Utah National Parks
This article originally appeared on National Park Trips
Desert landscapes of red rocks, hoodoos and rock arches are the natural wonders of Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Zion national parks. These national parks, called the Mighty Five, are woven in a straight shot across southern Utah within a few hours drive of each other. Explore the parks on our website or read these six stories that will entice you to visit.
5 Utah National Parks Plus Grand Canyon Road Trip
Red rock arches silhouetted against a bluebird sky. Mighty rivers winding their way through steep canyons. Aspen leaves quaking in a mountain breeze. This is Utah, where public lands comprise 70% of the state. It's a nature-lover's dream with plenty of space to find solitude and soak in the quiet beauty of the desert and mountains. Continue reading ->
Hike the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park
Arches' Fiery Furnace is a stunning and remote maze of sandstone canyons. The only way to access this part of the park is via a ranger-led hike or with a self-guided exploration permit. Continue reading ->
Zion Mt. Carmel Highway Scenic Drive
Hit the 10-mile stretch from the Zion entrance to Mt. Carmel with switchbacks, slickrock and sweeping views with seasonal waterfalls. The approach has numerous spots where you can pull off the road for a better view or to take a short hike, encapsulating many of the highlights in this most scenic of areas. Continue reading ->
5 Bryce Canyon Hikes Among Hoodoos and Pine
The overlooks are just the beginning. Venture deeper into the park on one of these excellent Bryce Canyon hikes for even more spectacular views, wildlife, and an up-close look at the park's weird and wonderful geologic features. Continue reading ->
Capitol Reef Orchards in Fruita
It’s such a surprise to turn the corner from desert rock formations and see a lush, shady valley full of fruit trees. The tiny community of Fruita in the north central part of Capitol Reef National Park was settled by pioneers. The 10 families that lived there planted orchards of cherry, apricot, peach, pear, apple, plum, mulberry, almond and walnut trees. Today the 200 acre Fruita Rural Historical District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Continue reading ->
Heart-Pounding Adventures in Arches and Canyonlands
Push your limits on these challenging activities. From Arches National Park's towering red-rock walls in the Fiery Furnace and the churning rapids of Cataract Canyon to biking the White Rim Trail and backpacking the Big Needles Loop in Canyonlands, the national parks surrounding the incredible outdoor town of Moab, Utah, have so much to offer for those looking to take it to 11. Continue reading ->
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