Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
As Utah’s Mighty Five held firm, Glen Canyon’s visitation dropped sharply—a reminder that drought, shutdowns, and shifting conditions can quickly reshape where people travel
A little more than 11 million visits were recorded across Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion national parks last year, according to preliminary National Park Service (NPS) data. Taken together, the Mighty Five were remarkably stable with visitation slipping by less than 1 percent compared with the year before—essentially a flat year that suggests demand for Utah’s signature red-rock landscapes remains strong despite shifting travel patterns, higher costs, and crowd-management measures at some parks.
Zion National Park once again anchored Utah’s visitation drawing more than 4.9 million visitors—just about 15,000 shy of the 5-million mark, a threshold it has reached only once before in its history. The park retained its status as the most visited national park in the West and ranked second nationally trailing only Great Smoky Mountains National Park which recorded roughly 11.5 million visits.
For broader national context, Yes, These Are the Most Visited National Parks in 2024 details how Utah’s parks compare with top-performing destinations across the country and how visitation patterns shifted nationwide.
Zion and Arches both bucked the broader trend reporting modest visitation increases in 2025 suggesting continued strong demand for their most iconic landscapes. Meanwhile, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef each posted slight declines—changes that were relatively minor and consistent with the year-to-year fluctuations these parks have seen in recent seasons.
Beyond the Mighty Five, Utah’s network of national historical parks, monuments, and recreation areas managed by the Park Service logged close to another 4.9 million visits in 2025 though the tally remains incomplete because several months of data for Cedar Breaks National Monument were still unavailable at the time of reporting. Even once those figures are finalized, total visitation for this group of sites is expected to land well below 2024 levels largely because of a steep downturn at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area—home to Lake Powell—where visits fell by nearly 1 million from 2024 to 2025, according to Park Service data.
The visitation figures themselves do not explain whytravel patterns shifted in 2025 but several broader forces likely influenced how people moved through Utah’s parks last year. Across the industry, travel and tourism have been navigating “considerable challenges amid economic uncertainty,” alongside evolving consumer preferences and “global geopolitical friction,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film.
Together, these pressures have shaped where, when, and how people choose to visit. For instance, Canadian travel—a major driver in Utah tourism—lagged across at least the first half of 2025 amid tariff disputes between the U.S. and Canada. Nationwide consumer sentiment also tumbled last year indicating many Americans had economic concerns.
Utah took decisive action during last year’s federal government shutdown to keep its national parks open to visitors stepping in where federal funding had paused. The state allocated money to maintain visitor centers, restrooms, and essential operations at key parks including Zion and Arches, ensuring that tourism—and the local economies that rely on it—could continue despite the shutdown. Combined with coordinated staffing and public communication efforts, these measures helped soften the blow of economic uncertainty and other challenges that might otherwise have driven visitation down.
Visitation at Utah’s five national parks remained relatively steady from 2024 to 2025 in part because the state’s intervention helped maintain operations. While parks in other states faced closures or incomplete visitor tracking during the federal shutdown, Utah ensured its parks stayed open and fully operational.
By contrast, Yosemite National Park in California saw a sharp drop in visitation beginning in October when the federal shutdown took effect, a factor that largely explains its 16 percent year-over-year decline. Unlike Utah where the state stepped in to fund visitor centers and maintain essential operations, Yosemite and many other parks across the country were forced to close facilities or operate without the ability to track visitors amplifying the impact of the shutdown on tourism and local economies.
The Beehive State was fortunate to avoid the natural disasters that disrupted neighboring parks. Visitation at the Grand Canyon in Arizona fell by roughly 10 percent, largely because the North Rim remained closed for months after a massive wildfire destroyed several iconic structures restricting access and discouraging visitors. In contrast, Utah’s parks faced no such setbacks allowing tourism to continue largely uninterrupted and contributing to their steady visitation numbers.
However, dramatically low water levels at Lake Powell appear to have driven much of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’s decline in visitors as marinas, boat launches, and water-based activities—the park’s main attractions—were severely limited. With once-bustling waterways reduced to a fraction of their former size, the park’s signature recreation opportunities simply weren’t available, dampening visitation despite Utah’s otherwise strong year.
The park previously saw a surge in visitation in 2023 when Utah’s record snowpack raised Lake Powell and reopened more boat ramps. That year, Glen Canyon drew 5.2 million visitors surpassing Zion for the first time to become the state’s most-visited park—a striking contrast to the sharp decline it faced in 2025.
Since that record year, Glen Canyon’s visitation has plummeted alongside the falling waters of Lake Powell. Once a bustling hub for boating, fishing, and water recreation, Lake Powell has receded dramatically stranding marinas and ramps and putting the park’s signature activities out of reach. The drop in water levels has mirrored a steep decline in visitation, with total visits falling from 4.7 million in 2024 to just 3.7 million in 2025.
The dramatic transformation is evident when comparing the past and present as detailed in Lake Powell & Glen Canyon NRA Revisited: March 2011 and Now, November 2025. From the full, shimmering waters of March 2011 to the receded, exposed shorelines of November 2025, the change highlights not only the environmental challenges the region faces but also the direct impact on Glen Canyon’s recreation and visitation. The park’s fortunes remain tightly linked to the reservoir’s health—a reality made all too clear to visitors today.
Resilience amid challenges: Most Utah parks stayed steady despite:
Federal government shutdown (state stepped in to keep parks open)
Wildfires and closures in neighboring parks like the Grand Canyon
Drought and shrinking reservoirs impacting water-based recreation
The story of 2025 is one of contrasts: the Mighty Five remained magnets for visitors, while Glen Canyon’s fortunes sank with the waters of Lake Powell—a dramatic illustration of how nature and human activity intertwine in Utah’s parks.
Glen Canyon could face another tough year. With Lake Powell hovering at just 27 percent of capacity, the reservoir remains perilously low, a stark reminder of the challenges the park has confronted in recent seasons. Federal hydrologists caution that levels are unlikely to recover much unless a late-season snowstorm boosts the Colorado River’s Upper Basin leaving the future of boating, marinas, and water-based recreation—and the park’s visitation—once again hanging in the balance.
The National Park Service raised entry fees for international visitors in 2026 adding another variable to an already unpredictable season. For Glen Canyon—and Utah’s other parks—the change comes on top of low water levels, shifting visitation patterns, and lingering economic uncertainty, leaving the year’s tourism prospects anything but certain.
But there are reasons for optimism, too. Utah’s national parks could see a boost in 2026 thanks to the U.S.’s 250th birthday, a milestone that is shining a spotlight on the country’s natural and cultural treasures. The national parks system plays a central role in “America 250” celebrations, and the anniversary may inspire more travelers—both domestic and international—to explore these iconic landscapes, discover their history, and experience the great outdoors like never before.
Utah’s national parks in 2025 tell a story of resilience, contrast, and enduring wonder. The Mighty Five remained magnets for visitors drawing millions to their iconic red-rock landscapes while Glen Canyon faced the stark reality of environmental change as Lake Powell receded. Yet even amid these challenges, the parks continue to inspire awe, invite exploration, and remind us why these places are treasured across generations.
As Jack Kerouac once wrote while crossing the Colorado-Utah border: “I saw God in the sky in the form of huge gold sunburning clouds above the desert that seemed to point a finger at me and say, ‘Pass here and go on, you’re on the road to heaven.’”
The vision of these landscapes has long captivated explorers and pioneers. John Wesley Powell reflected on the canyon that would bear his expedition’s name: “…a curious ensemble of wonderful features—carved walls, royal arches, glens, alcove gulches, mounds, and monuments…We decided to call it Glen Canyon.”
Together, these words remind us that visiting Utah’s parks is not just about numbers, visitation trends, or even recreational opportunities—it’s about encountering landscapes that challenge, inspire, and endure. As 2026 unfolds, from the Mighty Five to Glen Canyon’s shifting waters, the invitation remains: pack your curiosity, hit the trail, and witness the grandeur that has long defined the American West.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
Because sometimes the best memories happen just outside the park gates
America’s national parks may steal the spotlight but sometimes the most memorable discoveries happen just beyond their borders. From hidden canyons and quirky Route 66 towns to serene forests alive with birdsong these side trips reveal the soul of the landscapes we come to explore. For RV travelers each detour offers not just a new view—but a deeper connection to the road itself.
The magic of RV travel lies in its freedom—the chance to wander, to pause, to follow curiosity down an unplanned road. While national parks offer grandeur and protection for our wildest places the surrounding regions often hold equally captivating treasures. They’re the quiet neighbors of the famous parks: less photographed, less crowded, and yet deeply rewarding.
Think of these detours as the park’s extended story—places where history, geology, and local life intersect. Whether it’s a canyon carved in miniature, a ghostly desert of color, or a mountain town alive with music these stops remind us that adventure isn’t confined by park boundaries. With your rig packed and curiosity wide open here are seven incredible detours worth taking on your next national park road trip.
The best side trips reward the traveler willing to take a few extra miles, linger in unexpected places, and explore the local culture alongside the landscapes. These journeys remind us that adventure is as much about the road as it is about the destination. From deserts and mountains to forests and small towns these detours capture the diversity and richness of America’s wild and inhabited spaces.
For RV travelers the added bonus is convenience and flexibility: most of these detours have RV-accessible roads, campgrounds, and amenities that let you enjoy both comfort and immersion in nature. Take your time, plan wisely, and let curiosity be your guide—you never know what hidden gem awaits just over the next hill or around the next bend.
1. Zion National Park → Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Snow Canyon State Park offers a quieter, less crowded outdoor experience compared to Zion
Tucked just north of St. George, Snow Canyon State Park offers a quieter reflection of Zion’s grandeur. Here, fiery red cliffs rise above petrified dunes and black lava flows their contrasting textures sculpting a surreal desert canvas. Hiking trails weave through narrow canyons and up slickrock domes that catch the shifting light. Come at sunrise or dusk when the sandstone glows and the desert feels almost sacred in its silence.
Snow Canyon also offers a unique geological playground for photographers, hikers, and rock climbers alike. Its lava tubes and dunes provide endless exploration opportunities without the crowds. It’s a place where the desert feels alive, yet peaceful—a perfect balance after Zion’s bustling trails.
Snow Canyon is a hidden gem for those craving serenity after Zion’s crowds. Its scenic Highway 18 approach is smooth and RV-friendly leading to a peaceful campground nestled among red rocks. Electric hookups, clean facilities, and easy access to St. George make it ideal for a night or two or longer. After hiking, enjoy a leisurely evening beneath the stars—here, the desert night feels as wide and calm as an ocean.
RV travelers will appreciate the park’s quiet charm and accessibility. With short drives connecting scenic vistas and trails you can maximize your time in nature without feeling rushed.
2. Grand Canyon National Park → Williams & Historic Route 66, Arizona
Williams is a historic town located on the famous Route 66 offering a charming old-west ambiance
While the Grand Canyon stirs awe with its epic scale, Williams charms with nostalgia and heart. Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” this Route 66 town hums with vintage neon, retro diners, and small-town pride. Stroll down Main Street and you’ll find murals, antique shops, and echoes of the Mother Road’s golden age. Grab a seat at Pine Country Restaurant for pie à la mode or watch the Grand Canyon Railway depart with its vintage steam engine chugging toward the South Rim.
Williams provides a delightful counterpoint to the immensity of the Grand Canyon. Evening strolls under neon lights, local music, and classic diners make for a memorable taste of Americana giving visitors both history and charm just a short drive from the park.
Williams is tailor-made for RVers with several full-service parks and quick access to I-40 and Highway 64. Many travelers base themselves here for a few days to enjoy both the Grand Canyon and the local attractions—Bearizona Wildlife Park, historic saloons, and hiking trails in Kaibab National Forest. Evenings are best spent downtown where a neon glow and a friendly wave remind you that Route 66’s spirit is still alive and kicking.
With RV-accessible facilities and nearby conveniences, it’s an ideal stop for both short visits and extended stays.
3. Saguaro National Park → Catalina State Park & Sabino Canyon, Arizona
Both destinations provide excellent opportunities to explore the unique desert environment
The mighty saguaro may define Arizona’s desert but a short drive from Tucson reveals two desert sanctuaries with very different personalities. Catalina State Park lies at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains where cottonwoods line sandy washes and mountain peaks frame the horizon. Sabino Canyon, by contrast, feels like an oasis—lush with desert willows, trickling creeks, and shaded trails that wind through the foothills. In spring, both parks erupt in a dazzling bloom of poppies and lupines.
Catalina and Sabino also offer wildlife encounters from roadrunners and javelinas to herds of mule deer. The contrast of desert flora and shaded canyon corridors makes this detour visually and ecologically rich appealing to hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Catalina State Park is a dream base for exploring Tucson’s north side offering with electric hookups and mountain views right from your door. Sabino Canyon is easily reached for day trips with a tram system that ferries visitors into its scenic heart. Between the two, you’ll find great opportunities for wildlife photography, birding, and stargazing. Tucson’s urban amenities are close by yet the desert silence remains the star attraction.
These parks provide a balanced adventure: outdoor exploration by day, comfort and convenience by night.
4. Petrified Forest National Park → Painted Desert, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert are closely connected areas in northeastern Arizona
Few landscapes in America feel as otherworldly as the Painted Desert. Stretching north from the Petrified Forest, it’s a panorama of color and time—bands of crimson, lavender, and ash-gray earth rippling toward the horizon like an artist’s brushstrokes. Wind and water carved this masterpiece over millions of years revealing a geologic rainbow that shifts with the light. Stop at the Painted Desert Inn, a beautifully restored National Historic Landmark that once welcomed weary Route 66 travelers with cool air and coffee.
The Painted Desert pairs perfectly with Petrified Forest hikes, photo stops, and short scenic drives. The expansive vistas evoke a sense of quiet contemplation reminding visitors of the desert’s slow, patient artistry over eons.
The Painted Desert is a natural extension of any Petrified Forest visit easily accessed from I-40 with ample parking and short scenic drives perfect for larger rigs. Stay in Holbrook or Winslow for a dose of Route 66 nostalgia—think Wigwam Village and classic diners. Many travelers plan their stop around sunset when the desert glows in warm pastels, the perfect ending to a day exploring ancient forests turned to stone.
