Cedar Breaks National Monument

Ultimate Guide to Utah’s High Country: 3 Scenic Byways

Fall color led us to Patchwork Parkway, but the journey continued through three scenic byways across Utah’s high country, revealing forests, lava fields, Cedar Breaks, and Panguitch Lake.

Fall color brought us to Patchwork Parkway. As we traveled farther, the landscape revealed more. Moreover, its details grew with every mile.

Our journey continued onto the Cedar Breaks and Brian Head–Panguitch scenic byways, taking us through forests blazing with autumn color, ancient lava fields, and the expansive high country before reaching Panguitch Lake.

Ultimately, what began as a search for fall color became something much more.

Fall colors brighten the high country of southern Utah, transforming the forests into a brilliant display along the scenic byways. © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Where fall color meets the road

Utah offers a different kind of autumn journey

Fall has a way of changing how we see the landscape. As forests fill with yellow, orange, and red, a drive becomes an opportunity to watch the season unfold around us.

When we think about fall color, places like New England and the Smoky Mountains often come first to mind. Yet Utah’s high country offers an equally intriguing experience with elevation, varied terrain, and forests of aspen, maple, and other trees creating dramatic changes along the way.

In southern Utah, the changing elevation is especially important. As a scenic byway climbs toward the high country, the landscape changes with it, revealing forests, open mountain country, and geological features that make the journey about more than colorful trees.

Our journey began in Parowan on Patchwork Parkway. We were looking for fall color but the road would take us into far more than an autumn display.

Patchwork Parkway makes a steep, winding climb toward the Markagunt Plateau, carrying us into Utah’s high country as brilliant fall colors unfold around every turn. © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

The climb into the high country

The landscape changes with every mile

Leaving Parowan, Patchwork Parkway begins a climb that is anything but ordinary.

Next, in roughly 18 miles, the road rises about 4,600 feet toward the Markagunt Plateau with grades reaching 13 percent.

For an RV traveler, this is a road to approach thoughtfully. We chose to explore it with our toad rather than take our motorhome, giving us the freedom to enjoy the climb without putting a large rig through some of the steepest sections.

As we gained elevation, the landscape changed around us. The lower country gradually gave way to forests and the autumn color became more pronounced. Aspen and maple brightened the mountainsides while the road continued upward toward Brian Head and Cedar Breaks.

There was something about watching those changes unfold that made the climb part of the experience. We weren’t simply driving to a high point to see the fall colors. We were watching the landscape transform as we climbed into it.

Patchwork Parkway makes a steep, winding climb toward the Markagunt Plateau, carrying us into Utah’s high country where brilliant fall colors unfold around every turn, reminding us that the color is only one part of a much larger landscape. © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

When geology meets the forest

The landscape has a much older story

As Patchwork Parkway continued upward, the scenery became a reminder that the forest was only part of the story. The Markagunt Plateau is a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, lava flows, and erosion with forests growing across terrain that was formed long before the first aspen took root.

That knowledge changes the way I look at the landscape. The colorful trees are no longer simply a beautiful autumn display. They are growing in and around a landscape shaped by forces that began millions of years ago.

The more we understand what we’re seeing, the more interesting the scenery becomes. A mountain road, a forest, and a sweep of autumn color can still be beautiful on their own. But knowing something about the land beneath them gives the experience another dimension.

And Patchwork Parkway was beginning to show us that fall color was only one layer of a much larger landscape.

Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway

The landscape takes on a different character

Leaving Patchwork Parkway, we continued onto the Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway. The road carried us through some of the highest country in Utah with elevations rising above 10,000 feet in places. At this altitude, the landscape feels distinctly different.

We were still surrounded by forest and autumn color but the high elevation gave the journey a sense of remoteness. The trees, mountains, and open stretches of country seemed to belong to a landscape shaped by forces much larger and older than anything we could see from the road.

After what we had learned along Patchwork Parkway, I found myself looking at the scenery differently. Elevation was no longer just a number on a sign. It was helping explain the forest, the weather, the vegetation, and the character of the country around us.

And ahead was Cedar Breaks where the landscape was about to change scale completely.

Cedar Breaks

When the landscape opens wide

After traveling through the forests of the high country, Cedar Breaks feels almost like a different world. The road reaches the edge of the Markagunt Plateau where the land suddenly falls away into a vast amphitheater of cliffs, pinnacles, and deeply eroded rock.

At elevations reaching more than 10,600 feet, Cedar Breaks is an immense landscape. The amphitheater stretches about three miles across and plunges roughly 2,500 feet below the rim. But its size isn’t what held my attention as much as realizing how long it took to create what I was seeing. Weathering and erosion have been shaping this landscape for nearly 100 million years and those forces continue today.

There is also a human story here. Southern Paiute people have lived in the Cedar Breaks region for centuries, calling the great amphitheater u-map-wich, or “place where the rocks are sliding down.” The name seems particularly fitting when you stand above its constantly changing walls of rock.

I had seen Cedar Breaks before but returning in the context of this autumn journey gave me a different way of looking at it. We had started by noticing the fall color. Now the color was only one part of a landscape measured in elevation, geology, time, and human history.

The farther we traveled, the more there was to see.

Brian Head Resort sits high on the Markagunt Plateau, surrounded by forests and mountain scenery that take on a brilliant display of fall color. © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Brian Head–Panguitch Scenic Byway

The journey keeps revealing itself

Leaving Cedar Breaks, we continued along the Brian Head–Panguitch Scenic Byway. The dramatic cliffs of Cedar Breaks faded behind us but the high country continued to surprise us.

Around Brian Head, the landscape opened into broad stretches of mountain country with forests reaching across the plateau and views extending toward distant ranges. At these elevations, even the feel of the landscape was different. We were traveling through a place where winter arrives early and summer is brief, yet autumn had transformed the forests into brilliant patches of color.

Then came one of my favorite contrasts of the journey: dark lava fields surrounded by aspen blazing with fall color. The volcanic rock that initially seemed stark and barren was now part of a scene alive with autumn.

It was another reminder that landscapes don’t always reveal themselves all at once. The more we traveled the more connections we began to notice between the geology beneath us and the living landscape above it.

Eventually the road carried us toward Panguitch Lake and the character of the journey began to change once again.

Panguitch Lake

When the journey settles into reflection

After the forests, lava fields, and dramatic cliffs of the high country, Panguitch Lake offered a quieter change of pace. Surrounded by mountains, the lake sits in a landscape where the brilliant autumn color becomes part of a broader, more peaceful scene.

Panguitch Lake is also a destination in its own right. It is well known for fishing and camping areas along the shore make it possible to stay and enjoy the high-country setting rather than simply pass through.

For us, the lake provided a natural pause after the changing landscapes we’d experienced along the three scenic byways. The scenery was less dramatic than Cedar Breaks but that didn’t make it less memorable. There was something satisfying about slowing down and taking in where the road had brought us.

And the journey wasn’t quite over. The Brian Head–Panguitch Scenic Byway continues from the lake to the town of Panguitch, carrying the route from the high country into the community below.

Brilliant golden aspens stand in striking contrast to the dark lava fields of Utah’s high country, bringing together two very different chapters of the landscape. © Rex Vogel, *all rights reserved*

Beyond the fall color

What the road revealed

We started this journey looking for fall color. What we found was a landscape that kept asking us to look a little closer.

Patchwork Parkway introduced us to the changing landscape of elevation. The Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway revealed the enormous forces of geology and time. Along the Brian Head–Panguitch Scenic Byway, volcanic rock, high-country forests, and brilliant aspen came together in ways we might easily have missed if we had been focused only on reaching the next destination.

The journey reminded me that seeing and understanding aren’t separate things. The more we learn about a place, the more there is to notice, and the more meaningful the experience can become. Sometimes understanding doesn’t diminish the wonder of a landscape. It adds another layer to it.

That’s one of the things I value about traveling by RV. We have the freedom to take the road slowly, stop when something catches our attention, and follow where our curiosity leads.

Fall color may have been what brought us to Patchwork Parkway but it was the landscape itself that gave us a journey worth remembering.

Enjoyed this article?

Share it with friends, fellow RVers, or your social network to inspire their next adventure.

Editor’s note

This article was originally published in October 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.

To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.

Cedar Breaks National Monument: The Journey Beyond Bryce Canyon

Not every unforgettable destination is a national park. Journey beyond Bryce Canyon to Cedar Breaks National Monument, where colorful cliffs, alpine forests, wildflower meadows, and peaceful overlooks create one of southern Utah’s most rewarding travel experiences.

Most visitors to southern Utah arrive with a list of places they hope to see.

Zion.

Bryce Canyon.

Perhaps Capitol Reef, Arches, or Canyonlands.

These landscapes have earned their reputations. Their names are recognized around the world—and for good reason. They represent some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.

But one of the great rewards of exploring Utah slowly is discovering that the journey does not have to end at the famous places.

Beyond Bryce Canyon, a road climbs into the mountains. The desert landscape gives way to forests, alpine meadows, and cooler air. The elevation rises, the crowds thin, and eventually, more than 10,000 feet above sea level, another breathtaking landscape appears.

Cedar Breaks National Monument.

The first time I looked across the amphitheater, my reaction was simple:

Wow.

Before me stretched an immense natural bowl filled with towering spires, colorful cliffs, and formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. It was every bit as impressive as Bryce Canyon—yet the experience felt completely different.

There was space to breathe.

There was quiet.

There was time to simply stand and take it all in.

And that may be Cedar Breaks’ greatest gift.

Beyond Bryce Canyon

A natural continuation of Utah’s red-rock journey

The connection between Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks is more than a convenient route between two attractions. It is a continuation of the same remarkable geological story.

Both landscapes were shaped from the colorful layers of the Claron Formation, created when ancient lakes covered this region roughly 55 million years ago. Over time, uplift raised these layers high above the surrounding landscape, and millions of years of wind, water, ice, and erosion sculpted them into the formations we see today.

Yet each place tells that story differently.

Bryce Canyon is an intimate landscape. Its famous hoodoos fill the amphitheaters like a vast collection of stone sculptures. Trails descend among the formations, allowing visitors to walk through the landscape.

