5.0Arches National Park(10.8k reviews) - Amazing Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Get your timed entry pass $2 at recreation.gov in advance, OR many passes open up the day before. I would still advise an early slot as when we left around 1230, the queue was over 90 min long according to the park signs. Something is not working smoothly! We did the viewing point to Delicate Arch, walked to Landscape Arch and the two others enroute and finished with the windows and double arch. I had wanted to hike to Delicate after reading that it had the 'best payoff' but I'm glad we didn't. There are plenty of arches to see without dragging your family in 100deg heat that far. Tip - go the Moab diner after your hike. Amazing diner food and service. Very popular.See more..
5.0Bryce Canyon National Park(9.038 reviews) - Beauty beyond belief Spent More than 3 hours Geologic Formations
This is my favorite National Park! It is so unique and majestic pictures don’t do it justice. Highly recommend going early to watch the sunrise light up the Hoodoos and an inner canyon adventure aboard a horse or mule with Canyon Trail Rides. No matter what activity you choose you’ll be amazed at the beauty of this parkSee more..
4.5Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park(7.351 reviews) - Do a tour, and drive the loop on your own Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
Stunning. If I were spiritual, I would add that in. A few cautions: currently the tribal elders decreed that all visitors have to exit the loop road by 7 pm. Unfortunately, sunset is now (Sep 1st) an hour later. When your tour ends, as sunset approaches, head to the The View Hotel - pass through the Gift Shop to the south east decks (where diners might eat if/when their restaurant re-opens; still under COVID restrictions) In fact, masks have to be worn in open air - including in tour vehicles. Highly recommend the Dineh Bekayah tour group; female owned (one of the only in the Valley) female managed, female guides. All very professional. Bring cash to save on 8% tax. Some tours done through Goulding’s etc inc the Navajo Nation entry fee of $20/ car w/ 2 pax. Request a refund if you already paid the latter online or while driving the 17 mile loop on your own beforehand.See more..
4.0Emerald Pools(1.624 reviews) - Fun Hikes Geologic Formations • Waterfalls
A one-mile hike will bring you to this area of pools and waterfalls.See more..
4.5Cedar Breaks National Monument(1.273 reviews) - SOME CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY National Parks • Canyons • Geologic Formations
A smaller version of Bryce Canyon, this 2,500-foot deep basin filled with strange limestone formations in a vivid array of colors and hues offers breathtaking views on a five-mile drive along the rim. This naturally formed amphitheater has guided walks in the summer and a few designated hiking trails.See more..
5.0Corona Arch(1.025 reviews) - Worth the Effort! Geologic Formations
For me, 59 and carrying more weight than I should, found the hike to be challenging. My wife who is in better shape and other younger people we ran into on the trail seemed to be manage very well. Awesome views and some adrenaline pumping moments make this a memorable hike. We actually got caught in a rain/hail storm on the hike back. We had to take shelter under a pinion tree! The rain added a degree of difficulty but we made it. Along the the drive, stop at Thompson Springs to view the petroglyphs.See more..
4.5Natural Bridges National Monument(870 reviews) - Beautiful and isolated gem of a park Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Geologic Formations
The natural bridges in this remote area are best visited on a nine-mile, one-way loop road.See more..
5.0Mesa Arch(760 reviews) - A photographer's dream Geologic Formations
Visit this mesa at sunrise for the best scencic views.See more..
On our road trip we drove by Wilson Arch, named after Joe Wilson, a local pioneer who had a cabin nearby. I was really excited as I wanted to see more arches and the rain caused us to turn around in the Arches National Park. And to see one so accesible was amazing. It was beautiful with the sun shining behind it. I clambered up the rocky surface and took in the view. The arch is cool. To think about how many years and the process nature used to make this architectural delight boggles the mind. Didn’t make it all the way up to the arch as I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to come down again since I’m afraid of heights. But there were people who did and it looked fun. If you’re short on time and want to avoid the long lines as Arches National Park, this is an accesible arch which is no less amazing.See more..
4.5Valley of the Gods(614 reviews) - Rugged, beautiful, quiet...and free! Geologic Formations
While the mesas, buttes, and rock formations may not be as spectacular as those at nearby Monument Valley, they are still amazing. The valley is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and there is no entrance fee. We drove west to east from U.S. Route 163, nine miles north of the town of Mexican Hat, to Utah State Route 261. The 17-mile winding gravel road is quite steep and bumpy (so glad we had a rental). There were a few other cars and some people camping, but at times it seemed we had Valley of the Gods all to ourselves, on the same day we had visited a very busy Monument Valley. Highly recommended if you have the time.See more..
4.5Natural Bridge(573 reviews) - Not a bridge, but an impressive arch Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations
Natural Bridge isn't really a bridge, of course, but it is a rather impressive arch. This overlook near the southern end of Bryce Canyon's 18-mile scenic drive is worth a quick stop. Frost wedging, dissolution and gravity combined to carve this 85-foot arch out of red Claron Formation rock. It's reportedly one of several arches in the park, but in two days there I never saw another (for that, you have to venture on the steep loop trails).See more..
