Southern Utah is an expansive desert wilderness that beckons travelers from around the world. One of nature’s great canvases, it features chiseled canyons, red rock hoodoos, delicate arches, soaring cliffs, and lonely unpaved roads.

I’ve said it often and I’ll say it again: There’s no place quite like southern Utah.

While the United States has its fair share of breathtaking landscapes, southern Utah is truly out of this world. The legendary area—home to some of the American Southwest’s signature attractions—boasts some of the most iconic desertscapes on Earth.

Its swath of red desert encompasses no less than five stunning national parks.

And while each is truly unique and deserving of individual praise, together Utah’s national parks comprise the legendary Mighty 5.

THE MIGHTY 5 IN UTAH

Utah’s Mighty 5—Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches—are certainly worthy of the hype they receive. While the parks each contain striking red rock landscapes, they are all completely unique in their own way.

Each Utah park anchors a travel region that beckons adventurers and photographers. In Arches, stone bridges litter a juniper-clad desert. In nearby Canyonlands, water and erosion have carved out a sprawling landscape of pinnacles and chiseled ravines. In Capitol Reef, little-known backroads give way to epic lonely vistas. In Bryce, fairy tale hoodoos inspire photographers in droves.

And finally, in Zion, Utah’s red rock grandeur culminates in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

While some might argue about which Utah national park is the most beautiful, one thing is for certain: Collectively, the Mighty 5 have a nickname that is well-suited.

OUR MIGHTY 5 ROAD TRIP

We visited Utah’s National Parks over the course of two road trips. Collectively, these short vacations consisted of two days in Zion, one day in Bryce, two days in Capitol Reef, one day in Arches, and two days in Canyonlands.

On our first trip, we spent a weekend exploring Capitol Reef with a Toyota 4Runner. The vehicle allowed us to travel the national park’s treacherous roads with little fear of getting stuck.

One month later, we returned to southern Utah with the intention of visiting the other national parks. We wanted more freedom to explore without having to worry about food and accommodation, so we decided to rent a campervan with Traveller’s Autobarn. The budget campervan rental allowed us to sample van-life for less than the price of a car rental.

Most people access the area via Las Vegas (2.5 hours from Zion, 6.5 hours from Arches) or Salt Lake City (3+ hours from each of the Mighty 5). When we visited Capitol Reef, we used Salt Lake City as our gateway. On our longer road trip, we chose to fly in and out of Las Vegas.

A mighty 5 road trip takes at least one week, end to end. A minimum of ten days would be ideal. Anything less than a week means being forced to skip out on some of the most awe-inspiring attractions in the United States.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Arches National Park is a beloved Utah tourist destination. A masterpiece of nature, it is renowned the world over for its delicate stone gardens. The national park’s giant sandstone arcs lie beneath the gaze of the La Sal Mountains. While the entire area is a red rock paradise, the natural rock arches are its primary draw.

In fact, its signature arch is so universally lauded, that it has become a defining symbol of the American Southwest.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK WINDOWS SECTION

The Windows Section is one of three main areas in Arches National Park. It is home to a dense concentration of arches that stand within eyeshot of each other.

A popular short one-mile loop in the Windows Area visits North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.

Across the parking lot, cavernous Double Arch—the park’s tallest—is another site worth visiting.

DEVIL’S GARDEN

Devil’s Garden is home to Arches National Park’s longest official hiking trail. It lies at the very end of the Arches National Park Scenic Drive.

The hike through Devil’s Garden winds between towering rock spires and passes by Landscape Arch—the world’s longest natural bridge.

Devil’s Garden Loop is the park’s most adventurous trek. For those looking to lace up their hiking boots, it brings a slew of rewards. In just under eight miles, the trail features no less than eight spectacular natural arches.

DELICATE ARCH SECTION

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the beauty of Utah’s national parks, I’m sure you’ve seen photos of Delicate Arch. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the US National Parks System.

The best way to experience Delicate Arch is by hiking the scenic three-mile trail to its base.

The upside-down U shaped arch is the national park’s top attraction. It is the largest free-standing Arch in the park.

The Delicate Arch Trail may be packed with tourists, but it is popular for a reason. If you only have limited time to spend in the Utah park, then hiking to the exquisite stone arch should be your #1 priority.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING ARCHES

Arches National Park is compact and easy to navigate. Like Bryce, it features tons of roadside viewpoints and short hiking trails that make it possible to see the best of the area in a limited timeframe.

• ARCHES NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE

Admission to Arches National park is good for seven days and costs $30 per vehicle. Travelers intent on visiting both Arches and Canyonlands may want to consider the $55 Southeastern Utah Parks Pass (valid for one year).

If you’re planning on visiting more than three national parks in Utah, then an Annual Interagency Pass is your most cost-effective bet.

• HOTELS NEAR ARCHES

When visiting Arches, most travelers choose to stay in nearby Moab. The town is Utah’s gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands.

Moab has a wide variety of accommodations that suit all types of budget and lodging preferences. Hotels with particularly good reviews include the Mainstay Suites (budget), the Hoodoo Moab (mid-range) and the Sunflower Hill Inn (upper-end).

• CAMPING IN ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Devil’s Garden Campground is the only lodging option within Arches National Park. A full-service camping area, it lies situated among spectacular rock fins.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Canyonlands National Park boasts some of the most enthralling and underrated vistas in all of Utah. Within its 520 square mile expanse, it contains winding river canyons, towering rock spires, white-rimmed cliffs, and ancient Native American settlements.

The Colorado and Green rivers form a Y that divides Canyonlands into four distinct districts: The Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and Horseshoe Canyon.

Each district is independent from the other and contains its own set of must-see attractions.

ISLAND IN THE SKY DISTRICT

Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky offers breathtaking views over the Colorado and Green rivers. Its roadside pullouts lie along a Y-shaped ribbon of pavement that traces the entire length of the plateau.

In the Island in the Sky, majestic overlooks provide accessible aerial vistas of the sprawling red rock maze.

From the visitor center, the national park road leads past numerous overlooks and trailheads, toward Grand Viewpoint. Chief places of interest include the White Rim Overlook and Buck Canyon Overlook.

A secondary branch off the main road leads toward Upheaval Dome. Notable stops along the way include the Aztec Ruins and Whale Rock.

The Island in the Sky’s panoramic viewpoints bring visitors face-to-face with the area’s sheer walls and white-tipped cliffs. Every overlook in the district offers a different birds-eye vantage point over the chiseled desertscape.

THE NEEDLES DISTRICT

The Needles District is famous for its wall of stone pillars that jut skyward like blunted needles in a vast pincushion. Among its towering rock gardens, the area contains some of the best hiking trails in southern Utah.

Although it isn’t as heavily trafficked as Island in the Sky, the hiker’s wonderland boasts bewitching vistas, diverse topography, and unforgettable trails.

Top hikes in The Needles include the Chesler Park Loop and the Druid Arch Trail.

THE MAZE AND HORSESHOE CANYON

The Maze and Horseshoe Canyon—two areas of the park that I have yet to explore—are remote and seldom-visited. They require 4×4 vehicles and loads of time.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING CANYONLANDS

Canyonlands is huge. Even with two jam-packed days of sightseeing, Dan and I only scratched the surface. If you’re looking to visit the park in one day, Island in the Sky provides the easiest access to viewpoints. Alternatively, if you’re a lover of meandering hikes, The Needles affords views of otherworldly terrain.

Beyond its two most popular sections, Canyonlands is America at its most wild and inaccessible.

• CANYONLANDS ENTRANCE FEE

Admission to Canyonlands National Park costs $30. For travelers wishing to spend more time in the area, a Southeast Utah Parks pass may be a more effective purchase. It costs $55, is valid for one year, and allows for unlimited entrances to both Arches and Canyonlands.

Of course, I always advocate for the $80 Interagency Annual Pass. It provides the most far-reaching access to America’s federal lands.

• HOTELS NEAR CANYONLANDS

Most visitors to Canyonlands will choose to stay in Moab—southeast Utah’s premier tourism hub. As a gateway to the region’s attractions, Moab has a long list of fantastic places to stay. These places suit a wide array of travel styles and budgetary constraints.

Top-rated hotels in Moab include the Castle Valley Inn and Sunflower Hill Inn.

• CAMPING IN CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

In the Island in the Sky District, the Willow Flat Campground has 12 first-come first-served spots and is open year-round. Nearby, Dead Horse Point State Park contains two additional established camping areas.

The Needles Campground has 26 designated spaces and costs $20 per night.

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

Though Capitol Reef is Utah’s least-visited national park, its scenery is no less awe-inspiring. Most people limit their visits to the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and stop by the attractions along Highway 24.

But the park is so much more than a drive-through destination or quick pit-stop.

Capitol Reef is steeped in history and geological importance. Top things to do in Capitol Reef include visiting the orchards in the Fruita District and going off-grid to the park’s Cathedral Valley and Waterpocket Districts

THE FRUITA DISTRICT

The Fruita District is home to the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. It is the most highly-trafficked area in the park and contains Capitol Reef’s only network of paved roads.

The 7.9 mile Scenic Drive splits from Highway 24 in Fruita and winds through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, it allows visitors to see many of the park’s famous formations. It also provides access to popular trailheads and two unpaved offshoot roads.

Capitol Reef’s Fruita District features apple orchards, shaded picnic areas, scenic drives, and a combination of historical and cultural attractions. Top places of interest include the Gifford Homestead, the Grand Wash Road, and Capitol Gorge.

CATHEDRAL VALLEY LOOP

The Cathedral Valley is a scenic area of Capitol Reef that lies north of Highway 24. A remote and pristine desert, it is characterized by cathedral-like monoliths that erupt from the desert floor.

The Cathedral Valley is among the most enchanting areas of the park.

And yet, while it is undoubtedly a must-see attraction, it remains almost entirely off the trodden tourist trail.

Visiting the striking Temples of the Sun and Moon is the highlight of the Cathedral Valley Loop. The rock formations lie just inside the border of the national park, along a treacherous sandy road.

Other must-see destinations along the loop include the Cathedral Valley Overlook, the Upper and Lower South Desert overlooks, and the Bentonite Hills.

