One of the things I love about Utah’s national parks is the many remarkable hiking trails. Each park has several trails that are unforgettable and certainly bucket-list worthy. One of the best is found in Canyonlands National Park — the Chesler Park Loop Trail. This trail is quite long — approximately 10 miles — but it’s perfect for a day hike. In fact, for many Utah hikers, this is their favorite hiking trail of all time. Will it be yours?
The Chesler Park Loop Trail checks off all of the boxes as one of the best hikes in Utah. You will find the trailhead for this hike located in the Canyonlands Needles District.
This hike is approximately 10.2 miles and you will climb approximately 1,800 feet in elevation. This is a tough route and beginning hikers may want to sit this trail out.
You’ll want to come prepared to walk over all types of terrain. Along the way, you’ll walk over slick rock. Make sure you bring the right type of hiking gear for your journey.
You’ll also venture through slot canyons. These slot canyons can be quite narrow so make sure to tap into your inner courage for these portions of the trail.
You’ll also want to time your hike well. This trail isn’t ideal for hot summer days. Remember, you are traveling through a red rock desert and it can become extremely hot.
But despite the distance, I recommend you take your time and just enjoy the views. You’ll walk near the most incredible rock formations — this is what Canyonlands National Park is all about.
The Chesler Park Loop Trail is one hike in Canyonlands National Park that is beautiful, challenging, and unforgettable. If you only have time for a one-day hike in this Utah national park, this trail is it.
For more information on the Chesler Park Loop Trail for a hike in the canyonlands, visit AllTrails. You may also want to check out AllTrails+ for the ability to download trail maps, know trail conditions before you go, and more.
What are some of your favorite hikes in Canyonlands National Park? Is Chesler Park Loop Trail on your list? Let us know in the comments. If you are searching for even more incredible hikes in Utah, check out our list featuring several of our favorites.
I have grown up in small towns around Utah so I know these destinations are full of gems — bucket-list spots that you just can’t stop thinking about. One of these destinations is Huntington State Park in Utah. Located near a small town in Emery County, this state park is perfect for some time outdoors. Camp, fish, boat, picnic — it’s a little slice of paradise in the Utah desert.
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Huntington is a small town in Emery County. Approximately 2,000 people call this Utah town home and it is best known as the gateway to the San Rafael Swell. However, there is one other destination that we love in this area — Huntington State Park.
This state park is a true hidden gem and a favorite destination for locals. The park is home to Huntington Reservoir, a popular place for some time outside.
Huntington Reservoir is a warm-water lake and a fantastic place for boating and paddling. It’s also a fantastic day trip destination for anglers. Largemouth bass, trout, and bluegill are common catches in this reservoir.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at this state park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
This is also a fabulous destination for observing wildlife as many migratory birds come to the water. If you love catching crawdads, you won’t be disappointed here either.
While you can always spend a day playing at this delightful Utah State Park, you can turn your visit into a weekend adventure by staying at the campground. There are 25 campsites, and electrical and water hookups are available at every site. Plus, if you time your visit just right, you can reserve a campsite near the water.
Whether you come for a day or a weekend, it is easy to fall in love with this hidden gem in Emery County. It’s the type of place you can’t stop thinking about.
For more information on Huntington State Park, visit the Utah State Parks website. You can follow the Huntington State Park Facebook page for news and updates as well.
Have you ever visited Huntington State Park in Utah? What are some of your favorite things to do at this Utah state park? Did you spend any time in the town of Huntington? Let us know in the comments. And if you need some gear for the water or camping, check out REI and Backcountry for some of the best.
You Must Visit These 12 Awesome Places In Utah This Fall
Utah offers a variety of fall activities and attractions, including national parks, ski resorts, and scenic drives, that are best enjoyed in cooler weather.
Utah offers fantastic foliage and amazing attractions that are just better in cooler weather. These places are great year-round, but they’re particularly awesome in the fall. The next time you're researching fun things to do in Utah in the fall, we hope this list comes in handy! Ready to start exploring?
When it comes to memorable things to do in Utah in the fall, you can't go wrong with a trip to any of Utah's national parks. Tourists come from all over the world to visit our five national parks; they each offer a unique kind of natural, Utah beauty. In my opinion, fall is the absolute BEST time for Utahns to visit. The tourist season is pretty much over, so the parks are much less crowded. And, instead of sweating like crazy in sweltering, 100-degree weather, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures.
Most farmers don’t appreciate strangers tramping through their corn fields during the growing season. But in the fall, they cut their fields into mazes, charge a small admission, and offer tons of fun! One of our favorite corn mazes in Utah can be found in Lehi.
Many of Utah’s ski resorts offer great deals on lodging before the snow falls, so they’re a great weekend getaway. Most have a lift or two in operation so you can soak in some mountain splendor and even hike or mountain bike back down the hill. Looking for a little inspiration? Check out our list of ski resorts in Utah with affordable lift tickets. You'll be glad you did the research!
Tuacahn is another amazing venue for outdoor entertainment. But of course, it’s hot in the summer. Therefore, fall proves to be the perfect time to plan your trip there. You'll quickly discover why it's considered one of the most unique performance venues in Utah.
Antelope Island is a great place to see wildlife and some beautiful scenery year-round, but it’s a really exciting place to visit during the annual Bison Roundup. If you can't make the trip during the fall, you'll be pleased to hear that Antelope Island in Utah is a great destination in the wintertime too!
Fall offers some of the best fishing in Utah. During the summer, hot temperatures keep fish in the deepest regions of the lake. When the temperature starts to fall during October, the fish move into more shallow waters. They also start trying to gorge themselves to put on a nice, thick layer of fat for the winter. Looking for a little inspiration? Check out our list of the most beautiful lakes in Utah.
Fall is when our local parks are really enjoyable. They’re quiet during the weekday, when kids are in school, and they’re full of activity in the late afternoon when kids play football or soccer. Fall is the perfect time for a picnic in the park. You'll also find that Utah's state parks are beautiful this time of year.
Temple Square during December is a madhouse. Oh, it’s worth it to see the Christmas lights in Utah. But it’s also really crowded and crazy. If you want to avoid throngs of people, wait until after General Conference. Then, make the trip to downtown Salt Lake City for a jaunt around Temple Square, a visit to Main Street Plaza, and dinner at The Roof.
Unless you live in Utah’s Golf Mecca (St. George), you’ve got to get those last few games in before it snows. Mild temperatures make for an enjoyable game and the crowds at the course have started to thin.
You’ll still find plenty of produce at Utah’s various farmer’s markets in the fall. Buy a bunch to freeze, dry, can, or otherwise, preserve for the winter. Support Utah’s local farmers! For one of our favorites, check out one of the oldest farmer's markets in Utah.
The Utah Symphony spends much of the summer at outdoor venues. While it’s amazing to hear the symphony at Deer Valley or Red Butte, it feels a bit like coming home to hear them in Abravanel. It's one of those marvels in Utah that needs to be experienced to be believed.
The most popular are probably the Alpine Loop and the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, but there are dozens of awesome drives all over the state. Many, like the two I’ve already mentioned, burst with gorgeous fall foliage. For more, check out our list of the most beautiful scenic drives in Utah.
What are your favorite things to do in Utah in the fall? Did any of those activities or attractions miss the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more Utah fun, take a look at our list of the best hikes in Utah (and don't forget to look at our outdoor essentials packing list first!)
