A Canyon, A Snowfall, and a Second Wind

A Canyon, A Snowfall, and a Second Wind

A Canyon, A Snowfall, and a Second Wind

A red rock canyon, a snowy hike in Zion, and a second wind I didn’t see coming. Sometimes healing doesn’t come from doing—it comes from going. This is the trip that reminded me how.

Stu sitting where the magic happens.

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2 min read

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July 20, 2025

Jul 20, 2025

The ride to Zion

The Ride to Zion

The ride to Zion

The Ride to Zion

My Healing Travel Story

This healing travel story began in the middle of physical struggle and emotional fatigue. I didn’t know how much I needed a change of scenery—until it arrived in the form of red rocks, snowy peaks, and wild horses. That one unforgettable week reminded me how much beauty still exists in the world—even in the in-between spaces of recovery.


Antelope Canyon

From Vegas to Zion

It was still a time of healing in January of 2023—and my sister’s family was kind enough to invite me on one of their adventures.

I was between relapses, still licking my wounds from the car wreck the year before. I was walking pretty well, but still having difficulty with anything physical.

I needed some hope—and that’s exactly what I got. A week of fun, lots of laughs, and picture-perfect scenery at every turn.


Horseshoe Bend


We flew into Vegas for a couple of days, and then made the four-hour trip to Page, Arizona—a tiny town in the middle of nowhere.

It’s a magical place, surrounded by stunning beauty: Marble Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon, Navajo Canyon—and then, there was Antelope Canyon.


Katie & Brice


WOW. It’s indescribably beautiful. Standing over Horseshoe Bend takes your breath away—and deep in the cave-like curves of Antelope Canyon, you see things beyond words. It’s so stunning, you almost can’t believe your eyes.

Next, we drove two hours to Zion National Park, where we were greeted by nine inches of fresh snow.

How do I describe it? I can’t. It would be impossible—a camera couldn’t possibly capture the true essence of that moment.


Zion National Park


We entered Zion from Arizona and exited into Utah, then drove just over two hours back to Vegas for a couple of days of rest. The family slowly scattered, leaving just my sister and me.


Stu inside Zion National Park


On our final day, we explored places like Mouse’s Tank and Valley of Fire State Park. And as we drove back through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, we were greeted by wild horses—ending the week with absolute perfection.

That’s what it was—a perfect week of healing.


Valley of Fire


If you’re in a season of recovery—or just feel stuck—maybe what you need isn’t something new to do, but somewhere new to be. Let the wild places remind you that beauty and breath still exist, even in your in-between.


Wild Horses

👆The Wild Horses——Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Stu sitting where the magic happens.
Stu sitting where the magic happens.

About the Author

Fixing homes, crawlspaces, and sometimes myself.

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