Cedar Breaks offers a different perspective.

Here, the amphitheater stretches more than three miles across and plunges more than 2,000 feet below the rim. Instead of walking among the formations, visitors stand above them, looking across a vast natural coliseum carved into the western edge of the Markagunt Plateau.

Bryce Canyon deserves every visitor it receives.

But Cedar Breaks offers something different: the feeling of discovering another masterpiece just beyond the familiar.

As the road climbs past Lake Panguitch toward Cedar Breaks, southern Utah’s red-rock country slowly gives way to alpine forests, volcanic landscapes, and cool mountain air. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The road into the High Country

The journey is part of the destination

One of my favorite parts of visiting Cedar Breaks is the journey to get there.

Leaving Bryce Canyon, the route leads through Panguitch, a small western community surrounded by the wide-open landscapes of southern Utah. From there, the road climbs steadily toward the Markagunt Plateau.

Along the way, the scenery changes.

Lake Panguitch appears among the mountains, its waters reflecting the surrounding landscape. Soon after, the road passes ancient lava fields, reminders of a very different chapter in the region’s geological history.

The desert environment slowly disappears.

Forests replace open rock.

The air becomes cooler.

The landscape becomes greener.

Within a relatively short distance, you have traveled from the red-rock country of Bryce Canyon into a high mountain environment more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

That transition is part of what makes Cedar Breaks special.

You do not simply arrive at another viewpoint.

You climb into another world.

Standing at the rim of Cedar Breaks, it’s easy to understand why this remarkable landscape is the perfect continuation of a journey beyond Bryce Canyon. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Paradise on the Mountain

Where red rock meets the alpine world

The name I chose for my earlier article about Cedar Breaks—Paradise on the Mountain—came from more than the spectacular view.

It was the combination of everything found here.

The dramatic amphitheater below.

The forests stretching across the plateau.

The wildflower-filled meadows.

The crisp mountain air.

The sense of standing above the surrounding desert world.

Cedar Breaks sits within Dixie National Forest and the landscape surrounding the monument is every bit as beautiful as the amphitheater itself. At this elevation, summer temperatures at the rim are comfortable even when communities below are experiencing intense desert heat.

It is possible to leave the warmth of southern Utah’s lower elevations and, within about an hour, find yourself in a cool mountain refuge.

Standing at the overlook, the amphitheater seems almost too large to comprehend. The cliffs glow with shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. Hoodoos, spires, fins, and arches fill the landscape below.

The colors come from minerals within the rock. Iron oxides create the reds, oranges, and yellows while manganese contributes to the purple tones.

Nature has painted on a canvas millions of years in the making.

From the rim, Cedar Breaks reveals a spectacular amphitheater more than three miles across and over 2,000 feet deep, carved by millions of years of erosion. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A landscape written in stone

Millions of years preserved in color

The Southern Paiute people who knew this landscape long before European settlers arrived called Cedar Breaks u-map-wich meaning “the place where the rocks are sliding down all the time.”

It is a fitting description.

This is a landscape constantly being reshaped.

Early settlers later gave the area its current name after mistaking the local juniper trees for cedars and using the word “breaks” to describe the steep, rugged terrain.

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Cedar Breaks as a national monument preserving this remarkable place for future generations.

Today, visitors see the result of a process that has been unfolding for millions of years. The amphitheater continues to change slowly as freezing and thawing, wind and water gradually reshape the cliffs.

The landscape we admire today is not a finished creation.

It is a moment in time.

At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Cedar Breaks rewards visitors with sweeping views, cool mountain air, and a perspective that makes every careful step worthwhile. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Learning to slow down at 10,000 feet

The mountain sets the pace

Cedar Breaks teaches an important lesson before you even begin exploring.

Slow down.

The elevation is part of the experience.

My first visit was many years ago when I was younger and eager to explore. I walked some of the trails but I quickly discovered that the thin mountain air demanded respect.

A trail that looks easy on a map feels different at 10,000 feet.

The lesson was simple: Take it one step at a time.

Years later, when I returned, I approached Cedar Breaks differently. I was less interested in covering ground and more interested in absorbing the place.

I stood at the rim.

I watched the light move across the amphitheater.

I appreciated the silence.

The landscape had not changed.

But I had.

That may be one of the greatest gifts of returning to places we love. The destination remains the same, but we experience it through different eyes.

Layers of red, orange, yellow, and purple rock create one of Utah’s most breathtaking panoramas, where geology and time have shaped an unforgettable landscape. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Beyond the rim

A high country filled with life

Many visitors come to Cedar Breaks for the amphitheater and leave without discovering the mountain world surrounding it.

That would be a mistake.

The high country above the rim is a place of forests, meadows, and remarkable resilience.

The Alpine Pond Trail provides one of the best opportunities to experience this side of the monument. The two-mile loop winds through spruce, fir, and aspen forests before reaching a spring-fed pond surrounded by meadows and wildflowers.

In summer, the high country comes alive with color.

Columbine.

Indian paintbrush.

Lupine.

Larkspur.

Penstemon.

The wildflower season typically peaks in July, transforming the meadows into a brilliant display of mountain beauty.

Along the rim near Spectra Point, another remarkable resident survives in the harsh conditions: the Great Basin bristlecone pine.

These ancient trees grow where water is scarce, soils are thin, and winds are relentless. Some Cedar Breaks bristlecones have lived for more than 1,600 years.

Standing beside a tree that began growing centuries before modern society existed changes your perspective.

The flowers remind us of the beauty of a short season.

The bristlecones remind us of endurance.

A place to look up

Sometimes words fall short. The first glimpse across the Cedar Breaks amphitheater is one of those moments when the landscape speaks for itself. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Dark skies above the mountains

Cedar Breaks offers another experience that is becoming increasingly rare.

Darkness.

The monument’s elevation and distance from major cities create exceptional night skies. On a clear evening, the Milky Way stretches across the sky with a brilliance difficult to experience in more populated areas.

During summer, ranger-led astronomy programs allow visitors to explore the night sky through telescopes and learn about the stars, planets, and distant galaxies visible above the plateau.

It is another example of how Cedar Breaks rewards those who slow down.

The amphitheater captures your attention during the day.

The sky takes over at night.

Cedar Breaks National Monument reveals a spectacular amphitheater of colorful cliffs and towering hoodoos, where millions of years of erosion have created one of Utah’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Planning your Cedar Breaks visit

A few details make the experience better

Cedar Breaks is located about 23 miles east of Cedar City, Utah, along Highway 148.

The scenic road through the monument connects several overlooks including Point Supreme, Sunset View, Chessman Ridge, and North View. Each viewpoint offers a different perspective of the amphitheater.

Point Supreme, located near the visitor center, sits at approximately 10,350 feet and remains the primary viewpoint for many visitors.

The Sunset Trail is an excellent option for those wanting an easy walk. The paved trail connects Point Supreme and Sunset View Overlook and provides beautiful views along the way.

For those wanting a longer experience, the Alpine Pond Trail offers a wonderful introduction to the high country.

The biggest consideration is the elevation.

Take your time.

Drink water.

Rest when needed.

The mountain rewards patience.

Highway 148 is generally closed during the winter months because of heavy snowfall but Cedar Breaks remains accessible for winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The immense amphitheater at Cedar Breaks stretches more than three miles across and plunges over 2,000 feet below the rim, revealing nature’s artistry on a grand scale. *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Returning to Cedar Breaks

Some places reveal more as we change

There are many spectacular places in southern Utah.

Some are famous around the world.

Others wait quietly beyond the main roads.

Cedar Breaks belongs among the great landscapes of the American West. Not because it replaces Bryce Canyon but because it adds another chapter to the story.

The journey from Bryce Canyon to Cedar Breaks is a reminder that travel is not only about reaching destinations on a list.

It is about allowing places to reveal themselves.

The first time I visited Cedar Breaks, I explored it.

The next time, I simply stood in awe.

Perhaps that is what makes this mountain sanctuary so special.

Cedar Breaks does not demand that you hurry.

It asks you to slow down, breathe deeply, and take the time to appreciate one of Utah’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Enjoyed this article?

Share it with friends, fellow RVers, or your social network to inspire their next adventure.

Editor’s note

This article was originally published in July 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.

Panguitch: Utah’s Quiet Gateway to Bryce Canyon and Beyond

Panguitch serves as an excellent gateway town combining natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage making it a well-rounded destination for travelers visiting Bryce Canyon National Park and the surrounding scenic region

Few places in America rival Utah for sheer natural drama. From the sculpted spires of Bryce Canyon to the soaring cliffs of Zion, the sweeping arches of Canyonlands, and the otherworldly landscapes of the Grand Staircase–Escalante, Utah is a living gallery of geologic artistry. Towering plateaus, colorful canyons, and vast desert basins showcase eons of erosion and uplift creating a state where nearly every highway feels like a scenic drive.

Travelers come to Utah for its wild beauty but they stay for something deeper—the quiet majesty of red rock glowing at sunrise, the crisp alpine air of high mountain lakes, and the sense of timeless wonder that seems to linger in every canyon shadow. Whether you’re hiking a rim trail, stargazing in a dark-sky park, or rolling down an open road in your RV, Utah invites you to slow down and connect with the land in a way few places still allow.

Set high on the Colorado Plateau and surrounded by red-rock canyons, rugged mountains, and wide sagebrush valleys, Panguitch, Utah is one of those small Western towns that quietly wins you over. Just 25 miles northwest of Bryce Canyon National Park, this historic community combines pioneer charm, laid-back small-town life, and an unbeatable location for exploring some of southern Utah’s most dramatic scenery. For RVers and road trippers, Panguitch offers everything you could hope for in a gateway town—big-rig–friendly roads, easy access to nearby parks, and an authentic sense of place that’s becoming rare in today’s more commercialized travel hubs.

