I recently returned from a road trip through the southwest desert. My itinerary included quick visits to a variety of national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, and points in between. To say that February is “off-peak” for these areas is an understatement; visitation rates plummet as the temperature drops, and places such as Canyonlands and Capital Reef are downright desolate. But that desolation brings a magical beauty and the low crowds means you don’t have to share that beauty with many others. The beauty was accentuated by recent storms, which left a coating of snow to contrast with the red rock.

All photos by M. Scott Smith.