Lake Powell, Utah

Aaahh...That stunning rent in Earth’s crust called Lake Powell. First, boat through this vast, flooded canyon network, with its astonishing contrast of blue water and sere land. Then take a hike, forever, into the apparently infinite landscape of stone swoops and mounds (tinted salmon, melon, maize)—truly the bones of the Earth. If you don’t find freedom here, you won’t find it anywhere.

—Jayne Wise

Jayne Wise is Traveler’s “Trips” editor.