It was five o’clock in the morning, my alarm was blaring in my ear as I forced myself to roll out of bed. I threw on my hiking shoes and grabbed a backpack on my way out the door. I drove exactly seven minutes to the trailhead of the Red Mountain Overlook to meet some friends. The hike up was relatively dark  and a little brisk but the view we were rewarded with was spectacular. We reached the top of the hike just as the first rays of the sun hit the red mountain. It is an incredible feeling to stand at the top of a cliff and see for miles. To the right, I could see the glowing red cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. To the left, I could see Pine Valley Mountain with snow still dusting the top, the Cinder Cone Volcano, and my house. Straight ahead I could see down Snow Canyon, past the white rocks, the lava tubes, and the sand dunes, all the way to the City of Ivins.  In some places, it can be easy to take for granted the beautiful world we live in. Southern Utah, however, never lets us forget the gorgeous red rocks and canyons we have been blessed with. From the road that winds past Pioneer Park, to the third floor of Dixie High School, these vibrant red rocks are what make St. George stand out from anywhere else in the world. If you ask anyone in Southern Utah where to go for the best view of these magnificent sculptures they will almost certainly point you towards Snow Canyon State Park.  There are dozens of activities in this beautiful park for people of all ages. For small children or big families, the sand dunes are a great place to bring a frisbee and a picnic for a nice afternoon. For those who are a little more adventurous, there are ample opportunities for rock climbing. If you need to get out of the house and stretch your legs, there are plenty of hiking trails surrounded by towering rocks and green sage bushes. Elderly people can enjoy this park as well. Sometimes hiking through rocks and sand can be a little tough on the knees, but, a nice joy ride down the West Canyon trail on e-bikes is always a great way to spend your morning.  I love to go hiking with my little brothers, my favorite hike starts at the base of Snow Canyon and is called Scout Cave. It’s a four-and-a-half-mile hike that ends in a big cave overlooking Ivins. Besides spending time on hikes with my family, my friends and I love to explore the park no matter the time of day. A couple of our favorite weekend activities are stargazing in the sand dunes and traversing the deep tunnels of the lava tubes at night. Some of my favorite memories have been made in the Snow Canyon State Park.   Josie YoungDixie High School

There are a lot of cool places to live. Hawaii, for one. Or Alaska. Or Texas There’s something like 20,000 incorporated cities in the United States alone. So there are a lot of good places to live. I know it’s hot and has way too many soda shops, but southern Utah is a pretty darn good place to live. One of the biggest benefits is all of the state and national parks that are nearby.  Depending on where you live in southern Utah, the parks can be anywhere from fifteen minutes to four hours away. This gives you access to a lot more parks than in other areas. When you think of national or state parks, you might just think hiking or camping, but there’s even Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek State Park where you can boat, kayak, and play on the beach. There are tons of benefits to national and state parks being so close. For one, parks help the economy by attracting tourists to the area, making them spend money on other amenities while at the park. There have been studies that say areas around national parks are wealthier. There are other benefits too, like healthier ecosystems and whatnot. The biggest benefit is the improved health of those who live near the parks. Going to national and state parks certainly helps physical health because of hiking and other physical activities. Getting outside has been known to have major positive influences on mental health. Including mine.  Like most people, I have had some mental health challenges that I have had to overcome. One of the major things that helped me was getting outside. I would often go camping with my friends at Gunlock State Park. It was nice to be able to have an outlet and a place where I could go to get away from my troubles at home. We would swim and roast s'mores over a campfire. Another place we often go is Snow Canyon State Park. We hike the Lava Tubes or play at the sand dunes in the dark. The fresh air really helps me with my anxiety. It’s almost as if when I stay inside, my anxiety builds up and can't get out because I’m in a building, but when I’m outside, it can flow with the wind and can’t be contained.  Growing up in southern Utah, being outside just became part of my existence. The parks not only offer a beautiful escape but also a community of like-minded outdoors people, which has enriched my life and strengthened my ties to the area. Additionally, the accessibility of these parks means that there are always new places to explore and new activities to try. Whether it's discovering a new hiking trail, finding a secluded spot for a picnic, or joining a local event or cleanup effort, there is always something to do. This constant engagement with nature has fostered a deep appreciation for the environment and a commitment to preserving these natural spaces for future generations. Gage Schmutz Snow Canyon High School

Southern Utah offers a myriad of opportunities for families seeking adventure and connection with nature. From awe-inspiring national parks to quaint towns nestled in red-rock landscapes, this region beckons families to immerse themselves in outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Not only does this abundance of attractions enrich the lives of families, but it also brings significant benefits to the local community. First and foremost, Southern Utah is renowned for its stunning national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. These natural wonders provide endless opportunities for families to hike, camp, and marvel at the unique geological formations. In Zion National Park, families can embark on the family-friendly Riverside Walk or tackle the more challenging Angel's Landing trail for breathtaking views. Similarly, Bryce Canyon offers trails like the Queen's Garden Trail, where children can explore hoodoos and rock formations resembling fairy-tale castles. Beyond the national parks, Southern Utah boasts numerous state parks and recreational areas. Families can enjoy activities such as boating and swimming at Sand Hollow State Park or embark on a scenic drive through Capitol Reef National Park. Additionally, cultural attractions like the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City provide insight into the region's pioneer heritage, offering educational experiences for children and adults alike. Moreover, Southern Utah's vibrant communities host events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing local arts, music, and cuisine. From the renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City to the annual Peach Days celebration in Hurricane, these events foster a sense of community pride and attract visitors from far and wide. Families can partake in festivities, sample regional delicacies, and support local artisans, contributing to the economic vitality of the area. The outdoor recreation industry plays a vital role in Southern Utah's economy, providing jobs and revenue that benefit the community as a whole. Tourism generated by family-friendly activities sustains businesses ranging from outfitters and tour operators to hotels and restaurants. Additionally, the preservation of natural areas and cultural heritage sites ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Southern Utah, safeguarding its appeal as a tourist destination. Furthermore, engaging in outdoor activities fosters physical health and well-being among families, promoting an active lifestyle and appreciation for nature. Research has shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen family bonds. By encouraging families to explore Southern Utah's natural wonders, the community promotes a culture of health and vitality, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. In conclusion, Southern Utah offers a wealth of opportunities for families to create lasting memories and foster connections with nature and culture. The abundance of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and community events enriches the lives of residents and visitors while supporting the local economy. By embracing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Southern Utah, families contribute to the well-being of the community and ensure its continued prosperity for generations to come. Jacob Bryson Desert Hills High School Team Honey 2024 Scholarship Winner