Welcome to Utah.
Utah is home to five renowned national parks, famously referred to as the "Mighty 5," along with numerous state parks and national recreation areas. These destinations provide a wide variety of vacation options for hikers, campers, sightseers, and road trip enthusiasts. Each park boasts its own distinct attractions, breath-taking views, and fascinating geological features, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience for every visitor.
Zion National Park
Best National Park in Utah for Hiking
It’s no surprise that Zion National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States, offering some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the Southwest. Known as a "vertical park" due to its towering cliff walls and majestic mountains that frame the valley, Zion is a true natural wonder. In the spring, waterfalls cascade from the cliffs, feeding the Virgin River as it winds through the canyon, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.
Hiking in Zion: Zion is Utah’s premier destination for hiking and is home to some of the most renowned trails in the Southwest. Two of its most iconic hikes, Angels Landing and The Narrows, are famous for their stunning views and challenging terrain. While these trails are not for the faint of heart, Zion also offers a variety of hikes suitable for all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy its beauty.
The park features an extensive network of trails that guide you through narrow canyons and along high ridges. Whether you’re walking beneath towering rock walls, following the path of a serene river, or braving the heights for panoramic views over 1,000 feet above the canyon floor, Zion provides endless opportunities to immerse yourself in its breath-taking scenery.
Scenic Drives and Shuttle Service: Zion offers two scenic roads that provide access to the park’s main attractions. From spring through fall, a complimentary shuttle service operates along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, offering a spectacular journey through the heart of the park. Many of the park’s key trails begin along this route, and visitors can hop on and off the shuttle at various stops to explore at their own pace. During the winter months, this road is open to private vehicles, allowing for a more flexible and intimate experience.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is another scenic route that offers access to numerous trailheads and stunning viewpoints. Similar to the Zion Canyon Drive, this road runs from the west to the east side of the park and is open year-round to private vehicles. However, travellers should be aware of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which requires special attention. Oversized vehicles, such as RVs, must obtain a permit and pay a fee in advance to pass through the narrow tunnel. Additionally, there are restricted hours for these vehicles (currently from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Camping: For those looking to stay within the park, Zion National Park offers campgrounds such as the South Campground and Watchman Campground, both located near the South Entrance. These sites are highly convenient but require reservations well in advance. Please note that South Campground was closed for renovations at the time of writing.
If you prefer camping outside the park, there are several private campgrounds in the nearby towns of Springdale and Virgin. These options provide additional flexibility and amenities. For more comprehensive information, check out our detailed guide to camping at Zion National Park.
Arches National Park
Best National Park in Utah for Natural Arches
Arches National Park is a truly captivating destination, renowned for having the world’s highest concentration of natural sandstone arches—over 2,000 in total. While many of these arches can be glimpsed from your car as you drive through the park, the best way to experience their beauty is by getting out and exploring on foot. Arches offers a variety of hikes and short walks that allow you to see these natural wonders up close and from unique perspectives.
The park is also home to an array of striking geological features, including towering stone fins, dramatic spires, expansive slickrock formations, rolling sand dunes, and breath-taking views that stretch all the way to the distant La Sal Mountains.
One of the park’s most iconic landmarks is Delicate Arch, a freestanding, horseshoe-shaped arch perched majestically on a cliff edge. This famous arch, featured on Utah’s license plates, can only be fully appreciated by hiking to it. The trail to Delicate Arch is one of the park’s longer and most popular hikes, offering a rewarding experience for those who make the journey. Other notable highlights include Landscape Arch, accessible via a 1.8-mile hike with optional detours to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch, as well as the short walk to Double Arch in the Windows area—a favourite among photographers. Sand Dune Arch, nestled between towering rock formations and surrounded by soft sand, is another must-see.
If you plan to visit Arches between April and October, you’ll need to reserve a timed entry slot between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. These slots often fill up quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance.
Hiking and Key Sights: Arches National Park offers a range of trails suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a family-friendly destination. The hike to Delicate Arch is a 3-mile round trip and is highly recommended if the weather isn’t too hot. Other popular trails include the walk to Landscape Arch, the short but stunning Double Arch, and the serene Sand Dune Arch.
Camping: While camping within Arches National Park is possible, reservations must be made well in advance. If the park’s campgrounds are full, there are plenty of nearby alternatives, including BLM campsites, private campgrounds, and other scenic spots in the Moab area. For more details, check out our guide to camping near Arches National Park and Moab.
Nearby Town of Moab: Moab is the ideal base for exploring Arches National Park, located just minutes from the park entrance. This vibrant town offers a variety of accommodations and has a lively atmosphere. Moab is also famous for its mountain biking trails, particularly the Slickrock Bike Trail, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to visiting the parks and biking, the area around Moab boasts countless scenic drives and natural attractions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Best National Park in Utah to see Natural Amphitheatres and Hoodoos
Bryce Canyon National Park is a magical destination, offering a surreal landscape of towering hoodoos that fill a massive natural amphitheatre. When the sun hits these stone spires and balanced rock formations, they come alive in vibrant shades of orange, gold, cream, and pink. From the canyon rim’s lookout points, you can gaze out over this dreamlike expanse of hoodoos, feeling as though you’ve stepped into another world.
