You guys, Zion National Park is stupid-beautiful. It's silly really, how beautiful it is. And, it's silly that I hadn't visited it until last weekend. Especially considering Zion is a short drive from a number of my favorite cities in the Southwestern United States, including Los Angeles, Scottsdale, and especially Las Vegas, which is just a couple hours from the national park.

So following on the heels of my first trip to Zion, today I'm coming to you with photos from one of the headliners of the weekend, hiking Observation Point in Zion National Park. My trip to Zion National Park last week was part of one big weekend Instameet with Travel Mindset and St. George Tourism. Travel photographers from around America descended upon St. George for a weekend of exploring and photographing Zion National Park, as well as some of the lesser-known parks around it. What I discovered was that Southwestern Utah is one big outdoor playground that is insanely beautiful. Around just about every turn, literally, is beauty and adventure that you can't just find anywhere in America.

Today, however, it's all about hiking Observation Point in Zion National Park. Observation Point is not only a classic hike and view in Zion National Park, but affords one of the most beautiful national park views you'll find in America. While Angel's Landing and The Narrows are often the most hiked and visited trails in Zion National Park, Observation Point lends to a longer, more challenging hike. It's no walk in the national park. As an 8-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of more than 2,000 feet, you'll want more than just your trusty Chucks or tennis shoes. And, you'll want more than just one bottle of water and one application of sunscreen. Trust me!

But to merely say that the views are "worth it," would be a massive understatement. I'm hoping the photos below will do the talking. Then, start planning your Zion National Park trip, put the Observation Point hike on your itinerary, and treat yourself afterward with a beer at the base of Zion Canyon at Zion Brewery. You're welcome.