11 Secret Places In Utah’s National Parks That Will Blow You Away
With five national parks to visit in Utah, they can certainly get crowded during tourist season. It can be hard to enjoy nature’s beauty when you’re surrounded by screaming kids, tourists stopping in the middle of the trail with their cameras, and cars everywhere. There are a few solutions to this problem. First, visit during the off-season, when the tourists are all at Disney World. Second, visit the secret places in each park that tourists tend to avoid. Here are 11 secret places to check out in Utah’s national parks.
The Needles is one of the more remote districts of Canyonlands National Park. The area requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle or some backcountry hiking to access it. There’s a trail system that includes both day and multi-day hikes. This is Chesler Park. It's one of the best parks in Utah.
Most tourists visit the Zion Canyon portion of the park, completely missing Kolob Canyons, which is 40 miles north. Find solitude and discover a much quieter beauty in the Kolob Canyons region. Stop at the Visitor Center to check in and get information about the 20 miles of trails in the area. And then take a hike to Kolob Arch! It's one of the best hiking trails in Utah.
The Fiery Furnace is tricky to navigate - visitors often get lost or stuck on cliffs due to inexperience. As a result, the park rangers offer two tours into the area. You can read more about the tours on the NPS website. It's one of the best things to do outside in Utah.
4. Skull Arch, Arches National Park
Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
Reserve a spot on the three-hour tour and see some amazing formations and Skull Arch. You can find out more about Arches National Park on the NPS website.
5. Waterpocket District, Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is the state’s least-visited park, probably because of its remote location, but it ay be the best national park to visit in Utah. The Waterpocket Fold stretches for 100 miles and includes slot canyons, cliffs, and domes.
You’ll typically need a high-profile vehicle to reach Cathedral Valley - the road to access it is unpaved. You can drive the 57.6-mile Cathedral Valley Loop Tour, which offers plenty of scenery and is not crowded - in fact, you may not see another car all day. Check with the Visitor Center first; you’ll have to ford the Fremont River at one point, which is not usually a problem, but is very dangerous during times of flooding. For even more solitude, stop along the way and take one of many hiking trails in the area. You can learn more about Cathedral Valley at Capitol Reef National Park on the NPS website.
7. Temples of the Sun and Moon, Capitol Reef National Park
You'll see the Temples of the Sun and Moon when you drive the Cathedral Valley Loop. You can find out more about Temples of the Sun and Moon on the NPS website. This is part of one of the best parks in Utah.
8. Upper Muley Twist Canyon
Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
One of the most incredible hiking trails in Utah is to Upper Muley Twist Canyon. This hike is somewhat difficult and fairly remote, so few visitors bother. You’ll see some great views of the Waterpocket Fold and several arches along the way. Start at the Strike Valley Overlook parking lot, then hike nine miles.
9. Upper Muley Twist Arch
Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Horseshoe Canyon is one of the frequently missed parts of Canyonlands, because it’s remote and not really connected with the rest of the park. To reach it, you’ll drive turn off SR 24 near Hanksville and drive 30 miles on a dirt road. The trail into the canyon is 6.5 miles round-trip; plan on about four hours.
Most Utahns don’t get to see this large panel of rock art; the figures are life-sized, highly detailed, and very well-preserved. You’ll find the Great Gallery along the Horseshoe Canyon trail. Visit the NPS website to learn more about the Great Gallery.
What are your favorite spots in Utah’s national parks? What are your favorite national parks to visit in Utah? Let us know in the comments.
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
Address: Cathedral Valley, Utah, USA
Address: Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Address: Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Address: Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA
Address: Temple of the Sun, Utah, USA
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Horseshoe Canyon, Utah 84050, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks To Visit In Utah
July 08, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the best hiking trails in Utah?
Utah is an outdoor lover’s paradise between five national parks and countless miles of hiking trails. Some of the best hiking trails in Utah may bring you through canyons, waterfalls, caves, and scenic overlooks…you get the idea. Just getting outside to explore is one of the best things you can do in the state.
What are some of the most incredible natural wonders in Utah?
The Beehive State is home to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery and natural wonders in the country. If you haven’t yet seen the Bonneville Salt Flats, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the state, you are missing out. Formed by 40 square miles of hard-packed salt, you’ve never seen anything quite like it. The 130-foot Escalante Natural Bridge is another awe-inspiring sight that can be found at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
What are the best parks in Utah?
While the national parks found within the state are places everyone must visit, there are plenty of state parks that should not be overlooked. One state park, Piute State Park, is home to a stunning reservoir where visitors can go boating and fishing. This is one of many state parks in Utah that are wonderful places to spend an afternoon.
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
