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..
4.5Zion National Park(3.927 reviews) - Stunning views and exceptional hikes. Spent More than 3 hours National Parks
Another magnificent national park with spectacular views of rock formations, streams, wildlife and more. Plenty of trails to hike as well. Got to see the whole park this visit, despite some rather nasty weather conditions and snow. On this visit, the NPS aggressively plowed the main roads so even though there was an access delay due to road storm closures, they did reopen within 24 hours so I got to see the whole park. Beware the water though. You can read about that on the park's website. Oh and stop by or stay at the lodge and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. It's well worth the visit, as are all the National Parks although for different reasons. And if you get a park pass, it really saves you money should you plan to visit more than one park. I visited 4 on this adventure. Happy exploration!See more..
4.5Canyonlands National Park(3.807 reviews) - Exceeded Expectations…. Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • National Parks • Canyons
We arrived at Arches NP, and were told to come back in 3+ hours, since it was at capacity… We chose to see Canyonlands NP while we waited, which was not too far away…. Having not done adequate advanced research, we didn’t really know what to expect… It was a breathtaking and memorable drive. I traveled with an individual who has limitations, and most everything was visible from the car, or a short walk. There was a Ranger at one area educating the children (& adults). He was very engaging, and the kids’ faces were full of awe and appreciation. My IPhone took great pictures, but I truly wish I had my better camera….. PS- the America The Beautiful park pass is totally worth it!See more..
5.0The Narrows(3.626 reviews) - One of the Greatest Day Hike Trails in the USA National Parks • Hiking Trails
True to its name, The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This challenging hike is one of Zion’s most popular trails, taking you through towering walls of Navajo sandstone that rise up to 2,000 feet. Along the 16-mile hike, you’ll be rewarded with nature’s raw beauty, from the stunning zebra stripes adorning the cliffs to the spectacular slot canyon scenery. Be prepared with water shoes, walking sticks, and waterproof bags as the trail will take you through the Virgin River. Check for flash flood warnings before starting and consider a private tour to tackle the trail safely with a professional guide. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Capitol Reef National Park(1.697 reviews) - Worth the side trip National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
If you've been to Utah before and seen Zion and Bryce I would definitely recommend this park if you have some time. I've been to 4 of the national parks in Utah and they all have their own unique beauty. We were driving from Cedar City to Salt Lake City so we made the detour to visit Capitol Reef and we're really glad we did. You will see some reviews telling about the great hikes you can experience here but if you are limited for time I would still recommend doing the drive until the end. You will see all kinds of varied terrain and colors. I don't think this park will disappoint you.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..
Dinosaurs once roamed here. Their fantastic remains are still visible embedded in the rocks. Today, the mountains, desert and untamed rivers flowing in deep canyons, support an array of life. Petroglyphs hint at earlier cultures. Later, homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history or scenery, Dinosaur offers much to explore.See more..
5.0Canyon Overlook Trail(936 reviews) - Saturday, January 28th midday hike. National Parks • Hiking Trails
This one-mile hiking trail starts just outside the east entrance to the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, and leads to a dramatic observation point that provides impressive views of Zion's rugged landscape.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..
5.0Island in the Sky(684 reviews) - Fantastic Canyonlands experience National Parks • Geologic Formations
This area of Canyonlands has a few hiking trails and views of beautiful canyons.See more..
5.0Peek-A-Boo Loop(504 reviews) - You can't be in a hurry, not a short hike no matter which access you take - but wonderful variety National Parks • Hiking Trails
4.1-mile Hiking Trail, Often Steep, Which Is Used By People And Horses, And Has A Picnic Area At The Bottom.See more..
Great place to spend a couple of hours and learn about the history of the railroad and its importance. It is amazing how much man power went into creating a rail system that crossed the country. When visiting here, you will have the opportunity to watch an informative 20 minute video about the railroad and what it took to finally join the east and west and the significance of the golden spike. They also do a reenactment of the event with two (very accurate) replica trains. Admission is required and is $20 a car and gives you access to the parks for 7 days.See more..
4.5Dixie National Forest(383 reviews) - Beautiful fall colors National Parks • Canyons • Forests
A two-million acre national forest replete with natural wonders, "The Dixie" has deep canyons, fascinating rock formations, mountains, lakes and towering ponderosa pines. Visitors can hike, fish, camp or simply immerse themselves in the natural beauty.See more..
4.5Court of the Patriarchs(287 reviews) - Nice Photo Spot Points of Interest & Landmarks • National Parks
One of many famous landmarks in Zion National Park. Easy to see these 3 mountain peaks from a viewpoint along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Best viewed at sunrise or earlier in the day.See more..
National recreation area inside the Ashley National Forest.See more..
4.5Hidden Canyon(259 reviews) - Beautiful, not too strenuous, but with scary parts National Parks • Canyons
A narrow side ravine that joins Zion Canyon and offers scenic hiking trails.See more..
4.5Parowan Gap Petroglyphs(171 reviews) - Definitely worth a visit, a little walking, and a few photographs National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
I have visited and photographed dozens of petroglyph sites across the United States, and have returned to see the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs several times. They are dramatic and varied, and lots of them are visible from the walking path on both sides of the highway. The most interesting one (to me) appears to track the sun's position in the sky relative to the gap between the hills. The site is only 3 miles off I-15, and definitely worth a stop. Also visit the adjacent "Dinosaur Footprints" site, which is not as interesting, but still nice short hike with interesting signage.See more..
4.5Devils Garden(81 reviews) - Off The Beaten Path National Parks
A designated area that offers a 7.2 mile loop in a natural park in Utah.See more..
4.5West Rim Trail(64 reviews) - GREAT hike National Parks • Hiking Trails
Strenuous hiking trail, 10 miles each way.See more..
4.5Under-the-Rim Trail(47 reviews) - A quiet trail National Parks • Hiking Trails
Great place to stay while fishing at Fish Lake. The drive is a bit long 40 miles or so. Get up early and hit the road to Fish Lake, one of the most beautiful places you will ever experience. See more..
4.5East Rim Trail(26 reviews) - Saturday, January 28th afternoon visit. National Parks • Hiking Trails
An 8-mile strenuous hike brings you to a vantage point high above Zion.See more..
There were 5 of us over 60 years old that did these three enjoyable, and very scenic trail. The Arches trail is down Casto Canyon Rd. to the Loose Trail head. 0.7 mile loop. Birdseye Trail along the canyon face through hoodoos. 1 and a half mile loop back to the visitor center. Pink Ledges Trail from the visitor center looping through very scenic canyons and hoodoos. Lots of colorful canyon walls. 0.4 mile loop.See more..
Birds flock to this marshland park, making it a great place to bird watch.See more..
4.0The Thumb(3 reviews) - Unusually fat at the top National Parks
There are lots of columns, spires and towers to see across the Southwest, but this one is different. It is very monolithic, smooth, deeply "desert polished", and get wider and wider toward the top! Imagine the weight of the thing, and the amazing resistance to the wind if must have to not fall over. We visited it toward the end of a 3 hour tour, which was well worth it. The name doesn't do it justice.See more..
No visit to the Vernal area is complete without visiting Dinosaur Monument. The Quarry and the visitor center are amazing. Plan for 1 to 2 hours unless you go hiking.See more..
4.5Sentinel Mesa(2 reviews) - The more you look the more you see. National Parks
We really didn't appreciate this monumental mesa until we hiked the Wildcat Trail. It gradually occurred to us that there is a lot more going on than at first glance. The Sentinel itself is huge, smooth, and imposing, but you cannot really see it until you walk by it. Imagine climbing to the top, and hiking this "island in the sky"? There is a sense of deep history, isolation and massive size when looking at it. If only we could fly!See more..
5.0Riggs Spring Loop(2 reviews) - Красота National Parks • Hiking Trails This 8.8-mile hiking trail affords excellent views of Bryce Canyon's famous rock formations and features the changing forests from spruce and Douglas fir at higher elevations, to ponderosa pine toward the bottom.See more..
3.0Fossil Discovery Trail(1 review) - Skip the hike and drive to the Dinosaur Exhibit Quarry National Parks
It's a nice easy walk from the Quarry Visitor Center to the Quarry Exhibit Hall, but unless you like prairie dogs, it doesn't offer that much. The scenery is nice, but the three points on the trail where fossils are supposed to be visible are very unspectacular. Even finding the fossils in these three locations can be difficult and in my opinion, not worth the effort. Just drive from the visitor center to the hall and see the truly spectacular fossils there.See more..