With accessible roads and ample amenities, it’s an easy, scenic detour that rewards both casual sightseers and adventurous RVers.
5. Arches & Canyonlands National Parks → Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park sits on a high mesa with spectacular views over the Colorado River and surrounding canyonlands
Dead Horse Point may not carry the same fame as nearby Arches or Canyonlands but its views are unforgettable. Standing at the overlook you gaze down on the Colorado River’s meandering curve framed by cliffs that drop thousands of feet into shadowed canyons. The legend of the park’s name—a tragic tale of cowboys and corralled mustangs—adds a haunting note to an otherwise transcendent scene. Morning or evening the light transforms the rock into a canvas of fiery reds and deep purples.
Hikers, photographers, and sunset watchers all find their slice of wonder here with multiple viewpoints and short trails perfect for soaking in the vast canyonlandscape. The park’s dramatic panoramas make it a memorable detour from Moab’s more crowded attractions.
This park is a photographer’s paradise and an easy day trip from Moab. RV sites with electric hookups are available at the Kayenta Campground and the roads are wide and scenic. With shorter trails, picnic areas, and interpretive exhibits it’s a relaxed counterpoint to the more strenuous hikes of Arches and Canyonlands. Bring a camera, a pair of binoculars, and patience—the longer you linger the more the canyon reveals its quiet magic.
6. Congaree National Park → Audubon’s Beidler Forest Sanctuary, South Carolina
The sanctuary is known for its old-growth forest and rich birdlife
Just an hour from Congaree lies a place even more hidden and ancient—Audubon’s Beidler Forest Sanctuary. This old-growth cypress-tupelo forest feels timeless, its waters reflecting gnarled trunks draped in Spanish moss. The elevated boardwalk winds through a world of stillness where owls call, frogs sing, and sunlight ripples like liquid gold across the swamp. It’s one of the last untouched wetlands of its kind and walking here feels like stepping into a living cathedral.
Beidler Forest’s rich ecosystem offers a peaceful retreat for birders, naturalists, and photographers. The quiet serenity of the swamp contrasts beautifully with the dense forest canopy, creating a meditative experience for visitors.
Francis Beider Forest
For RV travelers
Though Beidler Forest doesn’t offer camping it’s easily reached as a day trip from Columbia or Summerville both of which have RV-friendly campgrounds. Pairing Beidler with Congaree makes for a fascinating two-day journey through South Carolina’s watery wilderness. Birders will be in heaven—look for prothonotary warblers, barred owls, and pileated woodpeckers. Pack bug spray, a sense of wonder, and a slow pace; this detour is meant to be savored.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park → Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Both towns offer convenient bases for exploring the Smokies and enjoying nearby attractions
After days surrounded by misty ridges and whispering forests, the lively towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a delightful change of pace. Gatlinburg brims with Appalachian charm—art galleries, moonshine tastings, and cozy eateries tucked between mountain streams. Just up the road, Pigeon Forge bursts with energy from Dollywood’s classic rides to toe-tapping bluegrass performances. Together, they form a dynamic gateway to the Smokies’ cultural side.
The drive along the Little Pigeon River connecting the two towns is as scenic as it is charming with opportunities to stop at local shops, overlooks, and craft markets. Even after exploring the towns the mountains loom in the distance offering a perfect blend of culture and nature.
The area is a playground for RVers with well-equipped campgrounds on both town outskirts. It’s easy to split your time between scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop and evening strolls downtown for taffy, barbecue, or live music. Whether you’re drawn to mountain craft shops, regional history, or family-friendly fun, this detour offers a joyful blend of nature and nostalgia that captures the spirit of the Smokies.
Planning your national park detours
Think about your travel style
Before you set off on your next national park adventure take a little time to plan what lies beyond the park boundaries. These detours aren’t just pit stops — they’re gateways to local culture, uncrowded scenery, and unexpected stories that give your trip a whole new dimension. Whether you’re road-tripping in an RV or hopping between lodges, leave space in your itinerary for exploration off the main highway.
Time it right: Visit national parks early or late in the day then explore nearby state parks or small towns in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
Map ahead, but stay flexible: Many detours are just a half-hour drive away; others reward an overnight stay. Use apps like Campendium or RV Life to scout road conditions and campsites.
Fuel and restock often: Rural roads can be sparse on services—fill up before detouring and keep extra water handy.
Book popular spots early: State parks near major national parks often fill quickly in spring and fall. Reserve early but leave gaps for spontaneous side trips—you never know what hidden trail or local café might call your name.
Final thoughts
Detours are more than just alternate routes—they are invitations to slow down, explore deeper, and discover the unexpected stories tucked just beyond the map’s edge. National parks give us the iconic landscapes but the surrounding side trips give us context, color, and connection. Whether it’s a quiet desert canyon, a charming Route 66 town, or a misty mountain village these journeys off the beaten path often become the memories that last longest.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
Famous quote to inspire your journey “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Let curiosity be your compass. Take the scenic route, linger a little longer, and embrace the joy of discovering the hidden treasures that make America’s parks—and the roads beyond—the ultimate playground for the adventurous traveler.
If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in November
Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.
—Joseph Campbell
Renowned for popularizing the concept of the “hero’s journey” in storytelling (in which the hero goes on an adventure, learns a lesson, and returns transformed), writer and mythologist Joseph Campbell posits here that we can’t follow someone else’s footsteps to success, happiness, or fulfillment. There is no set template for how a life should be lived: It is your life, after all, and you must make each step of the way uniquely your own.
Echoing Joseph Campbell’s wisdom that each step forges a unique path, RV travel embodies the essence of crafting one’s own journey unbound by a prescribed route or societal blueprint. Much like the hero in Campbell’s narrative, RV travelers embark on adventures that shape them—each mile driven, each campsite chosen, each detour embraced becomes a step toward self-discovery.
Whether navigating the winding roads of Georgia’s Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway or pausing to marvel at the vastness of the Canyonlands National Park, the RV journey is not about following a map laid out by others but about carving a personal trail through the world’s wonders. Every decision, from the rig’s maintenance to the destinations chosen, reflects the traveler’s individuality transforming the open road into a living testament to a life uniquely lived.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in September and October. Also check out my recommendations from November 2024 and December 2024.
An evolution of Urbanna Days that began in 1957, the Urbanna Oyster Festival (68th annual, November 7-8, 2025) as we know it today hosts over 50,000 people in the square mile town over two days. Visitors flock from all over to celebrate the oyster!
In 1988 it were designated as the “official” oyster festival of the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintain that title today.
Come by BOAT or come by LAND! The charming Town of Urbanna closes it’s streets for this big celebration of everything OYSTER! Its foodie heaven with over 50 food vendors and every kind of OYSTER! Raw, steamed, roasted, Rockefeller, fried, stewed, oysters in a pot pie and festival food fare like BBQ and crab bisque!
Arts and crafts, antique auto show, children’s activities, and live bands are spread throughout the town. The town marina offers historical boats and exhibits on the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay, watermen, and the oyster industry.
This celebration of one of the South’s top crops offers a unique autumn attraction for up to 75,000 attendees each year in Colfax, Louisiana. Held on the first full weekend in November (November 7-8, 2025), the Louisiana Pecan Festival typically kicks off on Friday with Children’s Day which features a petting zoo, rock walls, games, and other free family-friendly activities. Festival attendees will enjoy a parade, live music, arts and crafts booths, a cooking contest, carnival rides, and fireworks throughout the weekend.
Visitors can sample and purchase pecan specialties including pies, pralines, jams, and candies as well as catch numerous live performances by the Louisiana Pecanettes dance team composed of local high schoolers. This event is also a great place to gobble goodies like funnel cakes, fried chicken and alligator on a stick from vendors.
Canyonlands National Park is one of Utah’s Mighty Five, yet it is an underrated gem. Nonetheless, its picturesque surroundings, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and lower crowds than other Utah national parks make this underrated gem worth a visit despite being an overlooked National Park for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
November is one of the least-crowded months to visit the Canyonlands. Although November may be cold with an average high of 50°F and a low of 33°F the days are ideal for outdoor adventures and exploration. Also, now is the perfect time to drive on the White Rim Road because obtaining a permit is easy.
The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the River. Each district has its own unique charm and opportunity for sightseeing and adventure. A trip to Canyonlands in November has something for everyone including driving, cycling, hiking, camping, stargazing, and ranger programs.
November is a wonderful time to visit Zion National Park. The weather during the day is ideal for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, canyoneering, and nature and wildlife photography.
With average highs of 64 degrees and lows of 37 degrees Fahrenheit, the days are warm and the mornings and evenings are chilly. This is a lovely break from the intense summer heat and the weather is just perfect for enjoying Zion’s best hikes.
Yes, the shuttle to Zion National Park operates in November but it does so less often and for fewer hours a day. There are many opportunities to see wildlife including mule deer, Bighorn sheep, and migratory birds. What more? Leaf peepers are in for a treat in November as the fall colors make the park even more eye-striking.
Socorro, New Mexico is the perfect place to visit for nature and bird-watching lovers in November. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is near the town famous for its Bosque del Apache Festival Of The Cranes in eatly December. It is a breathtaking spectacle of nature. Thousands of sandhill cranes and geese migrate here for winter from the north.
Standing on pencil-thin legs, sandhill cranes have a captivating elegance. They spread their wings with stately grace. They dance and take flight swaying against the sky. Their large bodies are covered with brownish-gray feathers and their heads are strikingly white and red.
The colors of the feathers are not intense. Rather, they’re subdued, reminiscent of the colors of dry grasses. This is for a good reason: the bland colors of the feathers blend with the colors of the meadow making the cranes difficult to spot by a potential predator. And there are plenty of those as numerous coyotes gather in the area hoping for an easy meal.
After sunset, waves of cranes are approaching from all sides. Birds flock to the refuge’s shallow swamps to survive the night safely.
At dawn, they take flight to feed at the surrounding fields and water reservoirs.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is also worth seeing because of its hiking trails where you can spot coyotes, deer, eagles, and hawks. Best of all, Albuquerque is just a one hour drive north.
A quiet haven tucked into the rolling hills of southern Arizona, Patagonia is surrounded by some of the richest biodiversity in the state. The area is a paradise for birdwatchers, hikers, and those seeking peaceful natural beauty. Just a short drive from town, Patagonia Lake State Park offers a calm, scenic spot for kayaking, fishing, or swimming with views of tree-lined shores and distant hills.
Nearby, the Sonoita Creek Preserve, one of Arizona’s best riparian habitats, is a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts because the preserve draws rare and migratory birds. Even more birdlife awaits at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, a beloved spot for catching views of colorful species. For those craving wide-open scenery, the back roads surrounding Patagonia lead to historic ghost towns, quiet ranches, and panoramic vistas of the Santa Rita Mountains. With its blend of water, wildlife, and wide skies, Patagonia remains one of Arizona’s most captivating and underrated nature escapes.
Georgia’s mountains refuse to be overshadowed by its spectacular beaches, so it’s no wonder millions of travelers make their way to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest every year. Encompassing nearly 867,000 acres, the national forest is home to miles of freshwater streams and rivers, waterfalls, numerous campgrounds, and plenty of space to hike and breathe in the fresh mountain air. For epic views, drive the 40-mile Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway through valleys and mountain passes with stops at scenic overlooks along the way.
Perhaps best known as the gateway city to pristine Cumberland Island, the coastal town of St. Marys draws visitors with a host of natural attractions. Three rivers—the St. Marys, the Crooked, and the North—and the Cumberland Sound come together here making it a popular destination for fishing and boating. Birdwatchers flock here, too, as they travel Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail along which more than 300 species have been spotted.
New gardens and walking paths enhance the downtown, home to a charming bookstore (Once Upon a Bookseller), a vibrant art gallery (Old Towne Gallery), and a handful of antiques dealers. Continue on foot to the nearby St. Marys History Walk and discover local history—from Timucua settlements in the 1500s to the shipbuilding industry of the 19th and 20th centuries—from a series of interpretative panels set along the shaded trail.
Discover more about the town’s maritime legacy at the St. Marys Submarine Museum where you can get a feel for life aboard a sub, or walk with a guide from Molly’s Old South Tours to explore St. Marys’ legacy of lawlessness from centuries past (tours are also available on Cumberland Island).
Ever wanted to paddle through a real swamp without worrying about getting lost?
Stephen C. Foster State Park is your gateway to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp. This park sits at the edge of one of the oldest and most preserved freshwater systems in America.
The night sky here earned it certification as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park. That means the stargazing is so good, you’ll see stars you never knew existed!
Renting a canoe or kayak lets you explore the blackwater canals lined with cypress trees. Those cypress knees poking up from the water look like tiny swamp creatures watching you pass. Alligators sun themselves on logs, barely giving you a glance as you paddle by. Just keep a respectful distance, and they’ll do the same!
The guided boat tours take you deeper into the swamp with rangers who know all its secrets. They’ll point out plants and animals you might miss on your own.
Birders, bring your binoculars—over 230 bird species have been spotted here. The eerie call of barred owls asking “Who cooks for you?” echoes through the trees at dusk.
The boardwalk trail lets you experience the swamp without getting your feet wet. Spanish moss hangs from the trees like nature’s own decorations.
Camping here means falling asleep to a symphony of frogs and waking to mist rising off the water. It’s like camping in another world—one that’s been here long before us.
10. Savor the South at Charleston’s Food & Wine Classic 2025
From November 14-16, 2025, Charleston comes alive with the Food & Wine Classic, a three-day culinary celebration that brings together world-renowned chefs, culinary icons, and top beverage experts. Experience over 40 dynamic events including live cooking demonstrations, wine and cocktail seminars, and interactive panel discussions led by stars like Emeril Lagasse, Maneet Chauhan, Tyler Florence, and Charleston’s own Mike Lata and Rodney Scott.
The Grand Tasting Pavilion, the festival’s centerpiece, invites guests to sample offerings from more than 100 wineries, distillers, and local restaurants. Special curated experiences such as the Pearls of the Coast Oyster Roast and the Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate blend Charleston’s coastal charm, Southern BBQ, and exceptional cocktails into unforgettable gatherings. This premier Food & Wine event captures the rich food culture and legendary hospitality of the Lowcountry, promising inspiration and indulgence in an iconic setting
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
Final thoughts
November 2025 is a prime time for RV adventures with autumn’s vibrant colors, milder crowds, and comfortable weather perfect for exploring diverse landscapes from desert trails to coastal shores. Expect daytime highs in the 60s°F, cooler nights, and occasional festivals or wildlife migrations to enrich your journey.
Pack layers for variable conditions and check forecasts to avoid early storms or closures at higher elevations. With quieter campgrounds and scenic drives, this month offers a blend of natural beauty and practical amenities making it an ideal season to embrace the freedom of RV travel before winter arrives.
Worth Pondering…
In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones. Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still.
From dense, snow-covered mountains to deserts with Mars-like rock formations, the best state and national parks in Utah have it all
One of the best things about Utah is that it’s home to some of the most astonishing—and varied—landscapes in the world. The state has expansive deserts, dense forests, and snow-covered mountains, some of which are preserved and protected in national and state parks.
Utah is probably best known for its national parks, dubbed the Mighty Five. You don’t need to stray far off the beaten path to see something otherworldly and awe-inspiring like the Navajo sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park or the 2,000 natural arches that arc over the desert in Arches National Park. In addition to the state’s five national parks, Utah has a whopping 44 state parks including the otherworldly Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and the sandy beaches and bright blue waters of Bear Lake State Park.
Here are 15 of the best state and national parks in Utah.
Massive sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse hiking trails
The hallmark of this blockbuster park in southern Utah is its vast cliffs made of sandstone and situated at the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Massive precipices like these can be found in other parks but none are quite as prominent as those found in Zion National Park. For a slightly more remote adventure try a wilderness hike in Kolob Canyons, the narrow slot canyons spread throughout the park.
For visitors to Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park’s south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System, and the adjacent town of Springdale.
Dramatic panoramic overlooks of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park
Dead Horse Point State Park has made a name for itself thanks to its stellar stargazing but the immense, high-desert park is worth a visit in the day, too. Hiking trails criss-cross the park which has deep canyons and wide-open deserts.
Nestled within a grove of junipers, the Kayenta Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park offers a peaceful, shaded respite from the surrounding desert. All 21 campsites offer lighted shade structures, picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads. All sites are also equipped with RV electrical hookups (20/30/50 amp).
New in 2018, the Wingate Campground sits atop the mesa with far-reaching views of the area’s mountain ranges and deep canyons. This campground contains 31 campsites, 20 of which have electrical hookups that support RVs while 11 are hike-in tent-only sites. All sites have fire pits, picnic tables under shade shelters, and access to bathrooms with running water and dishwashing sinks. RV sites will accommodate vehicles up to 56 feet and there is a dump station at the entrance to the campground.
About 80 miles from Zion is Bryce Canyon National Park home to famous hoodoos. These jagged, whittled rock pillars that shoot straight up and out of the ground were originally created by river sediment. A popular starting point for hikers is Sunset Point where among the many odd-shaped limestone deposits you’ll spot Thor’s Hammer—the most well-known hoodoo of them all.
Done hiking and looking to rest your weary head? You’ve got options. Besides camping, there’s a quaint, rustic lodge at the center of the park built in the 1920s featuring cozy cabins, suites, and motel rooms plus a dining room and gift shop. If you want to take things off-site, there are plenty of accommodation options in Bryce Canyon City (just outside the park) or in nearby Tropic or Cannonville.
Unique blend of aquatic adventures, off-road excitement, and relaxing desert scenery
The crown jewel of Sand Hollow State Park is the gigantic 1,322-acre reservoir which beckons boaters of all stripes to explore its bright blue waters. The park also draws plenty of ATV traffic and campers who come to sleep under the stars on the reservoir’s sandy beaches.
Two campgrounds to choose from: Sandpit Campground (ATVs allowed to drive in) offers 19 dry camping sites, six power sites, and five group sites. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Westside campground has 50 sites with full hook-ups. Westside sites have covered picnic tables and fire rings. Both campgrounds have restrooms with showers which is included in your camping fee.
For stunning night shots try driving through Arches National Park after dark. The elongated, weather-hollowed rock shapes (termed fins by geologists) look striking against a speckled canopy of stars. During the day, visit some of the park’s renowned arches of red rock (there are over 2,000 of them). Some of the most popular arches include Delicate Arch, Turret Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch.
Devils Garden Campground is the only campground in Arches National Park, located 18 miles north of the park’s entrance and 23 miles from Moab, Utah. The campground is situated among natural sandstone arches and fins and is forested with mixed stands of Utah juniper and pinyon pine. The landscape is dotted with flowering prickly pear cacti, yucca, and other desert wildflowers, offering vivid color to the surrounding red rock desert. The campground offers 51 campsites, which can be reserved in advance through recreation.gov
It’s all about the water at Utah Lake State Park, home to Utah’s largest freshwater lake. Boating and fishing are the park’s biggest draws but people also come just to go for a swim—the average water temperature hovers around 75 degrees (not too cold, not too hot).
The campground offers tent and RV sites. RV sites include pull-throughs and back-ins with water and power at each campsite; no full hook ups. RVs up to 47 feet can be accommodated.
Because Capitol Reef National Park tends to be less crowded than the other Utah national parks, you might feel as though you have the Waterpocket Fold all to yourself. Richly-colored sedimentary rock is exposed in the park’s famous formation—a 65-million-year-old, S-shaped ripple in the earth’s crust—allowing for huge cliffs and jagged skylines, similar to those found in Zion.
Capitol Reef National Park offers a variety of camping options including one developed campground, two primitive campgrounds, and backcountry camping. The Fruita Campground is the only fully developed campground in the park offering 71 sites for tents and RVs.
Natural Bridges National Monument features three huge, stream-carved natural bridges as well as a concentration of Ancestral Puebloans ruins. The multi-colored bridges can be seen from overlooks along a nine-mile paved loop road through the monument. The bridges have Hopi Indian names: delicate Owachomo means rock mounds, Sipapu (the second largest natural bridge in the world) means the place of emergence, and massive Kachina means dancer.
Natural Bridges has one of the darkest skies in the U.S. with almost no light pollution. It is one of the great places to observe the night sky. That prompted the International Dark-Sky Association to designate Natural Bridges National Monument as the world’s first International Dark Sky Park.
Rugged canyon country, towering mesas, sandstone buttes, and deep river-carved gorges
Not only is Canyonlands National Park the largest in Utah (a sweeping 337,598 acres) but it also features the best of all the other parks rolled into one: giant mesas, wild rock formations, and thousands of miles of hikeable canyons. Biking is also popular along the desert-like White Rim Road though visitors should consider the spiritual side of the park, too. From Island in the Sky, you can see up to 100 miles in any direction. Not a bad place to contemplate your next move.
Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat) has 12 sites, first-come, first-served. The campground is open year-round. The spectacular Green River Overlook is nearby.
The Needles Campground has 26 individual sites plus 3 group sites in different locations around The Needles district.
Situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks is shaped like a giant coliseum dropping 2,000 feet to its floor.
Cedar Breaks resembles a miniature Bryce Canyon. Some visitors say its brilliant colors even surpass Bryce. The Native Americans called Cedar Breaks the Circle of Painted Cliffs. Millions of years of uplift and erosion have carved this huge amphitheater.
Deep inside the coliseum are stone spires, columns, arches, pinnacles, and intricate canyons in varying shades of red, yellow, and purple. The bristlecone pine, one of the world’s oldest trees grows in the area and can be found along the Spectra Point Trail. The Dixie National Forest surrounds Cedar Breaks providing lush alpine meadows clustered with ponderosa pines and quaking aspens. During the summer months, the wildflower display is spectacular.
600-acre reservoir surrounded by striking red rock desert
The reservoir at this St George-area state park boasts some of the warmest waters in the state plus a mild winter climate. Water sports are popular here during the long warm weather season and boaters and fishermen enjoy the reservoir year-round. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, and other species.
This Park offers modern facilities for camping year-round. Back-in and pull-through sites are available for both tent camping and for RVs up to 35 feet. Full hook-up or showers are not available in this campground.
Preserves six prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan villages
Noted for its solitude and undeveloped, natural character, Hovenweep National Monument was once home to more than 2,500 people in 900 A.D. In 1923, Hovenweep was proclaimed by President Warren G. Harding a unit of the national park system. The name Hovenweep is Paiute/Ute word meaning deserted valley.
These ancient Pueblo ruins include towers that remind visitors of European castles. Straddling the Utah-Colorado border, the ruins were built about the same time as medieval fortresses.
The largest and most accessible of the six units of ruins is Square Tower, where several well-preserved structures are located. The area was home for several prehistoric farming villages. Throughout the ruins, visitors may find castles, towers, check dams (for irrigation), cliff dwellings, pueblos and houses. Petroglyphs (rock art) can also be found in the area.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is located at Wide Hollow Reservoir, a small reservoir that is popular for boating, canoeing, fishing and water sports. The park includes a developed campground with RV sites and a nice group area. There is also a pleasant picnic area. On the hill above the campground you can see large petrified logs. A marked hiking trail leads through the petrified forest.
At the Visitor Center you can view displays of plant and marine fossils, petrified wood and fossilized dinosaur bones over 100 million years old.
Red and white sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and sand dunes
Snow Canyon State Park is a beautiful red rock park located just 10 miles north of St. George and often overlooked by visitors headed to Zion National Park. Snow Canyon features a beautiful canyon carved from red and white Navajo sandstone, an extinct volcano, interesting lava tubes, and gorgeous petrified sand dunes.
Some activities to enjoy in the park are hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Two beautiful and easy hiking trails are the Butterfly Trail and Jenny’s Canyon. Jenny’s Canyon is perfect short hike that also includes a small slot canyon. In the heart of the park is the Petrified Dunes trail which is a beautiful area to explore and take gorgeous photos.
A beautiful camping area is located among the red rocks in the park at Snow Canyon Campground.
Glen Canyon is home to Lake Powell, the second largest human-made lake in the United States and heralded as a premier boating destination. Stretching from the beginning of the Grand Canyon at Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is an unparalleled location for water-based and backcountry recreation.
Glen Canyon encompasses scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a panorama of human history.
The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, backcountry hiking, and four-wheel drive trips.
Utah’s parks offer an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and adventure spanning from the world-famous Mighty 5 national parks to stunning state parks like Snow Canyon and Dead Horse Point. Snow Canyon State Park enchants visitors with its dramatic Navajo sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and more than 38 miles of trails ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding amid a vibrant desert landscape. Dead Horse Point State Park provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands below embodying some of the most iconic vistas of the American Southwest.
Together with the majestic canyons, arches, and diverse ecosystems of Utah’s national parks, these state parks enhance the tapestry of outdoor experiences available. Whether seeking scenic overlooks, geological wonders, or immersive hikes, Utah’s parks cater to all adventurers looking to connect deeply with nature’s grandeur.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
Worth Pondering…
As we crossed the Colorado-Utah border I saw God in the sky in the form of huge gold sunburning clouds above the desert that seemed to point a finger at me and say, “Pass here and go on, you’re on the road to heaven.
Scenic drives lead to some of America’s most breathtaking national parks offering spectacular views and wildlife experiences
There’s nothing like the open road especially when that road leads to volcanic landscapes, geysers, glaciers, and red-rock canyons.
In a country as vast as the US, every mile brings something unexpected and America’s national parks are no exception. From golden sand dunes to hardwood forests, from historic sites and iconic monuments to the winding trails that crisscross the United States, the National Park Service (NPS) has ensured that America’s most cherished places are protected.
They’re not just scenic stops for photo ops. They’re full-blown adventures waiting to happen.
The US landscape is as varied as the cars and RVs that cruise through it from gator-filled swamps and glacier-carved peaks to Martian desertscapes and moss-draped rainforests. That’s why I created this list around 10 epic road trips that link the most iconic (and underrated) national parks by region—routes that are as much about the journey as the destination.
Whether you’re chasing golden hour through the mountains, carving corners on alpine passes, or pulling over to stare at something so beautiful it doesn’t look real, these road trips are for drivers, dreamers, and anyone with a full tank and zero plans to fly.
I didn’t just throw darts at a map. Each road trip on this list was chosen for its scenic driving routes, diverse landscapes, and access to multiple standout national parks—all within a realistic road trip radius. I focused on routes offering variety without needing a full sabbatical.
I considered:
Park proximity: Clusters of parks can be visited on a single trip without insane detours
Driving experience: Roads that are fun to drive from twisty mountain passes to wide-open desert highways
Landscape diversity: Routes that deliver contrast—think giant trees one day, red rocks the next
Seasonal timing: I chose road trips that can be realistically completed in one season with notes on the best times to go.
Sources included official National Park Service resources, travel advisories, weather data, regional visitor guides, and firsthand trip reports. And yes—I leaned on personal experience and a healthy obsession with planning the perfect national park road trip.
Consider this the Holy Grail of national park road trips. Start your road trip in Las Vegas or Phoenix and from there loop your way through the red-rock royalty of the Southwest. Each park you visit will feel like a different planet.
One of the most iconic parks, the Grand Canyon will amaze you with its sweeping scale while Zion’s tight slot canyons will transport you to a completely different world.
From here, head to Bryce Canyon for a surreal sunrise. See the Sinking Ship with wide views and the hoodoos light up like Christmas trees making cool shadows on the canyon walls.
Capitol Reef is a quiet stunner with fewer crowds while Canyonlands delivers Martian vibes and backcountry soul. It is divided into four distinct districts—Islands in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves—each offering unique landscapes of mesas, arches, canyons, and other geologic formations.
The Arches are a completely different universe with their unique rock formations.
Each of these destinations provides a unique glimpse into the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the Southwest.
This road trip guarantees a fulfilling national park experience as it is overflowing with scenic beauty and equally stunning stops. Spring and fall are the best times to enjoy this road trip if you want to avoid intense heat and crowds.
Additional NPS sites along the Southwest canyons circuit:
California has everything from waterfalls, deserts, to granite cliffs and ancient forests. For a California-specific national park road trip start in San Francisco or Los Angeles and create your own triangle through the wild heart of the state.
Known for its majestic granite domes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, Yosemite is non-negotiable. Drive through Tioga Pass, gaze up at El Capitan, and hike to Glacier Point.