Panguitch *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Western roots and local flavor

Century-old brick buildings and hometown festivals reflect a welcoming small-town spirit

Panguitch’s story begins in the mid-1860s when Mormon pioneers ventured into this high mountain valley seeking fertile land and fresh water. They faced harsh winters and isolation but their resilience became legend. According to local lore when the first settlers found themselves trapped by deep snow and starvation a small group set out for help—walking for miles over frozen ground while carrying quilts to prevent their feet from sinking. That daring rescue inspired the town’s most famous annual celebration, the Panguitch Quilt Walk Festival (second weekend in June), a tribute to courage, cooperation, and community spirit.

The town’s name, Panguitch, comes from the Southern Paiute word meaning “big fish” referencing the plentiful trout found in nearby Panguitch Lake. This connection to the land—and to the Indigenous people who lived here long before settlers arrived—remains part of the community’s identity.

Today, downtown Panguitch retains the look and feel of a 19th-century frontier town. The Panguitch Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places features more than 40 original red-brick structures built from the local clay soil that gives the town its warm, russet glow. Walking along Main Street feels a bit like stepping back in time. Many buildings house antique stores, western outfitters, and family-owned cafés where stories and coffee are shared in equal measure.

Community pride runs deep here, reflected in the town’s festivals that bring people together from near and far. The Panguitch Valley Hot Air Balloon Rally each June (4th weekend) fills the sky with color against the red cliffs while the Chicken Lights & Chrome Truck Show (4th of July weekend) celebrates modern long-haul culture with gleaming rigs and friendly competition. Local rodeos, holiday parades, and summer markets keep the Western spirit alive offering a genuine slice of small-town Utah life rarely seen along the main tourist circuits.

Even a quiet stroll through town reveals Panguitch’s character—American flags flutter from porches, murals celebrate its heritage, and locals are quick with a wave or a story. This is a place where history isn’t staged or polished—it’s lived every day woven into the rhythm of community life.

Big-rig friendly gateway to Bryce Canyon

Convenient access off Highway 89 and Scenic Byway 12

Panguitch sits right on U.S. Highway 89, a scenic north–south route that’s ideal for large RVs. From here, it’s a smooth 23-mile drive south and east via State Route 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park. The roads are wide, well-maintained, and free of the tight switchbacks that can challenge big rigs.

For those coming from Kanab, US-89 north passes through broad valleys and forested foothills—a relaxed and scenic drive. Travelers from Nephi or Salina can take SR-28 south to US-89, following a gentle route through Sevier and Richfield before continuing south to Panguitch without mountain passes or steep grades. Even RVers arriving from Zion National Park will find the drive via US-89 and SR-12 manageable rewarding them with some of the finest red-rock scenery in Utah.

Once in Panguitch, the wide streets, easy intersections, and open parking areas make maneuvering a large rig simple—a welcome break after navigating the narrow roads and crowded lots near many national parks.

RV parks and lodging options

Excellent base with diverse RV parks and alternative lodging for Bryce Canyon adventures

For RVers, Panguitch makes settling in easy. Paradise RV Park and Hitch-N-Post RV Park offer long pull-through sites, and full hookups. Bear Valley RV & Campground Resort features 36 spacious sites accommodating large motorhomes, trailers, and tent campers with ATV access to surrounding BLM land. Bryce Canyon Shadows Campground offers back-in RV sites, bunkhouses, tent camping, and glamping tents plus on-site UTV rentals for off-roading.

At about 6,600 feet elevation, summer days remain pleasantly warm while evenings cool quickly—perfect for campfires under the stars. Spring and fall bring brilliant colors and fewer crowds while winter blankets the region in quiet beauty attracting snowmobilers and solitude-seekers alike.

If you’re not RVing, Panguitch still welcomes you with rustic motels, historic inns, and cozy cabins—each with its own touch of small-town character.

Panguitch Lake *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Close to everything scenic

Almost every road in and out of Panguitch leads to a major scenic destination

Panguitch is perfectly situated for travelers who want to be close to a wide range of scenic attractions making it an ideal base for exploring Southern Utah’s most stunning natural wonders.

Panguitch’s central location is one of its greatest strengths. Within an hour’s drive, you can reach:

Bryce Canyon National Park: Famous for its vibrant hoodoos and panoramic overlooks.
Red Canyon: Only 13 miles away, often called “Bryce in miniature” with hiking and cycling trails winding through orange and pink sandstone formations.
Kodachrome Basin State Park: A photographer’s paradise about 35 miles southeast of Panguitch, reached via Scenic Byway 12 and Cottonwood Canyon Road. Known for its colorful sandstone spires, quiet trails, and wide-open desert skies, it’s an ideal day trip for those seeking solitude and surreal beauty.
Scenic Byway 12: Designated an All-American Road this route connects Panguitch to Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, Escalante, and beyond. It’s one of the most breathtaking drives in the Southwest climbing through red-rock tunnels, alpine forests, and slickrock canyons. RVers will find it both manageable and unforgettable.
Panguitch Lake: A high-mountain reservoir offering trout fishing, boating, and quiet lakeside campgrounds.
Cedar Breaks National Monument: An amphitheater of crimson cliffs and wildflower meadows above 10,000 feet.
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument: A vast expanse of canyons, cliffs, and natural bridges perfect for scenic drives and photography.

Every direction from Panguitch leads to a new kind of Utah beauty—alpine forests to the west, desert plateaus to the east, and the surreal landscapes of Bryce, Kodachrome Basin, and Escalante just beyond. It’s the rare town where you can start the morning fishing a mountain lake, spend the afternoon wandering among red-rock hoodoos, and finish the evening under one of the clearest night skies in the country.

Dining and small-town charm

An eclectic mix of flavors and styles sure to please any adventurer

Panguitch may be small, but it eats big. Cowboy’s Smokehouse Café serves slow-cooked barbecue favorites in a rustic Western setting. Kenny Ray’s Café is beloved for its hearty breakfasts and homemade pies while Henrie’s Drive-In delivers classic burgers, shakes, and nostalgic charm.

Evenings are best spent strolling down Main Street where red-brick buildings glow in the golden light and the air feels cool and clean. On clear nights—and most are—the stars fill the sky from horizon to horizon, a reminder of how rare dark skies have become elsewhere.

Travel notes for RVers

Useful notes and best practices to consider when planning your trip

With these tips, RVers are well-prepared for a stress-free visit to this scenic, well-equipped Southern Utah basecamp.

Elevation: 6,624 feet
Population: About 1,600
Location: Along US Highway 89, 25 miles northwest of Bryce Canyon National Park
Getting there: Panguitch sits at the junction of US-89 and State Route 12, two of Utah’s most scenic and RV-friendly highways. From Kanab, the drive north on US-89 climbs gently through the Sevier Valley and red-rock country with wide shoulders and minimal grades. Travelers coming from Nephi or Salina can follow SR-28 south to US-89, continuing through Sevier and Richfield before reaching Panguitch—a comfortable, big-rig–friendly route without mountain passes. From Zion National Park, take US-89 north through Glendale and Hatch; the road is smooth and scenic, connecting easily to SR-12 east toward Bryce Canyon and Kodachrome Basin.
RV camping: Panguitch offers multiple campgrounds well-suited to larger rigs. Paradise RV Park and Hitch-N-Post RV Park provide pull-through sites, full hookups, and friendly staff ready with local advice.
Road conditions: Highways in the region are generally well-maintained and safe for large motorhomes or trailers. Summer brings clear driving conditions and mild temperatures while spring and fall may include cooler nights and occasional rain. Winter snow is common at this elevation; check local conditions before traveling in colder months.
Best seasons: Late May through October offers the best weather for RVers. Summer days are comfortably warm and evenings cool quickly thanks to the town’s elevation. Fall brings golden aspens and fewer crowds while early spring rewards travelers with snow-dusted red rock and crisp mountain air.
Insider tip: Stay at least three nights—use one for Bryce Canyon, one for Kodachrome Basin and Scenic Byway 12, and another for a leisurely day exploring Red Canyon or Panguitch Lake. It’s an ideal base for unhurried exploration of southern Utah’s most breathtaking landscapes.

A final reflection

Panguitch may be a small dot on the map but it opens the door to some of Utah’s most remarkable landscapes. From the quiet majesty of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos to the surreal spires of Kodachrome Basin and the sweeping vistas along Scenic Byway 12, this town reminds travelers that the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether you’re rolling through in a big rig, pausing for a night at a cozy inn, or taking a long walk down Main Street, Panguitch invites you to slow down, look around, and truly experience the land.

As famed photographer Ansel Adams once said, “In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration, and every landscape holds a story waiting to be discovered.” Panguitch is one of those places where the stories are right in front of you—in the historic buildings, the festivals, the quiet streets—and in the sweeping scenery that stretches from horizon to horizon.

Enjoyed this article?
Share it with friends and your social network to inspire their next adventure!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 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.

15 Best State and National Parks in Utah

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.

Zion National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Zion National Park

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.

Plan your next trip to Zion with these resources:

Dead Horse Point State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Dead Horse Point State Park

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.

Check this out to learn more: Immense Cliffs and Stunning Overlooks: Dead Horse Point

Bryce Canyon National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Bryce Canyon National Park

World-famous for its hoodoos

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.

Here are some helpful resources:

Sand Hollow State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Sand Hollow State Park

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.

Arches National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Arches National Park

Over 2,000 natural stone arches

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

If you need ideas, check out:

Utah Lake State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Utah Lake State Park

Utah’s largest freshwater lake

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.

Capitol Reef National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Capitol Reef National Park

Cliffs, domes, arches, and canyons

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.

Here are some articles to help:

Natural Bridges National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Natural Bridges National Monument

Three massive stream-carved natural bridges

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.

Check this out to learn more:

Canyonlands National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Canyonlands National 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.

If you need ideas, check out:

Cedar Breaks National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Cedar Breaks National Monument

Spectacular geological amphitheater

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.

Quail Creek State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

11. Quail Creek State Park

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.

Check this out to learn more: Roam Free in Greater Zion: Quail Creek State Park

Hovenweep National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

12. Hovenweep National Monument

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.

Here are some helpful resources:

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

13. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Large deposits of colorful petrified wood

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.

Snow Canyon State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

14. Snow Canyon State Park

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.