WATERPOCKET DISTRICT

The Waterpocket Fold is the main reason that Capitol Reef became a national park in 1971.

A 100 mile buckle in the earth’s crust, it is a geological curiosity that once blocked the westward migration of pioneers.

The Strike Valley Overlook provides the best views over the park’s extensive wrinkle. It is well worth the detour, despite its somewhat questionable access road.

From Fruita, the drive to the Waterpocket District follows the Notom-Bullfrog Road through the Strike Valley. Then, it veers onto the Burr Trail Road, ascends a series of hairpin switchbacks, detours to the Strike Valley Overlook, and continues toward Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

While Capitol Reef is Utah’s second largest national park by area, most travelers limit their visits to the Fruita District due to easier accessibility. In other areas of the park, infrastructure is rudimentary at best (think potholed dirt roads, pockets of sand, and river crossings without bridges).

If you’re planning on visiting all three areas of the park, make sure you have access to a 4 wheel drive with high clearance.

• CAPITOL REEF ENTRANCE FEE

Capitol Reef operates on the honor system. Unlike the other national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef does not have a designated fee collection kiosk at its entrances.

The park’s Scenic Drive costs $20 and is payable at the visitor center. There are no fees associated with traveling the Cathedral Valley Loop or Burr Trail Road.

• HOTELS NEAR CAPITOL REEF

Torrey is the gateway to Capitol Reef. The shaded tree-lined town is home to a host of hotels and lodges.

Capitol Reef Resort and the Cougar Ridge Lodge both have great reviews and lie within close proximity to the park’s entrance.

• CAMPING IN CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

Capitol Reef houses three campgrounds: the 71 spot reservable Fruita Campground, and the primitive first-come first-served Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa campgrounds.

Additionally, since much of the national park borders BLM land, finding a camping spot is easy even in peak season. On BLM land, dispersed camping is permitted for free, for up to 14 days at a time.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Visiting Bryce Canyon is like setting foot in a fairy tale. Renowned for its forest of otherworldly rock spires, the park’s ethereal landscape is nothing short of breathtaking.

Bryce’s spire-clad environment is utterly unique and unforgettable. It is an artist’s inspiration; a photographer’s dream.

The national park’s must-see viewpoints line the eastern edge of a 20 mile scenic drive that follows the canyon rim. Near the park entrance, viewpoints showcase the striking Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. Toward the end of the road, panoramic points offer more intimate glimpses into the canyon’s lesser-known reaches.

BRYCE CANYON AMPHITEATER

The Amphitheater is the centerpiece of Bryce Canyon National Park. The Amphitheater viewpoints include Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point. A rim trail connects the viewpoints and provides sweeping aerial panoramas of the canyon and its jagged hoodoos.

Sunrise Point, near the park’s visitor center, boasts postcard-worthy views of the Silent City and Thor’s Hammer. The colors at Sunrise Point are among the most vivid in the park.

The Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden combination trail is one of the top hikes in Bryce. It leaves from Sunrise Point and descends into a spectacular area of jagged rock pinnacles, before making its way back up to Sunset Point.

BRYCE CANYON SCENIC DRIVE

For travelers with a bit more time, the viewpoints along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive are likewise compelling. They offer intimate glimpses into more off-the-beaten-path corners of the national park.

Chief places of interest along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive include the Natural Bridge Viewpoint, Swamp Canyon, and Rainbow Point.

While its aerial views are somewhat less dramatic than those in the Amphitheater, the stops along Bryce Canyon’s scenic drive highlight the area’s varied geology. Carpets of ponderosa pines contrast against red rock spires. In the distance, the 11,328 ft Aquarius Plateau looms above Utah’s nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING BRYCE

Logistically, Bryce Canyon is easy to navigate. As the smallest national park in Utah, its top attractions can be easily visited in one day. The park hugs a 20 mile scenic road that is open to both shuttle service and individual vehicle traffic.

• BRYCE CANYON ENTRANCE FEE

Entrance to Bryce Canyon costs $35 per vehicle. The pass includes unlimited entrances and is valid for one week. If traveling to Bryce as part of a multi-park road trip, however, I recommend purchasing the Interagency Pass for $80.

• HOTELS NEAR BRYCE CANYON

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only accommodation option within the confines of the national park. The historic hotel offers guest suites, motel rooms, and cabins that are within walking distance of the Amphitheater.

Near the park’s entrance, the small town of Bryce has a handful of places to stay—including Ruby’s Inn and the Luxe Bryce Canyon Home.

• CAMPING IN BRYCE

Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds that are located within close proximity of the Bryce Amphitheater. North Campground operates on a first-come first-served basis, while Sunset Campground accepts reservations during peak season.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park is often considered to be the pinnacle of Utah’s grandeur. The park features sheer red rock cliffs, sweeping canyon vistas, and some of the best hiking trails in the United States.

The spectacular park encompasses 232 square miles of pure awesomeness. A red rock wonderland, it is home to narrow sandstone canyons, soaring red cliffs, and pockets of emerald vegetation.

From its intoxicating colors to its lofty vistas that overlook the meandering Virgin River, the Utah park brims with bucket-list backdrops.

THE ZION CANYON

Zion Canyon is the national park’s beating heart. Its hiking trails afford some of the most iconic views in Utah.

Zion’s popularity comes at a price, however. The canyon can get incredibly crowded. In fact, the area is so popular that the park implemented a mandatory shuttle system in order to alleviate congestion.

Still, the red rock canyon is a highlight of Utah’s Mighty 5 and a must-visit bucket list destination for nature-lovers.

Popular hikes in the Zion Canyon include Angel’s Landing, Observation Point, and the Narrows.

THE KOLOB CANYONS

The Kolob Canyons sees only a fraction of Zion National Park’s visitors. Yet the underrated area is no less impressive than the park’s more touristy destinations.

The Kolob Canyons showcases a series of parallel fissures that are ripe for exploring. These fissures, or ‘finger canyons,’ conceal lesser-known hiking trails that lead to oases, natural arches, and unique sandstone formations.

Kolob Canyons Road is a scenic drive that offers a glimpse into the finger canyons. The road ends high up on a ridge, at Kolob Canyons Viewpoint.

THE ZION-MOUNT CARMEL ROAD

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is the main DIY scenic drive in Zion National Park. The road begins near Springdale and climbs up a canyon wall in a series of switchbacks. Two tunnels—lit by windows that cut through to the cliff face—slice through the deep sandstone escarpment.

While primarily a thoroughfare with scenic vistas, the Zion-Mount Carmel Road is also home to one of the national park’s most scenic hiking trails.

The one mile Canyon Overlook Hike is a must-do activity along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Its sweeping vistas rival some of the most beloved viewpoints along the main Zion Canyon.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING ZION

Zion is Utah’s most popular national park. It is a mecca for those seeking unparalleled desert scenery and iconic hiking trails.

Unfortunately, overwhelming crowds have forced Zion to enact a ban on private vehicles in the main canyon from July-November.

A shuttle service operates along the main canyon road during peak season. Be prepared for long lines and time-consuming waits.

• ZION CANYON ENTRANCE FEE

Zion costs $35 to enter, per vehicle. The entrance fee is valid for both Kolob Canyons and the main area of the park. If you’re planning on spending more than seven consecutive days in the park, Zion annual passes cost $70, while Interagency Passes will set you back $80.

• HOTELS NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK

The historic Zion Lodge lies near the Emerald Pools Trailhead, about halfway down Zion Canyon. It is the best place to stay for those who want unparalleled access to the park’s trails and attractions.

Outside the park, most Zion tourists choose to stay in Springdale. Top-rated accommodations in Springdale include Flanigan’s Inn and the Red Rock Inn Cottages.

• CAMPING IN ZION

Zion National Park is home to two established campgrounds. The South Campground and Watchman Campground (each $20), have more than 300 combined camping spots. They lie on either side of the visitor center, near the main entrance. Advanced booking is necessary.

BEYOND THE MIGHTY 5

The Mighty 5 are the undisputed highlights of Utah.

But for those who wish to add more flavor to their road trips, the state contains a number of places that are equally compelling.

• GRAND STAIRCASE ESCALANTE

The Grand Staircase Escalante covers large swaths of southern Utah. It boasts awe-inspiring red rock landscapes and a litany of  off-the-beaten-path attractions.

We’ve taken two trips through the Grand Staircase and have barely scratched the surface. In addition to the views from Highway 12, we particularly enjoyed traveling the Burr Trail Road and visiting Grosvenor Arch.

• STATE PARKS IN UTAH

There are 43 state parks in Utah. Many of them lie in the southern third of the state and showcase red rock grandeur worthy of national park status. Some of the most beautiful state parks include Kodachrome Basin, Dead Horse Point, and Snow Canyon.

• NORTHERN ARIZONA

Southern Utah and Northern Arizona have a lot of commonalities. They share an awe-inspiring red rock desert landscape that is second to none.

If you’ve got time in your itinerary, it is worth dropping below the border to visit Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Upper and Lower Antelope canyons.

*****

While abroad, I often get asked advice on traveling to the USA. People want to know what places I, as a native, might recommend.

And southern Utah is almost unequivocally my first recommendation.

Sure, there are other extraordinary landscapes in my home country. Hawaii is paradisiacal. Alaska is wild. California is varied. Wyoming has Yellowstone. Montana has Glacier. Oregon and Washington have some of my favorite places on Earth.

But while I could spend all day singing praises about my beloved Pacific Northwest, Utah always springs to the top of my mind when discussing top USA travel destinations.

The state’s red rock desertscapes are extraordinary. Its Mighty 5 are unparalleled.

In my travels to over 100 countries, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything quite like them.

____________________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5? Pin It! 

The post The Mighty 5: A Guide to Utah’s National Parks appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Zion National Park encompasses 232 square miles of pure awesomeness. The red rock wonderland boasts narrow sandstone canyons, soaring red cliffs, and pockets of lush vegetation that burst with life. 

From its intoxicating blend of brilliant colors to its serpentine canyons flanked with sheer walls, the Utah park brims with bucket-list backdrops and incredible hiking opportunities.

