The fort and the re-enactments are only a super short walk away, there is a fort replica, teepee, various other Just 25 minutes away from Ogden and about the same from SLC and Park City, we had fun fishing and doing a family picnic We learned a lot about Camp Floyd, the Stagecoach Inn, a little about the Pony Express and the Stagecoach Route. Toilets are accessible. Dead Horse Point State Park. Zion National Park. By Evie. The 12 Best State Parks in Utah (2023) By David Martirosian January 2, 2023 Utah is home to some of the most stunning state parks (and national parks) in the United States. Utah State Parks. Utah State Parks and Recreation/Facebook. The beautiful desert scenery is enough of a reason to visit, but the proximity to the cool town of St. George and Zion National Park makes it an excellent choice for any RV trip. There are also plenty of amenities available, from tents and hammocks for camping, glamping sites, RV trailers, cabins, and more!View Official Website, Take a trip to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and experience an outdoor wonder like no other. In addition to the state's five national parks, Utah has a whopping 44 state parks, including the otherworldly Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and the sandy beaches and bright blue waters of Bear Lake State Park. While many travelers visit Park City to rub shoulders with celebrities and swoosh down some of Americas finest ski slopes, few save time to explore this scenic wonderland just 18 miles south of town. Capitol Reef. Toggle Main Menu Get The Travel Guide Places To GoToggle Menu Close Menu National Parks Northern Utah Cities & Towns Parks & Outdoors Southern Utah Salt Lake City & Wasatch Front Dark Sky Parks Winter in Southern Utah Ski Resorts Things To DoToggle Menu Close Menu Arts & Museums Backpacking Parks | Utah State Parks But here's the dirty secret: Many of those state parks hold their own against the grandeur of the Big Five, usually with a fraction of fellow humans crowding the trails and vistas. Double Arch Trail - Relatively flat, hard-packed trail is considered barrier free. Highlights: Beaches, Water Sports, and ATVing. Often obscured by the shadow of Utah's most iconic park, this hidden gem located about an hour west of Zion shares much in common with its more celebrated cousin. Best National Park in Utah for: Natural Amphitheaters and Hoodoos. Adventurous travelers may also elect to swim in the salt water (beware the smell) or just kick back on Bridger Bay Beach. The best way to explore the park is hiking (you can also camp there! The site seeing in the area was gorgeous. Both are very scenic spots, but the Granite Flat sites are more spacious and offer some of the prettiest camping spots in Utah. Unfurling a rugged landscape of dramatic sandstone cliffs and ancient lava flows, this high-desert mini-Zion rolls out the red carpet for explorers with 18 hiking trails, 30 campsites, and a fraction of the people. His work has been published in. Highly recommend getting out and doing some hikes here - best way to check out. Bryce Canyon National Park is a fantasy world of towering stone spires and balanced rock formations known as hoodoos, in shades of orange, gold, cream, and pink. Located in a stunning desert landscape of canyons, high desert woodland, and miles of trails, its a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique and memorable experience. During the winter months, this road is open to private vehicles. We come here often and it offers a lot of things to do and free life vests for anyone to use. Goosenecks State Park is pet-friendly and offers activities such as sightseeing, photography, star gazing, picnicking and camping. What Activities Can I Expect in Utah State Parks? Canyonlands. Camping: The park has two campgrounds, as well as primitive campsites along the beach in the dunes. This popular park about 30 minutes east of St. George is like a best of for Utahs state park system all rolled into one. Explore the trails in Wasatch Mountain State Park by bike, Petrified wood found on the Petrified Forest trail, The annual bison roundup at Antelope Island State Park, Famous goosenecks carved into the San Juan River, mind-blowing landscapes of this Grand Canyon-styled park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In a yurt. Utah Man Dead After Incident at Palisade State Park. Best state parks in Utah | AllTrails Best State Park in Utah for: Sand Dunes and ATVing. Mar 17, 2022 6 min read This month-by-month guide to what's happening in Utah can help you choose the best time for your visit FatCamera / Getty Images With five national parks, more than two dozen national landmarks, and award-winning skiing, Utah is one of the most beloved adventure states in America. Utah State Parks | Visit Utah About 80 miles from Zion is Bryce Canyon National Park, home to famous hoodoos. A beautiful, coral-colored soft-sand beach stretches all along the west and south side of the lake, forming a wide band between the lake and road. About a 30-minute drive from Arches National Park, these two parks are often visited in the same vacation, but each requires a significant amount of time. Like the orange cliffs that dominate nearby national parks in Utah, the sand here is Navajo sandstone. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. Rockport State Park was alsocertified as an International Dark Sky Place in 2021, making it a great spot to witness star-filled night skies. For an unbeatable experience on the water, head to Hailstone Recreation Area for swimming, wakeboarding, and waterskiing along Jordanelle Reservoirs beautiful shorelines. The main attractions are the interesting spires, 67 in total, in various shades of orange and cream. Amazing view of the meandering San Juan River through the gorge. Hiking | Utah State Parks Explore the miles of trails that wind throughout the park, including the main Petrified Forest Trail, which is a one-mile loop through lava flows and thousands of pieces of petrified wood. June 14th, 2023. The video is not to be missed to explain the importance of this site used as a federal research center with over 1 million artifacts and documents recovered. This park is full of modern amenities for visitors to enjoy, including campgrounds with beautiful views and connections to nature that will create long-lasting memories. Visitors can hop on and off at any and all of the stops along the way. They have a little walk path where you could see all the stuff and then you could do some hiking on your own. If you want to see more of the landscape, you can take a guided tour to sites you can't reach from the road, including large sections of red sand dunes. Both Sand Hollow and Quail Creek charge a $15 entry fee per vehicle. Flaming Gorge State Park is located in the far northeast corner of the state right near the Wyoming state line. When most people think of Utah and water, it's generally the Great Salt Lake near Salt Lake City. 10 Summer Safety Tips From Utah State Parks. One of the best things about Utah is that it's home to some of the most astonishing and varied landscapes in the world. 3,630. You'll find plenty of things to do in St. George, which makes a good base for a few days. , Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. Plus, there are plenty of accessible overlook areas for visitors with disabilities. This is also where you can do the short hike to Mesa Arch, a beautiful and dramatic arch perched on the edge of a 500-foot drop, framing the distant landscape. SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK Even closer to Zion, is Sand Hollow State Park. Camping: The park has one place for camping, the Kayenta campground. Hiking Trails: It's worth taking the time to hit the trails in this state, and Utah has trails for everyone, from beginners and families with children to advanced hikers seeking a challenge. 5 must-see hikes in Utah national parks, according to AllTrails - ABC4 Utah What is the most popular state park in Utah. Highway 89, along the southern edge between Kanab and Page, offers even more dramatic views of colorful banded hills and canyons. Today, visitors can explore the geological history behind Goblin Valley State Park. Camping: You can find campgrounds right in Zion National Park. 15 Best State and National Parks in Utah - Travel + Leisure Set against the backdrop of a harsh and dramatic landscape, Dead Horse Point State Park offers some of the most unique and memorable scenery on offer anywhere in the United States. The park has grown . National Parks in Utah (2023 Outrageous Scenery) - The Broke Backpacker Growing up in New York City, he gained an appreciation for getting lost in the wilderness, where he was able to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Camping: Snow Canyon State Park has one campground, and it's the best campground near St. George. You can try your luck sandboarding down the dunes, but most people opt to run down them. Whether youre a boater, a biker, an OHV rider or an equestrian, theres something for everyone here. For stunning night shots, try driving through Arches National Park after dark. This is a city of about 100,000 people and full range of hotels and accommodation options. Bryce Canyon National Park isn't the only place to see hoodoos in Utah. Utah's Best State Parks for Camping, Hiking & More! - Wide Open Roads Snow Canyon State Park in Ivins, Utah on December 24, 2020. The lake is known for its famous turquoise-blue waters (sometimes called the Caribbean of the Rockies), its huge 109-mile circumference, and a myth similar to the Loch Ness Monster. June 4th, 2023. Goosenecks State Park is in a remote part of southern Utah but is a convenient stop if you are visiting Monument Valley. The park also draws plenty of ATV traffic and campers who come to sleep under the stars on the reservoir's sandy beaches. Cedar Breaks National Monument is similar in many ways to Bryce Canyon, with a deep amphitheater of towering hoodoos and surrounding walls of multihued stripes that glow in shades of orange, pink, gold, and cream. The most well-known of Utah's parks are its "Mighty 5" national parks. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. Capitol Reef. Canyonlands. Please see the pictures but even they do not come close to accurately reflecting it. There are many unique and beautiful rock formations and every direction we looked there was a palette of colors in the mountains. THE 10 BEST Utah State Parks (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor You can hike all day and then relax in your hotel room at night. The PERFECT Utah Road Trip and National Parks Itinerary 2023 - NOMADasaurus Utah State Parks Day 2: Arches National Park. We rented mountain bikes from Bighorn Mountain Biking and had a great time. This small park is worth a stop for the outstanding view of a meander in the San Juan River, 1,000 feet below the lookout. This sprawling 20,000-acre park is one of the most visited destinations in Utah, and with good reason. Only an hour from downtown, this fascinating park is one of the best places to see the Great Salt Lake. Located in northern Utah, this park offers something for everyone all year round. All in all this is the best place to see the Island in the Sky and perhaps the best view of the Colorado River Canyon. And now its also in your inbox! Antelope Island State Park an oasis of rangelands and wildlife that offers a refuge from the Wasatch Front. I cant wait to go back this year, Plenty of wow factor here, around every corner more Awesome views. Plus, you can look forward to someincredible night sky viewing after the sun sets the dark starry skies are sure to be a highlight of your visit! For a look at the best hikes from a state level, see our list of the overall best hikes in Utah. Some of the best things to do in New Mexico are right in your backyard. Utah State Parks. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The Best Utah State Parks You Haven't Been To Yet. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Small but unique, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a fun place to spend a day playing on the dunes. Amazing horseback ride info staff. Excellent experience. RT in reality) to see the petrified wood. Utah's oldest government building is one of the least visited parks in the Beehive State. It is in a neighborhood, but easy to find. You'll soon have yet another essential Utah state park to hit. Nearby Town of Moab: The town of Moab is the perfect place to base yourself if you're visiting the park. Author Lana Law has spent many seasons in Utah exploring the national and state parks and hiking countless trails. 1. For the ultimate outdoor experience, camp in the peaceful campground surrounded by ancient lava flows and red Navajo sandstone. And dont forget to check out the famous Legend of Dead Horse Point its said that wild mustangs were herded onto this promontory point in order to choose which horses they wanted. Worth the $15 per car admission fee. Enjoy nature studies, wildlife viewing, photography, camping, ranger talks, and junior ranger programs too. If you are up for a longer hike, the seven miles of trail are connected and can be done as one long hike. Less known to those from out of state is Flaming Gorge State Park. Kids (and kids at heart) can book a zipline tour or play the day away at the Island Aqua Park. 2. Evan Whitaker/Google. 8 people per vehicle) Accessibility . 1. Camping: The park is a popular place to camp with three campgrounds (two well equipped, one primitive). You need to book these well in advance. Bordering the Delaware-sized Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, this rarely visited jewelonly 64,000 people visit annuallyallows you to peep fossilized dinosaur bones before trekking through an ancient petrified forest. In addition to spa-like bathrooms, the property hosts movie-nights at their drive-in theater, complete with old classic cars and free popcorn. If you are not planning a stop at Arches National Park, then this park is definitely worthwhile. Situated on the edge of a deep canyon, this small park provides awe-inspiring views of the San Juan River winding its way through the desert 1,000 feet below. Step into a breathtaking world when you visit Snow Canyon State Park. These well-preserved Puebloan cliff dwellings, dating back more than 700 years, can be seen from a short overlook trail. For a slightly more remote adventure, try a wilderness hike in Kolob Canyons, the narrow slot canyons spread throughout the park. In the end, fulfilment is just some big rocks. The Donner Party was the first wagon train to pass through East Canyon back in 1846, setting up a route that would be followed by thousands of pioneers heading westward to California and Utah. We have personally driven the Utah Mighty 5 and it is without question one of our favorite road trips to date. In the spring, waterfalls pour off the ledges, feeding the Virgin River as it flows through the canyon. This section is located about an-hour-and-a-half drive from Island in the Sky and has a more remote feel along with many interesting natural attractions. In some areas, you can drive your vehicle right down to the water's edge and set up on the shoreline. It is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which draw in visitors from all over the world. RVs must pay