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The cool air carries the slightest hint of a chill, a premonition of the winter that will

soon sweep across this unusual land. You're driving through southern Utah. The road here

is flat thanks to the geology of the region. Out the driver side window, you can see for miles,

all the way to where the ground and sky meet at the horizon.

But when you look out the front window, you notice that the road is beginning to curve upwards.

The highway starts to wind back and forth as it climbs toward your destination.

You swallow and feel your ears pop pleasantly as they adjust to the altitude.

The rush of sound that accompanies the pop is satisfying.

This road leads to the Colorado Plateau, an amazing feature of the North American landscape.

This large geological formation is situated in the southwestern part of the country and spreads across multiple states.

It's known for its unique rock formations, the most famous of which is the Grand Canyon.

You turn the final bend in the road and are greeted by the sight of a beautiful lake

nestled among the trees.

It's bounded on one end by mountains and on the other by a tall plateau.

It's almost as if the lake is being held by these ranges, like water cupped by two gigantic hands.

This is Fish Lake, the namesake of the National Forest in which it stands.

You park near the shoreline and get out of your car.

...