Free entrance to Utah national parks this Saturday to kick off National Park Week

Ryan Bittan
·2 min read

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Visitors of Utah’s national parks will have free entry this Saturday, April 20, in celebration of National Park Week, according to the National Park Service.

National Park Week takes place from April 20 to April 28 this year. Entrance fees to Utah’s national parks will reportedly be waived on April 20 in celebration of the week.

And not only that — the fourth annual celebration of Dark Sky Month in Utah is currently happening, making this month an ideal time stargaze.

Following pandemic surge, visitor numbers leveling off at Utah’s Mighty 5 parks

In fact, there are events and activities taking place all week. Here is a list of “2024 Theme Days” happening throughout the week, provided by NPS:

  • Saturday, April 20: “Discovery.” Entrance fees are waived.

  • Sunday, April 21: “Volunteers.” Find opportunities to volunteer at your national park for a single event or long term position.

  • Monday, April 22: “Earth Day.” Join the global celebration encouraging education and stewardship of the planet’s natural resources. Many parks are hosting volunteer events.

  • Tuesday, April 23: “Innovation.” History of our nation’s innovation is preserved in national parks. Also learn about the innovative projects happening in Utah’s national parks.

  • Wednesday, April 24: “Workforce Wednesday.” Meet the NPS workforce of employees, interns, fellows, volunteers, contractors, partners, and more. You may consider joining the team.

  • Thursday, April 25: “Youth Engagement.” Learn about opportunities for youth to get involved in national parks.

  • Friday, April 26: “Community Connections.” Learn about the work that NPS programs and partners are doing in communities across the country, both inside and outside of park boundaries.

  • Saturday, April 27: “Junior Ranger Day.” For kids and “kids at heart,” NPS says, become a Junior Ranger through in-person or online activities to learn about special places or topics.

  • Sunday, April 28: “Arts in Parks.” Learn about preserving and practicing arts in your communities through the work of NPS programs and partners.

So go visit one of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches — and explore what the Beehive State has to offer.

With visitor numbers having leveled off in recent years, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy nature.

ABC4’s Chief Meteorologist Alana Brophy will be live at Utah’s national parks on the following days

  • Thursday, April 25: Live from Zion National Park

  • Friday, April 26: Live from Gunlock Falls and Quail Creek State Parks

  • Wednesday, May 1: Live from Arches National Park

  • Thursday, May 2: Live from Dead Horse State Park/Moab

  • Wednesday, May 8: Live from Canyonlands National Park

  • Thursday, May 9: Live from Edge of the Cedars State Park in Blanding

  • Wednesday, May 15: Live from Bryce Canyon National Park

  • Thursday, May 16: Live from Petrified Forest State Park in Escalante

  • Wednesday, May 22: Live from Capitol Reef/Torrey

  • Thursday, May 23: Live from Goblin Valley State Park

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.