Each of Utah’s 40 state parks has something to offer, but these 15 are especially cool. Some offer stunning scenery; others keep you busy with a host of recreation activities. Check out a few of our favorite parks to visit in Utah and plan your trip!
1) Visit the Buffalo on Antelope Island State Park
Watch for herds of buffalo, antelope, deer and bighorn sheep while you hike or bike around the island.
Read more about Antelope State Park.
2) Scuba Dive at Bear Lake State Park
Scuba from Cisco Beach. See if you can find the "Car Lot" -- dozens of vehicles submerged in the lake in the 1930s that have created an artificial reef.
Read more about Bear Lake State Park.
3) Survey an Endless View from Dead Horse Point State Park
The Colorado River is a mere 2,000 feet below.
Dead Horse Point.
4) Learn About Utah’s Native Americans at Edge of the Cedars State Park
The Pueblos lived here from 825 to 1125 A.D.. You can climb down a handmade ladder to spend a little time in a kiva -- an underground Puebloan dwelling
Read more about Edge of the Cedars.
5) Jump Off a Cliff at Flight Park State Recreation Area
Utah State Parks and Recreation partnered with Utah Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association so that Utahns can learn to paraglide and hang glide at the Point of the Mountain, between Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Read more about Flight Park.
6) Play Like a Pioneer at Frontier Homestead State Park
Excavate for Piute or Fremont artifacts, check out pioneer dwellings, learn about Utah’s mining history and check out some cool stagecoaches.
Read more about Frontier Homestead State Park.
7) Visit Mars Without Leaving Earth at Goblin Valley State Park
Weird geographic formations spread out over 4,686 square miles that mimic the surface of mars. Or maybe the formations look like aliens? Use your imagination.
Read more about Goblin Valley.
8) Run, Swim and Cycle as Fast as You Can at Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle is the perfect site for triathlons -- you’ll find hundreds of athletes at several events throughout the summer months.
Read more about Jordanelle State Park.
9) Golf 18 Holes Lakeside at Palisade State Park
Spend the morning golfing and the afternoon paddle boarding in the lake.
Read more about Palisade State Park.
10) Walk in the Footsteps of Dinosaurs at Red Fleet State Park
Boat, fish and walk alongside 200 million-year-old dinosaur tracks.
Read more about Red Fleet State Park.
11) Ride the dunes at Sand Hollow State Park
15,000 acres of red sand dunes, 15 miles east of St. George
Read more about Sand Hollow.
12) Learn Your Utah State History at the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
Remember when Fillmore was the state capitol? Neither do most people. The oldest government building in Utah is now a museum full of information about long-dead politicians, pioneers and other salty Utahns from days past.
Read more about the Territorial Statehouse Museum.
13) Hike and Camp at Wasatch Mountain State Park
Get out of the heat and enjoy over 21,000 square miles of recreation.
Read more about Wasatch Mountain State Park.
14) Wakeboard at Willard Bay State Park
Hold on tight...
Read more aboutWillard Bay State Park.
15) Ride a Zip Line at Yuba State Park
Once you’re done fishing, ride the 850-foot zipline at Yuba.
Read more about Yuba State Park.
We only listed 15 of Utah's 40 State Parks here. Did we miss your favorite?
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