Arch formation called "incredible" by many visitors.See more..
4.5Windows(533 reviews) - Can't miss taking the Hike! Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Section of Arches National Park that is home to juniper forest, collections of eroded sandstone formations and famous arches.See more..
5.0Fiery Furnace(479 reviews) - A special place in the park Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Excellent hike, especially with a guide, and a wonderful opportunity for sunset photos.See more..
4.5Rainbow Point(371 reviews) - Amazing High Elevation Views in Bryce Canyon National Park Lookouts • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Scenic overlook in Bruce Canyon National Park.See more..
4.5Timpanogos Cave National Monument(366 reviews) - A fascinating and informative tour of Timpanogos Cave. Caverns & Caves • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
One of the sites in Utah for cave exploring.See more..
The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near Big Water, Utah on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the Colorado Plateau. It is famous among hikers and photographers for its colorful, undulating forms, and the rugged, trackless hike required to reach it.See more..
5.0Wall Street(325 reviews) - A must do hike when in Bryce Canyon National Park Geologic Formations
4.5The Needles(322 reviews) - My favorite part of Canyonlands! Canyons • Geologic Formations
This area of Canyonlands has a great variety of rock formations and allows camping.See more..
4.5Checkerboard Mesa(321 reviews) - A Very Interesting Geological Shape Mountains • Geologic Formations
Mesa country that is laid out in a checkerboard pattern and is a photographer's delight.See more..
5.0Peekaboo Gulch(300 reviews) - Fun and rewarding hike - amazing geology Geologic Formations
The gulch is most famous because of the last 100 meters, before the junction with Dry Fork of Coyote Gulch - here the ravine cuts deeper into the sandstone, with a series of interlinked potholes, extravagant swirls and fins of rock, and several arches; these different openings and the many corners and crevices account for the curious name of this canyon.See more..
4.5Sand Dune Arch(287 reviews) - A Favorite in Arches Geologic Formations
Arch formation at the end of an easy hiking trail.See more..
4.5Thor's Hammer(286 reviews) - Great Photo...Easy to Get to Geologic Formations
A rock formation that looks like a sledgehammer.See more..
4.5Gemini Bridges(270 reviews) - just when you thought you were on flatter land... Geologic Formations
Driving conditions from beginning to end of the full length of the Gemini Bridges Road either coming up from 191 or coming down from Canyonlands can get a little rutty and really rocky after a few rains, which, although uncommon, can happen. Check w/the visitor center before traveling, they'll shoot you straight. The Bridges hike is a quick one and the bridges themselves are incredible and knee buckling when you get that visual through the first tunnel. Great quick stop on your way out of or into Canyonlands.See more..
The Paria Rimrocks are an amazing collection of hoodoos, badlands, and other interesting rock formations found in the area located between the Cockscomb Fault and the southern section of Cottonwood Canyon Road just north of US 89.See more..
4.5Double O Arch(197 reviews) - Double O Arch Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Arch which requires a 4.2 mile hike through challenging terrain.See more..
4.0Hole In The Rock Road(195 reviews) - MUST have 4x4 Scenic Drives • Geologic Formations
Only AWD/4WD vehicles with durable tires should be used from Hwy 12 to Devil’s Garden. After Devil’s Garden only high-clearance 4x4 vehicles should be used. After Dance Hall Rock, a jeep or other all-terain vehicle is recommended and please drive slow. See more..
My wife and I visited around 11:30am. There were only a couple cars in the lot. There is a restroom. We were only going to do the Upheaval dome first overlook hike. We did hike with traction devices, and we use trekking poles. The trail was dry, muddy, snowy, and icy. We got to the first overlook and then thought about hiking to the 2nd overlook. We got so far as to look down an area with steps, but the steps looked very steep, and were solidly ice covered. Even with traction devices we decided to pull the plug on this one. Otherwise the hike was fun. We only saw a couple other people. I would like to visit both overlooks with dry trails.See more..
4.5Queen Victoria(177 reviews) - Oh what a sight!! Geologic Formations
This hoodoo rises up from the canyon floor resembling a queen.See more..
5.0Bryce Amphitheatre(151 reviews) - Amazing! This Is Bryce Canyon Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
The Bryce Amphitheater is the bowl that is filled with hoodoos. It stretches out and descends from the rim. Technically Bryce is not a Canyon because it doesn't have walls on both sides. The amphitheater was formed by water flowing off the rim and down into the bowl and onward from there. The Amphitheater is the main attraction at Bryce Canyon and it can be viewed from several point including Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point. The Amphitheater is magnificent. If you visit Bryce Canyon this is what you come for.See more..
Very cool hike! Some sections of the canyon were quite dark and spooky. I would recommend against bringing large backpacks, since the canyon can get pretty narrow in some spots. You probably don't want to bring hiking posts either, since they won't be much help. We hiked this trail and the trail at Peekaboo Gulch since they are close to each other.See more..
4.5Skyline Arch(144 reviews) - An arch with an attitude Geologic Formations
Arch often visited at sunset because of the beautiful views.See more..
