La Verkin, UT

La Verkin is a red rock gateway town 20 miles from St. George, sitting along the Virgin River between desert lowlands and pine mesas. Take I-15 to Exit 40, then follow State Route 9 through town toward Zion National Park. Summer temps hit 100°F regularly, but winters stay mild. The 1930s stone post office on Main Street was built from the same red sandstone as the surrounding cliffs.