There are 62 National Parks across the United States, and each is unique and beautiful in its own way. Utah is home to five of these stunning protected areas, and they all feature vast, stunning landscapes that will truly take your breath away. People who visit the Beehive State are drawn to our parks, and as a result, they’re some of the country’s most crowded. CBS News recently posted an article on its website that ranks every park according to its number of visitors. Keep scrolling to see where our Mighty Five came in; these National Parks in Utah are crowded but still amazing – we promise!

Utah's national parks are so incredible that people from all over the world come to see them.
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In fact, all five of our national parks are in the top half of the list of most-visited national parks in the United States. Here are their rankings:
1. Zion National Park
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Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT, USA
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Zion National Park is truly a gem in Southern Utah. This place seems like pure paradise, and people all over the world agree. The Angel's Landing Hike offers incredible views and quite an adventure, but it's very crowded. You'll certainly have to share Zion with many other people - it's the 4th most popular national park in the Untied States, with 4,888,268 people flocking there in 2019. Learn more about Angel's Landing Trail here.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
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The hoodoos and spires in the amphitheaters at Bryce are just stunning. You can view them from several lookouts, or hike down in to see them up close. The Queens Garden Trail is one of the most popular at Bryce, and you certainly won't have the trail to yourself. America's 12th most crowded national park, Bryce Canyon had 2,594,904 visitors last year. Bryce Canyon is a hikers' hotspot, too.

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3. Arches National Park
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Arches National Park Vc, Arches Nat'l Pk Vc, Utah 84532, USA
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Utah's most iconic rock formation is found right here at Arches, and it's definitely worthy of the honor. Photographers gather at Delicate Arch before sunrise, and again at sunset, hoping to catch the perfect shot. Of course, they have to wait for the tourists to get out of the way! The 17th most crowded park in the country, Arches National Park greeted 1,659,702 visitors in 2019. Check out some of these awesome historic photos to see just how much Arches has changed over the decades.
4. Capitol Reef National Park
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Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
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Capitol Reef includes rugged cliffs, sweeping views, and a good dose of history. The park is the 23rd most-visited in the country with 1,226,519 guests in 2019 alone. The little homestead at Fruita is especially popular. We can see why! Get comfortable at Capitol Reef staying at this awesome little spot.
5. Canyonlands National Park
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Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
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Canyonlands covers 337,598 acres, and much of the park is very remote. It's our least-visited national park, but still ranks as the 28th most-visited park in the country. In 2019, the park greeted 733,996 visitors. You'll mostly find them in the Island In The Sky District. A sunrise experience at Mesa Arch is a must when visiting, and tourists and photographers alike flock there. You'll want to check out this amazing view while you're here, though.

Which of Utah’s national parks is your favorite, and why? Tell us in the comments! We love hearing from you.

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National Parks in Utah

Tori Jane | February 07, 2022

What are some fun things to do outside in Utah?  

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’re going to be a fan of Utah. It’s a state filled to the brim with natural wonder, and with more than 3,000 hiking trails to choose from throughout the state you’re sure to find something amazing every time you leave the house. Obviously, there’s the hiking, but what else can you do outdoors in the beautiful state of Utah? Plenty! Camping is especially wonderful here, given the unique landscape. You’ll also love water-based recreation like kayaking or canoeing in your favorite lakes; Utah is more than just desert and interesting rock formations. It’s home to more than 1,000 amazing lakes – you read that right! - and it’s the perfect place for any water lover to vacation or live. Head to any of our 43 amazing state parks, or five National Parks. Go ziplining, or head to an arboretum to learn while enjoying the world around you. If you do decide on the state and/or National Parks route, make sure you do it right – check out this article for some common traveler mistakes made at Utah parks.  

What are some of the best easy hiking trails in Utah?  

With more than 3,000 incredible hiking trails in Utah alone, there is much to be done when you’re a hiker. Luckily, the vast number of trails in Utah means one thing: plenty of them are going to be perfect for the beginner, or for someone just looking for an easy, relaxing afternoon outdoors. Some of the best, easiest hikes in Utah include the breathtaking Zion Narrows Riverside Walk, a 1.9-mile trek through some of the most incredible views you’ll ever take in, and the Donut Falls Trail, a 3.3-mile trek within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Try the 0.6-mile Double Arch Trail and the Windows Loop/Turret Arch Trail at Arches National Park. Seriously – more than 3,000 trails. You’ve got a lot of hiking to catch up on!  

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