I first visited Zion when I was fourteen. I remember standing in awe of the park’s towering rock walls and saturated color scheme. 

Three visits and sixteen years later, the park has not ceased to leave me awestruck.

THINGS TO DO IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion is often regarded as one of the best national parks in the United States.

Even in Utah—a state that showcases some of nature’s most incredible feats—it still finds a way to stand out.

In Zion, the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert all converge to create a landscape of geologic wonders. As with California’s Joshua Tree National Park, the convergence zone results in an ecosystem that is wholly unique. Its mesas and canyons have been sculpted over millennia by wind, rain, ice, volcanic activity, and the flow of the mighty Virgin River. 

For travelers with limited time, cramming all of Zion’s top hikes and attractions into an itinerary can be intimidating. The national park is simply teeming with things to see and do. 

ZION CANYON HIKES

Zion Canyon is the national park’s beating heart. It is home to iconic hiking trails that afford striking views of the area’s fiery red rock walls. The canyon’s cliffs and meandering river provide some of the most well-loved backdrops in the United States.

Tourists flock to Zion Canyon’s spectacular viewpoints and hikes. They clog the trails, swarm the shuttle stops, and file up hiking trails like a colonies of ants. 

Still, the red rock canyon is one of the grandest areas of Utah’s Mighty 5 and a must-visit bucket list destination for nature-lovers. 

• THE WATCHMAN TRAIL

Located near the Zion Canyon turnoff, the three mile Watchman Trail affords spectacular views of the canyon cliffs.

The trail leaves from near the the park’s South Entrance and is one of Zion’s most accessible hiking destinations. 

For travelers who wish to avoid shuttle lines, it is a fantastic option.  

Since Dan and I set out to hike the Watchman as the sun was setting, we didn’t make it to the top of the hike by the time it got dark. 

But the views along the way up were spectacular nonetheless. They rivaled some of the more well-known vistas that lie in the heart of the park. 

• EMERALD POOLS TRAIL

While Zion is most often associated with reds and oranges, the park has pockets of green that stand in stark contrast to their fiery surroundings. At the Emerald Pools, a series of desert oases conceal jewel-like ponds, lush vegetation, and weepy waterfalls.

The Emerald Pools Trail consists of a series of short loops that meander past lushly-vegetated streams. The three-mile combination hike to the upper and lower pools is fairly level and easy—making it a great destination for kids and those seeking a gentler stroll.

When Dan and I visited the Emerald Pools, we found the area to be mostly dry. A light wisp of water trickled off the area’s black-and-white-stained cliffs, but it was nothing like the photos I’d seen online. 

While still beautiful, I imagine the Emerald Pools Trail is likely best in times of year when water is present. 

• ANGEL’S LANDING 

Angels Landing is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike that spends its last half-mile snaking up a precipitous sandstone fin. It is the most iconic hike in Zion. The trail begins by ascending a series of zigzagging switchbacks. After reaching Scout’s Landing, its course becomes increasingly precarious.

For its last half-mile, chains provide a lifeline up the mountain. Along either side of the trail, the red sandstone plummets to the valley floor.

On previous trips to Zion, I didn’t have the guts to hike the Angel’s Landing trail. As someone who is marginally afraid of heights, the videos and images I’d seen of its precarious drop-offs made my feet practically go numb. 

But on my most recent visit to the park, I figured I should at least give the trail a try. If I didn’t feel comfortable moving forward, I could always turn back, I told myself. 

It turns out that the hike up Angel’s Landing wasn’t nearly as treacherous as I’d expected. And the payoff was certainly worth the moments of trepidation. 

That being said, the hike is certainly not for everyone. Always remember that if the trail is too much, there is no shame in turning back. There are plenty of other viewpoints in the park that afford similarly striking vistas. 

• OBSERVATION POINT 

Though Angel’s Landing is Zion National Park’s signature hike, I’d argue that Observation Point actually has the better views. The hike is longer, higher, and less crowded. 

For those who wish to skip the adrenaline rush, Observation Point offers a less heady alternative with incredible views downcanyon. It winds up a steep trail that boasts photo opportunities at every bend. 

From the top of Observation Point, a tapestry of greens, oranges, reds and pinks unfolds. The aerial view showcases vegetation-speckled cliffs, the sinuous spine of Angel’s Landing, and the winding course of the Virgin River. 

The eight-mile round-trip trail up to Observation Point is accessible via the East Rim Trail, from Weeping Rock (currently closed due to rockslides). 

• THE RIVERSIDE WALK

The two-mile Riverside Walk makes up the first portion of the Zion Narrows. 

An easy stroll, it affords views of narrowing sandstone cliffs and the ambling Virgin River. Cottonwood trees cover the majority of the path throughout the day, creating a comfortable shade and adding to the area’s explosion of color.

Wildlife abounds along the Riverside Walk. During our visit, we saw mule deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds.

Much like a neighborhood sidewalk, the gentle path is level and paved.

At the end of the path, hikers can peer into the iconic Zion Narrows.

• THE ZION CANYON NARROWS

The Zion Narrows Hike is one of the national park’s primary draws. The hike begins at the end of the Riverside Walk. It follows the course of the Virgin River and requires wading through ice-cold water. 

Many casual hikers—outfitted with sturdy shoes, trekking poles, and drysuits—wander in for a look and turn back after a few hours. To complete the entire hike requires following the river for 16 miles, from the end of the Riverside Walk to Chamberlain’s Ranch (or vice-versa).

Journeying past Big Springs requires a permit. 

I didn’t get the chance to hike the Zion Narrows on my most recent visit due to toxic algae bloom in the Virgin River, but fondly remember exploring the area during a school trip in 8th grade. 

KOLOB CANYONS IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion’s main canyon is spectacular. It features some of the most iconic scenery in the United States. 

But there is so much more to the seductive red-rock area than most visitors even realize. So when camera-toting tourists swarm the trails in Zion’s main canyon, hikers seeking more solitude head to the Kolob Canyons instead.

The Kolob Canyons section of Zion sees only a fraction of the park’s visitors. A Sedona-like landscape of colorful geology, the area showcases a series of parallel fissures that glow a fiery red. 

These fissures, or ‘finger canyons,’ conceal lesser-known hiking trails that lead to oases, natural arches, and unique sandstone formations. 

Kolob Canyons Road is a scenic drive that offers a glimpse into the finger canyons. The road ends high up on a ridge, at Kolob Canyons Viewpoint.

• TIMBER CREEK TRAIL

Timber Creek Trail, the easiest path in Kolob Canyons, lies at the end of the road. The scenic 0.5 mile trail follows a 100ft ascent to a small peak. It affords sweeping views from the top of the ridgeline and offers travelers with limited time an opportunity to experience the area’s beauty.

On clear days, it is possible to see all the way to the northern lip of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. 

• TAYLOR CREEK

Taylor Creek’s Middle Fork is the most popular hike in Zion’s Kolob Canyons. A five mile hike up one of the area’s enchanting finger canyons, it boasts views of historical cabins and the Double Arch Alcove. 

While at the national park’s main visitor center, I overheard a staff member recommend the Taylor Creek hike to a customer. She mentioned that it was, without a doubt, her favorite trail in Zion National Park. 

I didn’t have the chance to hike along Taylor Creek during my visit to Kolob Canyons. If I’d had more time, however, the hike would have been a top priority. 

THE ZION-MOUNT CARMEL HIGHWAY

Some Utah parks (notably Arches and Bryce) offer travelers an opportunity to drive from viewpoint to viewpoint. 

But Zion National Park isn’t that type of place. In fact, Zion caters almost exclusively to hikers. 

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a notable exception. 

The  ribbon of pavement carves through sandstone and affords views of some of Zion’s most beautiful natural features. It begins near Springdale and climbs up a canyon wall in a series of switchbacks. Two tunnels—illuminated by windows that cut through to the cliff face—slice through the deep stone mountains.

While primarily a thoroughfare with scenic vistas, the Zion-Mount Carmel Road is also home to one of the national park’s most scenic hiking trails. 

• CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL

The one-mile Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a short and relatively easy hike.

But the short trail packs a lot of punch when it comes to views.

The overlook’s tremendous viewpoint reveals the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway’s zigzagging switchbacks.

Beyond, views unfold over the West Temple, the Towers of the Virgins, and the East Temple.

For those with limited time, the short overlook hike offers views comparable to those of Angel’s Landing and Observation Point. 

ADDITIONAL HIKES IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion is a hiker’s wonderland. As with the Canyonlands Needles, it isn’t the type of place that can be fully appreciated from behind the window of a moving car. While it is possible to get a taste for the area’s diverse offerings over the course of a few days, it  would take weeks to experience all of Zion’s top hikes. I certainly have not had the time to undertake them all. 

On my next visit to Zion, I would like to prioritize the Subway and the West Rim Trail. 

• THE SUBWAY 

The Subway is a semi-technical slot canyon hike in Zion National Park. Completing the hike requires wading and scrambling down the Left Fork of North Creek.

I’ve heard the Subway described as a more challenging version of the Narrows. It requires a permit and a shuttle. 

• WEST RIM TRAIL

The West Rim Trail is Zion’s premier backpacking destination. A 28 mile journey (14 miles one-way), it starts at Lava Point and descends into Zion’s main canyon. Though it is possible to rush the entire length of the route in one day, most visitors make it a two-day trip by camping either at Potato Hollow or Cabin Springs.

There are a total of 9 campsites on the West Rim Trail. A permit is required to camp within the park.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park is home to two established campgrounds and a historic lodge. Zion Lodge lies near the Emerald Pools Trailhead, about halfway down the Zion Canyon. 

For travelers looking to have a more rustic experience, the South Campground and Watchman Campground (each $20), have more than 300 combined camping spots. They lie on either side of the visitor center, near the main entrance. 

Outside of the park’s boundaries, most Zion tourists choose to stay in Springdale. Top-rated accommodations in Springdale include Flanigan’s Inn and the Red Rock Inn Cottages. 

If Springdale doesn’t have available accommodation to suit your fancy, there are also plenty of hotels and Airbnbs in St George (1.5 hours away). 

