The desert-like landscape of Utah delivers magnificent scenes, massive mesas, deep canyons and crags, vast expanses, and tranquil desolation. All these make Utah national parks some of the most beautiful destinations in the USA.
The parks offer unique hiking opportunities through rock formations and geological features that seem alien. Destinations that couldn’t possibly be found on earth, yet, in Utah they appear ubiquitous.
Here is a look at the best national parks and monuments in Utah to visit if you are looking for a truly out-of-this-world experience while roadtripping in the Beehive State.
1. Arches National Park
The largest collection of sandstone arches on earth can be found right in the heart of eastern Utah at Arches National Park near Moab.
Arches park has garnered great fame for its otherworldly landscape; a surface of red rock dotted with sandstone formations and arches.
Delicate Arch is the most famous of all the arches but Landscape Arch, which spans more than 300 feet, is one of the most impressive.
Then there is Double Arch which is the tallest arch in the park, it’s on our list of five easy hikes at Arches.
Over the years new arches are created and old ones disappear due to the constant erosion of the sandstone.
Make time to visit one of nature’s most outstanding sculpture gardens, you won’t be disappointed.
Note: Timed entry is required from April 1 to October 31 at Arches National Park.
The sunrise hike to Delicate Arch is an enjoyable hike – bring headlamps if you plan to start before dawn
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
If you can dream up the perfect hiking scenery, Bryce Canyon Park is about as close as you can get.
The Navajo Loop Trail is one of the most photographed in the state thanks to the Thor’s Hammer switchback section that winds down through the mammoth red cliffs.
Read our Bryce Canyon one day itinerary, the park is small enough that you can easily see the highlights and hike a few trails in a day trip.
The hoodoo formations in the park form a jagged edge on the horizon with some standing as high as 200 feet.
As the sun peaks through their silhouettes in the early morning, you will quickly realize that you are in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
From Sunset Point hike the trail to Thor’s Hammer and magnificent views of the hoodoos at Bryce
3. Canyonlands National Park
Do you like epic sunrises? Can’t get enough of wide open spaces? Could you get into a bit of off-road action? Then Canyonlands is the Utah national park for you!
Here you can take the dusty roads winding up, down, and through the karst landscape, leading to spellbinding views like Shafer Canyon.
Mesa Arch is one of the most popular attractions in the park. Here visitors can see the golden sunrise over the alien-like landscape, with the arch perfectly framing the scene.
If the parking is already full at Mesa Arch, plan a hike to the amazing views on the Grand View Point Overlook trail.
To really get away from the crowds take a hike through the Needles to admire the striated rock formations or head over to the Green River overlook for an unforgettable sunset.
You can read our guide to the best things to do in Canyonlands.
The view from Shafer Trail Overlook looking down to the coolest backcountry road in Canyonlands
4. Capitol Reef National Park
As one of the lesser-known Utah National Parks, Capitol Reef is also the least visited of the Mighty 5 in Utah.
But this park is spectacular in every way, you’ll find a bunch of cool stuff to do at Capitol Reef.
The vast scenery itself will leave you awestruck. There’s also a few pioneering ruins and ancient petroglyphs etched on red rock walls.
Plus, oodles of orchards that you can pick your own fruit including peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, and many more fruits, so cool!
The park is loaded with hiking trails for all levels of fitness, taking you past sandstone arches, canyons, and dramatic rock walls.
Make sure to stop at Panorama Point and Sunset Point for gorgeous views of the rocky landscape.
Try to plan a stay after sunset as Capitol Reef has some of the best stargazing in the national parks.
There are lots of fruit orchards at Capitol Reef where you can pick your own snack right off the trees
5. Zion National Park
Utah National parks are known for their imposing rock formations, canyons, and vast landscape, none more than Zion National Park.
It is the most famous and most visited park in the state of Utah, covering nearly 150,000 acres. Zion is actually my least favorite of the National Parks in Utah. I prefer the less crowded parks.
Angel’s Landing (permit required) and The Narrows are the two most famous hikes at Zion National Park. Both are considered strenuous hikes.
For something less strenuous there are short easy hikes at Zion like Pa’rus Trail which is even wheelchair accessible.
To escape the usual crowds at Zion head over to the northern region of the park to hike the trails at Kolob Canyons. This is the area of Zion park that I do actually love visiting.
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Angels Landing switchbacks will keep you busy at Zion
6. Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
Imagine a park bigger than the state of Delaware; a place so remote that it is the last place to be completely mapped in the lower 48 states. You have arrived at Grand Staircase-Escalante.
This national monument is famed for its daunting slot canyons.
Sheer rock walls rise on either side, forcing hikers to squeeze through passages as narrow as 12-inches at some points.
The “staircase” in question is the unique striations seen on the rock formations, evidence of millions of years of geological activities.
7. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Stretching across Southern Utah and Northern Arizona the Glen Canyon area offers striking rock formations and a whole lot of fun things to do.
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most iconic scenes of the Southwestern USA.
