Comprising more than 840,000 acres of federally protected natural wonders, Utah’s five national parks offer visitors a glimpse of some of the world’s most amazing and unique landscapes.
Are you a thrill seeker? Nothing compares to the rush of adrenaline you get when rappelling down canyon walls or trekking through narrow slot canyons. Traveling with young children? Choose one of the many short, accessible hikes that offer spectacular views of the towering red rock formations. The iconic rock formations of Utah’s Mighty Five took millions of years to form, but most visitors are based on a much more limited timeline to explore them. .
Make the most of your time in Utah’s national parks by choosing from the featured outdoor activities below.
Utah National Parks: Highlight Reels
Explore the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Arches National Park is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. 2,000 red rock arches for which the park is named.
Standing at the edge of a sandstone bowl, the 65-foot-tall free-standing Delicate Arch is the most famous arch in the park.
For a closer look, you can hike the 3-mile round-trip trail. This trail is rated moderate and takes about 2-3 hours to complete, but the scenery is definitely worth it. Along the way, hikers can take in views of the surrounding red rock formations and canyons.
Or see the Delicate Arch in the distance. View of the lower delicate archFlat and wheelchair accessible. Traveling to this viewpoint takes less than 15 minutes, making it easy to fit into even the busiest day of exploration.
Go on a family-friendly hike to see the Landscape Arch in Arches National Park
If the gradual hike up to Delicate Arch is too ambitious for your group, try Landscape Arch instead. This stands out among the many impressive arches for which Arches National Park is named.
At 290 feet long from base to base, it is one of the longest natural arches in the world.
The hike to see the arch up close is rated as easy, so visitors should definitely include this trek in their itinerary. The 2.6-mile round trip trail takes 30-45 minutes. Great activity for families with children.
Go off-road at Needles in Canyonlands National Park
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Needles area of Canyonlands National Park is the place to be.
The area is famous for its towering sandstone spiers and rock formations, but thrill-seekers are encouraged to go off-road in a 4×4 or mountain bike through the backcountry.
of Elephant Hill Trail is a challenging and scenic route that takes visitors through some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes. Not for the faint of heart as it is full of steep slopes and sharp turns. For those brave enough to take on the tough trails (and the primitive toilets), the scenery and thrills are well worth it.
Plan Ahead: Elephant Hill Trail Day and Overnight Trips permission is requiredpermit reservations can be competitive.
Experience a thrilling rafting experience at Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky
Canyonlands National Park It is divided into 4 districts. The Island in the Sky district is known to be the most accessible and offers stunning expansive views.
However, many tourists do not know that this is the best place for rafting. The winding waters of the Colorado and Green Rivers meet at the southernmost tip of Island in the Sky for a thrilling and unforgettable rafting experience.
The rapids range from gentle to wild, so adventure seekers of all experience levels can try this adventure. When the water is calm, be sure to look up at the views of the Red Rock Canyon that surrounds the river.
Enjoy a unique hiking adventure in the Narrows of Zion National Park
When visiting any Utah’s Mighty Five, breathtaking views are the norm. But no list of unforgettable things to do in Utah’s national parks would be complete without the Narrows.
This slot canyon is famous for its stunning beauty and unique hiking adventures. The hike takes you along the Virgin River, which flows through narrow canyon walls, giving you an intimate feel for the surrounding rock formations.
Please do not make any mistakes. There is no road on this hike so you will get wet. But the memories made will surely last long after the socks are dry.
hiking may be challengingHikers will have to trek through cold water and over slippery rocks, but it’s a one-of-a-kind experience with stunning views of towering walls and crystal clear water.
Don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to revisit these views for years to come.
Experience the thrill of canyoning in Zion National Park
For adventure-seeking thrill-seekers, Canyoning in Zion National Park is required.
Adrenaline junkies may be familiar with the term, but even for those who aren’t, canyoning involves rappelling down steep canyon walls, jumping into puddles, and traversing narrow slot canyons. You will be thrilled to know that
Many of Zion’s guided tours offer canyoneering experiences for all skill levels and are accessible to seasoned explorers to keen beginners. Canyoning is a great way to explore the hidden corners of Zion National Park and see iconic red rock formations and canyons up close.
don’t forget to get Canyoning Permit before leaving. These trips are popular and some canyon permits are only available by lottery.
See amazing wildlife on a ground wash hike in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem in Utah’s national parks, but savvy travelers will put the park and the Grand Wash hike on their must-see list.
This 7.4-mile round-trip trail takes visitors through a narrow canyon. The trail offers views of towering cliffs, colorful rock formations and unique geology. But what really sets this trail apart is the abundance of wildlife.
If lucky, hikers may spot bighorn sheep foraging along the steep canyon walls, and glimpses of mule deer, golden eagles and highland lizards. The awe-inspiring opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat will be a truly unforgettable experience.
Stargazing at Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah’s five national parks are all great spots for stargazing. But based on my experience, Bryce’s Canyon is second to none when it comes to seeing what the sky has to offer.
Why are the stars so bright in Utah? According to VisitUtah.com“Utah has the largest concentration of the vast amount of certified international dark sky parks and communities that are part of the catalog of the world’s greatest dark skies.”
I saw this firsthand when my family visited Bryce Canyon on a clear night during the new moon. As the sun went down, it was as if someone flipped a switch and flipped a switch in the sky.
It was surreal looking up at the same sky that I see every night in Ohio, but somehow it felt like I was seeing it for the first time. Everything turned out. light pollution Light from houses, street lights, and other sources in populated areas greatly limits what can be seen in the night sky.
It was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life.
Next time you go to Bryce Canyon or Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, know that the real show starts after dark.
Go horseback riding in Capitol Reef National Park
For a unique way to explore Capitol Reef National Park, consider going horseback riding.
The park offers guided horseback tours that take visitors through stunning desert landscapes and along the Fremont River. These tours range from his 1 to 3 hours and are suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see ancient rock paintings, towering sandstone cliffs, and panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Horseback riding in Capitol Reef National Park is an unforgettable experience that allows you to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the park’s rich history and culture.
Hike the Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
Whether you call them hoodoos, fairy chimneys, or tent rocks, Bryce Canyon National Park It is famous for its tall, slender red rock spiers. Hike the Rim Trail for great views of these formations.
The entire trail is about 11 miles long, but there are plenty of trailheads along the way, so short hikes as little as a mile are possible. The trail is well maintained and relatively easy and It will be accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
One of the highlights of the Rim Trail is the opportunity to observe the changing colors of the canyon at different times of the day. The early morning light casts a golden glow on the hoodoo, while the late afternoon sun creates dramatic shadows and highlights. As the sun sets, the valley takes on a warm orange hue and is truly breathtaking.
Hikers can stop at various lookouts to admire the scenery and take photos of the unique scenery. Popular observatories include Sunrise Point, Sunset Point and Inspiration Point. Each offers a different perspective of the canyon and hikers can spend hours exploring the different trails and viewpoints.
Jake is an entrepreneur and traveler from Cincinnati, Ohio. He shares stories of his travels as he travels across the country sampling his America with his wife and his three sons.