THE ZION SHUTTLE 

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the park’s main thoroughfare, is restricted to shuttles and hotel guests from roughly mid-March through October. The shuttle service is intended to curb congestion around the canyon’s main trailheads. 

There are two free shuttles that service the area. One makes several stops in the town of Springdale, just outside the park’s main entrance. The other runs the length of Zion Canyon and brings visitors to main points of interest.

Long lines form for the latter during summer months and busy weekends. 

ZION NATIONAL PARK TOURS

While most people choose to visit Zion national park independently, several guided tours of the area allow you to enjoy the national park from a different perspective.

There are many ways to experience the national park if you’re looking for a bit of adventure—from scenic helicopter flights to Jeep excursions and from guided hikes to Zion UTV tours.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ZION NATIONAL PARK

Between April and September, Zion National Park welcomes soaring temperatures and a whopping 70% of its visitors. As summer approaches, scorching heat can turn even the easiest hikes into grueling slogs. Planning a trip during the park’s off-peak months (October through March) will ensure better weather and fewer panorama-blocking selfie sticks.

In winter months, Zion’s cliffs sometimes get a dusting of snow. While the white contrasts brilliantly against the red rock, trails can become icy and some may even be off-limits. 

Come springtime, the park boasts pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers. Spring is a great time to visit Zion, but stay alert: flash floods are always a possibility.

Fall is Zion’s golden season. Literally. Temperatures cool down, the flash flood risk is low, and the trees burst with yellow leaves. 

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT NEAR ZION

Zion may be one of the most beautiful destinations in Utah, but it is far from the only place to visit in the state. There are a handful of iconic state and national parks nearby that are worth visiting if you have the time.

Snow Canyon is one of the most beautiful state parks in Utah. It is located less than an hour from Zion National Park. Within an hour, you’ll also find Sand Hollow State Park and Coral Pink Sands. 

Many travelers visit Zion as part of a larger national parks road trip around Utah. Bryce Canyon lies less than an hour and a half east of Zion. It is another of Utah’s striking red rock landscapes. 

East of Bryce, you’ll encounter Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and the immense Grand Staircase-Escalante—home to parts of Utah’s Highway 12 and the Burr Trail Road. 

If you head south, you can easily incorporate trips to Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon’s north rim. 

****

What can I say about Zion that hasn’t already been said a thousand times before? The red rock wonderland is simply epic.  

When Mormon settlers came across the spectacular area, they named it ‘Zion,’  which is a Hebrew word meaning sanctuary, or heavenly city. 

The name couldn’t be more apt.

For if Zion isn’t a red rock paradise, then I don’t know what is. 

Did You Enjoy this Guide to the Top Hikes in Zion? Pin It! 

The post Best Hikes in Zion National Park appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Arches National Park is a masterpiece of nature and a beloved Utah tourist destination. Renowned the world over for its delicate rock garden, the national park is among the most iconic places in the United States.

In Arches, giant sandstone arcs frame snowy peaks and juniper-clad desertscape. While the entire area is a red rock paradise, there is no doubt that these natural rock arches are its primary draw.

Indeed, its signature sandstone span is so lauded, that it has become a symbol of the American Southwest—emblazoned on license plates, posted all over Instagram, and impressed upon the memories of its 1.5 million annual visitors. 

BEST VIEWPOINTS AND HIKES IN ARCHES

Over the course of millennia, erosion has chiseled an ever-evolving landscape. Natural rock arches are continually forming, and collapsing, and then forming again.

Utah’s Colorado Plateau is home to the densest concentrations of natural arches in the world. The national park alone claims to contain over 2,000 sandstone spans in just over 100 square miles. Some are mere slivers, while others have openings that surpass 300 ft in diameter.

Many of the park’s sculpted arches are truly legendary. 

Arches National Park’s iconic stone structures lie scattered about the park. Some are clearly visible from the scenic drive, others require short hikes.  

The top things to do in Arches can generally be divided into four main sections: roadside attractions, the Windows Area, the Delicate Arch offshoot, and Devil’s Garden. 

ARCHES SCENIC DRIVE

Most of the viewpoints within Arches lie along the park’s scenic drive. 

Unlike Zion or the Canyonlands Needles District, the park doesn’t have an extensive network of trails suitable for backcountry exploration.  

Instead, an easy drive makes the spectacular landforms accessible to all. 

PARK AVENUE AND THE COURTHOUSE TOWERS

After climbing a series of switchbacks and passing by the Arches Visitor Center, the national park’s landscape opens up with spectacular views of the park’s red rock monoliths and sheer sandstone cliffs.

Park Avenue and the Courthouse Towers are the first major landmarks along the drive.

A roadside viewpoint signifies the starting point of the 1.8 mile Park Avenue Trail. The trail descends steeply into the spectacular canyon and continues to the Courthouse Towers. 

Many travelers choose to hike the trail one-way, as long as there is someone to collect them at the other end. 

BALANCED ROCK

Balanced Rock, one of the most iconic features in the park, stands a staggering 128 feet tall. It resembles an egg that sits precariously on a lopsided tee. 

While the peculiar formation appears perfectly in place, it actually isn’t balanced at all. The Entrada Sandstone boulder sits attached to its eroding mudstone pedestal. 

A 0.3 mile walk wraps around the rock spire. It provides up-close views of the landmark formation. 

THE FIERY FURNACE

The Fiery Furnace is one of Arches National Park’s top roadside attractions. The area consists of tightly-packed boulders that erupt from the desert floor like billowing flames. 

Due to the maze-like nature of its terrain, tourists are prohibited from meandering freely around the Fiery Furnace’s red rock boulders. There are no trail signs or markers in the area, and GPS devices tend to fail among the lofty sandstone walls.

A 1.7 mile ranger-led walk through the Fiery Furnace is the only way in which tourists can access the area’s interior. 

On a previous visit to Utah, Dan and I took part in the ranger-led walk. I remember passing through a narrow slot canyon and coming across a hidden arch. 

During my most recent visit, however, I was not able to hike in the area due to Covid closures. 

Thus, Dan and I decided to soak in the area’s scenery from the Fiery Furnace’s roadside viewpoints instead. 

SAND DUNE ARCH AND BROKEN ARCH LOOP

As the Arches National Park Road continues toward Devil’s Garden, the density of its rock arches increases drastically. The northern end of the park contains arches at every bend—some hidden behind rock fins, others prominently displayed by the roadside. 

While most travelers will head straight toward Landscape Arch in the Devil’s Garden, it is worth relishing the lesser-known stone spans en-route. 

A trailhead lies just before the Salt Valley Road turnoff. The path brings visitors to two split red rock arches.

Sand Dune Arch is accessible via the trail’s right fork. It is sheltered amidst a coliseum of stone fins. To the left, Broken Arch stands majestically against Utah’s cloudless sky. 

Those who choose to continue past Broken Arch, will find a loop trail that leads to Tapestry Arch and the Devil’s Garden Campground. 

Just beyond the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead, Skyline Arch sits perched near the road. A  short out-and-back hike on a well-defined path showcases views of the lofty crescent-shaped span.  

DEVIL’S GARDEN

Devil’s Garden lies at the very end of the scenic drive and is home to Arches National Park’s longest official hiking trail. The scenic hike through Devil’s Garden winds between towering rock spires, passes by the world’s longest natural bridge, and brings hikers to some of the park’s more off-the-beaten-path treasures. 

The 1.3 mile trail to Landscape Arch is among the most popular hikes in Arches. 

But venture beyond, and you’ll be able to enjoy some of the park’s best viewpoints with only a fraction of the crowds. 

Devil’s Garden Loop is the park’s most adventurous trek. For those looking to lace up their hiking boots, it brings a slew of rewards. In just under eight miles, the trail features no less than eight spectacular natural arches. 

LANDSCAPE ARCH HIKE

Landscape Arch lies 1.3 miles down the Devil’s Garden Loop, beyond Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. The paper-thin arch extends for 306 ft and is only 11 ft thick at its center. 

In 1991, a 60 ft slab fell from the rock, relegating its shape to a mere sliver.

Today, the arch looks as though it is only hanging on by a thread. 

Beyond Landscape Arch, the trail gets significantly less crowded. It forks off toward Navajo Arch and Partition Arch, before continuing onward, to Dark Arch, Double O Arch and the Dark Angel Spire. 

Upon reaching the Dark Angel Spire, some hikers choose to return to the parking lot the way they came. 

Others complete the loop by following the lightly-trafficked Primitive Trail. 

DEVIL’S GARDEN PRIMITIVE TRAIL

While Landscape Arch is among the most popular hikes in Arches National Park, the last portion of Devil’s Garden Trail only draws a fraction of the area’s crowds. 

The lightly-trafficked trail is moderately strenuous and descends from Double O Arch into a valley of towering pinnacles. Its path threads through sandstone fins that stand on end like vertically-stacked pancakes. 

The 2.1 mile (one-way)  lightly-trafficked trail meanders through a stone jungle and brings visitors to little-known Private Arch.

It requires a bit of scrambling and trail-finding, but isn’t particularly strenuous or technical. 

THE WINDOWS SECTION

Some consider the Windows Section to be the beating heart of Arches National Park. The area contains a large concentration of windows that stand within eyeshot of each other. 

The whole Windows area is full of unique and captivating stone formations. 

The Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the awe-inspiring expanses that lie within close proximity of each other. Other named features in this area include the Garden of Eden and the Parade of Elephants.

NORTH AND SOUTH WINDOWS LOOP

A popular short loop in the Windows Area visits three impressive arches. Also known as the Spectacles, North Window and South Window stand side by side. The twin arches form openings in the same sandstone fin. A large nose-shaped boulder separates the eyes in the rock.

Visitors can stand directly beneath North Window and look out at a rust-colored landscape of sandstone hoodoos. A primitive trail through this area begins below the South Window.

Turret Arch faces the North and South windows. It, too, has twin openings (though one is significantly smaller than the other).

A stone tower stands adjacent to Turret Arch’s smaller opening. It gives the rock formation a castle-like appearance. 

The circular hike has three spurs leading to the base of each arch. It is an easy action-packed hike with little elevation gain.

Across the parking lot, Double Arch towers over the landscape and offers some of the most impressive views in the park. 