Next, head south to Sequoia and Kings Canyon. It’s amazing to see trees that are as tall as skyscrapers here and rivers roaring through glacial-carved canyons.
For a completely different scenic view, drop into Death Valley, the hottest, lowest, driest place in the country. Finally, end this epic California national park road trip adventure with some stargazing in Joshua Tree.
Stunning natural beauty including tall mountains, steep cliffs, lush forests, towering trees, and rushing waterfalls
States covered: Washington, Oregon
National parks included: Olympic, North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier, Crater Lake
The Pacific Northwest Wonderland route is perfect if moody coastlines, moss-draped forests, and snow-capped volcanoes are your thing.
Leaving Seattle start your road trip by driving west to Olympic National Park. This park is unique because it allows you to walk from a rainforest to a beach and then to alpine meadows in a single day.
Home to grizzly bears, grey wolves, lynx, and wolverines, North Cascades National Park offers a true wilderness experience despite being only a three hour drive from Seattle.
Next, head to Mount Rainier. It’s a beast. Hike the Skyline Trail for views that’ll break your brain.
Then, continue south into Oregon and witness Crater Lake—renowned for its deep blue lake which is the deepest in the United States formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama approximately 7,700 years ago.
Go on this road trip in summer when the roads are open and the fog lifts long enough for epic views.
Additional NPS sites in the Pacific Northwest wonderland:
National parks included: Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, Arches
For the Rocky Mountain High Country Route, start in Denver. Then, drive west into the heart of the Rockies.
Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent national park for hiking to alpine lakes and seeing exciting wildlife. You can also drive along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America.
From the Rocky Mountains, make your way to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This leg is steep, dark, and dramatically underrated.
Next, head to Mesa Verde, a park unlike any other filled with ancient cliff dwellings and ancestral Puebloan history.
You’ll end your road trip in Arches, Utah. The place is excellent for hiking through sandstone arches amidst a red desert landscape.
This route is best done in late summer or early fall when the leaves are golden and the mountain passes are clear.
Additional NPS sites along the Rocky Mountain High Country Traverse:
A journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States
States covered: Montana, Wyoming
National parks included: Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton
This national park road trip is for the wild hearts. Start in Glacier National Park near the Canadian border. You will be blown away by the sight of turquoise lakes and snowy peaks in front of you. The landscape makes every photo look edited.
Then take the Going-to-the-Sun Road, arguably the most scenic drive in America. It offers breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Glacier.
From there, drive down into Yellowstone for geysers, bison, hot springs, and one big supervolcano. Watch Old Faithful erupt then lose your mind over the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring. It erupts approximately every hour and a half, making it a reliable attraction.
Grand Teton is next on this road trip, Yellowstone’s elegant next-door neighbor. The Tetons’ ascent from the valley floor is a revelation in person. The beauty of the jagged peaks hits you with a force that no photograph can quite capture.
Additional NPS sites near the Glacier to Yellowstone corridor:
This road trip may seem weird but it is vast, engaging, and wildly underrated. Start your road journey in Texas with Big Bend. The park boasts 150 miles of hiking trails through mountainous desert terrain and along rivers. Take time to admire the impressive canyons that the Rio Grande River has carved through the desert mountains. When night falls, the dark sky areas provide a memorable stargazing experience.
From there, head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Explore deserts and dunes, canyons and mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and much more. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for hikers with more than 80 miles of trails winding from woodland canyons to lush springs. Plus, the park is also home to the highest peak in Texas.
As you pass through the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and into southeastern New Mexico, filled with prickly pear, chollas, sotols, and agaves, you might never guess there are more than 300 known caves beneath the surface. Carlsbad Caverns contains 113 of these caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone.
Finish strong with White Sands to see the gypsum dunes glow white as snow. White Sands National Park preserves not only major portion of this unique dune field but also the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment.
This trip is best in late winter or early spring before the intense heat kicks in.
Additional NPS sites along the Desert Dream Trail:
Think the East Coast can’t hang with the West when it comes to national parks? Think again. Start with Shenandoah and the legendary Skyline Drive for the East Coast Scenic Route. It’s particularly suitable for a beautiful fall-season drive.
Then head south to the Smokies to watch the magic of the mist, the mountain music, the elk sightings, and the firefly displays. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, ancient mountain beauty, and preserved Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
Walk among the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent and see national and state champion trees towering to record size amidst an astonishing array of plants and animals when you visit Congaree National Park.
From there, loop up to West Virginia’s New River Gorge, the newest national park and a whitewater mecca perfect for rafting. Or you can take on the trails perfectly suited for mountain biking.
Additional NPS sites along the East Coast Scenic Loop:
Each park offers unique experiences and is a must-visit for those exploring Alaska’s natural beauty
States covered: Alaska
National parks included: Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords
You’ll need to head to Alaska for the ultimate wild road trip. You’ll need to time your visit for summer but the reward is next-level.
Denali is six million acres of wild land bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains culminating in North America’s tallest peak, 20,310-foot Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility, and wilderness await.
You should then head over to Wrangell-St. Elias which is the largest national park in the US spanning 13.2 million acres. Unlike many of Alaska’s parks, it is accessible by road though most of the park is only accessible via the McCarthy Road, a 60-mile dirt road known for being rough and challenging for vehicles.
Finish with Kenai Fjords. Located near Seward, it is known for its glaciers, rugged mountains, and beautiful waters. The park itself spans 669,984 acres and is home to wildlife such as whales, seals, moose, and bears. Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield Trail are accessible by road while most of the park can be explored via boat tours. It is a 12-mile drive from Seward and a 132-mile drive from Anchorage.
Additional NPS sites along Alaska’s Road-Accessible Parks:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
Sitka National Historic Park
9. Florida’s Tropical Trio
Florida has 3 national parks among its 11 NPS sites
States covered: Florida
National parks included: Everglades, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas
Think national parks are all forests and mountains? Not in Florida. Start in Miami and explore Everglades National Park to get an excellent mix of alligators, airboat rides, and birdlife galore. It is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River.
Then, head to Biscayne, a mostly underwater park perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Explore over 600 species of native fish along one of the world’s largest coral reefs.
For a more remote experience, explore Dry Tortugas, a 19th century fort and snorkel picturesque blue waters with coral reefs and marine life. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Almost seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Known the world over as the home of Fort Jefferson, a 19th century coastal fortress comprised of over 16 million bricks, the park also protects natural wonders above and below its pristine water’s surface.
This trip is best done in winter to avoid hurricane season and the brutal heat and humidity.
Additional NPS sites that compliment Florida’s Tropical Trio:
Big Cypress National Preserve
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Gulf Islands National Seashore
10. The Great Lakes Explorer Route
A scenic road trip itinerary that covers destinations along Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Erie
States covered: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan
National parks included: Voyageurs, Isle Royale, Sleeping Bear Dunes
This underrated route has fresh air, fresh water, and fewer crowds.
Start in northern Minnesota’s Voyageurs. While it is best accessed by boat, you can cover it on a road trip by visiting nearby visitor centers and lakeside campsites. It’s a place of transition between upland and aquatic ecosystems, southern boreal and northern hardwoods forest types, and both wild and developed areas.
Then, take a ferry from Michigan to Isle Royale for its moose and remote, roadless appeal. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers, paddlers, and recreational boaters. There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses, and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe wildlife. Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or float plane.
Finish with Sleeping Bear Dunes along Lake Michigan’s coast. The park has numerous quiet beaches, forest trails, and dunes with unlimited beauty to provide a sensory reset. Plus, the park often provides a less intensely crowded national park experience than some major Western parks.
This route shines in late summer when the weather is warm and the crowds are gone.
Additional NPS sites along the Great Lakes Explorer Route:
America’s national parks aren’t just places to visit—they’re landscapes to experience, drive through, and get lost in. Each road trip on this list is a chance to turn the wheel toward something unforgettable from glacier-lined highways to sun-baked desert trails.
Whether you’ve got a weekend or a whole season, these routes offer more than just park checklists—they’re built for detours, surprises, and stories you’ll tell for years. So pack the cooler, cue the playlist, and leave room for whatever memories you collect along the way.
Because the best part of any road trip is not just where you go—it’s how you get there.
Worth Pondering…
When I was about fifteen, I went to work at Yosemite National Park. It changed me forever. Nature had carved its own sculpture and I was part of it, not the other way around.
These road trips provide a variety of experiences and are designed to showcase the best of Utah’s natural beauty and outdoor activities
Utah is one of the top destinations in the US for outdoor adventurers, home to many of America’s bucket list hiking trails. With five national parks and 11 other National Park Service (NPS) sites (including national monuments, recreation areas, and conservation areas), it’s no surprise some of the most bucket-list-worthy national park road trips take place in Utah.
Utah’s national park sites protect some of the most unusual formations in the world. Hoodoos, natural bridges, mineral caves, and sheer canyon walls are just some of the dramatic structures road trippers can expect to find on a trip around Utah. From weekend loops to treks across the state, these Utah national park road trip routes are excellent ways to explore the national park sites in the Beehive State.
Tip: For those worried about the price tag of a national park road trip, consider investing in an America the Beautiful Parks pass, one of the best ways to visit national parks for cheap all year long. At $80, the pass grants free entry for the pass holder and their passengers to all NPS, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and USDA Forest Service sites for one year which can save a lot for those who recreate in these areas often.
The five national parks in Utah are perfectly spaced for one of the best national park road trips in the US with scenic stops and it is arguably the most popular road trip route in Utah.
Starting in Salt Lake City, travelers can point their loop toward either Zion National Park or Arches National Park. For those starting in Zion National Park, road trippers will slowly move east across Southern Utah before moving north, ending at Arches National Park and returning to Salt Lake City.
One of the great advantages of the Mighty Five road trip is the ability to add plenty of additional stops including Snow Canyon State Park near Zion and Goblin Valley State Park near Moab and Arches.
Road trip route: Salt Lake City → Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park → Capitol Reef National Park → Canyonlands National Park → Arches National Park → Salt Lake City
Recommended time: 5–8 days
Note: There are a variety of ways to enjoy the Mighty 5 Utah road trip. For a more linear route, travelers can start in Salt Lake and go towards Arches National Park moving westward and ending in Zion National Park. This opens the possibility of heading to Las Vegas, Nevada (and nearby Valley of Fire State Park) instead of simply returning to Salt Lake at the end of the trip.
There are countless scenic Utah road trips ranging from just a few miles to all-day drives across the state. If even exploring half of the state isn’t quite possible one of the shorter Utah national park road trip itineraries through a small region may be the perfect solution. The Southeastern portion of Utah is rich in national and state park sites, ideal for a smaller-scale road trip.
Moab makes an excellent home base for this road trip sitting just outside Arches National Park and just an hour from Goblin Valley State Park one of the many Utah state park alternatives to Zion National Park and the perfect substitute for making the drive to the other side of the state.
At just 370 miles to drive, this loop is far more manageable for those looking for a long weekend-length road trip through Utah’s national parks.
Road trip route: Moab → Arches National Park → Canyonlands National Park → Goblin Valley State Park → Natural Bridges National Monument → Moab
The Alpine Loop is a favorite for local Utahns looking for an afternoon drive but with the right stops this drive can easily become an exceptional national park road trip in Utah.
The entirety of the Alpine Loop is, in fact, in Uinta National Forest. Camping opportunities along the Loop which stretches from American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon are plentiful as are scenic hiking trails through the Aspen trees. The steep canyon walls also lend themselves to dramatic waterfalls like the scenic Stewart Falls Trail.
As a Utah national park road trip, however, there is one more can’t-miss stop on this weekend getaway. Timpanogos Caves National Monument in American Fork Canyon is one of Utah’s most unique national park sites requiring a moderate hike up switchbacks before reaching the caves themselves. Timpanogos Cave can only be explored as part of a tour but the stalactites and stalagmites in the damp mountain caves are well worth the effort.
Utah has eight dedicated national monuments in addition to the famous national parks. Seven of these national monuments work nicely to create one of the most unique and varied national park road trips in Utah from Salt Lake City.
Following I-15 from Salt Lake to American Fork, road trippers will first detour to the Alpine loop to explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument in Uinta National Forest. A challenging hike to a mountain cave, Timpanogos Cave is the perfect first stop before heading to the rocky terrain of the rest of the trip.
The other four national monuments are in the southern portion of the state. From the ancient structures of Hovenweep National Monument to the red rocks of Cedar Breaks National Monument, this expansive road trip is a chance to explore the hidden gems of Utah with fewer crowds but plenty of scenic national park views.
Road trip route: Salt Lake City → Timpanogos Cave National Monument → Bears Ears National Monument → Hovenweep National Monument → Natural Bridges National Monument → Rainbow Bridge National Monument/Glen Canyon National Recreation Area → Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument → Cedar Breaks National Monument → Cedar City
5. Zion National Park & Dixie National Forest Road Trip
NPS sites visited: 3
Zion National Park is the most-visited national park in Utah and was one of the most visited national parks in the US in 2023. Many travelers recommend spending two or even three days exploring this spectacular park including taking several scenic drives (or hopping on the eco-friendly shuttle) through the park.
Given the time spent in Zion National Park itself, limiting additional road trip stops might be necessary. By starting in Saint George in southwestern Utah, adventurers on a Utah national park road trip itinerary with scenic stops can stop in Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park on their way to Zion. After spending the desired time in Zion and potentially even taking on one of America’s most dangerous hikes (Angel’s Landing) the road heads north to Dixie National Forest.
One of the numerous hidden gem destinations in Utah, Dixie National Forest is full of unique attractions of its own including an arch that travelers can drive through and Red Canyon, one of the most underrated and worthwhile places to visit in Southern Utah.
Road trip route: Saint George → Snow Canyon State Park → Red Cliffs National Conservation Area → Zion National Park → Dixie National Forest
Recommended time: 4–6 days
Tip: Got more time? By ending in Dixie National Forest, Utah national park road trip travelers are well-positioned to add Capitol Reef and even Canyonlands National Park to the road trip itinerary.
Route 89 is often considered America’s most scenic road trip and for good reason. In its entirety, Route 89 visits seven national parks and 14 national park sites between Montana and Arizona. The Utah stretch of this picturesque drive takes travelers from Kanab in Southern Utah all the way to Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border.
