Utah is home to five national parks known as the Mighty Five, which are popular for their amazing red rock formations, stunning stargazing opportunities, picturesque canyons, and scenic deserts. Want to know more about the national parks in Utah? Go ahead.
Best National Parks in Utah
1. Arches National Park
It is a wonderland with more than 2000 arches. Take a scenic drive along the park and be awed by the breathtaking arches and viewpoints. The first viewpoint stop is La Sal Mountains View Point. You can have a 360-degree view of the full park. Keep your cameras ready to capture the splendid beauty of the park. Pull over at the Balanced Rock. You will be surprised to see a huge rock balanced on another.
Go on a short hike to Tark Avenue through the famous rock formations such as Three Gossips and Courthouse Towers. You cannot see any arches in this trail. If you take a hike from the Arches Scenic Drive, you can see three lovely arches, the North Window, the South Window, and the Turret Arch. The sunrise and sunset views are incredible from this point. Don’t miss the Fiery Furnace known for the reddish glow you see during sunset.
In addition to hiking and driving, you can enjoy many other activities, including horseback riding, canyoneering, biking, rock climbing, backpacking, and stargazing. You can also participate in ranger-led programs to explore the park.
You need at least two days to explore the park. Plan to stay for a day and have a nice time.
Book Hotels in Arches National Park
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
It is an amazing place with colourful and vibrant cliffs and spires. There are so many things to do in the park. Hiking, stargazing, camping, horseback riding, backpacking, and cross-country skiing, are a few to name. There are hiking trails to suit everyone, from easy to strenuous. You can go for a short hike on the Mossy Cave Trail or the most popular Rim Trail. You will enjoy the multi-hike backpacking experience if you love to go for long hikes.
It has two main campgrounds, Sunset and North. Book early to avoid disappointments. Sleep beneath the star-lit sky. The pink and orange rays from the sandstone hoodoos give an incredibly beautiful look to the sky. Fall in love with nature at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Horseback riding is a great way to experience the area’s Western history. The summer and fall months are the best times for horseback riding. Take a scenic drive to explore the beauty of the park from the viewpoints.
If you want a peaceful vacation, visit in the winter, when the place is less crowded. This is the ideal time to enjoy ice skating, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Book Hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park
Read Also: National Parks in Colorado
3. Canyonlands National Park
Covering more than 300,000 acres, Canyonlands National Park is one of the largest national parks in Utah. This sprawling park is divided into five sections: the Needles, Island in the Sky, Maze, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Colorado and Green Rivers.
The Needles is not as frequently visited as the Island in the Sky. However, it is a wonderland with zebra-striped sandstone spires. Its unique sandstone formations and scenic viewpoints are stunning.
The Island in the Sky gives you a breathtaking view of the park. There are short and long trails and drives along the White Rim Road to reach this area. Visit the Mesa Arch, the most popular viewpoint for sunrise.
The maze is a remote area and you can’t reach it on foot. It is accessible only by car.
Visit Horseshoe Canyon and marvel at the rock art done by the ancient Pueblo people.
Kayak or canoe to the Colorado and Green Rivers. It is a haven for whitewater rafters.
Other activities you can enjoy in the Canyonlands National Park include climbing, biking, auto touring, boating, camping, horseback riding, backpacking, stargazing, and taking guided tours.
Book Hotels in Canyonlands National Park
4. Zion National Park
If you love nature and outdoor adventures, Zion National Park can be a paradise with glistening natural pools, flowing rivers, high cliffs, and activities such as rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Don’t miss the most popular hike, the Narrows. The first mile of the trail is easy, but after that, you have to wade or swim as the trail goes into the Virgin River. It is an incredible experience.
Take a scenic drive to admire the beauty of the towering cliff walls and their deep colours. On the way, you can see some of the famous areas of the park including the Angel’s Landing, Weeping Rock, Narrows, etc. Stand on the cliff of the Weeping Rock to have a view of the cascading waterfalls.
Riverside Walk is an easy trail where you can go for a relaxing stroll by the river. It is also a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
A drive along the Kolob Canyons is a treat to your eyes and camera as it takes you through waterfalls, desert canyons, and sandstone cliffs. Kolob in Mormon means ‘Closest to Heaven’. You will understand why it got the name only if you see it in person.
Book Hotels in Zion National Park
Read Also: Best Time to Visit Utah
5. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef will never fail to surprise all visitors with astounding hiking trails and outstanding scenic drives. It is a hiker’s dream with many unique hiking options.
You can go for easy strolls if you are travelling with your family and strenuous ones if you are a talented and experienced hiker. The popular backcountry hiking trails include Halls Creek, Upper Canyon, and Lower Muley Twist Canyon. It is challenging to go through narrow gorges and slot canyons. The spectacular viewpoints make it worth the climb.
The most popular hiking trails include Grand Wash, Rim Overlook, Hickman Bridge, and the Cassidy Arch.
Take a scenic drive along Panorama Point to have a stunning view of the park and Sunset Point to watch the beautiful sunset. Stop on the way to see the petroglyphs, the rock art figures created by the ancient Native Americans.
Explore the Fruita, the heart of the Capitol Reef National Park, home to several historic sites and camping grounds.
Go on a guided canyoneering tour and explore the canyons. Other activities you can enjoy in the park include biking, bouldering, rock climbing, harvesting fresh fruits, and attending the junior ranger program.
Book Hotels Near Capitol Reef National Park
Conclusion
With rugged beauty and amazing hiking trails, National Parks in Utah promise you unlimited fun and enjoyment. Plan a vacation to the Mighty Five and create unforgettable memories.
