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Nature|National & State Parks

These 5 National Parks In Utah Are Positively Breathtaking In The Rain

Utah's national parks look stunningly dramatic during rainy seasons.

Updated Feb 7, 2022

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

Utah sometimes experiences very rainy seasons. Of course, our state can always use the water, but the rain also adds a bit of dramatic beauty to some of our most gorgeous places. Check out these amazing photos of National Parks in Utah... in the rain. Which one is your favorite?

1. Arches National Park

A natural rock arch framed by another rock formation, set against a dramatic purple sky.
Arches National Park/Facebook

Look at those storm clouds through the window of Frame Arch!

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Carved inscriptions on a rocky surface, featuring the names "Staten" and "Amberlen" etched into the stone.
Arches National Park/Facebook

Arches National Park not only gets rain...they also get graffiti. This is heartbreaking and infuriating! If you were visit the park and witness anyone carving into the rocks on the Delicate Arch trail near Frame Arch (or ANYWHERE for that matter), please call the park at (435) 719-2100 to make a report. Keep our parks safe! Learn more about this amazing park and all its wonders in this article.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

A snowy landscape featuring a sign for a visitor center, surrounded by rustic buildings and trees in a foggy atmosphere.
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook
A foggy scene with a tall flagpole displaying the American flag, surrounded by frosty trees.
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook

Bryce Canyon National Park doesn't always get rain... sometimes it get snow, too, and sometimes that snow just happens to occur in, say, April. It's enough to make you long for spring! Or will it?

3. Canyonlands National Park

A rocky landscape under a cloudy sky, with distant cliffs and mist creating a moody atmosphere.
Canyonlands/Facebook

Candlestick tower looks as if it's afloat in a sea of clouds.

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A rugged landscape featuring a twisted tree trunk, desert vegetation, and distant rocky formations under a cloudy sky.
Canyonlands/Facebook

The storm rolling in. Does it get any more peaceful than this? We don't think so. Learn more about this little slice of paradise in this article.

4. Capitol Reef National Park

Snow falls at the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center, with a scenic backdrop of red rock formations.
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
A snowy landscape with a red car parked near a rocky mountain, surrounded by trees and foggy weather.
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook

Some years, rain will transition to snow at Capitol Reef National Park. We're fine with this. There's just something about a light dusting of snow that adds to the beauty of these places, don't you think? Learn about Capitol Reef National Park in this article.

5. Zion National Park

A scenic view of Zion National Park entrance with dramatic mountains and cloudy skies in the background.
Zion National Park/Facebook
A rocky landscape with a large flat stone, surrounded by green plants and red flowers, under a cloudy sky.
Zion National Park/Facebook

April showers bring May flowers! Check out this article to see why this amazing park is one of our nation's most popular and beloved.

Have you visited any of Utah’s national parks during inclement weather? Tell us your stories - and share your photos - in the comments!

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Snow Canyon State Park’s Scout Cave Trail in Utah for an Unforgettable Adventure

In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real.

Published Nov 5, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Utah is a nature lover's dream, and we're blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the country. It just doesn't get much better than our vast canyons and stunning rock formations. I could spend the rest of my life hiking in the Beehive State and still get excited about hitting the trail each day! In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real. Plus, it's kid and pet-friendly!

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AllTrails Zach Schuster

Scout Cave Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike that passes over lava flow fields, Navajo Sandstone rocks, and stream beds. Although it's rated as intermediate on AllTrails, most hikers describe it as being easy, so you definitely don't need to be super skilled. The elevation gain is about 350 feet, and just a few moderate climbing sections make up the bulk of it. You're unlikely to get lost because the trail is very well-marked, and the variation in terrain makes for an interesting adventure from start to finish.

By far the coolest part of the trail (and the main reason anyone hikes it in the first place) is Scout Cave. It's located right before the turnaround point and showcases unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city below. You can actually go inside the cave, which makes this trail a favorite among kiddos.

Shade is minimal, so if you're visiting in the summer, you'll definitely want to wear a hat and load up on sunscreen. Getting started early in the morning also helps with the temperature issue - although the views at sunset are equally as mesmerizing. You should also bring plenty of water and a snack or two, and make sure you have durable footwear for the rock scrambling sections of the trail (however brief they may be).

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Scout Cave Trail, including the parking fee for Snow Canyon State Park. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you do a lot of hiking. The app offers exclusive perks like offline and 3D maps, ensuring you never miss a turn.

Have you ever hiked this trail? If so, do you think it's one of the best hikes in Utah? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article for some of the best things to do in the nearby town of St. George. It's perfect for a family getaway!

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

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AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

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