The main national parks along this road are Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, both of which have their own scenic drives and hiking trails. For those interested in going further north, views of national forests as well as opportunities to detour to major cities like Provo and Salt Lake City help balance the attractions along this one-of-a-kind Utah national park road trip route.
Road trip route: Kanab → Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park → Provo → Salt Lake City → Logan → Garden City/Bear Lake
Arches National Park may host the highest concentration of natural arches and bridges in the world but there are actually three national park sites in Utah dedicated to these natural formations. Natural Bridges National Monument and Rainbow Bridge National Monument also protect one-of-a-kind arch formations and they combine nicely with Arches National Park for a themed Utah national park road trip itinerary.
Starting in Moab with Arches National Park, Utah road trippers can drive south towards Natural Bridges National Monument. This is where the road trip takes a bit of a turn. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area meaning that guests can enjoy two national park sites at once.
However, while this may be a road trip getting to the Rainbow Arch itself won’t be that easy. The only way to see one Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges, is to take a boat ride from Lake Powell or take the multi-day 14-mile (each way) hike through the Navajo Nation. As the last stop of this national park road trip route in Utah, these exhausting excursions may be the perfect escape from the car for a grand road trip finale.
Road trip route: Moab → Arches National Park → Natural Bridges National Monument → Glen Canyon National Recreation Area/Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Entrance fee: $30/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: hiking trails, swimming, boating, scenic drives
Warning: Arches National Park is one of several US national parks that require timed entry reservations in 2025. Be sure to visit the National Park Service website to get a timed entry reservation made ahead of time.
Worth Pondering…
Utah’s landscapes are a symphony of stone sculpted by wind and water.
Whether you’ve been to Utah a number of times or are planning your first visit, these bucket list parks are sure to help you create an unforgettable itinerary
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 five of its best (the Mighty 5) being some of the largest parks in the world. There are dozens of state parks in Utah that will definitely have one plan an extended road trip to Color Country.
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 10 National and state parks to add to your Utah bucket list.
Cathedral-like canyons and majestic sandstone cliffs create a wondrous landscape
Nestled near Springdale on Utah’s southern side, Zion National Park is one of the most dramatic parks in the United States. It only takes three hours to reach the park from Las Vegas and four from Salt Lake City via Interstate 15. Perfect for outdoor lovers and adventurers with numerous activities, visiting Zion National Park is definitely worth the drive. Hiking, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and canyoneering are some of the best activities one can enjoy.
Because of astronomical visitation numbers, the park has increased service on the free Zion Canyon Shuttle through the park. It now runs daily from March to November with some additional weekends in February. During these periods, shuttles arrive as often as every seven minutes.
Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Best time to visit: April to November
Main attractions: Angels Landing, Hidden Canyon Trail, Emerald Pool Trails, The Narrows
Sandstone sculpture garden of sunset-hued arches and domes
Having over 2,000 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 area 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: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Best time to visit: April through June, September through November
Top attractions: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Fiery Furnace, Park Avenue, Devil’s Garden Trailhead
Bizarre rock formations, stunning sunrises, beautiful sandstone pillars, and incredible hiking trails
Located near Zion National Park, 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, fewer travelers visit Bryce as they are more attracted to its neighbors.
Regardless, Bryce Canyon National Park is still a perfect destination especially for photographers, hikers, and adventurers. 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 visit Bryce come away with an incredible reward from its natural enchantress.
Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Best time to visit: April through November
Main attractions: Sunrise Vista, Sunset Vista, Fairyland Point and Loop Trail, Navajo Trail
The Colorado and Green rivers divide the park into four districts
Canyonlands National Park is popular for its spectacular desert landscape and it offers perfect spots for hiking, photography, river rafting, and backpacking 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: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
When to visit: Spring and fall
Main attractions: Mesa Arch, Island in the Sky District, Needles District
Discover the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic wrinkle on earth
With some of the most spectacular rock formations, Capitol Reef should definitely be on every traveler’s bucket list. It receives fewer visitors compared to other Mighty 5 parks in Utah yet offers a unique travel experience with so much to see and do.
Capitol Reef National Park preserves the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. This wrinkle also called a monocline was formed between 50 and 70 million years ago when movement along a fault line caused upward shifting of the west side relative to the east side. The layers on the west side of the fault were lifted up 7,000 feet higher than the layers on the east.
Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Best time to visit: Spring and fall
Main attractions: Sunset Point, Rim Overlook Trail, Fruita Historic Area
Immense desert landscape of canyons, high desert woodland, and miles of trails
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.
Some visitors consider its beauty to equal 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 per day
Best time to visit: Spring and fall
Main attractions: Dead Horse Point Overlook, Intrepid Mountain Biking Trail
Great hiking, beautiful Navajo sandstone formations, ancient lava rock, and out-of-this-world views
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: $10 per vehicle (Utah resident) per day; $15 per vehicle (non-Utah resident) per day
Best time to visit: Spring and fall
Main Attractions: Lava Flow Trail, Jenny’s Canyon Trail
Read more:
Unexpected Southwest Utah: Snow Canyon State Park
The Ultimate Guide to Snow Canyon State Park
8. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Dunes of warm, pink sand
An off-the-radar expanse of photographic and OHV bliss, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is where you can leave footprints in soft sand or adventure on the vast off-road playground. You can also walk among old juniper and pinion and ponderosa pines. The dunes were formed by the continual erosion of the nearby Navajo sandstone cliffs and estimated to be 10,000 to 15,000 years old.
The park stretches 3,730 acres. It’s the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau and the only place in the world where you can find the Coral Pink tiger beetle. The park has two concessionaires that generally operate from March-October. With all of its dunes always open to travelers for hiking, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers an unforgettable adventure experience.
Park entrance eee: $15 per vehicle per day
Best time to visit: Spring and fall
Main attractions: Off-highway vehicle touring, sand boarding
Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake is accessed via a 7.2-mile causeway. Its 28,022 acres are home to a unique variety of wildlife. Also featured are 25 miles of back country trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and tours of the Fielding Garr Historic Ranch House.
Antelope Island is home to Utah’s largest free-roaming bison herd. You’ll absolutely love the bison. Many visitors go to the park just to see them. If you drive around on the park roads, you’re bound to see the herds of bison in numerous areas.
Park entrance fee: $15 per vehicle per day
Best time to visit: Early spring and fall
Main Attractions: Wildlife viewing (bison), hiking, camping
Red rock and red sand meet warm, blue waters at Sand Hollow
With its warm, blue waters, and red sandstone landscape, one of Utah’s newer state parks is also one of its most popular. Boat, fish, and dive at Sand Hollow Reservoir, explore and ride the dunes of Sand Mountain on an off-highway vehicle, then RV or tent camp in a campground or on the beach.
A favorite destination for local off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, Sand Mountain provides 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes.
Park entrance fee: $15 per vehicle (Utah residents) weekdays; $20 per vehicle (Utah residents) Friday-Sunday; $30 per vehicle (non-Utah residents)
As we crossed the Colorado-Utah border I saw God in the sky in the form of huge gold sunburning clouds above the desert that seemed to point a finger at me and say, “Pass here and go on, you’re on the road to heaven.
Canyonlands is an enormous National Park. Over 330,000 acres are filled with arches, buttes, mesas, canyons, hiking trails, dirt roads, campgrounds, and overlooks.
Canyonlands National Park is a vast and rugged wilderness area in southeastern Utah divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. As an RVer, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration in this unique park.
I’m on the road again traveling nature’s highways to Utah’s largest national park covering 527 square miles, half the size of Rhode Island. On the list of most visited parks in 2023, Canyonlands National Park ranks at number 28 with 800,322 visitors. Canyonlands National Park offers an array of natural features. From the Island in the Sky, one can view a hundred miles of landscape. The Colorado and Green Rivers carved out the canyons of Canyonlands exposing over 300 million years of geologic layers. Canyonlands National Park camping has it all and it’s all there waiting for you to explore.
If you leave Torrey via Utah State Route 24, that will take you through Capitol Reef National Park. You are less than 70 miles from Canyonlands National Park as the crow flies. Unfortunately, you are not a crow, so your trip covers about 170 miles. The highway takes you through the Caineville Desert up to Hanksville. Again, Utah shows its unusual otherworldly beauty. So much so that Hollywood uses this area as a movie backdrop. Here are a couple of waypoints that might be of interest.
Burpee Dinosaur Quarry, northwest of Hanksville is an easy 5-mile hike. However, unless you are a paleontologist identifying the several taxa of dinosaur fossils may be trying. If you have an urge to participate in excavation, the Burpee Museum of Natural History offers a few field trips.
Mars Desert Research Station operated by the Mars Society offers professional scientists and engineers field studies for space missions specifically on Mars. As this is a private research facility, it is NOT open to the public. Still, it is interesting to know that it is there.
Goblin Valley State Park, about 25 miles further reflects that Martian landscape with its goblin hoodoos of Entrada sandstone. Hikes are an easy 1 – 4 miles long with plenty of alluring geology for the camera.
The town of Green River is at Interstate 70 Exit 160 offering a couple of decent RV parks, restaurants, and groceries. Also, you will find a Love’s RV Hookup (8 sites) and a Pilot Dealer. The Green River State Park sits on the river with 39 sites, water and electric only.
You will take Exit 182/US-191 toward Moab. In about 20 miles at State Route 313 follow the signs into Canyonlands National Park. From UT-313/US-191 you are only 15 minutes from downtown Moab.
(If you have time, and you like petroglyphs, drive up to Exit 187 toward Thompson Springs. That will bring you to the Sego Canyon Rock Art and ghost town.)
Willow Flat Campground at Island in the Sky has 12 sites with no hookups available. Needles District Campground has 26 individual sites with water only. Both are on a first-come, first-served basis. Needles Outpost and Campground offers that great solitude that you are looking for. It has 30 sites with no hookups, so fill that fresh water tank. Also, you are 40 miles from civilization.
If you like BLM camping, there are 26 available campgrounds in the Moab area. All are first-come, first-served with no hookups.
Dead Horse Point State Park lies at the edge of Canyonlands National Park upon a 2,000-foot mesa overlooking the Colorado River. There are several camping options including the Kayenta Campground and the Wingate Campground. Kayenta Campground has 21 sites with electrical hookups and four yurts while Wingate Campground offers 21 sites with electrical hookups, 11 hike-in tent-only sites, and four yurts.
Designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, park rangers lead full moon hikes and star parties regularly.
Canyonlands National Park has two visitor centers with the closest being Island in the Sky in the Northern District. It is the first that you will come to entering from Utah Route 313. At 1,000 feet above the canyon it attracts 60 percent of annual visitors. In the Southern District, you will find The Needles. Named for its red and white sandstone spires, it is not as easily accessed.
Driving tours
If you have a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle, then Canyonlands National Park has three road tours for you. White Rim Road, a moderate drive of 2–3 days loops around Island in the Sky for 100 miles. The Needles and The Maze require 4WD. Check with the Ranger station for permits. A better way to explore is via commercial tour guides. These folks are the local experts at traversing the roads and the whitewater.
Island in the Sky holds a variety of trails from easy to moderate to strenuous. You do not want to miss two easy hikes: Mesa Arch (0.5 mile) loop with great views of the Colorado River and Grand View Point (2.0 miles) with stunning panoramic views. Another worthy hike is the Aztec Butte (2.0 mile/moderate) leading to Ancestral Puebloan granaries.
The Needles trails rank mostly strenuous with a couple of easy ones. Just past the Visitor Center Roadside Ruin (0.3 mile/easy) leads to an Ancestral Puebloan granary. Cave Spring (0.6 mile/easy) drops down to an old historic cowboy camp.
Pets are not allowed on any trail or unpaved road. You may keep them at campsites leashed at all times. Karen’s Canine Campground might be an alternative for daycare.
Canyonlands National Park is all about the geology. However, most of its 50 species of animals are nocturnal. You may see some mule deer, desert cottontail rabbits, a kangaroo mouse and, if you’re lucky, a bighorn sheep. You might note a few ravens or turkey vultures riding the currents but not much else. Along the riparian corridors, you can spot canyon wrens and blue grosbeaks. Riparian plants include Fremont’s cottonwood and net leaf hackberry. Around the desert grows cacti, yuccas, and pinyon pines.
Wait. What?!
Robbers Roost, located between Hanksville and Canyonlands, served as the hideout for Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch.
Utah is home to five of the most stunning national parks in the United States. Throw in some national monuments and a few spectacular state parks and you have a extraordinary road trip destination. If you are planning your Utah national parks itinerary, I have tons of information to share with you.
Are you ready to embark on the ULTIMATE Utah national park road trip? Buckle up because you’re in for a treat! From the towering cliffs of Zion to the mesmerizing hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and the jaw-dropping arches of Moab is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This 30-day itinerary is packed with the best spots, hidden gems, and plenty of awe-inspiring views.
We’ll kick things off in Salt Lake City and head south to explore some of the most iconic national parks in the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just love a good scenic drive there’s something here for everyone. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips and must-see sights along the way to make your journey smooth and unforgettable.
Grab your map, load up your playlist, and let’s hit the road! Your epic Utah adventure starts now.
Planning a road trip through Utah’s national parks is an exciting adventure but it can feel a bit overwhelming with so much to see and do. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some tips to make this journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
First off, give yourself plenty of time. Ideally, a month is perfect to truly soak in all the beauty and excitement Utah has to offer. But if you’re short on time, you can always break the trip into shorter sections and explore a couple of parks at a time.
Make sure to pack smart. The weather in Utah can be unpredictable—hot during the day and chilly at night especially in the desert. Bring layers, plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good wide-brimmed hat. And don’t forget your hiking boots for those epic trails.
Also, don’t forget to stay flexible. Sometimes the best experiences come from unplanned detours. If a local suggests a hidden gem or a trail looks too inviting to pass up, go for it!
Beyond the national parks, there are also several state parks and rustic towns you’ll want to check out. I’ve included all of my favorite spots in the itinerary below.
I’ll break down each destination in detail below giving you tips to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
I’ll cover everything from the soaring cliffs of Zion to the unique rock formations of Arches ensuring you hit all the highlights without any hassle.
