Smith Rock is a truly majestic place. Its towering golden volcanic rocks jut hundreds of feet up from a winding, lazy river canyon. You will feel small here.

I first visited Central Oregon's Smith Rock State Park a few years ago in autumn when my parents visited from New York. I was shocked that such a place exists in the Pacific Northwest. Although I've never been to Utah, I imagine Smith Rock would fit in just fine there - with its deep river canyons, sheer cliffs, and innumerable rock climbers.