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The Crystal Forest is a section of Petrified Forest National Park that was once covered with petrified logs, many of which contained beautiful quartz or amethyst crystals. Many of the petrified logs disappeared before the park was established, but enough remain to show the beauty in the park.

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Zion Canyon in Utah was carved out by the Virgin River over the millions of years. When we visited Zion National Park in June, the river looked quiet and dreamy -- not at all like something that could form that deep and majestic canyon. This picture of the river was taken on the Riverside Walk along the river near the head of canyon.