Salt Lake City is the perfect starting point for your Utah National Park road trip. Not only is it a bustling urban hub with plenty to see and do but it’s also a great place to gather supplies and gear up for your adventure. Plus, the city is rich in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty making it a great spot to spend a couple of days before you hit the road.
Here are some specific tips and recommendations to make the most of your time here.
Salt Lake City bucket list:
Temple Square: This iconic site is the heart of Salt Lake City and a must-visit. The grounds are beautifully maintained and you can take a free tour to learn about the history and architecture of the Salt Lake Temple. The Tabernacle Choir often performs here so check the schedule to catch a rehearsal or performance.
Great Salt Lake: Just a short drive from downtown, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Antelope Island State Park is a great spot to visit for hiking, wildlife viewing (think bison and antelope), and stunning lake views. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery!
City Creek Center: This open-air shopping center is perfect for picking up any last-minute supplies. It has a wide range of stores from outdoor gear to clothing and plenty of dining options to fuel up before your journey.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum: If you’re visiting in spring or summer, the botanical gardens here are in full bloom. It’s a peaceful spot to wander and enjoy the local flora. They also host outdoor concerts in the summer which is a real treat.
Utah State Capitol: The Capitol building offers free guided tours and stunning views of the city from its hilltop location.
Salt Lake City is the last major urban center before you head into the more remote areas of Utah. Make sure to stock up on essentials like water, snacks, and camping gear. REI and other outdoor stores have everything you need.
Looking to spend some extra time in and around Salt Lake City? Before heading to the national parks, I recommend exploring the natural beauty and interesting destinations that surround SLC. Here are some 10 must-see day trips:
1. Antelope Island State Park
This island in the Great Salt Lake offers stunning views, hiking trails, and wildlife including bison. The scenic drive around the island is perfect for a day of exploration.
2. Park City
Just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, Park City is famous for its ski resorts and charming downtown. Visit the Utah Olympic Park or take a ride on the Alpine Slide in summer.
3. Bonneville Salt Flats
Experience the otherworldly landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats about 90 minutes west of the city. The vast, white expanse is perfect for photos and a unique walking experience.
4. Great Salt Lake Marina
Head to the marina for boating, bird watching, and picnicking. The sunsets over the lake are breathtaking and offer great photo opportunities.
5. Big Cottonwood Canyon
This canyon is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Don’t miss the beautiful hikes to Lake Blanche or Donut Falls.
6. Heber Valley
Enjoy a ride on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad, go fishing, or take a scenic drive. In winter, the area offers excellent snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
7. Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Explore the stunning cave formations with a guided tour. The hike to the cave entrance is steep but offers great views of the American Fork Canyon.
8. Ogden
Visit this historic city for its vibrant downtown, outdoor adventure opportunities, and attractions like the Hill Aerospace Museum.
9. Snowbird
Even in summer, Snowbird offers activities like the mountain coaster, aerial tram rides, and beautiful hiking trails.
10. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
This 42-mile drive through the Uinta Mountains offers stunning views, numerous lakes, and plenty of spots for picnicking and fishing.
11. Provo
Explore the beautiful Provo Canyon, hike to Bridal Veil Falls, or visit the BYU campus and its museums.
These trips provide a mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation all within easy reach of Salt Lake City. I recommend adding at least a few of these spots before heading south to Utah’s incredible national parks.
Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park is a treasure trove of breathtaking canyons, towering cliffs, and stunning vistas. It’s around 3.5 hours south of Salt Lake City so it’s pretty manageable to do the journey all in one go.
Known for its diverse trails and incredible scenery, Zion is a must-visit on any Utah road trip. The park’s unique geology and vibrant ecosystems make it a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers alike.
Plan to spend at least 2-3 days in Zion though 4-5 days is even better. I recommend staying in Springdale which is on the southern entrance of the park. I consider it one of the most beautiful towns in the US—from virtually every hotel in town you’ll have incredible views of the region’s red rocks.
Here are my top recommendations on what to see and do.
Angel’s Landing: This iconic hike is not for the faint of heart but offers some of the most spectacular views in the park. The 4.3-mile trail is steep and includes sections with chains for support. Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. You’ll need to reserve a permit online in advance.
The Narrows: For a unique adventure, hike through the Virgin River in The Narrows. This slot canyon hike involves wading and sometimes swimming through the river. Rent water shoes and a walking stick from a local outfitter to navigate the slippery rocks. Check the weather forecast and water levels as flash floods can be dangerous.
Canyon Overlook Trail: This short, moderate hike offers stunning views of Zion Canyon. It’s a great option if you’re short on time or looking for a less strenuous hike. The trail is just one mile round trip and is perfect for sunrise or sunset.
Emerald Pools: The Emerald Pools Trail is a series of trails leading to beautiful waterfalls and pools. The lower pool is an easy hike while the upper pools require a bit more effort. This trail is great for families and offers a mix of shade and sun.
Riverside Walk: If you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, the Riverside Walk is a paved trail that follows the Virgin River. It’s an easy, scenic walk suitable for all ages and abilities offering beautiful views of the canyon walls and lush vegetation.
Kolob Canyons: Located in the northwest corner of the park, Kolob Canyons is a less crowded area with stunning red rock formations and peaceful trails. The five-mile scenic drive provides great viewpoints and access to several hikes.
If you plan to camp, book your site well in advance. South Campground and Watchman Campground are popular options within the park. For a more rustic experience, try backcountry camping with a permit. For a full-service RV park I recommend Zion River Resort in Virgin and Settlers Ranch in Washington.
Less than a couple of hours from Zion is another incredible national park in Utah. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its otherworldly landscape of spire-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos.
These unique geological structures, coupled with the park’s stunning amphitheaters make Bryce Canyon a photographer’s dream and a hiker’s paradise. The park’s elevation (ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 feet) means cooler temperatures and spectacular stargazing opportunities.
I recommend spending at least one day here on your Southwest road trip. There’s not a whole lot to cover in the park so even 8-12 hours will give you a good taste of Bryce Canyon though 2-3 days will give you more time to explore the beautiful hiking trails throughout the park.
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point: Start your day early at Sunrise Point to catch the first light illuminating the hoodoos. Later, head to Sunset Point for breathtaking evening views. Both points are easily accessible and offer stunning panoramic vistas of the Bryce Amphitheater.
Navajo Loop Trail: This is my #1 favorite trail in Bryce which takes you down into the heart of the canyon. Hike through Wall Street, a narrow slot canyon with towering rock walls, and climb up through the famous Thor’s Hammer formation. It’s a moderate 1.3-mile loop that’s a must-do.
Queen’s Garden Trail: Combine this trail with the Navajo Loop for an extended hike. The Queen’s Garden Trail is relatively easy and leads you through a garden of hoodoos. Look out for the Queen Victoria formation at the end of the trail.
Bryce Point: For one of the most dramatic views in the park drive or hike to Bryce Point. It offers an expansive view of the hoodoo-filled amphitheater. This spot is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Fairyland Loop Trail: If you’re up for a longer hike, the Fairyland Loop is an 8-mile trail that offers a quieter, less crowded experience. The trail winds through vibrant rock formations and provides spectacular views of Fairyland Canyon.
Stargazing: Bryce Canyon is designated as a Dark Sky Park making it one of the best places for stargazing. Attend a ranger-led astronomy program or simply lay back and enjoy the night sky.
Parking can be limited especially during peak season. Use the free shuttle system to travel between major viewpoints and trailheads. The shuttle reduces traffic and makes getting around the park hassle-free.
Days 9-11: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Ready for another epic road trip spot in Utah? Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and rugged area known for its stunning canyons, unique rock formations, and remote wilderness.
Spanning nearly 1.9 million acres, this monument offers countless opportunities for adventure and exploration. The area’s diverse landscapes and lesser-known trails provide a more solitary experience compared to other national parks.
To truly experience the beauty and diversity of Grand Staircase-Escalante, plan to spend at least 2-3 days. This allows you to explore multiple areas, hike several trails, and take in the scenic drives without feeling rushed.
Plan to stay in the small town of Escalante, the gateway to the monument and offers various accommodation options, making it one of the unique places to stay in Utah. Alternatively, Boulder is a great option which is about 30 miles northeast.
Here are my tops spots to visit in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument:
Lower Calf Creek Falls: This is one of the most popular hikes in the monument and for good reason. The 6-mile round trip trail leads to a stunning 126-foot waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for most fitness levels.
Devil’s Garden: Located along the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Devil’s Garden is a whimsical area filled with hoodoos, natural arches, and balanced rocks. It’s a great spot for photography and exploration.
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons: For a more adventurous experience, hike the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons. These narrow, winding canyons are fun to navigate but can be challenging due to tight squeezes and some scrambling. The trailhead is located off Hole-in-the-Rock Road and it’s best to visit in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: Just outside the town of Escalante this state park features trails through areas with large deposits of petrified wood. The Petrified Forest Trail is a 2-mile loop that offers great views and fascinating geological features. The park also has a campground if you’re looking to stay overnight.
Burr Trail: This scenic drive takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Grand Staircase-Escalante. The road winds through colorful canyons and offers numerous pullouts for photos and short hikes. It’s partially paved but some sections may require a high-clearance vehicle.
Hole-in-the-Rock Road: This historic dirt road leads to a number of incredible trailheads and scenic viewpoints. The road can be rough, so a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Highlights along the road include Dance Hall Rock, Forty Mile Ridge, and the trailhead for the Coyote Gulch hike.
After a day of exploring, treat yourself to a meal in the town of Escalante. I recommend Escalante Outfitters for delicious pizza and a laid-back atmosphere. For breakfast, stop by Kiva Koffeehouse for great coffee and stunning views. These are some of the coolest restaurants in Utah.
Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem in Utah known for its colorful cliffs, canyons, domes, and the historic Fruita district. The park’s Waterpocket Fold, a unique geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) stretches nearly 100 miles and offers some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the state.
This lesser-visited park is the perfect road trip destination with many sights and overlooks just off the main road. I recommend spending at least a day here though 2-3 days is preferred to see all the highlights.
What to look out for on a road trip through Capitol Reef
Fruita Historic District: Start your visit in the heart of the park at the Fruita Historic District. This area is home to the historic Fruita Orchards where you can pick fresh fruit in season. The Gifford Homestead sells homemade pies and other treats which are perfect for a snack or picnic. Visit the historic schoolhouse and the blacksmith shop to get a glimpse into the pioneer life.
Scenic Drive: The 8-mile Scenic Drive takes you through the heart of Capitol Reef’s stunning landscapes. The road is paved for the first few miles then turns to dirt.
Capitol Gorge Trail: This easy 2-mile round trip hike follows the historic Capitol Gorge where you can see petroglyphs and the Pioneer Register, a rock wall where early settlers carved their names. The trail also features the “tanks,” natural water pockets that collect rainwater.
Hickman Bridge Trail: This moderate 2-mile round trip hike leads to the impressive Hickman Bridge, a natural rock arch. The trail offers fantastic views of the surrounding canyons and cliffs. It’s a great hike for families and provides plenty of opportunities for photography.
Cassidy Arch Trail: For a more challenging hike try the Cassidy Arch Trail. This 3.4-mile round trip hike offers spectacular views and leads to an arch named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy.
Chimney Rock Loop: This moderate 3.6-mile loop trail offers panoramic views of the park and takes you past Chimney Rock, a prominent sandstone formation. The trail provides great opportunities for photography especially at sunrise or sunset.
Cathedral Valley: For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, explore Cathedral Valley. This remote area features striking rock formations like the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended and it’s best to check road conditions before heading out. The Cathedral Valley Loop is about 58 miles and offers incredible scenery.
The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is a must. It’s 8 miles long and showcases some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. The drive is paved for the first 2.2 miles and then turns to a well-maintained dirt road. If you have more time, consider exploring the Burr Trail and Notom-Bullfrog Road for additional scenic views.
Goblin Valley State Park is an extraordinary destination known for its unique landscape filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos or “goblins.” This surreal and otherworldly environment makes it a fantastic stop on your Utah road trip. The park’s quirky formations and fun hiking opportunities offer a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Here’s a list of my top attractions in Goblin Valley:
Valley of Goblins: This is the main area of the park where you can wander among the bizarre rock formations. There are no designated trails here so you’re free to explore at your own pace. Climb on the goblins, take lots of photos, and enjoy the unique scenery. This area is especially fun for kids and those who enjoy a bit of off-trail wandering.
Goblin’s Lair: For a more structured adventure hike to the Goblin’s Lair. This 3-mile round trip hike leads to a large cavern hidden among the rock formations. The hike starts from the Carmel Canyon Trailhead and requires some scrambling but the destination is well worth the effort.
The Three Sisters: This iconic trio of rock formations is a must-see and is easily accessible from the main parking area. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park so be sure to stop by and capture a few shots.
Carmel Canyon Loop: This 1.5-mile loop trail offers a different perspective of the park. The trail provides scenic views of the goblins from above and takes you through some interesting geological features.
Crack Canyon: If you have more time and are up for a bit of adventure head to nearby Crack Canyon. This slot canyon offers a more challenging hike with narrow passages and some light scrambling. It’s located outside the main park area so check with the visitor center for directions and current conditions.
Goblin Valley is surrounded by areas that are perfect for off-roading and ATV adventures. Nearby, you’ll find the San Rafael Swell and Temple Mountain areas which offer fantastic off-road trails. Make sure your vehicle is suitable for rugged terrain and always check with the visitor center for trail conditions and regulations.
Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park is a wonderland of unique geological formations. The park’s stunning red rock landscapes, iconic arches, and diverse hiking trails make it a highlight of any Utah road trip. With some of the most famous and photogenic rock formations in the world, Arches offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Moab is the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of southeastern Utah. The town itself offers a range of dining options, quirky shops, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, making it a must-visit on your road trip. It also has some of the nicest campgrounds in the southwest.
Here are some of my favorite attractions to explore in Arches National Park:
Delicate Arch: The most famous arch in the park, Delicate Arch is a must-see. The hike to Delicate Arch is 3 miles round trip and moderately strenuous with some steep sections and exposed rock. Start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.
Double Arch: Located in the Windows Section of the park, Double Arch is an easy 0.5-mile round trip hike from the parking area. The massive arch is one of the tallest in the park and offers great opportunities for photography and climbing around the base.
