Utah National Parks That Will Blow Your Mind—And Your Instagram Feed

The Beehive State features breathtaking landscapes ranging from majestic mountains capped with the greatest snow on earth to rust-colored rock formations resembling Mars’s surface. And when you visit the five Utah National Parks on this epic road trip, you’ll have the opportunity to admire it all.

Arches National Park in Utah.Photo byCanva.

Where are the National Parks in Utah?

Utah’s national parks are tucked into Southern Utah. Because many people start their national park adventure in Salt Lake City, this guide shows you how to road trip to all five parks by traveling in a loop from Utah’s capital city.

When is the Best Time to Visit Utah’s National Parks?

My favorite time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), avoiding the masses that descend on the area over summer vacation. The weather is usually mild and pleasant during these times, making outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and stargazing much more enjoyable than the extreme summer heat or winter cold.

Visiting Utah’s National Parks

So, let’s talk about the parks! Utah’s national parks offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, with iconic arches, gravity-defying hoodoos, and majestic cliffs. Whether you want to hike, camp, or just soak in the awe-inspiring views, here’s your guide to all five national parks in the state of Utah.

Tower Arch in Arches National Park.Photo byYayImages.

Arches National Park: A Symphony of Stone

The first stop is Arches National Park. Located about 3 ½ hours southeast of Salt Lake City and just under an hour from the Colorado border, it’s home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. But Arches National Park is more than Delicate Arch, so be sure to also visit The Fiery Furnace, a maze-like area filled with narrow passages, and Landscape Arch, an impressive arch that spans roughly the length of a football field.

Canyonlands National Park.Photo byYayImages.

Canyonlands: The Rugged Beauty

The next stop is Canyonlands National Park. Less than an hour south of Arches National Park, it’s the largest Utah National Park, covering nearly 338,000 acres. Comprised of a labyrinth of buttes carved by the Colorado River, it’s like visiting the Grand Canyon but much less crowded. One of the most incredible experiences at Canyonlands National Park is watching the sunrise through Mesa Arch.

Capitol Reef National Park.Photo byYayImages.

Capitol Reef: The Hidden Gem

Located at the halfway point of this five Utah National Park experience, Capitol Reef National Park is often overshadowed by its more famous siblings. However, don’t skip this unique Utah national park. Named after its most distinctive feature, a unique wrinkle in the earth that stretches for nearly 100 miles, it’s a hidden gem worth discovering.

Bryce Canyon National Park.Photo byYayImages.

Bryce Canyon: A Hoodoo Haven

Ever heard of a hoodoo? While you can spot these unique rock columns on every continent, the largest concentration on Earth is at Bryce Canyon National Park. These spire-shaped rock formations create a surreal landscape that looks like it’s straight out of a fantasy novel. The park’s most famous viewpoint, Sunrise Point, offers a panoramic view that makes you feel like you’re on another planet.

Zion National Park.Photo byYayImages.

Zion: The Grand Finale

Last but certainly not least, Zion National Park is the pièce de résistance of Utah’s Mighty Five. The park is best known for The Narrows, a picturesque slot canyon where you can wade through the Virgin River. If you’re up for a challenge, Angels Landing offers breathtaking views worth the strenuous hike. If you’re looking for an easier option, the Riverside Walk is a relatively flat, 2.2-mile, paved round-trip trail that offers stunning views without the climb.

Traveling between these parks is an adventure in itself. The route from Arches to Zion is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Think winding roads, open skies, and the occasional roadside attraction for that perfect photo. Just remember, the journey is as important as the destination.

Read the full article at Everyday Wanderer where you can find additional information about each park.