DOUBLE ARCH

Double Arch is a two-tentacled behemoth. It is the tallest and second-longest arch in the park. 

Though its towering stone expanses are clearly visible from the parking area, it is worth taking in views of Double Arch from its sandstone base.

From below the towering arches, it is possible to appreciate the incredible scale of the spectacular rock formation.

Hiking to the base of the massive landform is one of the top things to do in Arches National Park. The hike consists of a relatively flat walk along a 0.5 mile-long trail.  

DELICATE ARCH

WHERE TO STAY NEAR ARCHES

The Devil’s Garden Campground is the only lodging option within Arches National Park. A full-service camping area, it is beautifully situated near Tapestry Arch, among spectacular red rock boulders.

Between March 1st and October 31st, the campsite is reservable online, in advance.

During winter months, it operates on a first-come first-served basis. 

Since hotels and guesthouses do not exist within the park, most travelers will choose to stay in nearby Moab. The small town of Moab is centrally located between Arches and Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky. It is the main gateway to Arches National Park.

Moab boasts everything from budget backpacker accommodations to luxury resorts. It is a fantastic home base, full of independent eateries, grocery stores, and shops. 

The best places to stay in Moab depend on your budget and lodging preferences. Hotels with particularly good reviews include the Mainstay Suites (budget), the Hoodoo Moab (mid-range) and the Sunflower Hill Inn (upper-end). 

WHEN TO VISIT ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

While accessible and heavily-trafficked year-round, Arches National park is most enjoyable between the months of October and May. In summer months, hoards of tourists descend on the park and daytime temperatures frequently soar above 100 degrees. 

If you’re traveling to Arches National Park during the summer, make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If you don’t, you may leave the park looking the same color as the rocks. 

****

Arches National Park’s erosion-sculpted landscape is like an outdoor museum of ornate rock sculptures. Teeming with photo opportunities at every bend, it attracts photographers, hikers, desert-lovers, and nature enthusiasts.

The national park’s photogenic landscape is among the most recognizable in the United States. Its iconic attractions are plastered on everything from quarters, to license plates, to tourist brochures. 

Universally heralded for its delicacy and artistry, Arches National Park is the type of place that perfectly exemplifies Utah’s awe-inspiring red rock splendor. 

___________________________________________

Did You Enjoy This Resource on the Top Things to Do in Arches National Park? Pin It! 

The post Things to Do in Arches National Park appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Canyonlands National Park offers some of the most enthralling vistas in the American West. Blanketing more than 520 square miles of the Colorado Plateau, it conceals winding river canyons, towering rock pinnacles, and ancient Native American settlements. 

The Colorado and Green rivers are the prime sculptors in the area. Aided by erosion, they have chiseled out a tapestry of gullies and mesas that fans out over the vast desert landscape. 

The majority of this immense area remains an obstacle for all but the heartiest back-country explorers.

But in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky, majestic overlooks provide accessible aerial vistas of the sprawling red rock maze. 

ISLAND IN THE SKY DISTRICT

Canyonlands is one of five incredible national parks the that make up Utah’s Mighty 5. 

The Colorado and Green rivers form a Y that divides the national park into four separate districts. Each district is independent from the other and contains its own set of must-see attractions.

The Island in the Sky—cradled above the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers—is the most developed district due to its ease of access. 

The island sits atop a sandstone bench called the White Rim. Indeed, white lines trace the contours of the bench’s red earth, as though dusted in flour. 

Below the White Rim, sheer walls plunge 1,000 ft to the canyon floor. 

On the horizon, vistas unfold toward the Maze, the Needles, and the distant La Sal and Henry mountains. 

The Needles District—while significantly less trafficked than the Island in the Sky—is the other major destination in Canyonlands. It is home to a complex trail network that weaves between red-and-white-striped sandstone columns. Thanks to its comparative isolation and tendency toward 10+ mile trails, it remains relatively off the beaten path.

The Maze and Horseshoe Canyon are remote and seldom visited districts. They require 4×4 vehicles and loads of time.

Due to its proximity to Moab, it is no wonder that the Island in the Sky is the most popular destination within Canyonlands. The spectacular district features vehicle-accessible attractions, iconic landmarks and sweeping views over the fiery desertscape. 

ISLAND IN THE SKY VIEWPOINTS

The Island in the Sky boasts breathtaking views over the Colorado and Green rivers. Its roadside pullouts lie along a Y-shaped ribbon of pavement that runs along the entire length of the plateau. 

From the national park’s visitor center, the road leads past numerous overlooks and trailheads, toward Grand Viewpoint. At about the halfway mark, a secondary road branches off toward Upheaval Dome.

The Island in the Sky’s panoramic points bring visitors face-to-face with the area’s sheer walls and white-tipped cliffs. Every overlook in the district offers a different perspective of Canyonlands’ spectacular landscape. 

• SHAFER CANYON VIEWPOINT

Shafer Road is an 18 mile  dirt track located within Canyonlands National Park. Its hairpin turns and precipitous descent are visible from the Shafer Canyon Viewpoint, near Island in the Sky’s entrance gate.

The overlook sits 1400 ft above the canyon floor. Its parking lot marks the beginning of the 5 mile Neck Spring Trail. 

When viewed from above, the winding gravel road reminded me of the Burr Trail in Capitol Reef National Park.

On a future visit to Canyonlands, I’d love to travel its hairpin course and descend onto the White Rim bench for a different perspective of the area. 

• BUCK CANYON OVERLOOK

Buck Canyon Overlook is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky. From its aerial vantage point, it showcases a V-shaped ravine that extends toward the island like a protruding finger. 

As with many of the park’s attractions, Buck Canyon is easily visible from the parking lot. It is among the park’s most scenic vistas and a fine example of the area’s striking geology. 

A dusting of white traces the edges of the canyon rim. This thick salt deposit stands out from the surrounding stone, giving the landscape an ethereal look.

• GRAND VIEW POINT

Grand View Point lies at the southernmost end of the national park’s scenic drive. From its vantage point, views unfold toward the the Maze, the Needles, and distant La Sal Mountains.

The Grand Viewpoint’s canyon appears like an outstretched handprint, impressed upon the barren red earth. The White Rim Road skirts around its edges. 

A short hike leaves from Grand View Point and follows the ridgeline to a different vantage point of the area. The crowded trail offers spectacular views of the endless expanse of chiseled rock. 

• GREEN RIVER OVERLOOK

The Green River Overlook lies along Upheaval Dome Road, just beyond the fork in the national park’s main road. It is the first viewpoint en-route to the district’s western end. 

The Green River Overlook is one of the only places in which visitors can see the park’s waterways. Below, the transformative work of the river is on full display—creating an endless expanse of canyons. 

It is truly mind-boggling to imagine how a river so small could have sculpted an area so large.

SHORT HIKES IN CANYONLANDS

Unlike the long meandering trails in the Needles District, the hikes in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky are all relatively short. They allow visitors to enjoy as much or as little of the park as time permits. 

The short hikes in Canyonlands showcase the area’s geological and historical diversity—from natural bridges, to roadside ruins, to birds-eye vantage points. 

• MESA ARCH HIKE

Mesa Arch is one of Canyonlands National Park’s signature vistas. The easy half mile loop trail brings visitors to the spectacular (albeit usually crowded) viewpoint. 

The arch sits right at the edge of a cliff that overlooks Buck Canyon. Picturesque keyhole views of the White Rim and La Sal Mountains appear through the arch’s opening. 

Mesa Arch is particularly epic at sunrise, when the underside of its stone expanse glows a fiery red.

The iconic arch is a must-see Island in the Sky attraction. It is among the most beautiful sandstone bridges in Utah.

• WHITE RIM OVERLOOK HIKE

The White Rim Overlook Hike boasts epic views of Canyonlands’ chiseled landscape. Yet, for some reason, we found that the easy 1.8 mile trail was far less crowded than the park’s other attractions. 

As the trail to White Rim Overlook makes its way toward the cliff’s edge, views unfold in all directions. To the right, panoramas open up to the Grand View Point’s iconic ravine. To the left, Buck Canyon’s V-shaped tentacle acts as its mirror image. 

In addition to providing some of the park’s best views, White Rim Overlook also marks the beginning of Gooseberry Trail. The 4.2 mile Gooseberry Trail drops off the side of the mesa and descends into Buck Canyon. 

• AZTEC BUTTE

Aztec Butte Loop is a unique Island in the Sky hike. The 2 mile trail crosses level grasslands and climbs atop a dome-shaped butte that rises above the mesa.

Most people choose to hike Aztec Butte for both its epic views and its Native American relics. Alcoves along the rim of the butte house Puebloan granaries that were once used for storage.

A trail around the top of Aztec Butte visits two crumbling granaries and provides excellent views of Taylor Canyon. A secondary loop around a shorter butte leads to another well-preserved granary. 

• WHALE ROCK

Whale Rock’s long sandstone formation sits along the road, like a beached whale that washed up along the Island in the Sky’s shores.

The one mile hike up Whale Rock makes for a quick detour en-route to Upheaval Dome. It ascends 250 feet and provides aerial views over the surrounding canyons.

The easy path is suitable for families and novice hikers. Cairns mark the path as it makes its way up the sandstone slickrock. 

• UPHEAVAL DOME

Upheaval Dome lies at the westernmost end of Island in the Sky. A tan dome amidst rust-colored rock, it is the most puzzling geological feature within Canyonlands National Park. Geologists have two competing theories for what created Upheaval Dome. An illustrated panel at the overlook describes both hypotheses.

The salt dome theory suggests that sediment piled onto an underlying salt layer and hardened into sandstone. The heavy rock pushed down on the salt, creating uneven pressure that led to a budge in the salt layer. 

The other school of thought suggests that a meteor crash-landed in the area 60 million years ago. The crater it left behind was unstable. Some parts of it collapsed, while other spaces filled with rock and salt.

A 1.7 mile trail from the parking area showcases two different viewpoints over the peculiar landform. 

LONGER HIKES: ISLAND IN THE SKY

Like Bryce Canyon National Park, the Island in the Sky is best known for its viewpoints and short hikes. The area’s most beloved panoramic points are all easily accessible from the park’s main road. 