Here are some helpful resources:

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

15. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Famed for the cobalt blue waters of Lake Powell

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.

That’s why I wrote these articles:

Final thoughts

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.

—Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Utah National Park Road Trips with Scenic Stops

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.

1. Mighty 5 Utah Road Trip

NPS sites visited: 5

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.

Scenic NPS stops

Zion National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angel’s Landing Hike (permit required), The Narrows Slot Canyon, Camping

Bryce Canyon National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, Thor’s Hammer, Inspiration Point, hiking trails, Scenic Southern Bryce Canyon Park Loop

Capitol Reef National Park

Entrance fee: $20/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Cassidy Arch, Goosenecks Overlook, hiking trails, stargazing

Canyonlands National Park

Entrance fee: $30/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, The Maze District

Arches National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted (timed entry required)
Top things to see and do: The Delicate Arch, Windows Section Scenic Drive, hiking trails

2. Southeastern Utah Road Trip

NPS sites visited: 3

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

Recommended time: 3–4 days

Scenic NPS stops

Arches National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted (timed entry required)
Top things to see and do: The Delicate Arch, Windows Section Scenic Drive, hiking trails

Canyonlands National Park

Entrance fee: $30/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, The Maze District

Goblin Valley State Park

Entrance fee: $20/vehicle
Top things to see and do: scenic drive, wander through the Goblins, mountain biking, stargazing

Natural Bridges National Monument

Entrance fee: $20/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted

Top things to see and do: Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint, stargazing, birdwatching, hiking

3. The Alpine Loop

NPS sites visited: 2

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.

Road trip route: Alpine Loop Byway (American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon)

Recommended Time: 1–2 days

Scenic NPS stops

Uinta National Forest

Entrance fee: $6/vehicle (3-day pass)
Top things to see and do: scenic drive, hiking trails, camping, picnicking, Stewart Falls Trail

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Entrance fee: $12-$22/person/tour (reservations required)
Top things to see and do: scenic hike, guided cave tours

Natural Bridges National Monumen *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Utah National Monuments Road Trip

NPS sites visited: 8

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

Recommended time: 7–10 days

Scenic NPS stops

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Entrance fee: $12-$22/person/tour (reservations required)
Top things to see and do: scenic hike, guided cave tours

Bears Ears National Monument

Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee; however, some areas have daily user fees and may require a permit
Top things to see and do: Cedar Mesa, San Juan River, Valley of the Gods, kayaking, hiking, rafting, camping, stargazing

Hovenweep National Monument

Entrance fee: $20/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: hiking trails, Square Tower Group, Cutthroat Castle, Visitor Center

Natural Bridges National Monument

Entrance fee: $20/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint, stargazing, birdwatching, hiking, Horse Collar Ruin Overlook

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Entrance fee: No admission fee
Top things to see and do: Lake Powell boat ride, hiking trails

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Entrance fee: $30/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: hiking trails, swimming, boating, scenic drives

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Entrance fee: No admission fee
Top things to see and do: hiking, rock climbing, camping, stargazing, Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitors Center

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Entrance fee: $25/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, Cedar Breaks Visitors Center, stargazing

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.

Snow Canyon State Park

Entrance fee: $10/vehicle (Utah resident); $15/vehicle (non-Utah resident)
Top things to see and do: hiking trails, mountain biking, scenic drives, camping

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

Entrance fee: $5/person, interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: hiking trails, mountain biking, slot canyons, petroglyphs, dinosaur footprints, horseback riding

Zion National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angel’s Landing Hike (permit required), The Narrows Slot Canyon, camping

Dixie National Forest

Entrance fee: Free
Top things to see and do: hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, birdwatching

6. Route 89 Road Trip: The Utah Stretch

NPS sites visited: 2

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

Recommended time: 4–6 days

Scenic NPS stops

Zion National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angel’s Landing Hike (permit required), The Narrows Slot Canyon, camping

Bryce Canyon National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, Thor’s Hammer, Inspiration Point, Hiking Trails, Scenic Southern Bryce Canyon Park Loop

7. Arches and bridges of Utah

NPS sites visited: 4

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

Recommended time: 3–4 days

Scenic NPS stops

Arches National Park

Entrance fee: $35/vehicle. valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted (timed entry required)
Top things to see and do: The Delicate Arch, Windows Section Scenic Drive, hiking trails

Natural Bridges National Monument

Entrance fee: $20/vehicle, valid for 7 days; interagency passes accepted
Top things to see and do: Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint, stargazing, hiking, birdwatching, Horse Collar Ruin Overlook

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Entrance fee: No admission fee
Top things to see and do: Lake Powell boat ride, hiking trails

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

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.

Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List

I love national parks but they can get packed especially in summer. These national monuments have the same spectacular landscapes, hikes, and adventures just without the hordes.

What is a national monument, anyway? That’s what I kept asking myself as we hiked around rock pinnacles twisting through mazes of narrow rock formations on the Big Loop in Chiricahua National Monument.

The scenery is stunning, the landscape huge…so how is it different than a national park? It turns out, not all that much, at least from a visitor’s standpoint. Most national monuments protect vast landscapes of environmental, cultural, or scenic importance. Ditto national parks.

The real difference is how they’re created: national parks are voted into place by Congress, national monuments are designated by presidents via the Antiquities Act. With monuments there’s less red tape but sometimes more drama (see Bears Ears, below). Also, while many national monuments are managed by the park service some are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and others are run by the Bureau of Land Management.

There are 133 national monuments scattered across the U.S. often no less magnificent than their more famous national-park cousins. Sometimes they have fewer amenities (many lack visitor centers, some have no paved roads), and most of them have fewer crowds. Meanwhile the adventure is just as epic.

I’ve gathered 11 of the greatest national monuments in the country. Most of these monuments aren’t famous but all deserve to be on your bucket list.

Grand Staircase-Escalante *National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Sandwiched between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante gets its name from the series of plateaus that descend between those two massive and scenic ditches. Not to be outdone by its more famous neighbors which covers 36,000 and 1.2 million acres respectively, Grand Staircase is nearly 1.9 million acres of colorful sandstone canyons, cliffs, and arches.

Adventure: Connecting Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons in the Dry Fork area of Grand Staircase-Escalante makes for the perfect entry into this unique terrain. It’s a three-mile loop but plan on a whole afternoon exploring the narrow red- and purple-walled gulches. Some of the passages in Spooky get tight and there is mandatory scrambling but no technical climbing is required.

If you want to explore more technical canyons, Excursions of Escalante has been guiding canyoneering trips in the monument for more than two decades and offers a rotating roster of full-day adventures packed with rappels (from $225 per person).

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

El Morro *National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

Rising 200 feet above the valley floor, this massive sandstone bluff was a welcome landmark for weary travelers. A reliable year-round source of drinking water at its base made El Morro a popular campsite in this otherwise rather arid and desolate country.

At the base of the bluff—often called Inscription Rock—on sheltered smooth slabs of stone, are seven centuries of inscriptions covering human interaction with this spot.

This massive mesa point forms a striking landmark. In fact, El Morro means “the headland.” From its summit, rain and melted snow drain into a natural basin at the foot of the cliff, creating a constant and dependable supply of water. The pool also attracts birds, coyotes, deer, and other wild creatures.

Beginning in the late 1500s Spanish, and later, Americans passed by El Morro. While they rested in its shade and drank from the pool, many carved their signatures, dates, and messages.

El Morro National Monument is home to two trails.

The 0.75 mile Inspiration Trail takes you to the pool and past hundreds of Spanish and American inscriptions and prehistorical petroglyphs. The trail is paved and the main 1/2 mile loop is wheelchair-accessible with assistance.

The 2-mile Headline Trail includes the Inscription Loop and takes you to the top of the El Morro bluff. It is a moderately strenuous trail with a gain of 224 feet of elevation. Much of the upper section of the trail is on uneven sandstone so sturdy footwear is recommended.

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

Bears Ears *National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bears Ears National Monument, Utah

Named after twin buttes rising from the desert floor of Southeastern Utah, Bears Ears National Monument has seen more than its share of debate since it was established by President Obama in 2016. The 1.36-million-acre monument is a place of scenic glory and cultural significance: massive red rock cliffs and canyons abound and a bevy of Native American historical artifacts from cliff dwellings to pictographs have been found here.

Today, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and Zuni Tribe all participate in stewardship of Bears Ears as a sacred place. In 2022, the Biden administration signed an agreement that gives those five tribes input into management of the area, and the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Commission (the Commission) and federal agencies released a draft management plan this year.

As for recreation, the Indian Creek Unit in the northern section of Bears Ears is a mecca for climbers who come for the seemingly endless number of cracks in the red rock cliffs. Hikers and bikers follow trails and view artifacts across the region.

Adventure: Bears Ears holds world-class climbing. There are thousands of climbing routes though not many for beginners. Supercrack Buttress has a high percentage of classic climbs including the historic Supercrack of the Desert, a sustained and strenuous 5.10+. Consider a full-day guided climbing adventure in Indian Creek with the Moab-based Cliffs and Canyons (from $220 per person).

To see some of the cultural artifacts within Bears Ears, hike an easy five-mile out and back through Mule Canyon where the payoff is access to a series of cliff dwellings tucked into a sandstone overhang. The most notable home has been dubbed house on fire because of the fire-red-toned rock that forms its ceiling. The hike itself is relatively flat as it traverses the dry gorge, with some optional scrambling up sandstone slopes at the end.

There are three designated campgrounds in Indian Creek, all first-come, first-served ($15 a night). Hamburger Rock has 10 sites tucked into mushroom-shaped outcroppings. Always bring plenty of water; there’s no potable water at any of the established campgrounds.

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

Rock That Tells a Story: Newspaper Rock

Canyon de Chelly *National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

A comparatively little-known canyon, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “de shay”) has sandstone walls rising up to 1,000 feet, scenic overlooks, well-preserved Anasazi ruins, and an insight into the present day life of the Navajo who still inhabit and cultivate the valley floor.