a fee and get a permit in advance to use this stretch of highway and in order to pass through a narrow tunnel. Island in the Sky District: The view from the Island in the Sky district of the park, looking out over the carved landscape of plateaus and canyons, is one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the entire state. This area is surrounded by some outstanding scenery of mountains and washes. BreeBlanch/TripAdvisor. is stunning, the history is interesting, and the horses are incredible! So if you want to zig while everybody else zags,point your GPS toward one of Utah's coolest, and less visited, state parks. Utah is more than just a pretty backdrop you can expect countless hours of fun activities, such as hiking, ATV riding, boating, and more. The fourth district is the rivers that divide these areas. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. And these are just two of the sites in this one section of the park. The real wow factor is the many colors and shapes of the rocks. At the Water seemed clean. You can also visit the Island Buffalo Grill or take a guided e-bike tour (open seasonally). American Fork Canyon. everywhere! By budzy829. Nearby toilets, along a paved surface, are accessible. The hallmark of this blockbuster park in southern Utah is its vast cliffs, made of sandstone and situated at the edge of the Colorado Plateau. The best places to start your road trip through Utah are Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Bryce Canyon. You can also find largemouth bass and bluegill swimming in the warmer upper layers of the lake. $10 parking plus rental boards available. From backcountry steppes studded with breathtaking rock formations to exceptional recreation areas ripe for mountain biking, kayaking, and . Some are more well-known than others for specific interests, such as hiking, climbing, boating, or even off-roading. You do that here as well. The most striking views are from Sunset and Sunrise Points, along the Rim Trail. State Park has so much to offer, stunning landscapes, lava flows, sandstone cliffs to mention a few. Photo by Peter Stringer. The parks listed below are some of the top attractions in Utah, and well suited for travelers interested in sightseeing and a scenic drive. Camping: Due to the high elevation, camping here can be cold, even in the hottest months. Bear Lake State Park Bear Lake State Park is located on the Utah/Idaho border with the gorgeous lake sharing land in both states. Other popular private campgrounds can be found outside of the park in the nearby towns of Springdale and Virgin. This natural wonderland boasts stunning hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable scenic views. Goosenecks State Park. Goblin Valley was first discovered by cowboys searching for cattle in the late 1920s. Activities here include boating, water skiing, sailing, kiteboarding, and houseboating, making this one of the most popular recreation destinations in the state. We visited Kodachrome Basin State Park on our recent trip to Tropic, UT. Quail Creek reservoir was completed in 1985 to provide irrigation and culinary water to the St. George area. Bear Lake is a 20-mile long and eight-mile wide natural lake with beautiful, placid waters that perfectly match the tranquil pace of the quaint towns that dot the shore. Afterward, you can snap a photograph or two at its observation point as your souvenir from such an unforgettable visit.View Official Website, Experience one of the most stunning examples of an entrenched river meander in North America at Goosenecks State Park. Come nightfall, lay your head down in a refurbished Airstream at one of the coolest new glamping resorts in the country, Yonder Escalante. Just go and let the trails take you on a Really cool to see the petroglyphs. Note that forum content are individual perspectives of forum posters and not the opinion of Tripadvisor, Awesome amazing views so glad we decided to go The park has many gorgeous views looking down on the, $20 per car to enter, but to me, it is worth it to explore the otherworldly. Nearby Town: The closest town to the park is Torrey, a pleasant little community with hotels and restaurants. The trail was treacherous and slow-going because of high brush and rocky obstacles that they encountered along the way only 47 of the original 87 were able to reach their destination. Camping is allowed in and around the parks. Be sure to check with the park website in advance for details if you plan on visiting this area. Heres a more complete list: (But note, not EVERY park has all of these amenities, so double check the parks official website for more info.). THE 10 BEST Utah National Parks (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Zion means "the Promised Land" in Hebrew and this iconic park certainly lives up to its name. Beware of high winds before you consider approaching the ledge. Utah's world-famous "big five" national parks are some of the most popular in America, attracting more than 10 million visitors in 2019. which. Zion. This is a beautiful ride up into the mountain and its an amazing place. One of the most spectacular viewpoints in Utah is from Dead Horse Point Lookout, with views over a gooseneck in the Colorado River, 2,000 feet below. If you have the extra time, a stop here is worth it when travelling between Moab and Capitol Reef NP. National Parks Hiking Trails. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Located between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, Escalante Petrified Forest is among the most underrated, surprising, and all-around best. 16 Best Camping Spots in Utah: State Parks & More - Only In Your State You can immerse yourself in the scenery by hiking below the giant rock walls or up the Virgin River through The Narrows, and fearless hikers can experience the grand views from lookouts more than 1,000 feet above the canyon floor. There are 5 parks that dominate Utah: Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Zion National Park and the Arches National Park. For those who head into the interior, a land of colorful canyons, cockscomb ridges, arches, and even waterfalls can be reached by dirt roads and hiking trails. ; Antelope Island Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride the park's backcountry trails for spectacular views of lake and island scenery; sp. However, Sand Hollow, Antelope Island,Jordanelle, and Dead Horse Point are all pretty popular parks. Perhaps no state is more synonymous with national parks than Utah. The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary Get information on all of Utah's state parks here. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Best Hikes in Utah: 20 Epic Trails - MAPPED! - Bearfoot Theory To get a complete view, or to photograph a gooseneck showing the water flowing all the way around the bend, you need to inch your way out to the very edge of the unguarded viewpoint ledge. The first national park established in Utah (and the 13th in the U.S.), Zionwith its towering canyon walls and hanging gardensmakes many a bucket list. Park funding will go to preservation, protection from fossil-vandals, maintaining 150 miles of trail systems for off-roading, mountain biking, and hiking, and constructing campsites. It was beautiful to see the colors change on a frosty morning that was clear of clouds but draped in some fog. As you plan your visit, you may wonder about the safety and security of the park which is totally normal! Both of these airports have frequent flights from a wide number of airlines. The freestanding horseshoe-shaped Delicate Arch is the posterchild for the park, perched majestically on a cliff wall in front of a sandstone bowl. This deep reservoir reaches up to 120 feet in some places, making it cold enough to sustain stocked rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie. Sand Hollow State Park is lesser known by out of state residents but a hot spot with locals, who come here to hang out on the beach, boat, fish, kayak, or take their OHVs (off highway vehicles) into the surrounding sand dunes. You can stop off at the Paria ghost town and nearby recreated Old West town, both of which have been used as filming locations in movies. 11 Best Utah State Parks You've Got to Visit Visiting the parks and biking are the top things to do in Moab, but the list of scenic drives and natural attractions surrounding the town are extensive. 5 Stunning Utah State Parks Without the National Park Crowds See tours. The Best Utah State Parks You Haven't Been To Yet If youre looking for an opportunity to marvel at natures raw beauty from high above the San Juan River canyon, then make sure to stop by Goosenecks State Park.View Official Website, Head to Otter Creek State Park for an unforgettable experience that combines the best of ATV riding, boating, and bird watching. For a bit of pioneer history, swing by the Fielding Garr Ranch. June 26, 2023 by Alesha and Jarryd. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: This scenic road is open year-round to private vehicles. In total, the park spans an incredible 22,000 acres, making it the largest state park in the state. Zion is one of the most visited parks in the United States and one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southwest. Perched at an elevation of 5,800 feet in one of the darkest sky regions in North America, the stargazing here is nothing short of epic. 17 Unforgettable RV Camp Spots in Utah (Both Parks and Rustic) Beyond, dramatic scenery stretches into the distance, where the river has carved its way through the landscape. Camping is available at the Canyon Rim campground and at a nearby RV park in Manila. Major attractions: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Best Utah State Parks for RVers - TREKKN | RVing, Camping & Hiking However, much that you see in the incredible view from this overlook across the Colorado River is the Island in the Sky. Here I have accumulated 17 of the most unforgettable RV camp spots that range from rustic to national parks. A Palette of Colors in This Desert State Park. The area is definitely desert. I know this area is massive but are there recommendations as to where we should stay to see as much of the monument as possible?