Quick reply while i have a sec. I actually went through this exact same dilemma last year before a hiking trip to the Smokies. I ended up skipping the super expensive brands because i just couldnt justify the $60 plus price tag for a piece of plastic. I have been really satisfied with my current setup and it has held up through some pretty nasty falls on granite trails without a single scratch on the actual device.

• The Spigen Tough Armor Dual Layer Case for iPhone works well because it has that interior foam tech that actually absorbs the shock from a drop.
• It usually runs around $25 to $30 on Amazon, so it fits your budget way better than UAG.
• I also paired it with the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector 2-Pack just for extra peace of mind against rocks. I dropped my phone from waist height onto a literal rock face while taking photos and everything was totally fine. No complaints at all with the build quality tho its a bit thicker than the Mous stuff.

Re: "Quick reply while i have a sec. I..." - spot on about those prices getting out of hand lately. Honestly, spending $60+ on a case just feels like paying for the marketing. Since youre heading to Zion, you might want to consider something that protects the ports from all that red dust. The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Full-Body Rugged Case is a solid bet. It is usually way under $30 and is basically a tank. It’s not the prettiest thing, kinda looks like a tiny tractor, but it’s saved my phone from some nasty falls onto gravel. Just be careful with the built-in screen protector tho—sometimes dust gets trapped under there. Also, maybe grab a Ringke Adjustable Paracord Wrist Strap. It is a total lifesaver when youre taking photos near a ledge and dont want to see your phone bounce down a canyon... ngl that would be a total trip ruiner.

ngl i was really disappointed with both of those brands lately. i used to swear by the OtterBox Defender but the last one i had basically fell apart and the rubber started peeling after like a month. it felt way too cheap for the price tag and just wasnt as good as i expected. zion is definitely gonna put any case to the test tho and i dont think those are the best value anymore. before you drop fifty or sixty bucks... are you looking for something that has a built-in screen protector or are you gonna buy one of those tempered glass ones separately? also do you actually need magsafe for your chargers? that usually bumps the price up quite a bit and honestly if youre just worried about dropping it on rocks you might be paying for tech you dont even use.

Quick addition here. If you are really worried about the rocks in Zion, you might want to consider brands that focus more on engineering than style. I would suggest checking out the YouTube channel MobileReviewsEh first; he does objective drop tests that are incredibly helpful for picking a safe case. Here are two reliable options for safety:

• RhinoShield SolidSuit Rugged Case with ShockSpread: This uses a custom polymer that is great for impact. It is slim but the material is very dense. Make sure to verify the front lip height for screen protection tho.
• Pelican Protector Series MagSafe Case: Pelican makes industrial gear cases, so these are very sturdy and focus on structural safety. Usually stays well under $50. Be careful with the prettier cases because they sometimes lack the grip needed for hiking. You dont want it sliding out of your hand while you are standing near a ledge. Safe travels.