People have lived in the canyon for more than 5,000 years—longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on the Colorado Plateau. In the place called Tsegi, their homes and images tell us their stories. Today, Dine’ families make their homes, raise livestock, and farm the lands in the canyons. Ancient ruins are tucked along its cliffs, as are centuries-old pictographs.

From the mesa east of Chinle in the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly is invisible. Then as one approaches, suddenly the world falls away—1,000 feet down a series of vertical red walls.

The sheer walls, shaped and smoothed by thousands of years of rain and wind, provide a dramatic backdrop for those who still live and farm within the canyon.

The northernmost and southernmost edges are accessible from paved roads—the North and South Rim drives. The South Rim Drive offers the most dramatic vistas, ending at the most spectacular viewpoint, the overlook of Spider Rocks—twin 800-foot towers of rock isolated from the canyon walls and a site of special significance for the Navajo.

Adventure: The best way to experience the canyon up close is to join a Navajo-led tour. On excursions into Canyon de Chelly visitors can hike, ride in Jeeps, or travel on horseback into areas with lush valley floors surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs. Along the trails, guides point out ancient pueblo ruins built by their ancestors and share areas that have been cherished for generations. White House Ruins can be seen from one of the overlooks on South Rim Drive but the public hiking trail has been closed for safety concerns.

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

Natural Bridges National Monument covers a relatively small area in southeastern Utah. It is rather remote and not close to other parks and as a result is not heavily visited.

Since natural bridges are formed by running water, they are much rarer than arches which result from a variety of other erosion forces. Natural bridges tend to be found within canyons sometimes quite hidden whereas arches are usually high and exposed as they are often the last remnants of rock cliffs and ridges.

Unlike Arches National Park with over 2,000 classified arches, there are only three natural bridges here. The area also has some scattered Indian cliff dwellings, pictographs, and scenic white sandstone canyons.

Several names have been applied to the bridges. First named President, Senator, and Congressman by Cass Hite, the bridges were renamed Augusta, Caroline, and Edwin by later explorer groups. As the park was expanded to protect nearby Puebloan structures, the General Land Office assigned the Hopi names Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo to the bridges in 1909.

Sipapu means the place of emergence, an entryway by which the Hopi believe their ancestors came into this world. Kachina is named for rock art on the bridge that resembles symbols commonly used on kachina dolls. Owachomo mean rock mound, a feature atop the bridge’s east abutment.

A nine mile one-way loop drive connects pull-outs and overlooks with views of the three natural bridges. Moderate hiking trails, some with metal stairs or wooden ladders, provide closer access to each bridge. An 8.6-mile hiking trail links the three natural bridges which are located in two adjacent canyons.

Adventure: If you are really up for a challenge, consider tackling a long loop trail. Three loop trails are found in the park and each takes you to multiple natural bridges. The full loop is 12-miles long but you will pass all three natural bridges. This is no easy trail and can be quite strenuous in some areas.

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

El Malpais *National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais National Monument offers solitude, recreation, and discovery. There’s something for everyone here. Explore cinder cones, lava tube caves, sandstone bluffs, and hiking trails. While some may see a desolate environment, people have been adapting to and living in this extraordinary terrain for generations.

In El Malpais many trails are actually routes marked with cairns. Instead of a well-defined path clearly visible on the landscape, a series of rock piles called cairns are used to trace a route across the land. These routes are common on lava landscapes, where creating a traditional trail or footpath is not possible due to the extreme nature of the terrain.

Adventure: El Calderon Area offers a sampling of all of the features that make El Malpais so unique: lava tubes, cinder cones, and lava flows. The first mile of the trail passes by the entrances to several lava tube caves including Bat Cave where you can see Mexican free-tailed bats fly out on warm summer evenings. The trail then climbs through a ponderosa forest to the top of El Calderon cinder cone, a small volcano that last erupted somewhere between 30,000 to 60,000 years ago and created the lava tube caves you hiked by at the start of the trail.

From the cinder cone, either hike along primitive road for a shortcut back to the parking lot or continue across the younger Twin Craters lava flow (approximately 18,000 years old) to the Continental Divide Trail junction to return to your vehicle.

The full hike is a 4.8 mile figure-8 loop. The larger loop is 3.5 miles through piñon-juniper forest and stands of ponderosa pine while the other loop is 1.1 miles along the cinder cone rim. The full hike can be shortened by hiking a dirt road that bisects the main trail back to the parking lot.

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

Chiricahua *National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

About 120 miles east of Tucson, Arizona lies a sea of monolithic wonders forged in volcanic fury. Here, thousands of rocky hoodoos twist skyward under a vivid blanket of stars. The Martian-like landscape is crawling with rare creatures and abstract natural phenomena unlike any you’ve ever seen.

Twenty-seven million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions rapidly covered 1,200 square miles with ash. The hot ash deposits (tuff) compressed into rock—welded tuff—and as it cooled, it contracted and cracked allowing wind, water, and freeze/thaw cycles to erode these towering cylindrical shapes.

Dubbed the The Land of Standing-Up Rocks by the Apache, Chiricahua’s iconic rhyolite pillars earned it national monument status back in 1924.

Seeing the best of Chiricahua doesn’t necessarily mean lacing up your hiking boots: Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive serves as the perfect gateway to adventure. This eight-mile drive provides access to scenic pullouts, trailheads, and Bonita Canyon Campground. Enjoy the scenic drive as it rambles through cypress, oak, and pine forests and climbs to Massai Point where you’ll gaze over a sea of trippy hoodoos, distant mountain ranges, and surrounding valleys from a 6,880-foot vantage.

Adventure: Overall, there are 17 miles of day-use hiking trails snaking through the monument ranging from easily accessed to knee-shaking.

The ultimate physical test has to be The Big Loop. Landing at the top of the list of the most strenuous trails in the monument, the 9.5-mile loop twists through mazes of rhyolite formations and it’s peppered with scenic outlooks which make the trek through those elevation changes worth the sweat. Tackling the Big Loop gets you up close and personal with the monument’s most notable (and aptly named) geologic formations like Camel’s Head, Kissing Rock, and Big Balanced Rock.

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

The Otherworldly Wonderland of Rocks: Chiricahua National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

Hidden within the mountains above Cedar City is the brilliant geology and vibrant environment of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The geologic amphitheater and surrounding environs are home to cool hiking trails, ancient trees, high elevation camping, and over-the-top views along the Circle of Painted Cliffs.

Cedar Breaks’ majestic amphitheater is a three-mile-long cirque made up of eroding limestone, shale, and sandstone. Situated on the western edge of the Markagunt Plateau, the raised area of earth located in Southern Utah between Interstate 15 and Highway 89, the monument sits entirely above 10,000 feet. The Amphitheater is like a naturally formed coliseum that plunges 2,000 feet below taking your eyes for a colorful ride through arches, towers, hoodoos, and canyons.

Adventure: For extreme hikers with wayfinding and backcountry experience, the Cedar Breaks area also offers a hike on par with Zion National Park‘s Subway. The Rattlesnake Creek Trail in the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness is a 2–3 day hike just outside the park boundary that crosses mostly designated wilderness in the Dixie National Forest and drops into the amphitheater below the canyon rim.

DIG DEEPER: Best things to see and do

Paradise on the Mountain: Cedar Break National Monument

Leave No Trace

Since national monuments often lack the same infrastructure as national parks they may not have the staff on-site to help with questions, clean up campsites, or offer guidance. It’s super important to practice Leave No Trace principles in these monuments and be aware of the cultural importance of the landscape.

Many of these properties encompass the historical territory of Native Peoples and contain artifacts that are important to their heritage. Be kind and respectful, leave what you find, and whenever you have the opportunity use local guides and purchase items from local shops.

Worth Pondering…

However one reaches the parks, the main thing is to slow down and absorb the natural wonders at leisure.

—Michael Frome

8 Cool RV Destinations to Beat the Summer Heat

Ah, the joys of summer. There’s nothing like sweating under a glaring sun to make you truly forget what’s so great about the great outdoors. While some travelers embrace hot sunny rays others feel like drooping when the mercury rises. If you’d like to beat the summer heat, check out these destinations for relief.

Your summer vacation does not have to be hiding indoors in front of the air conditioner trying to stay cool from high temperatures or unbearable humidity. There are lots of places in summer where you can enjoy beautiful pleasant temperatures while spending time outside. Whether you prefer cities, towns, national or state parks, mild summer weather is available in many spectacular destinations.

As summer descends on the United States, the mercury begins to soar in many places with daily temperatures reaching into the triple digits. While you could embrace the heat like a lizard or retreat behind air conditioning for the next few months, perhaps you should consider a refreshing getaway to cooler climes.

Here is a great article to help you do just that: High-Elevation RVing: How to Beat the Heat and Camp in Perfect Weather

Here are eight favorite spots for beating the worst of the summer heat.

1. Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

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.

Cedar Breaks’ neighbor, Brian Head Resort is also a superb spot to seek cooler temps resort-style. The mountain’s tallest summer hiking trail takes you near the summit of 11,307-foot Brian Head Peak. And if you feel resort-y (or have kids in tow), you’ll definitely want to hit up the zip line, bungee trampoline, bike trails, disc golf course, or climbing wall while you’re at it.

Here are some helpful resources:

Stowe Community Church *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a Vermont Ski town that is lovely to visit in summer thanks to an Alpine setting that doesn’t get too hot and lots of outdoor activities. It is one of the best places to spend time to avoid extreme summer heat.

Summer weather ranges from high 60s to high 70s. There is little temperature difference between June, July, and August and only 4 percent of the days are humid.

For fun summer hiking, choose trails that lead to waterfalls like the easy Bingham Falls Trail in Smugglers Notch State Park or Moss Glen Falls trail in nearby Putnam State Park.

For more challenging hikes, take the ski gondola to the top of Mansfield Mountain where it can be cold and windy even when it’s warm down below. A handful of trails start at the top of the mountain and reward you with stellar views of the Green Mountains. However, be prepared for rugged trails that require proper hiking boots and a willingness to go scrambling over rocks.

A greenway starts in town and winds for several miles toward the ski mountain. It’s an easy and scenic ride with ample opportunities to stop at local brew pubs, cideries, and ice cream shops that sell Vermont creamies, dense, high-fat soft-serve ice cream often flavored with maple syrup. With all the outdoor activities, you can indulge without any guilt!

3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Thor’s Hammer, monstrous hoodoos, and a Sinking Ship. Bryce Canyon’s red-orange-pink amphitheaters stage a Norse myth 70 million years in the making.

Wind, water, and time have eroded Bryce Canyon National Park‘s sandstone cliffs into otherworldly characters plucked from the unconscious of a mad Viking. Rows of humanoid pillars crosshatched by rock strata look almost intentional but perfectly surreal. So silent, eerie, and beautiful! So improbable it has to be true.

If you need ideas, check out:

Ocean Drive, Newport *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Newport, Rhode Island

Set on Rhode Island’s Aquidneck Island is the coastal city of Newport. This resort town is a cool, relaxing destination to explore in the summertime. Its rich Gilded Age history and sailboat-filled marinas make for a scenic and luxurious vacation.

Soak up ocean views. Newport has panoramic ocean views that go on for miles. The best way to capture it is to take a stroll along the Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile cliffside trail features tranquil picnic spots, benches, and access points to other interesting Newport experiences.

Insider tip: If you plan to walk the entirety of the Cliff Walk wear layers, sturdy shoes, and sunblock. Utilize the public restroom found a mile into the walk—it’s the only one directly along the route.

Tour the lavish mansions. The most famous Newport features are its Gilded Age mansions found across the city. These lavish summer cottages built for the rich and famous are open to the public for tours. Head to Bellevue Avenue to explore the iconic Breakers and Marble House.

Mount Washington Cog Railway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. White Mountains, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s White Mountains comprise stunning alpine peaks cloaked in forest. The higher you go, the cooler it will be. While low elevations see summer temperatures in the mid-70s the high points are perpetually chilly sometimes not even shedding their layers of snow until well into July.

Temperatures on Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast range from about 40 to 55 degrees at the height of summer. Visitors can climb out of the heat by foot on the many hiking trails or drive up the slopes on the scenic Kancamagus Highway.

There are some special towns nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Quaint villages like Sugar Hill enjoy blooming fields of lupines in the summer while North Conway is home to ziplining tours and Alpine Slide adventures.

The White Mountains are filled with exciting activities like hikes and sweeping summit views. Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to feel like you’re flying, hike the famous Artists Bluff Loop, or drive to the summit of Mount Washington. Don’t want to take the difficult hike or the foreboding drive up to Mount Washington? Ride the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway. This steam train will chug its way up to the summit.

Lake Champlain *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Lake Champlain, New York and Vermont

Nestled between Quebec, Vermont, and New York is the freshwater Lake Champlain. Surrounded by the New York Adirondacks to its west and the Vermont Green Mountains to its east a summer at Lake Champlain offers fun recreational opportunities in every direction.

Take a lakeside stroll. For a lakefront park with plenty of outdoor activities head to Point Au Roche State Park in New York. Its open-forest walking trails and sandy beaches along Lake Champlain will have you exploring for hours.

Discover Burlington. Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain is the picturesque town of Burlington, Vermont. Locals love getting active at Waterfront Park and Burlington Bike Path. If you want to venture away from the lake browse the eclectic shops of Church Street Marketplace.

Insider tip: Burlington has its own folklore: Champ the Lake Monster. Sightings of this Loch Ness-looking monster in Lake Champlain date as far back as the 1800s, and since then there have been over 300 sighting claims. Can you spot Champ?

Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper National Parks *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff National Park is not only one of the most breathtaking places on earth but it also offers cool temps during the summer months with highs around 72 and lows in the upper 40s. If you’re looking for a mountain retreat with mild weather, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking this is your spot.

Banff Townsite offers lots of small-town charms as well as making a great base for exploring the gorgeous glacier-fed lakes and a multitude of wildlife. It even boasts a thriving arts and culture scene with a number of museums, art galleries, and concert venues along with a diverse array of fine restaurants and shops.

Enjoy the scenery and wildlife on Icefields Parkway named a Drive of a Lifetime by National Geographic. It traces the Continental Divide and connects two national parks, Banff and Jasper as well as Lake Louise and Jasper Townsite. Taking the ride to the top of 7,500-foot Sulphur Mountain from Banff provides panoramic views of the park.

8. Prescott, Arizona

Nestled at an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level among the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the U.S., Prescott‘s breathtaking landscapes are complete with granite mountains, lakes, streams, and rolling meadows. With two lakes to choose from, several options for paddling on the water are found in this Arizona mountain town. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards await to help visitors get out and explore. Plan a ride around a full moon and enjoy the glow on the water, peaceful surroundings, and nighttime views.

When not on the lakes activities include horseback riding, golfing, hiking, mountain biking, shopping, or visiting the local breweries and restaurants.

Once the territorial capital of Arizona the City of Prescott is rich with Western history embodied in its world-famous Whiskey Row, abundant historical landmarks, and the World’s Oldest Rodeo.

Sharlot Hall Museum is the perfect place for families to learn the town’s history. Tour historic homes, explore educational exhibits, and wander through the gardens. Kids can complete a scavenger hunt and redeem it at the museum store for a prize.

Step outside of town and explore the beautiful Prescott National Forest. Pack and picnic lunch and take a hike while basking in the fresh wilderness air. The Thumb Butte Trail, just minutes from downtown leads visitors on a two-mile loop with views of the area and interpretive signs.

There are also two lakes in the area for recreation and fishing. Unique rock formations surround Watson Lake, creating fun channels to kayak through. Alternatively, Lynx Lake is lined by tall pine trees. Both lakes offer onsite kayak and canoe rentals.

For an overnight stay in Prescott, check out the many camping options in Prescott National Forest including RV sites and dispersed camping.

Worth Pondering…

Summertime and the living is easy. Fish are jumping and the cotton is high.

—Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Summertime

Patchwork Parkway: The Steepest Road in Utah

Driving State Route143 will put your brakes to the test with 13 percent grade; it’s the steepest paved road in the state

Starting and ending points: Parowan to Panguitch

Steepest section: Area around Brian Head Ski Resort

Max grade: 13 percent

Go up this road that tops out at 10,567 feet at Cedar Breaks and your engine will grind to let you know this is no ordinary route. Come down this road and your brakes will be constantly tested.

Climbing 4,600 feet in about 18 miles from Parowan to Cedar Breaks National Monument in Iron County, State Route 143 is the steepest paved state road in Utah with a maximum grade of 13 percent.

The highway is among about a dozen roads in the state that have a geographic distinction.

Patchwork Parkway near Cedar Breaks National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Most major U.S. highways don’t exceed a 6 percent grade, the magic number for the preferred maximum steepness of a road. Parleys Canyon (I-80) has a maximum grade of 6 percent.

In the U.S. only the grades of interstates are required by law to remain under a certain percentage. A grade is based on the number of feet that a road changes every 100 feet at its steepest part. The interstate system in the United States must maintain roads with no more than a 6 percent grade. However, the steepest road in Utah will make you grip your steering wheel tight!

Originally an old pioneer road used to transport logging materials, Utah Route 143 winds its way through the Dixie National Forest. The highway can reach grades of over 13 percent as it ascends to the top of the ski resort. As a result, drivers frequently overheat their brakes and large trucks will try to avoid the byway altogether to keep them from catching fire.

Oh, and of course, having fresh snow and ice on the ground really doesn’t help matters. Neither do the out-of-towners with two-wheel-drive cars and no winter driving skills trying to make their way in late at night on Fridays.

Utah Route 143 is so steep that the toughest parts only have a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit. This highway is also known as the Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway or as the Patchwork Parkway Scenic Byway.

The state highway climbs drivers over 10,500 feet into mountainous terrain near Cedar Breaks National Park. It’s also traversed by skiers headed to Brian Head Resort.

If you’re planning on traveling Route 143, remember that it’s not the drive up to the top that’s the scariest. Most hairy incidents happen while descending as inexperienced drivers may burn their brakes out. It’s not unheard of for freight trucks to have their breaks catch on fire while navigating hairpin turns with no shoulders.

Patchwork Parkway at Cedar Breaks National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

State Route 143 is the second-highest paved road in Utah. The highest, State Route 150 is the highest paved road by a few hundred more feet.

An unpaved gravel road that travels around Mount Brigham may be the highest in Utah. It reaches over 11,100 feet above sea level as it travels around Mount Brigham. The unpaved road breaks off of Tushar Road on Highway 89 south of Marysvale.

If jeep routes are considered unpaved roads, some jeep passes go higher. There are no official records about exactly how high these routes go, however.

State Route 143 is a meandering drive between the small cities of Parowan and Panguitch. Parowan is 70 miles northeast of St. George a little more than 230 milessouthwest of Salt Lake City.

Fall colors and lava flows along Patchwork Parkway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Brian Head Resort is a small ski area that gets most of its business from surrounding desert cities. It is only accessible via Route 143 and the steepest grade on the route must be traversed to get there.

The main drag into Cedar Breaks National Park is Route 143. The highway also skirts Panguitch Lake about 30 minutes outside of the City of Panguitch.

Route 143 has a stretch with a grade of 13 percent. This is over twice as steep as allowed on any interstate in the nation. Between the town of Parowan and Cedar Breaks National Monument, travelers ascend around 4,600 feet in approximately 18 miles.

Because the road takes drivers up high into the mountains, it’s important to carry chains in the winter. The Utah Department of Transportation issues chain controls during bad weather conditions.

Panguitch Lake on the Patchwork Parkway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Panguitch Lake is a reservoir on Route 143 that’s a well-known spot for fishermen. The word panguitch means big fish in the Paiute language and this is an apt name as Panguitch Lake is popular for its huge trout.

Before the 1900s, the western part of Route 143 was used by pioneers. In 1933, it officially became a state highway. By 1985, and after two additions, the road had become the length that it remains today.

Route 143 is known as the Patchwork Parkway after the perilous journey that a group of Mormon pioneers undertook in the winter of 1864. In desperation, a group in Panguitch decided to walk to Parowan in thick snow for needed food. Everyone back in town was starving to death.