However, longer treks still exist within the Island in the Sky. For travelers looking to stretch their legs and descend below the canyon rim, the Syncline Loop and Gooseberry Hike are popular options. 

Additional trails connect the national park’s main road with the White Rim Road. 

THE WHITE RIM ROAD

I’ve heard fantastic things about the White Rim Road in Canyonlands. But with only one day in the park, I was unfortunately not able to undertake the 2-3 day drive.

The White Rim Road loops around the Island in the Sky District. Featuring lonely viewpoints, rutted roads and plentiful spur trails, it is said to be one of the top adventures in Canyonlands. 

DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK

Dead Horse Point State Park is not part of Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District. However, due to its close proximity and similar topography, many choose to incorporate it into their national park itineraries. 

The U-shaped canyon is one of the most beautiful state parks in Utah and an iconic southwest attraction. The park got its name from local legend. According to folklore, cowboys once used the land as a natural corral for wild mustangs. In the inhospitable and rugged terrain, the horses often died of thirst and exposure.

Visitors to the Island in the Sky would be remiss to skip over the awe-inspiring views from Dead Horse Point. 

Try to visit at sunrise, when the sun’s rays paint the canyon walls in fiery shades of red and pink. 

WHERE TO STAY NEAR ISLAND IN THE SKY

Since Canyonlands National Park does not have any lodging within its confines, camping is the only option for travelers looking to stay close by. The Willow Flat Campground has 12 first-come first-served spots and is open year-round. Nearby, Dead Horse Point State Park contains two additional established camping areas. 

Due to the dearth of lodging options near the park, most Canyonlands visitors will likely choose to stay half an hour away, in Moab. 

Centrally located between Arches National Park and the Island in the Sky, Moab is southeast Utah’s premier tourism hub. As a gateway to the region’s attractions, Moab has a long list of fantastic places to stay. These places suit a wide array of travel styles and budgetary constraints—from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. 

Top rated hotels in Moab include the Castle Valley Inn and Sunflower Hill Inn.

****

Canyonlands often doesn’t receive the credit it deserves. For most travelers to Moab, the vast and disjointed national park plays second fiddle to Arches. 

The national park is so sprawling and dispersed that it would take months to visit entirely. Its sections lie scattered about an area of red rock that is half the size of Rhode Island.

Due to its inaccessibility and long distances, only the most daring explorers make their way into Canyonlands’ interior. 

Luckily, for everyone else, the Island in the Sky provides a perfect vantage point from which to view the formidable landscape. 

______________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Guide to the Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park? Pin It! 

The post Visiting the Island in the Sky: Canyonlands National Park appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Canyonlands National Park is a rugged wilderness of buttes and mesas that sprawls outward in a tapestry of oranges and reds.

The Canyonlands Needles District is one of four distinct areas within the national park. It is an oft-forgotten wonderland of stone pillars that jut skyward like blunted needles. Among the area’s towering rock garden, it conceals some of the best hiking trails in the American Southwest.

Although it isn’t as heavily trafficked as other areas in Utah’s Mighty 5, the hiker’s paradise boasts bewitching vistas, diverse topography, and unforgettable trails.

VISITING CANYONLANDS: THE NEEDLES

Showcasing 527 square miles of southern Utah’s most dramatic desert scenery, Canyonlands National Park is as varied as it is vast. Sheer canyon walls loom above the Colorado and Green Rivers, their serpentine waters snaking 1000ft below white-tipped cliffs. Above their fold, stone spires erupt from the desert floor.

The sprawling maze of chiseled rock consists of four districts that are separated by hours of driving: the Island in the Sky, the Maze, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Needles.

Each area of the park is striking in its own way.

Yet, when it comes to accessibility, they differ vastly.

The Island in the Sky is by far the most popular destination within Canyonlands National Park. Located near Moab, the district features vehicle-accessible viewpoints and iconic landmarks.

The Maze and Horseshoe Canyon—on the complete opposite spectrum—are remote and seldom visited. They require 4×4 vehicles and loads of time.

The Canyonlands Needles is somewhat of a happy medium. Home to a vast network of trails that weave between 100-plus-foot-tall red-and-white-striped sandstone columns, the district is arguably the park’s best hiking destination. Thanks to its comparative isolation and lack of roadside attractions, it is also relatively off the beaten path.

THE NEEDLES SCENIC DRIVE

While Island in the Sky is chock-full of roadside pullouts and short walking paths, the Canyonlands Needles District reserves its most dramatic scenery for those willing to put in extra effort.

At just over six miles long, the scenic drive in the Needles is quite short in comparison to that of Utah’s other national parks.

Still, for travelers with limited time or desire to hike, it offers the opportunity to look out over the area’s natural arches and pinnacles.

Popular stops along the short paved road include the Wooden Shoe Viewpoint, Pothole Point, and Roadside Ruin.

CANYONLANDS HIKES: THE NEEDLES DISTRICT

Though it has a few roadside viewpoints, the Needles District is not the type of place that can easily be explored from behind a vehicle dashboard. Its awe-inspiring attractions lie scattered about the desert floor. To reach them, one must tackle the area’s complex network of hiking trails and rutted 4 wheel drive roads.

While the Canyonlands Needles contain more miles of hiking trails than we could possibly squeeze into a single day, Dan and I did our best to soak in the area’s most impressive views with limited time.

At the advice of a park ranger, we focused on the Chesler Park Loop. The popular-yet-lightly-trafficked 11 mile loop begins at the Elephant Hill Trailhead. It includes the Chesler Park Trail and Joint Trail.

After making our way through the Joint Trail, Dan and I opted to tack on a detour. We still had some energy and daylight to spare, so we made our way to Druid Arch—one of the most spectacular landmarks in the Needles District.

In total, our hike consisted of approximately 16 miles over rolling elevation. It encompassed three of the best hiking trails in the Canyonlands Needles.

The pieced-together loop ranks among the best hikes I’ve ever completed.

• CHESLER PARK

The Chesler Park Loop provides the best up-close views of Canyonlands’ Needles District. The trail climbs between sandstone fins and mushrooms that looks straight out of a Dr Seuss novel. The 11-mile loop feels mostly flat, but packs in 1,200 feet of rolling ups and downs throughout the day.

Leaving the Elephant Hill trailhead, Chesler Loop winds in and out of canyons and squeezes between towering pillars. It passes pothole-speckled rock slabs and living cryptobiotic soil—climbing to Chesler Park through a dramatic gap in the wall of needles.

At the Needles Overlook, 360 degree panoramas span out in all directions.

Beyond, views open up toward the Maze and reveal the 10,000-foot-tall La Sal Mountains on the horizon.

From Chesler Park, hikers can either turn back toward the Elephant Hill Trailhead, or continue the scenic loop along the Joint Trail. The 5.4 mile out and back trail to Chesler Park is a must-see on its own.

But when combined with the Joint Trail, it is truly among Utah’s top echelon of hikes.

• THE JOINT TRAIL

From the Chesler Park gardens, the sandy hiking path drops into a gap between boulders and seemingly disappears into a narrow ravine.  The two mile section beyond Chesler Park is known as the Joint Trail. Along its most popular quarter-mile stretch, it follows a surreal slot between soaring rocks.

As the trail travels through the rock fracture, its walls seem to stretch higher and higher. The pathway reveals a hallway that is up to 40 ft tall and—in some spots—only three feet wide.

There are a few areas along the Joint Trail that involve climbing over ladders, but the path is otherwise quite level.

• DRUID ARCH TRAIL

The trail to Druid Arch is among the most spectacular hikes in the Needles. It follows the first part of the Chesler Park Loop, then branches off toward Elephant Canyon. As an out-and-back, the path is just shy of a dozen miles. When added to the full Chesler Park and Joint Trail Loop, it clocks in at around 16.

Since we had the time and energy to continue our walk after reaching Chesler Park, Dan and I decided to tack on a visit to the impressive landmark.

The angular arch—with its elongated openings—rivals the crescent-shape spans found in Arches National Park. It is among the most iconic attractions in the Canyonlands Needles.

For much of the hike,  the trail to Druid Arch travels along Elephant Canyon’s sandy wash.

As the trail ascends up the dry river bed, its multi-hued sandstone walls—topped by spires, knobs and fins—grow in stature and become more impressive by the mile.

The final quarter mile of trail requires hikers to scale a ladder and then scramble up a steep boulder-choked ravine. Upon reaching the sandstone bench at the top of the ravine, fantastic views unfold over Druid Arch and Elephant Canyon.

The pieced-together loop took us almost the entire day to complete. Over the course of 16 miles, it brought us face-to-face with the Needles District’s most impressive landscapes.

Visiting Druid Arch added five miles to an already long and strenuous hike, but the reward was unequivocally worth the consequent soreness in our feet.

GETTING TO THE NEEDLES

The Needles District of Canyonlands lies near the town of Monticello, about an hour and a half south of Moab.

The scenic drive passes by an unnamed roadside arch and then splits from Highway 191, entering a vast area of buttes and mesas.

Newspaper Rock is located 15 miles west of the highway, along the Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway. It makes for a quick and memorable detour en-route to the Needles.

More than 650 rock art designs—include depictions of animals, human figures, and hunting symbols. It is one of the most impressive collections of petroglyphs in the United States and reminded me of Atlatl Rock in Valley of Fire (albeit far more densely packed with doodles).

Beyond Newspaper Rock, the road leading to the Needles Visitor Center traverses a series of rugged canyons that are defined by their warm-hued walls.

After visiting, I learned that the epic scenery leading up to the Needles is part of the Bears Ears National Monument.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE CANYONLANDS NEEDLES

Since Canyonlands National Park does not have any lodging within its confines, camping is the only option for travelers looking to stay in the park. The Needles Campground has 26 designated spaces and costs $20 per night.

For hikers seeking solitude amidst the rock spires, Canyonlands has an extensive backcountry.

Additionally, BLM lands around the park allow for free dispersed camping.

If camping doesn’t sound appealing, there are plenty of places to stay about an hour away. Lodging can be found in Monticello or Moab —with Moab being much larger and Monticello being closer.