The mighty Colorado River makes a 270º bend at the bottom of a 1000-foot canyon before winding down towards the Grand Canyon.
Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to hike to Horseshoe Bend.
Apart from hiking and biking at Glen Canyon, you can also partake in various water-based activities, something that isn’t very common in Utah National Parks. (Although, in 2022 the severe drought is having a drastic effect on water levels at Glen Canyon and throughout the Southwestern United States.)
The Glen Canyon is known for fishing, kayaking, and boating but you can simply set up camp next to the tranquil water and enjoy.
Not into camping? Then stay on the southside of the park in Page Arizona which is an amazing location for exploring the Glen Canyon area.
Sunset at Horseshoe Bend is the most popular time for visitors, but a sunrise hike is less crowded
8. Bears Ears National Monument
Two rocky buttes grow from the horizon, lending this park its memorable name.
Bears Ears park is a hotspot for paleontological exploration with native American ruins and ancient cave drawings in abundance.
The monument offers all sorts of recreational opportunities like cannoning, climbing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking.
Any of these will take you past the aspen groves, sandstone arches, and desert highlands that shape this magnificent area.
9. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Although it is one of Utah’s smaller national parks, Cedar Breaks packs quite the punch. Hundreds of jagged hoodoos mimic petrified Cedar trees with pointy edges shooting through the red rocks.
Hiking in the park is perfect for adventure seekers and photography lovers as you get the chance to get close to the crags.
And you get a chance to see one of the most extraordinary (and ancient) tree species, the bristlecone pine which can live up to 5,000 years!
Take in the view of the natural amphitheater, just one of the many highlights in the park, wowing onlookers with its steep slopes and vivid colors.
I stayed in Cedar City, and Cedar Breaks is a perfect day trip from there. It’s a beautiful scenic drive and Cedar Breaks is great alternative to Bryce Canyon when you want to see hoodoos but not the crowds of visitors.
Bristlecone Pines can survive in adverse conditions and live to around 5,000 years
10. Dinosaur National Monument
Forget about looking at dinosaur fossils behind 2-inch glass in a museum. At Dinosaur National Monument, visitors can see fossils still confined to the rock where prehistoric giants once roamed.
These are accompanied by petroglyphs and pictographs from ancient civilizations.
Hikers can feast their eyes on panoramic views from the trails while thrill seekers can take to the water and go river rafting.
There are also camping options for those looking to escape to this remote corner of Utah.
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11. Hovenweep National Monument
Utah national parks are perfect for nature lovers, but history buffs can also get their kicks thanks to the slew of ancestral monuments dotted across some of the landscapes.
Hovenweep holds 6 Ancestral Puebloan villages dating back to the early 13th century, offering a glimpse into North American history.
The landscape of southeastern Utah is still picturesque and avid hikers will have no problem falling in love with this corner of the state.
The flat-topped mesas the state is known for still dominate the scenery, offering stunning views in every direction.
In Southeastern Utah you can hike the trails of Hovenweep to the ancient Pueblos
12. Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Although Utah’s above-ground treasures are spectacular, one shouldn’t forget about the equally captivating underground world that’s on offer too.
Timpanogos Cave is a system of three caves connected by tunnels and decorated with mineral cave features.
The hike to the cave entrance is steep but the payoff is more than worth it.
Snowy conditions might limit access in the winter so be sure to visit the monument before winter sets in.
13. Natural Bridges National Monument
Most Utah National Parks require visitors to take on some pretty grueling hikes over, under, and through some rough terrain to see the best landmarks. At Natural Bridges, however, the three most notable landmarks all sit on an easily accessible 9-mile loop road.
The three natural bridges in the park are awe-inspiring in size, seemingly defying the laws of nature.
The largest rises 220 feet from the White Canyon below, spanning over 250 feet across.
14. Rainbow Bridge National Monument
The Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest natural stone bridges in the world.
The monument sits inside Glen Canyon park and has very restricted access, making your visit all the more special.
Boats used to dock around a mile from the actual stone formation and visitors hiked the last portion. Since late 2021, with low water levels and storm damage the dock is no longer an option, but boaters can still access the shoreline.
Another option of getting to the Rainbow Bridge (for experienced backcountry hikers) is a multi-day hike from within the Navajo Nation (a permit is required) taking you through the backcountry from Navajo Mountain.
If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies you’ll also experience outstanding stargazing opportunities.
It’s no cake walk getting to Rainbow Bridge at Lake Powell
15. Golden Spike National Historic Park
The transcontinental railroad that connected the East Coast to the West in the United States formed a pivotal part of the nation’s development.
At Golden Spike National Historic Park you can visit the site where the last rail spike was added to the tracks, marking the completion of this mammoth piece of infrastructure.
During early May there are also a couple of historical reenactments, taking visitors right back to the ceremony from 1869. Typically, the park offers free admission on these dates.
There are also replica Victorian-era locomotives on display, a real treat for rail fans.
Summary
With other worldly rock formations, stunning panoramic landscapes, and a variety of hiking trails from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes there is something for everyone to enjoy at these Utah National Parks and Monuments.
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