After traveling so far that they were too committed to their journey to turn back, the snow became so thick that it was impossible to navigate. Fortunately, the pioneers discovered that the homemade patchwork quilts they had with them for warmth also allowed them to walk on the snow without sinking. It took them almost two weeks but the men methodically used their quilts to inch their way to Parowan and back with the desperately needed flour.

Besides Utah Route 143 being Utah’s steepest paved road with a 13 percent grade, the following tidbits about other Utah highways have been gathered from Utah maps, the Utah Department of Transportation, and other sources:

Highest paved road in Utah: Mirror Lake Highway (SR 150) which crosses Bald Mountain Pass, 10,715 feet above sea level. The road is usually open June to early November depending on the weather. Its latest-ever opening was June 29, 1995.
Highest paved road along the Wasatch Front: The Mount Nebo loop road that reaches 9,353 feet above sea level at the Monument trailhead.
Highest gravel road in Utah: From Big John Flat to a high ridge in the Tushar Mountains between Beaver and Marysvale at 11,500 feet above sea level.
Highest gravel road along the Wasatch Front: Skyline Drive in Davis County between Farmington and Bountiful. A spur road that heads north to the Francis Peak radar domes above Fruit Heights tops out at almost 9,500 feet above sea level. The road is passable by cars in the summer.
Lowest elevation paved road: River Road in Washington County south of Bloomington Hills and St. George at 2,697 feet above sea level.
Lowest elevation unpaved road: Several jeep roads in the Beaver Dam Wash area, west of St. George that approach 2,500 feet in elevation.
First Utah roads to be hard-surfaced: Richards Street in downtown Salt Lake City from South Temple to 100 South and also State Street from South Temple to 400 South—both in 1891 and probably paved with a combination of granite blocks, asphalt, and brick. Main Street in Salt Lake City from South Temple to 300 South was the next street paved.
Longest straight stretch of road: I-80 on the Salt Flats between Wendover and Knolls with an approximately 50-mile straightaway.
Longest tunnel: Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (SR 9), 5,613-feet long, the nation’s fifth-longest land tunnel. It opened in 1930 and is in Zion National Park.
Best paved road test for acrophobiacs: Probably Scenic Byway 12 between Escalante and Boulder where the highway traverses a knife-edge with high cliffs on both sides of the roadway and no guardrails.
Most likely roads to get a speeding ticket: Salt Lake’s North Temple (600-650 West) and State Street (2700-3000 South) plus Syracuse’s Allison Way (1525 West) and West Valley City’s 2700 West at 4650 South are all mentioned as the state’s newest speeding traps on the speedtrap.com website.

Worth Pondering…

—Jack Kerouac, On the Road

The Best National Parks to Visit in September

Wondering where to travel in September? Why not opt for a nature getaway and visit one of America’s National Parks in September!

The national parks are a treasure—beautiful, wild, and full of wonders to see. But there’s more to experience than taking in gorgeous scenery from your vehicle or lookout points. National parks are natural playgrounds, full of possible adventures.

The most famous offerings of the National Park Service (NPS) are the 63 national parks including Arches, Great Smoky Mountains, and Grand Canyon. But there are 424 NPS units across the country that also includes national monuments, national seashores, national recreation areas, national battlefields, and national memorials. These sites are outside the main focus of this guide.

September is one of the best months of the year to visit the national parks. The weather is fantastic across much of the US, the busy summer season is coming to an end and in some parks you can see the first of the fall colors. In this guide, I list five of the best national parks to visit plus four bonus parks.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

About this National Park series

This article is part of a series about the best national parks to visit each month. In this series, every national park is listed at least once and many are listed multiple times. It is a series of 12 articles, one for each month of the year.

These articles take into account weather, crowd levels, the best time to go hiking, special events, road closures, and my personal experiences in the parks. Based on these factors, I picked out what I think are the optimal times to visit each park. Since I haven’t been to all of the national parks I include only the parks we have visited on at lease one occasion.

For an overview of the best time to visit each national park, check out my Best National Parks by Season guide. This guide will cover the best time to visit each national park based on these factors. First are the links to my posts about the best parks to visit, month-by-month. This is followed by a list that illustrates the best time to visit each national park based on weather and crowd levels. Please note this overview will be posted following the completion of this 12 month guide in February 2024.

And at the end of this article, I have links to the other guides in my Best National Parks by Month series.

Shenandoah National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Visiting the National Parks in September

In my opinion, September is one of the best months of the year to plan a national parks trip. In September, the weather is still warm and the snow has melted on the higher elevation trails. After Labor Day, crowds get lower in the national parks now that children are back in school.

During September, you can visit almost any national park and have a great experience. The parks in the northern half of the US are still relatively warm and the roads are still open. In warmer climates like Utah and Arizona, September is still a hot month to visit but not as bad as June through August especially if you can delay your visit to the end of the month. And in a few places, you can even catch the first fall colors at the end of September.

I recommend avoiding Everglades and Congaree in September as they tend to be hot, humid, and swarming with mosquitoes.

For this guide, I could have listed 30 great parks to visit in September since there are so many good options. Instead, I list five of the very best parks to visit with more suggestions at the end of this guide.

Let’s get started.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information I provide for each national park does not include temporary road closures since these dates are constantly changing. Roads can close in the national parks at any time so I recommend getting updates on the NPS website while planning your trip.

Best National Parks in September

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Location: North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a picturesque wilderness of grasslands and badlands. Bison, feral horses, pronghorns, and elk roam the landscapes, hiking trails meander through the colorful bentonite hills, and scenic roads take visitors to numerous stunning overlooks.

This national park is made up of three separate units: the South Unit, the North Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Of the three, the South Unit is the more popular. In the North Unit, the views of the badlands are beautiful, there are several short, fun trails to hike, and there is a very good chance you will spot bison and other wildlife right from your car.

Why visit Theodore Roosevelt in September: Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s weather is defined by the seasons. Summers are warm with occasional hot periods. Thunderstorms occur in the afternoons. Spring and fall are mild. Winters can be quite cold with high winds.

Weather: Although some days will be in the 80s, the average high is 74°F and the average low is 42°F. Rainfall is low with only 1.3 inches of rain falling in September.

Sunrise & sunset (South Unit): Sunrise is at 5 am and sunset is at 8:50 pm. The South Unit is in the Mountain Time Zone and the North Unit is in the Central Time Zone.

Top experiences: Hike the Caprock Coulee Trail, enjoy the view from Sperati Point and the Wind Canyon Trail, drive the Scenic Drive in both units, visit the Petrified Forest, hike the Ekblom and Big Plateau Loop, and visit River Bend Overlook.

How many days do you need? If you want to explore both the North and South Units, you will need at least two days in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (one day for each unit).

Plan your visit

Carlsbad Caverns National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Location: New Mexico

An underground fantasy land of limestone chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, and long, twisting tunnels is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico.

From late May through October you can watch the Bat Flight program. At the Bat Flight Amphitheater, grab a seat and watch as the bats emerge by the thousands from the natural entrance of the cave. The best time to see the bats is in August and September when the baby bats join the show. The Bat Flight Program takes place every evening and it is weather dependent.

Why visit Carlsbad Caverns in September: To watch the Bat Flight Program when bats emerge by the thousands from the natural entrance of the cave.

Weather: Carlsbad Caverns National Park has a semiarid climate with generally mild winters and warm to hot summers. In September, the average high is 83°F and the average low is 60°F. September is one of the wettest months of the year with 2.9 inches of rainfall. The average temperature throughout the cave is 68°F and the relative humidity remains close to a constant 100 percent.

Sunrise & sunset: Sunrise is at 6:20 am and sunset is at 7:40 pm.

Top experiences: Tour the caverns on your own or on a ranger-guided tour.You can also go star gazing, hike a surface trail, or go on a scenic drive.

How much time do you need? A half to a full day is all you need to explore the caverns on your own and/or take a ranger-guided tour.

Plan Your Visit

3. Shenandoah National Park

Location: Virginia

Shenandoah National Park preserves a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

Skyline Drive is the main thoroughfare through the park, a road that twists and turns for 105 miles from north to south. For those who want to explore the park beyond Skyline Drive, 500 miles of hiking traverse the park.

Shenandoah is a beautiful park to visit in September. From the viewpoints along Skyline Drive, you can gaze across the mountains and the valleys below.

Why visit Shenandoah in September: The fall colors begin the last two two weeks of September in the higher elevations. Plus, the weather is perfect for sightseeing and hiking.

Weather: The average high is 66°F and the average low is 58°F. On warmer than average days, it can get up into the high 70s. Rainfall averages about 5 inches per month through the year and September is no different.

Sunrise & sunset: Sunrise is at 7:20 am and sunset is at 6:30 pm.

Top experiences: Drive Skyline Drive and visit the overlooks, hike to the top of Bearfence Mountain, visit Dark Hollow Falls, enjoy the view from Hawksbill Mountain, hike to Mary’s Rock, and hike a section of the Appalachian Trail.

Ultimate adventure: For the ultimate adventure, hike Old Rag Mountain, a 9-mile loop trail.

Old Rag is generally considered a challenging route. The best time to hike this trail is May through October. You’ll need to leave pups at home—dogs aren’t allowed on this trail. From March 1-November 30, visitors to Old Rag Mountain including hikers on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails will need to obtain an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance.

How many days do you need? You can drive the length of Skyline Drive in one day, visiting the overlooks and hiking a trail or two. For a more leisurely experience or to do several more hikes plan on spending two or more days in Shenandoah.

Plan your visit

Great Smoky Mountains National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: Tennessee and North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. In 2022, over 12 million people visited this park. Second place wasn’t even close (that would be Grand Canyon with 4 million visitors).

This national park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains runs through the center of the park and it is here that you will find some of the tallest peaks in eastern North America.

With over 100 species of trees that cover various elevations in the park, the peak time for fall colors lasts quite a while in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The trees first begin to change color at the higher elevations as early as mid-September. From early to mid-October, the colors slide down the mountains. Peak season comes to an end at the beginning of November when the trees at the lower, warmer elevations finally change colors.