Devils Garden: This area features some of the park’s longest and most scenic trails. The Devils Garden Trail offers several hiking options ranging from easy to challenging. Highlights include Landscape Arch (the longest arch in North America), Double O Arch, and the Primitive Loop. The full loop is 7.8 miles and includes some rock scrambling, so be prepared.
Balanced Rock: This iconic formation is easily accessible and visible from the park road. It’s a great spot for a quick stop and photo opportunity. The short, easy trail around Balanced Rock is just 0.3 miles.
The Windows and Turret Arch: The Windows Section is home to several large and impressive arches including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. The hike through this area is about 1 mile round trip and offers stunning views and easy access to multiple arches.
Fiery Furnace: For a unique and adventurous experience explore the Fiery Furnace. This maze of narrow canyons and towering fins requires a permit or a guided tour. The guided tour is highly recommended for first-time visitors and offers insights into the park’s geology and ecology.
Park Avenue:This trail offers a dramatic introduction to Arches’ stunning rock formations. The 2-mile round trip hike takes you through a canyon with towering walls that resemble a city skyline.
During peak season, Arches National Park requires a timed entry reservation to manage crowd levels. Make sure to book your entry time in advance on the park’s website. Arrive early to ensure you get a spot and to enjoy the park with fewer people.
After a long day exploring the park, I recommend checking out the town of Moab.
Main Street: Start your exploration by strolling down Main Street. It’s filled with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Be sure to check out Moab Rock Shop for interesting minerals and fossils and pop into Back of Beyond Books for a great selection of local literature and maps.
Moab Giants Dinosaur Park: Just a short drive north of town this park is great for families and anyone interested in paleontology. Walk among life-size dinosaur replicas, explore interactive exhibits, and check out the 3D theater. It’s a fun and educational stop.
Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Trail: For thrill-seekers, Hell’s Revenge offers one of the best off-roading experiences in Moab. You can either drive your own 4×4 or join a guided tour. The trail features steep climbs, descents, and incredible views of the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River.
Colorado River rafting: Spend a day on the water with a rafting trip down the Colorado River. There are various options ranging from calm scenic floats to more adventurous white-water trips.
Moab Museum: Dive into the local history at the Moab Museum. It’s a small but well-curated museum showcasing the region’s geological, cultural, and historical significance. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, pioneer history, and the uranium mining boom.
Dead Horse Point State Park: While you’ve already explored this park it’s worth revisiting for sunrise or sunset if you missed it.
Scenic byways: Drive along Scenic Byway 128 or Scenic Byway 279 for incredible views of the Colorado River and the surrounding red rock formations.
La Sal Mountain Loop Road: For a change of scenery, take the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. This scenic drive takes you into the La Sal Mountains, offering cooler temperatures, alpine forests, and great picnic spots. It’s a refreshing break from the desert heat.
Corona Arch: This less-crowded arch is a great alternative to the more famous arches in Arches National Park. The 3-mile round trip hike is moderately challenging and offers stunning views of the arch and the surrounding landscape.
Sand Flats Recreation Area: This area is famous for its slickrock biking and off-roading trails including the famous Slickrock Bike Trail. Whether you’re biking, hiking, or driving, the views are incredible.
Visiting Moab in the off-season (late fall, winter, early spring) can provide a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Many businesses remain open year-round and the cooler temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities.
Perched 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River this park provides stunning panoramic vistas of canyon country. Legend has it that the park got its name from a natural corral used by cowboys in the 19th century where horses tragically died from exposure. Today, it’s a haven for photographers, hikers, and anyone seeking awe-inspiring landscapes.
Dead Horse Point State Park is just 30 minutes from Moab so it’s easy to cover in a half or full-day trip. Check out my favorite places to visit.
Coolest experiences in Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point Overlook: The main overlook provides a jaw-dropping view of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyonlands. It’s a short walk from the parking area making it accessible for all visitors. Arrive early in the morning or stay for sunset to capture the most stunning light.
East Rim and West Rim Trails: These trails offer spectacular views and can be hiked as a loop. The East Rim Trail is about 1.5 miles one way and the West Rim Trail is about 2 miles. Both trails provide numerous overlooks and are relatively easy making them suitable for all fitness levels.
Mountain biking: Dead Horse Point is known for its excellent mountain biking trails. The Intrepid Trail System offers trails for all skill levels with names like Great Pyramid and Big Chief.
Visitor Center: The visitor center offers exhibits about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. The staff can provide maps and tips on the best spots to visit based on the time of year and your interests.
Camping: The Kayenta Campground and the Wingate Campground offer campsites with stunning views, picnic tables, fire pits, and modern restrooms with showers. Both campgrounds have RV and tent sites.
Dead Horse Point is a designated International Dark Sky Park making it one of the best places for stargazing. Bring a telescope or binoculars or simply lay back and enjoy the Milky Way. Check the visitor center for information on stargazing programs and events.
Welcome to Canyonlands National Park, the largest national park in Utah. It’s just under an hour from Moab making it very convenient to visit.
The park is divided into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers—the Green and Colorado. Each area is like its own mini-park offering everything from epic hikes to off-road thrills. Whether you’re here to snap some pics or dive into the wild, Canyonlands has something for everyone.
Top highlights of visiting Canyonlands
Island in the Sky District: This is the most accessible and popular area of the park offering expansive views from overlooks along the paved scenic drive. Highlights include Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and the White Rim Road. The district is ideal for short hikes and scenic drives making it perfect for those with limited time. Watching the sunrise at Mesa Arch is a must-do activity providing breathtaking views as the sun illuminates the arch and surrounding landscapes.
The Needles District: Located in the southeastern part of the park, this area is known for its colorful sandstone spires and tall rock formations. The Needles Scenic Drive offers a 20-mile route through a valley with canyon walls and pointy red rock formations. Hikers and backpackers can explore several backcountry trails leading to remote campsites and hidden canyons. The Cave Spring Trail and Aztec Butte are popular for their ancient Puebloan ruins and panoramic views.
The Maze District: This remote and rugged area requires more time and advanced planning to explore. It is ideal for those seeking a more isolated and adventurous experience. The Maze is accessible by 4WD vehicles and offers opportunities for hiking and backpacking in a unique desert landscape.5Balanced Rock: This iconic formation is easily accessible and visible from the park road. The short, easy trail around Balanced Rock is just 0.3 miles.
White Rim Road: A 100-mile loop road that circles the Island in the Sky district, the White Rim Road provides stunning views of the canyons and rivers below. It is accessible by 4WD vehicles and is a popular route for scenic drives and off-road adventures.
Upheaval Dome: This unique geological feature is a circular structure that rises from the desert floor. It is believed to be the result of a salt dome or a meteor impact. The Upheaval Dome Trail offers a short hike to this intriguing site providing insights into the park’s geological history.
Stargazing: Canyonlands is known for its incredibly clear night skies making it an excellent location for stargazing. The park offers ranger-led stargazing tours which are a great way to learn about the constellations and the night sky.
Historical and cultural sites: The park has a rich history with evidence of habitation by various Native American tribes including the Ancestral Puebloans, Fremont, and Ute peoples. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and petroglyphs such as those found at Aztec Butte and the Cave Spring Trail.
Many roads in Canyonlands especially those in The Maze and some parts of The Needles require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Always check road conditions at the visitor center before heading out as roads can become impassable after rain.
Be aware of the weather especially during the monsoon season (July to September). Flash floods can occur quickly in canyons and washes. If there’s a forecast for rain, avoid hiking in narrow canyons and always have an escape route.
Named after the twin buttes that resemble a bear’s ears, the monument covers over 1.35 million acres and is home to ancient cliff dwellings, rock art, and an array of outdoor activities. It’s a relatively new addition to the national monuments in the U.S. designated in 2016 and offers a unique and less-crowded experience.
Top Experiences in Bears Ears National Monument
House on Fire Ruin: This iconic Ancestral Puebloan ruin is named for its unique appearance under certain lighting conditions which makes it look like it’s on fire. The 1-mile hike to reach the ruin is relatively easy and follows a creek bed.
Mule Canyon: Located near the House on Fire Ruin, Mule Canyon features additional ruins and rock art. The North and South Mule Canyon Trails offer easy hikes with opportunities to explore ancient structures.
Butler Wash Ruins: This site features well-preserved cliff dwellings. A short, 1-mile round trip hike from the parking area takes you to an overlook with interpretive signs explaining the history and significance of the ruins.
Valley of the Gods: Often compared to Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods offers stunning red rock formations and scenic vistas. The 17-mile dirt road through the valley is suitable for most vehicles, but high-clearance is recommended, especially after rain.
Cedar Mesa: This area is rich in archaeological sites including cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and pictographs. Sites like Moon House, Fallen Roof Ruin, and Citadel Ruin require permits and are accessible via moderately challenging hikes.
Bears Ears Buttes: The twin buttes themselves are accessible via a scenic drive and offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area around the buttes is sacred to many Native American tribes, so treat it with respect.
More helpful tips on visiting Bears Ears National Monument
There are several primitive campsites within the monument particularly on Cedar Mesa. Dispersed camping is also allowed in many areas but make sure to follow all regulations. Pack out all trash and respect the natural environment. For more amenities, consider staying in Bluff or Mexican Hat.
Bears Ears is a sacred place for many Native American tribes. Respect all cultural and historical sites by not touching or removing any artifacts, staying on marked trails, and following Leave No Trace principles.
The monument is home to three of the largest natural bridges in the world: Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo. These impressive rock formations were carved by water erosion over millions of years and offer a unique and serene experience away from the crowds of more popular parks. Here are some of my favorite experiences throughout the area.
Top spots in Natural Bridges National Monument
Scenic Drive: The nine-mile scenic loop drive through the monument offers easy access to all three bridges. There are several pullouts and viewpoints along the way making it a perfect introduction to the park.
Sipapu Bridge: This is the largest and most impressive bridge in the park. The hike to Sipapu Bridge is about 1.2 miles round trip and involves a steep descent with stairs and ladders. The trail is moderately challenging but provides stunning views and a close-up look at the bridge.
Kachina Bridge: The hike to Kachina Bridge is about 1.4 miles round trip and is moderately strenuous. The trail descends into the canyon and follows a series of switchbacks. Kachina Bridge is known for its massive size and the petroglyphs on its walls.
Owachomo Bridge: The hike to Owachomo Bridge is the shortest and easiest at just 0.4 miles round trip. This makes it perfect for families and those looking for a less strenuous walk. Owachomo Bridge is the thinnest and most delicate-looking of the three bridges and it’s particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.
Horsecollar Ruin: For a glimpse into the area’s ancient history, hike the 1.5-mile round trip trail to Horsecollar Ruin. This well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan site features cliff dwellings and offers a fascinating look into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants. The trail is moderately challenging with some steep sections.
Stargazing: Natural Bridges was designated as the world’s first International Dark Sky Park making it one of the best places for stargazing. The night sky here is incredibly clear, offering spectacular views of the Milky Way. Bring a telescope or binoculars.
Before your visit, take some time to learn about the monument’s history and geology. The Natural Bridges website and various guidebooks can provide valuable background information that will enrich your experience.
Monument Valley is an iconic symbol of the American West known for its towering sandstone buttes, mesas, and panoramic vistas. Located on the Arizona-Utah border, it’s part of the Navajo Nation Reservation and holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning for the Navajo people. Monument Valley has been featured in numerous films making its dramatic landscapes instantly recognizable.
Make sure to visit these top locations in Monument Valley:
Valley Drive: The 17-mile Valley Drive is a self-guided dirt road that loops through the heart of Monument Valley. The road is rough so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. If you don’t have a suitable vehicle, consider booking a guided tour. The drive includes many iconic formations such as the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and John Ford’s Point.
Guided tours: I highly recommend taking a guided tour led by a Navajo guide. These tours provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and geology of the area. Options include jeep tours, horseback rides, and hiking tours. The guides can take you to areas not accessible by the public Valley Drive such as Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa.
John Ford’s Point: Named after the famous director who filmed many Westerns in Monument Valley, John Ford’s Point offers a spectacular viewpoint. It’s a great spot for photography especially at sunrise and sunset. There are often Navajo vendors selling handmade crafts which make for unique souvenirs.
Hiking: While hiking opportunities in Monument Valley are limited due to the sacred nature of the land, the Wildcat Trail is an exception. This 3.2-mile loop trail starts near the visitor center and circles around West Mitten Butte. It’s the only self-guided hiking trail in the park and offers a closer look at the butte’s impressive formations.
Remember that Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park which is sacred to the Navajo people. As such, visitors are expected to respect the land and culture. Follow all park rules, stay on designated paths, and don’t climb on the rock formations. Always ask for permission before photographing Navajo people.
After exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural sites of southern Utah, it’s time to head back to Salt Lake City. This vibrant city offers a mix of outdoor activities, historical sites, and modern amenities. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore more attractions, or enjoy a final meal, Salt Lake City has plenty to offer making it one of the top places to live and visit in Utah.
Here are two routes to consider:
Scenic Route: If you have time, consider taking a scenic route back to Salt Lake City. Highway 191 to Highway 6 offers beautiful desert and mountain landscapes. The drive takes about 6 hours so plan for rest stops and photo opportunities along the way.
Direct Route: For a quicker drive, take US-191 North to I-70 West, then I-15 North directly to Salt Lake City. This route is about 5.5 hours.
Here are some top tips for your ride back:
Fuel Up: Before leaving Monument Valley make sure to fill up your fuel tank. There are limited services along the route back to Salt Lake City so it’s best to start with a full tank.
Rest Stops: Plan for rest stops along the way. Good spots include Green River where you can visit the John Wesley Powell River History Museum and Price where you can stop at the Western Mining & Railroad Museum.
Revisit favorite spots: If you have extra time, revisit any favorite spots in Salt Lake City that you didn’t get enough of at the beginning of your trip. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant, park, or museum, it’s a great way to wrap up your adventure.
Vehicle maintenance: Before hitting the road, check your vehicle’s tire pressure, oil levels, and other maintenance needs to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Things to consider when planning your Utah National Park road trip
Before you pack your bags and hit the road, here are a few key things to consider before setting off on an adventure through Utah’s stunning national parks.
