Exploring the 5 National Parks of Utah

Aug 28, 2024

Today, we’re taking in the sights and sounds of Utah at these five grand national parks! From lush,green forests to raging rapids and rushing rivers to magnificent ancient rock formations, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views and photo ops. So what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road to adventure!

Arches National Park – This incredible park features more than 2.000 arches made of ancient sandstone, as well as plentiful rock fins, pinnacles, and mysterious balancing rock formations, and whose red rocks cut into the pristine blue skies creating a truly magical site to behold. The busiest season for visitors is March through October, and you’ll want to pack plenty of water and have plenty of sun protection. Weather here can also change the terrain and safety of trails with great significance, so check online before you go for local weather and consult a Park Ranger for help as needed. This park has very sparse cell phone service, so you’ll be relying heavily on maps and printed trail guides here. Even though there’s a singular campground at the park, it’s a great choice for a campsite for budding astronomers as it’s now a Certified International Dark Sky Park. Visitors here list the must-see rock formations and locations as “Delicate Arch”, a free-standing arch that’s world renowned for its distinctive backdrop and large arch opening, best viewed in the morning to avoid crowds; “Balanced Rock”, a 128-ft tall boulder balancing atop a pinnacle; “Fiery Furnace”, a maze-like series of passages and very narrow sandstone canyons; “The Windows Section”, one of the most photographed regions in the park featuring North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch; “Sand Dune Arch Trail” gives visitors multiple options to enjoy sandstone arches and a narrow trail that leads to Broken Arch. There are numerous ranger led tours throughout the park as well as commercial tour options if you prefer a more guided approach to sightseeing.

Bryce Canyon National Park – A sprawling alpine forest with red rock hoodoos as plentiful as the trees, offering a unique experience for hiking through the woods and rocky spires, camping at two different campgrounds, and plenty of exploration! If you’re interested in seeing the park from a new perspective, you can try horseback riding in the summer, or perhaps some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. Visitors here recommend checking out the drive to the“Bryce Amphitheater”, a collection of breathtaking irregular rock spires known as hoodoos, which allows magnificent views along the first three miles of the main road and is the most famous section of the park; “Rim Trail”, which offers hikes from Bryce Point over to Fairyland Point along the edge of the amphitheater site; “Southern Scenic Drive”, an 18 mile road through the park with 9 scenic overlooks and vehicle pull outs just perfect for photo ops and unique perspectives of the park’s geology and wildlife. The Visitor’s Center offers a chance to explore exhibits featuring geological, ecological, and astronomical related displays, as well as a special Park Film, “A Song of the Seasons” every half hour when the center is open. Birders will rejoice to learn that this is a top spot for birdwatching with 175 different species of birds documented as residents or migratory birds, and wildlife photographers will rejoice to find more than 1200 species of animal and plant species to document.

Canyonlands National Park – Marvel at the 527 square miles of deep canyons, mesas, pinnacles, cliffs, and spires that make up this incredible landscape of the largest national park in Utah. The park is divided into three unique regions The Needles, Island in the Sky, and The Maze; each region offers options to backpack and hike unlike anything else. There are more than 70 miles of hiking, biking, and climbing. Ranger-led tours and local guides will help you get the most out of your visit here, providing personalized insights and historical information about the park. Thrillseekers will be delighted to learn there’s an opportunity to ride some Class 5 river rapids, and the rest of your party may enjoy coasting and floating along quieter waters of the rivers. Campers and backpackers are welcome, with two different campgrounds to choose from :Needles Campground and Willow Flat Campground, and multiple backcountry camping sites (permits are required) to choose from for the experienced. The best time to visit is in the Spring and fall as they’re at a comfortable temperature; if you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to bring plenty of water and strong SPF sunscreen. Bear in mind that summer is also monsoon season which can and will cause flash flooding in different parts of the park, so exercise caution if rain is in the forecast. If you’re short on time and looking for the must-see stops, visitors recommend “Mesa Arch”, a relatively short hike leading to panoramic canyon views and a natural arch, best viewed at sunrise if you can; take the 34-mile scenic drive nearly 1,000 feet above the valleys and lower areas of the park; “Horseshoe Canyon”, featuring Native American rock marking panels and artwork; check out the geological features and formations at The Needles such as “Tower Ruin,” “Elephant Hill”, and “Chesler Park.”

Capitol Reef National Park – This stark, alien landscape is reminiscent of an otherworldly surface, filled with slot canyons, sprawling red rock hiking trails, large expanses of rock formations and soaring stone cliffs. Visitors can explore the park by taking a 90 minute round trip scenic drive including Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge dirt road spurs; along the way you’ll get to see the Moenkopi Rock Formation, layers of rock cliffs in the Waterpocket Fold, Grand Wash canyon and the nearby Oyler Uranium Mine; Wingate Sandstone rocks, and more! This park is also a peak spot for canyoneering and climbing, testing your limits by squeezing through tough spots on foot and others requiring special equipment to scale and climb through. There are also plentiful hikes here with far less foot traffic than other nearby parks, affording you unmatched viewpoints of the local landscape unfettered by tourists and crowds; visitors recommend the Cohab Canyon Trail, Capitol Gorge Trail, Goosenecks Overlook, Fremont River Trail, Hickman Natural Bridge Trail just to name a few. Camping enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the Fruita Campground offers 71 campsites including tent and RV options, and some of the most gorgeous views and sunsets you’ll ever experience!

Zion National Park – Breathtaking views of thousand-foot deep red rock canyons surrounded by verdant plants and trees and rushing river waters await you here! This is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, with a landscape so beautiful you’ll hardly believe your eyes. The park is home to 291 different species of birds, and you can grab a bird spotting checklist at the visitors centers to keep track of your findings. Grab your mountain bikes and get pedaling along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Pa’rus Trail. Book a guided horseback riding trail from March through October and trot along rocky trails, woodland areas, and through riverbeds. With more than 90 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty of options for all skill levels from easy day hikes to moderate trails and strenuous, experienced hikes; visitors recommend moderate hikes such as Red Reef, Snow Canyon Overlook, Water Canyon. Book a ranger-led tour of the park through one of the parks special programs for a unique look at the park’s history and wildlife. Do a little camping under the stars and appreciate the stunning views of the heavens. Or dip your toes into the world of aquatic sports such as river rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and more along the Virgin River in Zion.