Some of the most breath-taking views can be found at Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, both located along the Rim Trail. For a completely different perspective, venture down one of the park’s hiking trails, which wind through the canyon and allow you to walk among the base of these towering spires and uniquely shaped rock formations.
Set at an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, Bryce Canyon is also home to a small number of rare bristlecone pines, which are not commonly found in this region of Utah. These ancient trees add to the park’s otherworldly charm.
Camping: Bryce Canyon National Park features picturesque campgrounds nestled among the pines, providing a serene setting for your stay. Nearby, you’ll also find RV parks and remote camping options. It’s important to note that due to the park’s high elevation, temperatures can drop significantly, even during the summer months, so be sure to pack accordingly. For more detailed information, check out our guide to camping at Bryce Canyon.
Canyonlands National Park
Best National Park in Utah for Canyon Vistas
Canyonlands National Park is often considered Utah’s answer to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, offering equally stunning vistas but with far fewer visitors. This makes it a peaceful and rewarding destination for those seeking breath-taking views without the crowds. While parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Arches draw large numbers of tourists, Canyonlands remains a hidden gem, providing a more tranquil experience.
The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands is located just a 30-minute drive from Arches National Park, making it easy to combine visits to both parks in one trip. However, each park deserves ample time to fully appreciate its unique beauty.
Canyonlands is divided into three main districts: Island in the Sky, Needles, and the remote Maze. A fourth district, often overlooked, includes the rivers that separate these areas. Each district offers its own distinct landscapes and experiences.
Island in the Sky District: This is the most accessible and popular section of the park, known for its jaw-dropping views over a vast expanse of plateaus and canyons. The panoramic vistas from Island in the Sky are among the most spectacular in Utah and are a must-see for any visitor. One of the highlights here is the short hike to Mesa Arch, a stunning natural arch perched on the edge of a 500-foot cliff. The arch frames the distant landscape, creating a perfect photo opportunity. These are just a few of the many incredible sights in this district.
Needles District: Located about an hour and a half south of Island in the Sky, the Needles district offers a dramatically different landscape. This area is ideal for longer hikes and four-wheel-drive adventures, allowing you to immerse yourself in the terrain rather than simply viewing it from above. The Needles has a more remote and rugged feel, with plenty of opportunities for exploration. Camping options are also available here for those looking to extend their stay.
The Maze District: The Maze is the most remote and least-visited section of Canyonlands, accessible only to experienced adventurers prepared for challenging conditions. This area is not for casual visitors, as it requires careful planning and self-sufficiency. If you’re considering exploring the Maze, be sure to consult the park’s website for detailed information and safety guidelines.
Camping: Each district of Canyonlands offers camping options, from well-maintained campgrounds in Island in the Sky and Needles to more primitive, remote sites for those seeking solitude. Whether you prefer organized facilities or backcountry camping, Canyonlands has something to suit your style.
Nearby Town: Both Island in the Sky and Needles are within an hour’s drive of Moab, a charming town that also serves as a gateway to Arches National Park. Many visitors choose to explore all three destinations—Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab—during their trip, as each offers unique attractions and activities.
Capitol Reef National Park
One of Utah's "Mighty 5" parks
Capitol Reef National Park, one of Utah’s renowned "Mighty 5," is a treasure trove of stunning rock formations and vibrant landscapes. When approaching from the south, especially during the late afternoon when the sun casts a golden glow, the park appears as a massive wall of orange, pink, and purple hues stretching across the horizon. This striking visual sets the tone for the natural beauty that awaits.
A scenic drive through Capitol Reef allows you to get up close to its most dramatic sections, but the journey to the park is equally captivating. As you travel from the town of Torrey toward the visitor center, be sure to stop at highlights like Goosenecks Overlook and Panorama Point for breath-taking views.
Unlike some of Utah’s more crowded parks, Capitol Reef offers a quieter, more serene experience. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy a sense of solitude and tranquillity that’s harder to find in places like Arches, Canyonlands, or Zion. While it may not require as much time to explore as its counterparts, Capitol Reef is absolutely worth a visit for its unique charm and beauty.
Camping: Capitol Reef provides excellent camping opportunities, including one of Utah’s most picturesque national park campgrounds. Fruita Campground, nestled against orange cliffs and surrounded by orchards, is just 15 minutes from Torrey and offers a peaceful retreat. For those seeking more remote options, smaller camping areas are scattered along the park’s scenic drive, and RV parks are available outside the park.
Nearby Town: The charming town of Torrey, located just outside the park, is the perfect base for your visit. This small, welcoming community offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring Capitol Reef’s wonders.
Utah's national and state parks are among the top destinations in the state for unforgettable outdoor adventures and breath-taking sightseeing. With stunning landscapes featuring natural arches, majestic canyons, serene rivers, picturesque lakes, and vast sand dunes, Utah is a haven for nature enthusiasts and an ideal playground for thrill-seekers. Whether you're hiking through rugged trails, capturing the beauty of red rock formations, or exploring hidden gems, Utah offers something for everyone.
At Pure Trip, we specialise in crafting personalized travel experiences that bring your dream adventures to life. Let us handle all the details, from planning your itinerary to booking accommodations and activities, so you can focus on enjoying Utah's natural wonders. Whether you're seeking a serene retreat or an action-packed adventure, Pure Trip ensures a seamless and unforgettable journey tailored to your preferences. Let us help you explore Utah's iconic parks and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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