Why visit Great Smoky Mountains in September: For great weather for hiking and the beginning of fall colors.

Weather: The average high is 70°F and the average low is 52°F. Rainfall is about 4 inches for September which is one of the driest months of the year.

Sunrise & sunset: Sunrise is at 7:40 am and sunset is at 7 pm.

Top experiences: Enjoy the view from Clingman’s Dome and Newfound Gap, hike the Alum Trail to Mount LeConte, drive through Cades Cove, and drive the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.

How many days do you need? You can drive the park’s main roads and visit the highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in one day. To explore the parks more fully plan three to four days and avoid Cades Cove on weekends. Trust me on that one.

Plan your visit

Mesa Verde National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Mesa Verde National Park

Location: Colorado

Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the United States. This park preserves the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archeological sites that are hundreds of years old. Short hikes, scenic drives, and viewpoints make the to-do list but the best way to experience this park is to get up close with the cliff dwellings on a tour.

Why visit Mesa Verde in September: Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Mesa Verde. There are fewer visitors in the park than during summer and cooler temperatures make conditions more comfortable for hiking and other activities. September brings sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and fewer rainy days.

Weather: The average high is 75°F and the average low is 48°F. Rainfall is low.
Sunrise & sunset: Sunrise is 6 am and sunset is 8:15 pm.

Top experiences: Take a ranger guided tour of a cliff dwelling, see the Spruce Tree House, hike the Petroglyph Point Trail, drive Mesa Top Loop, explore the Far View sites, and hike the Point Lookout Trail.

How many days do you need? One to two days are all you need to take a cliff dwelling tour and go on the scenic drives through the park. Consider spending a night or two in Morefield Campground just four miles from the park entrance. With 267 sites there’s always plenty of space and the campground rarely fills.

Plan your visit

Bonus! More parks to visit

As stated earlier, September is a great time to visit just about any of the US national parks.

In the east, September is a beautiful time of year to visit New River Gorge National Park.

In the west, the list is long and includes Pinnacles, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Badlands.

September is still a bit warm for Utah’s Mighty 5 and the American Southwest but the later you go, the cooler it will be. I prefer October into November for these parks.

Bonus! 4 NPS sites to visit in September

Mount St. Helens Volcanic National Monument © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

National park-like amenities tell the story of America’s most infamous active volcano. Gorgeous wildflower-packed views of the volcano can be enjoyed in spots like Bear Meadows while those seeking a closer view of the crater rim may drive to the Windy Ridge viewpoint or even summit the rim of the 8,365-foot volcano with a permit.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking this is Bryce Canyon National Park. It looks almost identical to its more famous national park cousin which is located about an hour to the east. Yet with less than a quarter of the annual visitation of Bryce, this small but mighty national monument makes a worthy alternative for those seeking color-packed canyon views stretching across three miles at an elevation of around 10,000 feet.

Aztec Ruins National Monument

Aztec Ruins National Monument is the largest Ancestral Pueblo community in the Animas River Valley. In use for over 200 years, the site contains several multi-story buildings called great houses, each with a great kiva—a circular ceremonial chamber—as well as many smaller structures.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia is a significant Native American landmark dating back over 10,000 years. Visitors can learn about the Mississippian culture, climb atop the seven mounds, and even go inside one of the mounds’ Earth Lodge. Eight miles of walking trails wind through the park including by the namesake river. The park is making efforts to become a national park and hosts annual events like the fall Ocmulgee Indian Celebration (31^st annual; September 16-17, 2023).

More Information about the National Parks

Best National Parks to visit by month

Worth Pondering…

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

—John Lubbock

10 Road Trip Destinations from Las Vegas

Pack your bags and check your tires; it’s time for a road trip from Las Vegas

Vegas baby! For many, a trip to Sin City is simply slot machines, video poker, and getting stuffed at all-you-can-eat buffets. But if Lady Luck isn’t on your side or you’re just looking for an adventure away from the strip, Las Vegas is a great starting point for a road trip. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer outing Las Vegas is perfectly positioned to give you some amazing experiences.

Ready to plan your route? Here are 10 ideas for road trip destinations from Las Vegas that are less than 300 miles in distance.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: 30 miles

Estimated time: 45 minutes

The Nevada desert isn’t known for its large bodies of water but believe it or not Las Vegas is home to one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. So if you’re looking for some waterfront fun, Lake Mead has got you covered. Take the boat out for some high-speed adventures or bike around the trails before cooling off in one of the swimming areas.

If you want someone to show you around, there are numerous guided tours on the lake. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of this desert oasis.

Not enough for you? They also have kayaking, camping, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, scuba diving, and so much more.

>> Get more tips for visiting Lake Mead

Hoover Dam *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 37 miles

Estimated time: 45 minutes

The Hoover Dam is one of mankind’s most ambitious projects. It stands at a whopping 726 feet tall and crosses the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona. Bonus, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump away from the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.

Choose from either the 30-minute or 1-hour guided tour that takes you into the bowels of the dam to learn about the power it generates and what it does for the surrounding desert. Don’t want a tour? It’s free to walk along the top and take in the scenery, plus you can still learn a thing or two with the many informative plaques lining the walkway.

>> Get more tips for visiting Hoover Dam

Laughlin *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Laughlin

Distance from Las Vegas: 100 miles

Estimated time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Laughlin is more relaxed than Vegas, a natural choice for a quick getaway. The town has created a niche with Nevada-style gaming but without the high-speed lifestyle of the Las Vegas Strip. Stretch your legs while exploring Laughlin on foot at the Riverwalk. Well-maintained and offering fantastic views of the city and the Colorado River, the Laughlin Riverwalk is a great way to get from one casino to the other while soaking up sights like Don Laughlin’s Riverside to the boats sailing by.

The coolest way to get around town is by water taxi. These small boats, piloted by certified captains, zip around on the river from one property to another. Most casinos have their own dock and if you stand around on one, a water taxi will show up fairly quick.

>> Get more tips for visiting Laughlin

4. St. George

Distance from Las Vegas: 120 miles

Estimated time: 2 hours

St. George is the first place you’ll run into after cutting through the northwest corner of Arizona and crossing the border into Utah. The city combines a charming downtown area with a thriving art scene and proximity to four state parks including the bright red sandy beaches of the Sand Hollow reservoir. Outdoor explorers will be most excited to know St. George is the largest city outside Zion National Park, one of the most colorful examples of rock formations, sweeping cliffs, and waterfalls.

There’s plenty to enjoy in Southern Utah and visitors can arrive in St. George in two hours. The destination is great for those who enjoy the outdoors as it’s near Zion National Park, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, and Dixie National Forest. Or, travel a little further for a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park or the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

5. Zion National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 165 miles

Estimated time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

With over 229 square miles, more than 35 hiking trails, cliffs towering more than 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, and more species of plants than the Hawaiian Islands, Zion National Park is a pretty incredible place. Zion Canyon is accessed from Highway 9 heading east from St. George. Because of this area’s popularity, the park runs a shuttle to accommodate more visitors at once. Two of the park’s most popular hikes (Angels Landing and The Narrows) can be found in the main canyon along with many other incredible trails.

Driving the 6-mile Mt. Carmel Highway through the park provides visitors easy access to viewpoints while offering that winding-road experience. It is easily accessible throughout the park’s most popular area and the richly brick-colored highway with canary-yellow stripes plays well visually against the soft color of the canyons.

>> Get more tips for visiting Zion National Park

6. Cedar Breaks National Monument

Distance from Las Vegas: 226 miles

Estimated time: 4 hours

>> Get more tips for visiting Cedar Breaks National Monument

El Paseo Shopping District *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Palm Springs

Distance from Las Vegas: 230 miles

Estimated time: 4 hours

If you want to vacation at the spot that was popular with old-school Hollywood film stars and the Rat Pack, consider visiting Palm Springs. Visitors can browse vintage shops, art galleries, or boutiques at the El Paseo Shopping District. A ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can also provide a view over the valley at an elevation of more than 8,500 feet. There are also many options to sit poolside at resorts or visit spas in the city.

>> Get more tips for visiting Palm Springs

Joshua Tree National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 250 miles

Estimated time: 4 hours

See a different kind of desert landscape with a road trip to Joshua Tree on I-15 from Las Vegas. Many people head to the park for hiking through the rugged rock formations and distinctive Joshua trees. It’s also an excellent spot for stargazing, rock climbing, and camping. Just be sure to be prepared for the weather which can be very hot or cold depending on the time of year and day.

Make sure to come prepared for your visit to Joshua Tree. There is no drinkable water available in the park, so bring plenty with you. This is the desert after all!

>> Get more tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Grand Canyon National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Grand Canyon

Distance from Las Vegas: 280 miles

Estimated time: 5 hours

You’ll go through a few playlists getting to the Grand Canyon but I promise it lives up to the hype. Grand Canyon National Park is a hugely popular destination for hiking, mule rides, whitewater rafting, and other outdoor activities and is well worth the tank of gas to get there and back.

A deep gorge carved by the Colorado River about seventeen million years ago, the Grand Canyon stretches for more than 250 miles and is up to 18 miles in width and more than a mile deep in some areas. Just about everywhere you look the views are amazing and the sheer size of it can be overwhelming. One looks over the edge and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

>> Get more tips for visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Sedona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Sedona

Distance from Las Vegas: 280 miles

Estimated time: 5 hours

With a population just north of 10,000, Sedona has a reputation that far outweighs its size. It is, after all, one of the most beautiful small towns in America. The town’s innumerable hiking trails bring you to stunning vistas and iconic destinations like Cathedral Rock.

Forget traditional museums; those visiting Sedona will have museums without walls with Mother Nature leading the exhibition. The town is surrounded by incredible scenery punctuated by vortex sites and rock formations that will have you scratching your head. Plus, after a big day of exploring, you can kick back at the many local wineries before enjoying the iconic desert sunset.

>> Get more tips for visiting Sedona

Worth Pondering…

Las Vegas is a 24-hour city. It never stops.

—Eli Roth