National Parks in Utah offer a vast array of unforgettable natural beauty, wildlife, recreation opportunities, and cultural history. From Zion to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah’s national parks have something for everyone. Let’s go over some of the most popular and best-kept secrets in this incredible state.
1. Zion National Park
If you are looking for a place to visit in the United States, one of the most scenic places is Zion National Park. The park provides visitors with breathtaking views and is considered by many to be one of the most visited parks in America.
Zion has been recognized as a prized destination because of its canyons, cliffs, and wonderful hiking trails. Whether you want to walk around or get up above it all, Zion National Park has possibilities for every type of person.
Another great thing about this park is that it does not cost anything but some love for nature to enter. If you are interested in visiting this national treasure, we recommend that you head out there soon before winter comes!
2. Arches National Park
A lot of people are currently interested in Arches National Park because of its natural beauty and abundance of arches. It attracts tourists from all over country and also has a lavish history that is quite interesting to learn about when you visit it.
There are a number of different attractions in this national park such as sandstone arches that will take your breath away or possibly Delicate Arch which is the posterchild for the park towering majestically on top of a cliff wall but there are even more stunning sights here.
The park was established as a national monument in 1929, and then changed to a national park in 1971. There are more than 2,000 arches on the landscape of this national park and many of them were formed by erosion of the soft sandstone.
It is located twenty-three miles south of Moab, Utah. Arches National Park was established to protect this beautiful area that has hundreds of arches on the land and because it is so well preserved it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is a great place to visit for those who are interested. The views, especially at the Island in the sky district, offer a great sense of awe. You can also find amazing hikes to different sites in this area of the park.
The Park is divided into three separate areas, of which two are close to Moab, close to Arches National Park. Moab is nearby the popular areas of Island in the Sky and The Needles. These are within an hour’s drive from Arches National Park.
The third area is remote and it can’t be accessed as easily as these two areas; there’s more remote conditions due to its remoteness which means that you should be well prepared before heading here if you want enjoy these great views.
There is a massive amount of detail that you can see on the Canyonlands National Park site. There is a great deal of information about the types of different animals and plants, as well as information on what to expect when you’re visiting the area.
You can read about all this in their many different pages including history, tours, and activities around this beautiful park.
Considered by many as one of the most ruggedly beautiful places in all of Utah, it’s no wonder why so many people choose Canyonlands Park as their favorite place to visit in Utah.
4. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is an oasis of towering rock spires and golden hoodoos located in southwestern Utah. These beautiful, natural formations can be found in shades of orange, pink, gold and cream.
Located at an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, Bryce Canyon also plays home to a number of ancient bristlecone pines. These trees are less common in the area due to their remote location and harsh climate.
Bryce Canyon was set aside as a national monument in 1923, and became a national park in 1928. The park gets most of its visitors from the Utah region, with only about 40 percent of visitation coming from tourists from outside the state.
5. Dead Horse Point State Park
If you are in the area of Moab and want to explore Dead Horse Point State Park, be sure to make a day-long journey. Your best bet is to start out by following the Potash Road from the viewpoint all the way down to Highway 313. This will lead you past a number of cabins that were once used as part of a mining company’s operation before Dead Horse Point was established in 1959.
From there, you can either continue on with your hike or stop at one of many viewpoints along the way for scenic views and picturesque landscapes. There are also two short trails that lead down into Thelma & Louise Point – one that leaves from near its base and another that goes further down into the canyon below, which is known for its rattlesnake den.
The park is open for day use and overnight camping during the same period. A campground and picnic area are both accessible from the main entrance, which will provide restrooms, showers, a dump station, a vehicle wash and a general store.
There are also several hiking trails within the park which are accessible on foot or by bicycle. Dogs on leashes are allowed in all areas of Dead Horse Point except for Thelma & Louise Point.
6. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a national park in Capitol Reef, Utah. It was established in 1971 and has 378 square miles.
The park includes scenic views like Hickman Bridge Arch and the Chimney Rock pillar which are both over 300 feet tall.
The park also has a lot of rock formations such as Cathedral Valley, which is made up of sandstone domes that are more than 275 million years old.
7. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a spectacular national monument in the United States that is home to many important ecosystems and species.
There are 1,880,461 acres of protected land in southern Utah. With former President Trump’s proclamation on December 4, 2017, the monument was halved.
There are a lot of animals living in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Some of the animals you can see are deer, mountain lions, mountain sheep, elk, and even bears.
Approximately 30 species of mammals live in a variety of environments at this monument, including coyote gulch, death hollow trail, lower calf creek falls, golden cathedrals trail, Upper Escalante River, and 40-mile gulch trail.
8. Cedar Breaks National Monument
If you’re looking for a beautiful and refreshing natural escape, then Cedar Breaks National Monument is the place for you. Located at 10,000 feet, the park has a cool climate so it’s perfect for hiking during the summer.
The elevation means that during the winter, when the access road is covered in snow, it’s closed. The fall is also a time that Cedar Breaks National Monument becomes full of life with its changing leaves turning bright yellow and orange!
9. Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Utah. The park offers some outdoor opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else in the state, like lava tubes and black lava fields.
It also includes scenic lookout points for people who are interested in panoramic views of Southern Utah. The park is easily accessible to the public, making it a perfect destination for travelers visiting St. George or nearby towns.
Also, Snow Canyon is a great place for hikers. The park has more than 20 miles of trails that range from short, easy hikes to difficult multi-day backpacking trips. Most of the trails here are located in the southern part of the park.
10. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a small park in southern Utah that provides travelers with a fun and unique place to spend the day. The park offers many opportunities for an enjoyable day.
From sandboarding to hiking the nature trail with plaques displaying information about the area, there are plenty of ways to spend your time without boredom setting in.
The most popular activity in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is riding down the dunes on ATVs during permitted hours. If you’re looking for something more calm and tranquil, however, you can explore the park during quiet hours or on foot.
