National Parks in Utah hold a special place in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts, and their significance is encapsulated in the keyword “national parks in Utah.” Although Utah may not boast the highest number of national parks like California, its landlocked beauty is unparalleled. Utah’s national park system is revered as the best and most spectacular in the nation, drawing people worldwide to witness its natural wonders.
What makes Utah a haven for outdoor enthusiasts is the fact that 80 percent of the state reserved to public use. The diverse and breathtaking landscapes provide a unique experience for those seeking adventure in the great outdoors.
Utah is home to the renowned “Mighty 5” national parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Nestled in southern Utah, each park boasts distinct features and nature, showcasing some of the most stunning Western landscapes and significant geological history in the entire National Park System of the United States.
In addition to the “Mighty 5,” Utah hosts 12 protected areas managed by the national park system, including National Monuments, National Recreation Areas, and National Historic Trails. Each area competes with the Mighty 5 in beauty and offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders.
In the following sections, we explore each of Utah’s remarkable national parks, offering insights and overviews of the best things to see and do in these captivating landscapes.
National Parks in Utah
1. Arches National Park
Arches National Park, in Utah, has over 2,000 beautiful natural arches that have been thousands of years in the making. The park’s stunning landscape is dotted with over 14 hiking trails that feature up close views on the arches the park is famous for.
Take a scenic drive that passes some of Arches most stunning features, or take an unpaved road to get a better idea of the vast landscape of the park. Hike 3 miles (5 km) to Delicate Arch, featured on the Utah license plate or 1.8 miles (3 km) to the Devils Garden for fantastic views.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Located in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon has an incredibly unique landscape. In fact, Bryce Canyon is famous for its high concentration of hoo doo’s, and the greatest number of them can be found at the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. The best way to explore the park is by hiking some of the stunning trails or taking the scenic drive with 14 viewpoints.
Make sure to watch a beautiful technicolor sunrise at Sunrise Point. One of the best hiking trails in the park is the Navajo Loop to the Queens Garden. On this trail visitors hike the famous Wall Street switchbacks, as well as see the most famous hoo doo in the park, the Queen.
3. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon, and is one of the least crowded Utah National Parks. The canyon was shaped by the confluence of the mighty Colorado River and the Green River. Canyonlands is split into 3 distinct sections including Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze.
Most visitors only explore the Island in the Sky district because it is the easiest to reach. This district offers a scenic drive, hiking trails, and beautiful overlooks to take in the landscape of Canyonlands. Hike trails to arches and domes within the park or check out White Rim Road on a mountain bike or ATV.
4. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a rugged remote place characterized by its unique Waterpocket fold formations and slot canyons. Visitors can see petroglyphs that are from the ancestral Pueblans from approximately 600 – 3000 AD. The petroglyphs can be found on Highway 24 just east of the park’s Visitors Center.
There are over 13 hiking trails in the park that offer views of spectacular natural arches, slot canyons, and beautiful vistas. Hike the Cohab Canyon Trail for stunning views and the chance to explore 3 small slot canyons. Or take in a sunset at the beautiful Sunset Point, but be aware that the road to get there is graded stone.
5. Zion National Park
As one of the most popular parks in the United States, Zion National Park is unlike any of the other Utah parks. The park is home to famous hikes like Angels Landing, which is now on a permit lottery, and The Narrows. Utah’s first National Park also features more greenery and wildlife than other parks in the state.
Within the park, visitors need to take a shuttle to certain parts of the park. These shuttles do not require a permit or ticket and they run frequently from the Zion Visitors Center to different points along the Zion Scenic Drive. It makes getting around the park easy and cuts down on vehicle traffic.
Other Areas of Utah Maintained by National Park Services
- California National Historic Trail
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Golden Spike National Historical Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument
