Think national parks shut down once summer is over? Think again. Fall can be the best time to visit our national parks because the crowds have all gone home. Utah's Zion National Park gets spectacular fall colors late in the season, not to mention the impressive red rock canyons.

Even if you're not the outdoorsy type, there are easy and moderate hiking and biking trails available, as well as several driving routes throughout the park in Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace.

And, best of all, it's an affordable adventure: vehicle entrance is only $25 a week, and lodgings generally drop their prices in the fall. For example, Zion Mountain Resort, located just a few miles from the park's eastern entrance, lowers its rates from 10 to 20 percent between November and January.