Where to start your Utah National Park road trip
Kicking off a road trip through Utah’s national parks is exciting but where should you begin? Starting in Salt Lake City is your best bet.
Best time of year for a Utah National Park road trip
Timing is everything when planning a road trip through Utah’s national parks. Each season has its own charm, so let’s break down the best times for your trip.
Spring: Spring is a fantastic time to visit. The weather is mild and the desert landscapes burst into bloom with wildflowers. However, spring can bring unpredictable weather so pack layers and be prepared for cool mornings and evenings.
Summer: Summer is hot but doable if you plan accordingly. Aim for early morning hikes and activities then relax during the hotter parts of the day. Many parks have higher elevations so it can be cooler than you might expect. Be sure to carry plenty of water and sunscreen.
Fall: Fall is arguably the best time to visit. The temperatures are cooler making hiking more enjoyable. The fall colors in places like Zion and Capitol Reef add a beautiful touch to the already stunning landscapes.
Winter: Winter brings fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. Some higher elevations may see snow, which can be both beautiful and challenging. Bryce Canyon is particularly stunning with a dusting of snow. Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready and check road conditions before you go.
Number of days for a Utah National Park road trip
The length of your road trip depends on how many parks you want to visit and how much time you have. Here’s a quick guide:
7-day trip: A week is enough to visit the highlights. You can explore Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef, with a few days in each park to take in the main sights and enjoy some hikes.
10-day trip: With 10 days you can add Arches and Canyonlands to your itinerary. This gives you more time to fully explore each park and take some longer hikes or scenic drives.
2 weeks or more: If you have two weeks or longer, you can dive deeper into each park, visit lesser-known areas, and take more time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Consider adding stops like Grand Staircase-Escalante, Goblin Valley, and Dead Horse Point State Park for a more comprehensive Utah adventure.
Additional destinations to explore on your Utah National Park road trip
If you find yourself with extra time and a desire to uncover more of Utah’s spectacular landscapes and unique attractions, consider adding these fantastic stops to your Utah National Park itinerary:
Fishlake National Forest: A beautiful and tranquil area known for Fish Lake, the largest natural mountain lake in Utah. Enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking in the lush forests. The aspen groves here are especially stunning in the fall.
Cedar Breaks National Monument: This hidden gem features a natural amphitheater with brilliant red and orange rock formations. The elevation provides cooler temperatures and lush alpine meadows, perfect for summer hiking and wildflower viewing.
Antelope Island State Park: Located in the Great Salt Lake this state park offers unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and stunning views of the lake. Drive or bike the island’s roads, hike to the top of Frary Peak, and watch for bison and pronghorn.
Dinosaur National Monument: Straddling the Utah-Colorado border, this monument is a paradise for paleontology enthusiasts. Visit the Quarry Exhibit Hall to see real dinosaur fossils embedded in rock, and explore the monument’s scenic drives and hiking trails.
Snow Canyon State Park: Near St. George, this park boasts a dramatic landscape of red and white Navajo sandstone, lava flows, and sand dunes. It’s a great place for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.
Bonneville Salt Flats: Experience the surreal landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats, a vast expanse of hard, white salt crust. It’s a unique spot for photography and is famous for land speed records.
Here are some popular questions (and answers) about planning a road trip through Utah’s incredible national parks.
What does a 7-day trip itinerary for Utah’s national parks look like?
If you only have a week to explore Utah’s national parks, here are the must-see stops to include in your road trip:
Day 1: Start your adventure in Salt Lake City. Visit Temple Square, Utah State Capitol, and the Great Salt Lake.
Day 2-3: Drive to Zion National Park. Hike the Narrows or Angels Landing, explore Emerald Pools, and enjoy the stunning views.
Day 4: Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park. Hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop and enjoy the views from Sunset and Sunrise Points. Camp overnight.
Day 5: Head to Capitol Reef National Park. Explore the scenic drive through the Waterpocket Fold, visit the historic Fruita area, and hike to Hickman Bridge. Stay overnight in Torrey.
Day 6: Continue to Arches National Park. Hike to Delicate Arch, visit Double Arch and Landscape Arch, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Stay overnight in Moab.
Day 7: Spend the day at Canyonlands National Park. Explore the Island in the Sky district, visit Mesa Arch, and hike to Grand View Point. Return to Moab for the night.
Arches National Park: Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Landscape Arch
Canyonlands National Park: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Island in the Sky.
What vehicle should I use on a Utah National Park road trip?
A high-clearance SUV or a 4×4 vehicle is recommended due to the rugged terrain and dirt roads you’ll encounter especially in places like Canyonlands and Bears Ears. These vehicles offer better handling and comfort on both paved and unpaved roads. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition with reliable tires and sufficient fuel capacity. Renting a suitable vehicle is a good option if your personal car isn’t up to the task.
Worth Pondering…
As we crossed the Colorado-Utah border I saw God in the sky in the form of huge gold sunburning clouds above the desert that seemed to point a finger at me and say, “Pass here and go on, you’re on the road to heaven.”
Favorite hikes in Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef for both beginner and advanced adventurers
Utah is teeming with outdoor adventure. Not only does the state have some of America’s best skiing and mountain biking but it also boasts the nation’s third most national parks in any state which include some of the world’s best hiking trails.
These protected meccas—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion known as the Mighty Five—capture unique and stunning landscapes that represent the desert at its absolute finest from striking sandstone arches to isolated slot canyons to lush oases. And over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit all of Utah’s national parks.
Do I have a favorite? Absolutely. Arches. Wait, Bryce. Definitely Bryce. Or, actually Zion. Okay… truth be told, I can’t pick one. They’re all breathtaking for different reasons and for me that’s an impossible task.
I did however pick two favorite hikes in each park—one for beginners and one for the more adventurous—that you absolutely can’t miss when you go. Especially if you’re a first-timer to Utah’s national parks consider these hiking trails the ultimate primer. And if you keep coming back maybe you’ll discover which park you like best. (Good luck with that.)
As the name suggests, Arches is loaded with more than 2,000 rainbow-like curved sandstone features within its borders—the highest concentration of such outcroppings in the United States. You’ll also find colorful cliffs, towering pinnacles, and balancing rocks that combine for a red rock landscape like no other.
Best beginner hike: Park Avenue
Yes, the national park is named Arches, but this hike takes you through the center of towering cliffs and spires, so tall they’re reminiscent of New York City’s skyscrapers. It’s popular and can get crowded but it’s a must-do when you’re in Arches. The 2-mile out and back takes you through the middle of the park’s signature outcroppings including Tower of Babel, a distinctive, freestanding fin that is part of the larger group of Courthouse Towers. (Some people shuttle themselves via two cars and make it a mile-long point to point.)
Best advanced hike: Primitive Loop Trail
The 7.9-mile Primitive Loop, the park’s longest maintained trail accesses a handful of distinctive sandstone features in the Devil’s Garden area and delivers the desert solitude you probably crave after navigating crowds at the park’s entrance. Its landscape-to-arches bang for buck combined with the opportunity to ditch the masses make this a favorite trail inside the park. Spur trails lead to Landscape Arch which at 306-feet across makes it the longest stone arch in North America. You’ll also be able to see Double O Arch, Private Arch, and the weird Dark Angel, a black sandstone spike emerging from the sand.
Pro Tip:Arches now requires reservations to enter the park (get them up to three months in advance) between April 1 and October 31. But show up after 4 pm and you can enter the park without advanced notice. Just bring a headlamp in case your hike goes longer than expected.
At 337,598 acres, Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah with three distinct regions; the day-hike-friendly Needles, Island in the Sky (which covers a plateau between the Colorado and Green Rivers), and the super remote Maze. The Needles has the most developed trails for hikers as well as some of the park’s signature canyons and spires.
Best beginner hike: Mesa Arch
This .5-mile lollipop loop in the easy-to-access Island in the Sky District delivers hikers to a 27-foot arch that’s perched on the edge of a cliff more than 1,000 feet above Buck Canyon. Peer through the arch and you can see some of Canyonland’s signature features including the massive monoliths of Washer Woman and Monster Tower as well as the La Sal Mountains beyond the park.
Best advanced hike: Chesler Park Loop
Hike some of the best scenery in The Needles District on this 12-mile lollipop that delivers the slot canyons and arches most hikers come to the area to see. The tread is slickrock and sandy washes as you combine four trails (Elephant Hill, Druid Arch, Joint Trail, and Chesler Park) which will have you squeezing through boulders and scrambling through stone notches. Chesler Park itself is a circular valley surrounded by towering sandstone spires.
Pro Tips: First, try to time your visit to Mesa Arch for sunrise when the red rock cliffs framed by the structure are set aglow by the emerging daylight. Second, there are no reliable water sources on the Chesler Loop hike so make sure you bring plenty for a full day in the desert.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Hoodoos are a trip. These tall, stone spires look like huge versions of the drip castles you made as a kid on the beach, and Bryce Canyon National Park is full of them, as well as deep canyons, surprisingly lush forests, and elevations that top out at 9,100 feet.
The Rim Trail traces the edge of Bryce Canyon for 5.5 miles connecting two popular overlooks, Bryce Point and Fairyland Point. A free shuttle run by the park service hits multiple overlooks and access points along the Rim Trail making it easy to treat this as a point-to-point and there are three overlooks and trailheads along the way so you can tailor the distance to your own ability. Do the whole thing and you’ll only gain 200 feet of elevation, while the views into the canyon offer peeks of the park’s grandiose canyons and spires including the appropriately-named Thor’s Hammer.
Best advanced hike: Under-the-Rim Trail
At 23 miles, you’ll need at least a couple of days to complete this point-to-point highlight reel of Bryce Canyon. But you’ll be glad you dedicated the extra time as Under-the-Rim boasts serious backcountry goods including views of towering orange cliffs, clusters of the park’s signature hoodoos, and even forests of ponderosa pines and aspens. It’s not an easy stroll as you’ll gain 5,500 feet along the way but primitive backcountry campsites enable you to break it up into a multi-day effort.
Pro tip: Bryce has a free park shuttle, but it doesn’t access Rainbow Point Trailhead so you’ll need to hire a shuttle (Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours and Shuttles, from $15 per person) or have two cars complete Under-the-Rim Trail or if you’re planning to hike the entire Rim Trail.
To say Zion protects a desert landscape would be too simple of a description. The 148,733-acre park actually encompasses an area where three distinct ecosystems, the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin come together. The result is terrain that’s rich with canyons, lush river valleys, and soaring peaks. It’s also one of the most popular national parks in the entire country with five million visitors last year.
Best beginner hike: Emerald Pools Trail
There are three Emerald Pools in Zion, each of which is an actual oasis in the middle of the desert located on different tiers of a stream tucked into the base of a massive, sandstone amphitheater. Lower Emerald Pool which is a couple of separate pools fed by a small waterfall tumbles over an alcove is wheelchair accessible via a 1.2-mile out and back. The Middle and Upper Emerald Pools are a little tougher to reach; a 2.5-mile loop accesses all three but Upper is worth the effort as the pool sits at the base of a massive sandstone wall. Show up in spring and all of the pools could be fed by seasonal waterfalls.
Best advanced hike: Orderville Canyon
Yes, The Narrows is the park’s most lauded hike but Orderville Canyon offers a similar experience over more technical terrain that keeps the masses away. The first few miles are easy going but as you descend deeper into Orderville, the canyon narrows and becomes a tangle of boulders you have to climb and repel over interspersed with springs and waterfalls. It’s a 12-mile point to point through a lush playground that should take a full day and you will need technical skills and gear to tackle it safely. You’ll also need a permit. (If you’re not comfortable with canyoneering, hire a guide. Commercial guides can’t lead you through canyons inside the national park but they can take you through similar canyons outside of the park’s boundaries.)
Pro tip: Zion has a free shuttle that begins at the Visitor Center and delivers you to popular trailheads but you need to show up early to get a parking spot. During summer, the first shuttle leaves the Visitor Center at 6 A.M. Be on it.
Natural arches and bridges, singular rock pillars and canyons—the 241,904-acre Capitol Reef is home to all of the highlights you’d expect from a national park in the desert of Utah. All of these features are a result of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long “wrinkle” in the earth’s crust made by an uplift of an underlying fault about 15 million years ago which caused massive cliffs to rise and eventually erode into domes, towers, canyons, arches, and monoliths that are found throughout this park. Cool, right?
Best beginner hike: Grand Wash
Grand Wash gives you a taste of the narrow canyons that people go ape over but via a flat hike that’s easy to follow and super family friendly. The entire hike is a 4.4-mile out and back but if you start on the Highway 24 trailhead you enter the canyon early with 200-foot vertical rock walls on either side of you and can turn back when you’ve seen enough.
After hiking a half mile over sandy terrain the canyon begins to shrink and soon you’ll hit the narrows which has slot canyon vibes without getting so tight it causes claustrophobia (the walls are about 20-feet apart at their slimmest point). The tan, sandstone walls are pockmarked with holes and small caves and even offer shade in the morning and late afternoon.
Best advanced hike: Sheets Gulch Slot Canyon
Capitol Reef has a bevy of canyons to explore but Sheets Gulch might be the best non-technical option. There’s no official trail through the narrow gorge which can be found 12.7 miles south of Highway 24 on the paved Notom-Bullfrog Road but the occasional cairn and obvious route through narrow, sandstone walls make this journey relatively straightforward to navigate. (Bring a map, regardless.)
While you won’t need ropes you’ll need to muscle up and over several chockstones and wade through the occasional pool to keep moving forward but that’s half the fun. It’s a 9-mile point to point but most hikers turn around when the canyon begins to open back up roughly 6.5 miles from the trailhead making it a long, 13-mile all-day adventure.
Pro tip: Bring a 4WD rig. The hikes I mention here are accessible via paved roads but if you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle the entire backcountry of Capitol Reef becomes your oyster and you’ll have options for free, primitive camping and an easier time getting into the remote Cathedral Valley—a backcountry district of the park where you can find a cluster of sandstone monoliths.
Worth Pondering…
As soon as he saw the Big Boots, Pooh knew that an Adventure was about to happen, and he brushed the honey off his nose with the back of his paw and spruced himself up as well as he could, so as to look Ready for Anything.
