I may be biased because I live here, but I truly think Utah is one of the most magical places on the planet. Utah is an adventure lover’s paradise—hiking, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, and off-roading are all just a stone’s throw away from some of the most populated areas of the state. While the Salt Lake Valley has a lot to offer, driving further south instantly transports you into a different world. As the cities fade away to red rocks and alpine deserts, you feel as though you’re on a different planet, or at least in a different country. By taking a road trip through Utah’s national parks, you’ll experience a lot of what this state has to offer.
Did you know that Utah is home to not one, not two, but five national parks? Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion are each unique in their own way—and none are any less stunning than the others. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure; the ultimate road trip through Utah’s national parks is the trip you’ve been waiting for.
Moab
Heading south from Salt Lake City, it’ll take you a little under 4 hours to reach Moab. This quaint little town may not seem like much on a map, but it’s the hub for two of Utah’s most incredible parks. Both Arches and Canyonlands are located within a half-hour of this charming town. Before you set out on the trails, take a moment to wander through the downtown area of Moab! Here you’ll find a lovely mix of galleries, shops, restaurants, and microbreweries. There’s even a rock shop that sells beautiful specimens found locally—you could easily spend a whole day wandering through the town of Moab.
Arches National Park
Just 5 miles outside the center of Moab is the entrance to Arches National Park. This park is known for its otherworldly landscapes and red rock formations. The park itself has over 2,000 natural stone arches! It has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a multi-day hike or an easy walk to an incredible viewpoint. Be sure to check out Balanced Rock, Double Arch, the Windows, and the Park Avenue viewpoint. And don’t miss Delicate Arch! This iconic arch is the one widely seen on the Utah license plate. Here’s a tip: try to hit some of the more popular spots at sunrise or sunset! You’ll escape the mid-day heat, get an incredible photo opportunity, and avoid the crowds.
Canyonlands National Park
Just a quick 30 minute drive out of Moab, Canyonlands National Park is another must-see attraction. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you could spend weeks getting lost in the backcountry of this park. Yet even if you’re coming in a small sedan, there is still so much to see. The park itself is split up into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and the rivers.
Island in the Sky is the most accessible area of the park, with a paved scenic drive that takes you to some of the most incredible viewpoints in the area. Here you’ll find a handful of hikes of varying difficulties, as well as a four-wheel-drive track called the White Rim Road. This track is the most moderate of all the four-wheel tracks in the park.
The Needles takes you further out into the backcountry, with many of its attractions accessible only by hiking or driving out in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The Maze is the most remote region in the entire park, and the least accessible. The trails and four-wheel-drive tracks are more difficult than those in the park’s other regions and require more self-reliance.
Both the Colorado and Green Rivers wind through Canyonlands National Park. If you’re interested in escaping the heat and getting out on the water, enjoy an afternoon in a canoe, kayak, or whitewater rafting.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park, located in south-central Utah, is the least well-known of all five of Utah’s parks. Even so, this park shouldn’t be overlooked. Located in the center of red rock country, Capitol Reef is a welcome oasis filled with lush greenery, prolific orchards, and stunning geological attractions. An interesting fact about this park is that it is located in the Waterpocket Fold, which is literally a “wrinkle on the earth” that extends nearly 100 miles long. This warp in the earth’s crust defines the park, but there are many hidden gems to find while you’re there.
Bryce Canyon National Park
South-west of Capitol Reef is Bryce Canyon National Park. Known for its hoodoos (those strange, irregular columns of rock), Bryce Canyon is stunning during any season. While hoodoos can be found all over the world, Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration found anywhere on earth. Take a drive through the park and stop at all the viewpoints, hike down through the hoodoos, or experience an early-morning horseback ride.
Zion National Park
Heading further south-west, you’ll find Zion National Park—Utah’s first national park. Spend a day hiking through slot canyons, admiring the pink, peach, and cream colors of massive sandstone cliffs, or simply taking a drive and stopping at all the viewpoints along the way. Some of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park are Angels Landing Trail, Observation Point, the Narrows, and the Subway. Be aware that some hikes in this park require a permit, and oftentimes are booked many months in advance.
Are you ready to experience Utah?
With many international borders still closed, taking a trip in your own backyard looks to be the theme of this summer. We’ve just launched an incredible trip through all five of Utah’s National Parks! Join us for a 3-night, 4-day trip through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, or extend for another 4 days to explore Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. You’ll join an incredible group of adventurers, get to know the U.S. a little better, and even get some free adventure swag! If you have any questions or would like to learn more, email us at expeditions@acanela.com.
This post was written by Kiri Rowan
Check out her adventures on Instagram @kirirowan