With some of the most spectacular landscapes – canyons, rivers, dunes, lakes, and arches, Utah is truly a paradise for naturists and adventurer lovers. The state is known to host some of the world’s best national parks, with 5 of its best (the Mighty 5), being some of the largest parks in the world. There are dozens of other state parks in Utah that will definitely have one book a flight. Each of its parks offers unique sights and attractions to explore and is suited for a variety of choices, including, camping, sightseeing, hiking, scenic drives, and boat rides, among others. Travelers should visit and explore as many parks in the state as possible. These are the top 8 parks to add to your Utah bucket list right now.
8 Zion National Park
Nestled near Springdale, on Utah's southern side, Zion National Park is the most dramatic park in the United States. It only takes three hours to reach the park from Las Vegas and four from the City of Salt Lake via drive. Perfect for outdoor lovers and seasonal adventurers, with plenty of activities for all ages and abilities, visiting to explore Zion National Park is definitely worth the drive. Hiking, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and canyoneering are some of the best activities one can enjoy. Being the 4th most visited park in the U.S. in 2019 and raising its tourism figures from 2.6 million to over 5 million - it is not hard to understand why Zion National Park is one of the United States' most famous parks.
- Park Entrance Fee: $15 per person, $30 per vehicle
- Best Time to Visit: April, May, and October
- Top Attractions: Angels Landing, Hidden Canyon Trail, Emerald Pool Trails, The Narrows
7 Arches National Park
Having over 2000 sandstone arches, Arches National Park has the highest number of natural arches on earth. With these breathtaking arches, balancing rocks, rock fins, and pinnacles, exploring this park is like escaping into an ancient wondrous landscape full of life and so much to explore. Visiting the park also guarantees incredible views of the surrounding, including the distant La Sal Mountains. The park’s trails lead travelers to spectacular sites and travelers of all interests and ages can always have something to enjoy.
- Park Entrance Fee: $15 for persons with no cars, $25 for persons with motorcycles, and $30 for persons with private cars
- Best Time to Visit: April through May, September through October
- Top Attractions: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Fiery Furnace, Devil’s Garden Trailhead
6 Bryce Canyon National Park
Located just a few miles from the American Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park is nestled among the best five parks found on Utah's southwest side. Because of the larger and more accessible parks nearby, not many travelers visit Bryce as they are more attracted to its neighbors. Regardless, Bryce National Park is still a perfect destination, especially for photographers, hikers, and adventurers alike. All these are thanks to its beautiful red rock landscapes, high alpine meadows, and flourishing forests, making it a beautiful wilderness worthy of exploring. Travelers who actually make it to Bryce come out with an incredible reward from its natural enchantress.
- Park Entrance Fee: $20 per person, $30 per vehicle
- When to Visit: May through September
- Main Attractions: Sunrises, Sunsets, Snowy Hoodoos, Fairyland Point and Loop Trail, Twin Bridges
5 Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is popular for its spectacular desert landscape, and it offers perfect spots for hiking, photography, river rafting, backpacking, and camping – thanks to its natural beauty. Just as its name suggests, it is a wonderland of countless canyons divided by its rivers into four districts; The Needles, The Sky, The Maze, and the rivers – all of which share a mind-blowing desert atmosphere, with varying sightseeing and adventure opportunities.
- Park Entrance Fee: $15 per person, $25 per motorcycle, and $30 per vehicle
- When to Visit: Spring and Fall
- Main Attractions: Mesa Arch, Island in the Sky, Shafer Trail
4 Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is one of the Mighty 5 parks of Utah – the most visited worldwide. With some of the most spectacular rock formations, this park should definitely be on every traveler's bucket list. It receives fewer visitors compared to other "giant'' parks in Utah, yet offers a unique travel experience with so much to see and do. Capitol provides incredible camping opportunities and hosts the most stunning campgrounds. Scenic game drives offer the most dramatic views of the park. While Capitol doesn’t require much time to explore as Arches or Zion, it is definitely worth visiting.
- Park Entrance Fee: $10 per person, $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle
- Best Time to Visit: The fall to enjoy the scenic views of cottonwood trees turning into vibrant yellow
- Main Attractions: Sunset Point, Rim Overlook Trail, Fruita Historic
3 Dead Horse Point State Park
Visiting and exploring Dead Horse Point State Park offers an adventure experience of a lifetime. It comes with a unique perspective of broad Utah and its beautiful canyons, among other attractions. Nestled above the spectacular White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River, La Sal Mountains, and Moab, among others. Some tourists consider its beauty to exceed that of the Grand Canyon and it's not hard to see why. Taking several hikes in this park leads travelers to some of the most dramatic sights.
- Park Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle
- Best Time to Visit: April through May, mid-September through October
- Main Attractions: Colorado River, Canyonlands National Park, La Sal Mountains
2 Snow Canyon State Park
Situated near St. George, in Utah’s southwestern region, Snow Canyon State Park offers incredible sightings of attractions travelers can find it hard to explore in parks like Zion and Arches, including black lava fields and tubes, sand dunes, and other outstanding viewpoints. The common adventure activities in the park include rock climbing, biking, horse riding, and hiking. Travelers also enjoy incredible photographic and wild viewing opportunities.
- Park Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall
- Main Attractions: St. George City, Sand Hollow, Quail Creek, Gunlock state
1 Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Stretching about 3,730 acres, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is the only place on earth where travelers can experience Coral Pink tiger beetle – and is the only major sand dune destination in the whole of Colorado Plateau. With all of its dunes always open to travelers for hiking, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers an unforgettable adventure experience.
- Park Entrance Fee: $10 without a state’s park pass
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, Early Summer, and Fall
- Main Attractions: Off-Highway Vehicles