4.5Broken Arch(123 reviews) - Terrific Hike to Broken Arch From Devil's Garden Campground Geologic Formations
Majestic natural rock formation best experienced in the early morning light.See more..
One of the seven natural wonders of the world.See more..
5.0The Subway(74 reviews) - My favorite hike ever! Geologic Formations
I went through the subway with my parents, sister, and some of my cousins about 5 years ago. It was beautiful and unlike anything else. It is very challenging but definitely worth it. You have to get permits from Zion's to do this hike. You do have to repel down 3 areas, swim through water, and hike a lot. We took camelbacks, waterproof everything or put it in a waterproof bag, had someone drop us off and pick us up, and know how to repel. It is also good to wear hiking shoes and then have waterproof shoes.See more..
These spectacular towers (including The Organ, The Tower of Babel and the Three Gossips) are right along the main road for easy viewing. The parking lot marks the beginning (or end) of the short Park Avenue hike (spectacular in its own right). When doing the easy Park Avenue hike the Courthouse Tower are seen from different angles and look completely different than from the main road. The park road sign says photography is good any time of day (as you'll be facing different directions some areas will always be at their best and others not at their best).See more..
4.5Tower of Babel(67 reviews) - Painting done by mother nature Geologic Formations
Stunning rock formation in Arches National Park.See more..
We hiked down into Butler Wash and saw wonderful petroglyphs and pictographs! We explored those first and then walked to some ruins but didn't make the climb since I had a broken foot. It was well worth the effort and time to see the petroglyphs. Take water. We went in early May but it still got hot as we moved into the canyon.See more..
4.5Turret Arch(56 reviews) - Great late in day Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations
We were at this location, the windows section, where you can see the Turret Arch as well as the north window and south window. On the opposite side of the parking lot is the Double Arch. We were here two different days, once late in the day where we got good late afternoon light pictures and another day that was earlier in the morning. The best photos that I got were in late October between 3 - 4 PM. This is a great area to wander around and see the 4 different arches. See more..
100-mile Scenic Area Of Geological Ridges And Waves.See more..
4.5Moonshine Arch(48 reviews) - Easy Day Hike Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
Easy drive from Vernal. Once you turn off 191 to 301, for a moment it looks like your on someone's driveway because there's a mailbox. But there is no house there. Road not maintained. Its "wilderness" like. An SUV or higher vehicle can make it all the way back to a large, man-made, gravel cul-de -sac with boulders lining the perimeter. From there, your on foot winding your way through unmaintained trails. Follow the footprints before you.. they'll guide you to the Arch. Truly magnificent. A must do.See more..
4.5Pine Tree Arch(46 reviews) - One of my favorite arches in the park! Close up and personal and not croweded! Spent 1-2 hours Geologic Formations
Pine tree arch is a short spur trail off the easy trail to landscape arch. It was one of my favorites. First of all, we were there early and the sunlight was beautiful reflecting on the rocks through the arch. Secondly, you can get up close to this beautiful, large arch with very few people around in the morning. We felt like we had it to ourselves. It is only 0.2 miles off the mail trail downhill. As we said all week, what goes down, must come up. But not too steep.See more..
4.5Three Wisemen(46 reviews) - Stunning as are all the Other Hoodoos Geologic Formations
Rock formation that resembles the three wise men bearing gifts.See more..
5.0Redrock Ballooning(46 reviews) - Unforgettable Experience Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Canyons • Deserts • Geologic Formations
Join Redrock Ballooning for a Hot Air Balloon flight over Moab Utah! We offer 1 hour sunrise flights daily! Bring your friends, family or significant other on an unforgettable experience. Call with any questions and book your flight today!See more..
4.5Elephant Hill(40 reviews) - Great Hike From Elephant Hill Parking Lot to Chesler Part Viewpoint Geologic Formations
We had half a day so we decided to hike from the Elephant Hill Parking area to the Chesler Park Viewpoint. By miles it was only about 6 miles round trip but what we experienced had a great variety of surfaces we had to traverse. It starts at the parking lot at what seems like a ridiculous climb up following no discernible trail and only Cairns. Then it levels out onto a very gentile hike for about 2 miles with fantastic vistas where you meet another trail originating from the Squaw campground. You then travel through one of the narrowest trails between rock structures I've ever been on, which opens into a beautiful canyon. But the big surprise is you have to descend that canyon and then climb up it again, only to discover you have to climb up another 400 feet with only Cairns to follow. But when you arrive at the viewpoint, the view of Chesler Park is magnificent. It's a very good half day hike, but you'll feel it in your knees days later.See more..
5.0Tower Arch(39 reviews) - Great Arch Away from the Crowds Spent 2-3 hours Geologic Formations
This arch is only accessible with four wheel drive. You start off on a paved road in the park that quickly becomes a rock-crawler. We've done this many times and the "road" is much rougher now than it was 20 years ago. The arch is a short walk from the road. Very isolated and beautiful. There are a couple of other arches to the right of it that are harder to see because they have red rock in the background (no sky).See more..
