of several natural arches in Bryce. (http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/naturalbridge.htm) NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Can you see the head of the antelope? Do you see the heart? The antelope lives in the heart of Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon near Page, Ariz. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

This image of Antelope Canyon was taken by pointing the camera straight up. Sometimes, you have to change your perspective to see all the beauty in the world. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Walking through Antelope Canyon is like walking through a cathedral where you can touch the creations. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Using just water and wind, Mother Nature created the Grand Canyon. Even on an overcast day, the colors are beautiful. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Still no makeup, but the hair came down for a day of exploring the Grand Canyon. The smile says it all, I think. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

1/16

I never expected to book a vacation that would require hiking boots, but I'm glad I did. After a few trips to Europe, I decided to explore my beautiful country and learn a few things about myself. For one, I think it's cool when my socks coordinate with the Grand Canyon. NANCY CLANTON / nancy.clanton@ajc.com

Today's Gallery Headlines

The Center tour

PHOTOS: An early look at CNN Center's redevelopment in downtown Atlanta

Wayfair Tour

PHOTOS: Wayfair opens first Atlanta store

Atlanta Hawks host the Boston Celtics

PHOTOS: Hawks defeat Celtics in key East battle

People march in Bishop Park in Athens on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protesters gathered in 10 different locations around Georgia’s Congressional District 10, leading up to a “Democracy Fair” at Bishop Park as part of a nationwide day of “No Kings” demonstrations. Organizers estimate that a few thousand people participated, many of them first-time protesters. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: 'No Kings' rally at Bishop Park in Athens, Ga.

More Galleries

the weeknd

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyonce fans saddle up for 4-day Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

College Park Juneteenth Parade standalone photo

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park

4th Annual Rick Ross Car Show

PHOTOS: Rapper Rick Ross holds 4th annual car show in Fayetteville