In Monticello, the Farmhouse Cabin boasts rave reviews. In Moab, accommodation options range from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. Top rated hotels in Moab include the Castle Valley Inn and Sunflower Hill Inn.

Keep in mind that Moab is nearly an hour and a half away from the Needles Visitor Center.

WHEN TO VISIT THE CANYONLANDS NEEDLES

As with many destinations in the American Southwest, the Canyonlands Needles District is best to visit in spring and fall. During the shoulder months, temperatures are moderate throughout the day and remain manageable after sundown.

In summer months, Canyonlands can get oppressively hot, with daytime highs soaring in the 100s. In winter, freezing temperatures can make camping uncomfortably cold.

Dan and I hiked the Needles in early December. We found the daytime weather to be perfect for hiking.

*****

When compared to the delicate sandstone hoodoos of Bryce or the dramatic cliffs of Zion, Canyonlands’ rugged scenery receives little attention. And the attention it does receive, mostly revolves around the Island in the Sky.

But Canyonlands is so much more than its (justifiably famous) image of Mesa Arch.

In the Needles District, the dramatic scenery rivals some of the most striking landscapes in Utah’s collection of state and national parks.

The area is vast, aesthetically beautiful, and blissfully crowd-free.

For travelers willing to strap on their hiking boots, the rewards of exploring the Needles are as endless as the scenery.

____________________________________________

DID YOU ENJOY THIS GUIDE TO THE CANYONLANDS NEEDLES? PIN IT! 

The post Hiking in the Canyonlands Needles District appeared first on Erika's Travels .

After visiting Capitol Reef’s Strike Valley, Dan and I found ourselves racing along Utah’s Highway 12 in order to catch a return flight to Seattle. Our path to the Salt Lake City Airport followed the Burr Trail to Boulder, then veered right—ascending a hair-raising road up Boulder Mountain, toward Torrey. 

Though spectacular views turned our heads every which way, the scenery sped by in a blur. I tried to snap photos of the moving landscape, but failed to capture its majesty through the car’s dusty windows. 

Then and there, we vowed to return to the area and explore at leisure. 

So one month later, while road tripping through the American Southwest, we made sure to include Highway 12 into our travel plans. 

ATTRACTIONS AND DETOURS ALONG UTAH’S HIGHWAY 12

Utah’s scenic Route 12 is 122 miles of pure road trip bliss. Also known as the ‘Million Dollar Road to Boulder,’ the scenic byway has been enchanting travelers since the early 1900s. 

As the road cuts through southern Utah’s parched red rock, it passes by unforgettable landscapes. The highway connects Bryce National Park with Capitol Reef National Park. In between, it traverses the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and produces offshoots into remote corners of southern Utah. 

In total, Route 12 winds past two national parks, three state parks, a national monument, a national recreation area, and a national forest.

It is no wonder that the scenic byway has been designated an All-American Road. 

RED CANYON IN THE DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST

Utah’s Red Canyon marks the westernmost end of Highway 12. It is located in the Dixie National Forest, 10 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Like a mini version of Bryce, Red Canyon’s ochre-colored hoodoos rise from the ground like rusty stalagmites. 

Many of the canyon’s most striking formations lie within eyeshot of Highway 12. In fact, in order to construct a road through the area, engineers had to blast arches through red rock spires. 

Though we caught glimpses of the rock formations from our vehicle, Dan and I didn’t have time to explore the inner reaches of Red Canyon during our road trip.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce is a fairyland of elegant beauty and fiery colors. Renowned for its oft-photographed rock formations that pierce the sky, the canyon’s ethereal landscapes are as enchanting as they are iconic.

The long and narrow park hugs the eastern edge of Utah’s Paunsaugunt Plateau. Over millennia, ephemeral streams and snowmelt have sliced the plateau’s sandstone and carved horseshoe-shaped bowls. The largest and most striking bowl in the area is the Amphitheater—a stadium-like hillside that lies at the scenic heart of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce’s must-see attractions line the eastern edge of the park’s 20 mile scenic drive. Near the park entrance, iconic vistas showcase sweeping aerial snapshots of the Bryce Amphitheater. Toward the end of the road, lesser-known panoramic points offer intimate glimpses into the canyon’s more remote reaches.

KODACHROME BASIN STATE PARK

Kodachrome Basin State Park lies 26 miles southeast of Bryce. The park is most renowned for its dozens of delicate sandstone chimneys that point to the sky like crooked fingers.

When the National Geographic Society traveled to the area in 1948, its members found themselves struck by the colorful sandstone spires. They named the area Kodachrome Flat, after the brand of Kodak film known for its vibrant color rendition.

Following our sunrise visit to Bryce, Dan and I spent a morning in Kodachrome Basin. With limited time in the area, we chose to hike the scenic Angel’s Palace Trail.  

Angel’s Palace is among the most beautiful short hikes in Kodachrome State Park. It provides 360 degree aerial views over the basin’s unique landforms.

Other popular trails include the 1.5 mile Grand Parade and the 3 mile Panorama Trail. 

Past the camping area, a gravel spur road deviates toward Chimney Rock—a 170 ft pipe that soars above the surrounding desertscape. 

GROSVENOR ARCH IN GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE

Utah is famous for its rock arches. In fact, there is an entire national park dedicated to the state’s delicate stone bridges. 

But despite southern Utah’s plethora of similar attractions, Grosvenor Arch is unique.

The colossal landmark towers over sage-speckled desert like a golden fortress surveying its surroundings. Its twin arches soar 150 ft. The larger of the two measures nearly 100 ft in diameter. 

Grosvenor Arch lies down a dirt track, about 11 miles south of Kodachrome Basin State Park.

For those traveling along Utah’s Route 12, it constitutes a must-see detour. 

CALF CREEK RECREATION AREA

Calf Creek is a verdant oasis that lies among tumbled stone monoliths. 

Unfortunately, Dan and I had to skip Calf Creek due to lack of time.

From my understanding, however, the recreation area is one of the top places to visit along Highway 12. It boasts mineral-streaked sandstone cliffs, pre-historic carvings, photogenic waterfalls, and paradisiacal pools.

THE HOGBACK 

Highway 12 in Utah features terrific hikes, spellbinding vistas, and fascinating detours. 

Yet sometimes, the road itself is the main attraction.

East of Escalante, Highway 12 traces the Hogback’s spine for eleven miles. On each side of the road, 1,000 ft drops afford vertigo-inducing views over the monument’s cliffs and canyons.

Along the way, viewpoints reveal the route’s precarious nature. 

As I looked out at the ribbon of road with its sheer drops on either side, I was just glad to have a competent driver behind the wheel (thanks Dan!). 

THE BURR TRAIL ROAD

Though it isn’t expressly a part of Highway 12, the Burr Trail Road makes for a fantastic detour. 

The scenic route showcases a remarkable number of breathtaking attractions—including slot canyons, scenic viewpoints, and lonely offshoots that traverse juniper-laden desert.

The lightly-trafficked backway winds through dramatic portions of southern Utah. It extends for 66 miles, from the town of Boulder, to the Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell. 

The Burr Trail Road highlights some of Grand Staircase-Escalante’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Its three distinct sections contain narrow orange canyons, rust-colored hillsides, and views of Capitol Reef’s Strike Valley.

The first portion of the Burr Trail travels through the northeastern corner of Grand Staircase-Escalante. The second, is a rough-and-tumble gravel road that cuts across the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. The third, is a ribbon of pavement that connects the national park with Lake Powell’s Bullfrog Marina. 

BOULDER MOUNTAIN

Boulder Mountain—the highest step in Utah’s Grand Staircase—is visible from hundreds of miles away. The colossal mountain makes up half of southern Utah’s Aquarius Plateau.

Rising over 11,000 feet in elevation, it is the highest timbered plateau in North America.

Boulder Mountain is a destination worth exploring. It boasts colorful aspen groves, rolling meadowlands, and dozens of alpine lakes.

As Highway 12 ascends the plateau on its way to Torrey, it reveals spectacular aerial views of Capitol Reef to the east. 

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK 

Capitol Reef National Park is the least visited of Utah’s Mighty 5. The park’s main feature is the Waterpocket Fold—a buckle in the earth’s crust that extends for over 100 miles.

Capitol Reef consists of three main sections: the Fruita District, the Waterpocket District, and the Cathedral District. The Fruita District is the hub of tourism in Capitol Reef. It is by far the most trafficked area of the park.

Visiting the other two areas requires a 4 wheel drive vehicle that can negotiate bumpy dirt roads. 

Within its confines, the national park harbors fantastic hiking trails, towering monoliths, natural arches, and 1000-year-old petroglyph panels.

Capitol Reef National Park isn’t the type of place that can be easily visited in an afternoon. Its disjointed sections require lengthy drives on bumpy roads.

However, if given the time and patience that it deserves, Capitol Reef is every bit as impressive as Utah’s other more renowned national parks. 

LODGING ALONG UTAH’S HIGHWAY 12

Highway 12 in Utah snakes through a rugged expanse of barren desert. While much of it lies within a patchwork of federally protected lands, a few tiny towns interrupt the endless landscape. Noteworthy towns include Tropic, Escalante, Boulder, and Torrey. Each has gas stations and a handful of accommodation options. 

Tropic lies just east of Bryce Canyon National Park, near Kodachrome Basin. It houses the Bryce Country Cabins and Happy Trails B&B. 

Escalante sits at the midway point of the drive and is a hub for exploring the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It offers some of the best lodging options along the route—including the Ponderosa Inn and the Slot Canyons Inn Bed and Breakfast. 

In Boulder, Annie’s Place Bed and Breakfast boasts fantastic reviews. 

And in Torrey, the Capitol Reef Resort offers unique rooms that provide views of the park’s red rock landscape. 

****

Highway 12 in Utah is no ordinary road. The spectacular route is chock full of roadside attractions, sweeping vistas, and fascinating detours. 

The scenic byway’s little-known attractions are often unexpectedly epic. Along each bend in the road, adventure beckons. 

I have no doubt that Highway 12 is one of the Southwest’s great road trips.

For while many race to the national parks that bookend its expanse, the ‘Million Dollar Road to Boulder’ is a destination unto itself. 

