The Ultimate Utah National Park Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It
It can be difficult to determine which national park to visit in Utah. The Beehive State has five national parks and seven national monuments and each are incredible in their own way. To help you see some of the best parks in Utah, we’ve created this road trip. On this journey, you will travel to all the national parks in the Beehive State and two of our most popular monuments. Ideally, this trip should take you three to four days — you’ll want to allow plenty of time to explore the best parks in Utah along the way!
If you’re planning a visit to these incredible national parks in Utah, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!
This national parks road trip requires approximately 15 hours of drive time. However, check out this interactive map so you can follow along or customize your trail according to your specific starting and ending location.
Arches National Park is just a few miles from Moab, which is a great place to start your road trip. It’s home to Delicate Arch — and about 1,999 other natural stone arches. Check out the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, The Windows, and Devil’s Garden. If you are looking for a fun hiking trail in Utah to explore, check out the Park Avenue Trail at this national park.
Drive 40 minutes from Moab and arrive at Canyonlands National Park. Island in the Sky, the most accessible district at the park, affords stunning views 1,000 feet above the canyon floor. Grand View Point Overlook, is one of the best overlooks in this area and can be found at the end of a short, paved path.
Stop at Natural Bridges National Monument to visit its three natural bridges: "Kachina," "Owachomo," and "Sipapu." This monument was the world’s first "International Dark Sky Park," which means that the stargazing opportunities are amazing. You can learn more here.
Natural Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell, UT 84533, USA
Capitol Reef National Park includes a 100-mile-long monocline (a wrinkle in the earth’s crust), domes, bridges, and cliffs. Visit the Fruita District, where you’ll find the Gifford Homestead and orchards. You won't want to miss Chimney Rock either (pictured above).
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument protects 1,888,461 acres. See the toadstool hoodoos near Paria (pictured above). Witness the many-colored cliffs (grey, white, vermillion, chocolate, and pink), go mountain biking, hiking, and climbing. For the best things to do outside in Utah, visit Calf Creek Falls and Coyote Gulch.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, 745 US-89, Kanab, UT 84741, USA
You’ll find some of Utah’s most scenic vistas at Bryce Canyon National Park. Tons of hoodoos, carved out by years of wind and ice make the canyons rich with color and dimension. There are plenty of hiking opportunities at Bryce — and some great photography, too.
Zion National Park is Utah’s most visited park, and for good reason. Splash through the river, surrounded by slot canyons, climb to the lofty peak of Angel's Landing, and go on a bike or horseback tour. Plan in advance to hike The Narrows or The Subway.
Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT, USA
Do you have any upcoming plans to visit Utah’s national parks? Does this road trip make it easier to choose which national park to visit in Utah? Let us know in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
National park to visit in Utah
January 13, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are the best parks in Utah?
Utah is home to five national parks and more than 40 state parks. The national parks in this state are popular. In fact, they are some of the most crowded national parks in the entire country. While many individuals tend to focus their attention on these five areas of the state, they miss some of the best parks in Utah — the state parks.
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the best parks to visit in Utah. It is also one of the most picturesque. Here, you will find miles of trails, gorgeous campgrounds, and the most stunning overlook. Snow Canyon State Park, located near St. George, is another popular state park that you can explore. This state park is filled with hiking trails and sand dunes that are unforgettable.
What are some hiking trails in Utah that I should explore?
When you are looking for things to do outside in Utah, go on a hike. There are hiking trails in Utah for every age, skill level, and more. If you are searching for a short hike, consider the Arches Trail in Red Canyon. This trail is only 0.6 miles but is family-friendly and will take you to natural arches and hoodoos.
For a hike that is a little more challenging, head on the Grandeur Peak Trail. This trail in the Salt Lake area is a 5.5-mile, out-and-back trail that is best for experienced hikers. It is also a hiking trail that is accessible year-round. However, if venturing on this trail in the winter months, make sure you bring spikes for your hiking boots as the snow can become quite slick in areas and you will have several steep inclines to tackle.
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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.