____________________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Guide to Highway 12 in Utah? Pin It!

The post Driving the Scenic Highway 12 in Utah appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Bryce Canyon National Park is an otherworldly fairyland of elegant beauty and shocking colors. Renowned for its rock formations that pierce the sky like rust-colored stalagmites, the canyon’s ethereal desertscape is nothing short of breathtaking.

Bryce’s spire-clad environment is utterly unique and unforgettable. A sculpture garden of pastel daggers, the national park is a photographer’s dream and one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest.

I reckon it is impossible not to stand in awe of the park’s sandcastle-like hoodoos, delicate fins, and cavernous amphitheaters.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN BRYCE NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon is a long and narrow park that hugs the eastern edge of Utah’s Paunsaugunt Plateau.

To the west, heavily forested tablelands soar more than 9,000 feet in altitude. To the east, the plateau sinks 2,000 feet to the Paria Valley. Streams and snowmelt have sliced the plateau’s sandstone, forming horseshoe-shaped bowls. The largest and most striking is the Amphitheater—the scenic heart of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Beyond the Amphitheater, a ribbon of road follows the plateau’s ridgeline to Yovimpa Point. Along the way, it affords a birds-eye vantage point over Utah’s Grand Staircase.

MUST-SEE VIEWPOINTS IN BRYCE CANYON

Bryce Canyon’s must-see viewpoints line the eastern side of a 20 mile scenic drive. Near the park entrance, iconic vistas showcase sweeping aerial snapshots of the Bryce Amphitheater. Toward the end of the road, lesser-known panoramic points offer intimate experiences of the canyon’s more remote attractions.

While Bryce Canyon is an Instagram sensation that packs a lot of punch, the park is quite small. Its diminutive size and easy-to-access viewpoints make it a popular day trip destination.

SUNRISE POINT

Sunrise Point, near the park’s visitor center, boasts views of well-known formations such as the Silent City and Thor’s Hammer. The colors at Sunrise Point are among the most vivid in the park.

As its name suggests, Sunrise Point is worth visiting in the early morning hours—when a warm glow illuminates the canyon. Like fire, the orange light quickly spreads over the deepest recesses of the amphitheater and ignites the area in a vibrant blaze.

Sunrise Point is one of Bryce Canyon’s main viewpoints. From its large parking area, trails follow the canyon rim toward Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.

For travelers looking to stretch their legs and descend below the plateau’s rim, the Navajo Loop Trail is a definite must.

SUNSET POINT

Sunset Point lies adjacent to Sunrise Point, in Bryce Canyon’s main amphitheater. The popular viewpoint affords vistas of Bryce Canyon’s most famous and breathtaking hoodoos.

Below the rim of Sunset Point, the Silent City’s rock sculptures rise from the canyon floor. Amidst these sculptures, a maze of hoodoos and fins lie packed in tight formation.

Following an unforgettable hike through the Queen’s Garden, Dan and I watched the sun dip below Sunset Point. Despite our brisk pace—or perhaps because we spent too much time snapping photos—we didn’t quite get the chance to see the area aglow.

Still, the views over Sunset Point were epic. I can only imagine how beautiful they must be when the sun drenches them in orangey light.

INSPIRATION POINT

Inspiration Point consists of three levels that provide spectacular perspectives of the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. From its lofty vantage points, visitors look toward the Silent City’s hoodoo forest.

The photogenic viewpoint is one of the top things to see in Bryce. While no trails lead down into the canyon from the steep cliffs of Inspiration Point, the Rim Trail extends north to Sunset Point and south to Bryce Point.

Inspiration Point’s name leaves little to the imagination. From its lookout, a tapestry of inverted icicles sprawl outward like a miniature city.

If the view doesn’t inspire you, then I don’t know what will.

BRYCE POINT AND PARIA VIEW

Visually, Bryce Point shares many similarities with Inspiration Point. It boasts some of the most scenic vistas of the Bryce Amphitheater and is among the park’s most renowned lookouts.

Bryce Point is famous for its extraordinary sunrises. From here, the tops of hoodoos catch fire from the rays of the rising sun.

If the parking area at Sunrise Point becomes overrun with cars at dawn, Bryce Point provides a fantastic alternative.

Conversely, nearby Praia View is a noteworthy place to visit at sunset. While most of the canyon’s hoodoos face away from the setting sun, Paria View is an exception.

SWAMP CANYON

Swamp Canyon—bounded by tan-colored hoodoos on both sides—appears relatively small and sheltered from its road-side overlook. While modest in comparison to the Bryce Amphitheater’s renowned lookouts, the viewpoint offers a more personal look at the area’s geology and vegetation.

Swamp Canyon’s name appears to be a misnomer. Yet below the rim, two tiny creeks provide enough water to sustain lush vegetation and animal life.

The 4.5 mile Swamp Canyon Loop passes through a forested area that is popular among bird-watchers.

FARVIEW POINT AND PIRACY POINT

Like Swamp Canyon, the Farview and Piracy viewpoints showcase the area’s carpet of ponderosa pines. From this overlook, views unfold over the vast staircase of plateaus that extends all the way to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

A short 0.3 mile trail leads from Farview Point to Piracy Point—a view named for the two enormous hoodoos that resemble ships in battle.

Piracy Point is perfect for those seeking a quieter spot to contemplate the scenery.

NATURAL BRIDGE

Erosion is responsible for Bryce Canyon’s unique rock formations. At the Natural Bridge lookout, ice and gravity sculpted a deep red arch that rivals some of the most spectacular formations in Arches National Park.

The ruby-red arch poses a stark contrast to the verdant Ponderosa forest that acts as its backdrop. In wintertime, a dusting of white makes the area’s colors even more dramatic.

Photographing the Natural Bridge is one of the top things to do in Bryce National Park. The arch isn’t the only one of its kind in the canyon, but it is certainly among its most renowned.

AGUA, PONDEROSA AND BLACK BIRCH CANYONS

Most visitors to Bryce spend their time in and around the Amphitheater. And for good reason. The area is extraordinarily scenic.

But for visitors looking to appreciate Bryce’s landforms in solitude, some of the lesser-known spots can be equally enchanting. Beyond the Natural Bridge, three consecutive smaller viewpoints are worthy of quick photo stops.

At the Agua, Ponderosa and Black Birch Canyons, small parking areas give access to sweeping views of red rock hoodoos and rich evergreen forest.

Beyond, views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante reveal a barren expanse of uncharted desert.

RAINBOW POINT AND YOVIMPA POINT

The adjacent Rainbow and Yovimpa viewpoints overlook Bryce Canyon’s southern end. They offer fantastic panoramas over the area’s colorful rock formations.

Visiting Rainbow and Yovimpa Points provides visitors with a geologic and geographic orientation. From the area’s 9,100 ft vantage point, panoramic views look out over Utah’s multi-tiered Grand Staircase.

HIKES IN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Unlike Zion and Canyonlands, Bryce is compact and easily accessible. For the most part, it is entirely possible to get a sense for the top things to do in Bryce without ever setting foot on a hiking trail. Bryce Canyon’s overlooks are extraordinary and leave little to the imagination.

That being said, hiking below the canyon rim is a must for travelers who have more than half a day to explore. A network of trails descends 1000 ft into a maze of fragrant junipers and red rock spires. It weaves through the hoodoo-studded landscape and allows for up-close views of the iconic pinnacles.

THE RIM TRAIL

Bryce’s 11 mile Rim Trail connects Fairyland Point with Bryce Point. The beloved pathway offers panoramic views of the amphitheater’s kaleidoscopic topography.  It is level in elevation and accessible from several viewpoints along the canyon’s rim. 

NAVAJO LOOP/QUEEN’S GARDEN

Hiking the 2.9 mile Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden combination trail is one of the most popular things to do in Bryce Canyon.

The spectacular loop—accessible from both Sunrise Point and Sunset Point—features photo-worthy views at every bend.

As I wove through the staggering rock formations, I found it almost impossible to put down my camera. Each rock spire seemed to tell a compelling story. Each angle appeared more convincing than the last.

Had we not been racing the sun in order to make it back to the trailhead before dark, I imagine my memory card would have run out of space.

PEEK-A-BOO LOOP TRAIL

The 5.1 mile Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail begins at Bryce Point and descends to the valley floor. As one of the top hiking trails in Bryce, it is said to be comparable to Navajo Loop and the Fairyland Trail.

Peek-a-Boo Loop can be icy and treacherous in winter.

FAIRYLAND TRAIL

Following our drive to the canyon’s lesser-known viewpoints, Dan and I made our way to Fairyland Point. The scenic overlook marks the beginning of the Fairyland Loop Trail.

While Dan and I didn’t have time to complete the 7.8 mile hike, we took a few moments to admire the area’s hoodoo-clad landscape.

Fairyland Loop is often regarded as one of the best hikes in Utah. It would have been top of our itinerary had we had two days in Bryce.

BRISTLECONE TRAIL

Bristlecone trail is a two mile path that lies at the southernmost end of Bryce Canyon National Park. The path showcases views of Rainbow and Yovimpa Point and passes by ancient bristlecone pines that date back 1,500 years.

MOSSY CAVE

The 0.4 mile long trail to Mossy Cave lies along Highway 12, outside the park’s main entrance gate.

We skipped the hike during our visit to Bryce, since I’d read online that the waterfall was dry and that there were no icicles hanging above the mouth of the cave.

Under ideal conditions though, the trail certainly appears to be worthwhile.

WHEN TO VISIT BRYCE CANYON

Summer is peak tourist season in Bryce, but the canyon’s scenery is accessible and enchanting year-round.

Thanks to its high elevation, Bryce Canyon is generally cooler than southern Utah’s other natural wonders. In summer months, the area is a welcome respite from Utah’s scorching desert temperatures.

In winter, a layer of snow decorates its orange pinnacles and adds dimension to the striking landscape. If you can handle freezing weather, it is a wonderful time to experience the area’s enchanting scenery in relative solitude.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR BRYCE

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only accommodation option within the confines of the national park. The historic hotel offers guest suites, motel rooms, and cabins that are within walking distance of the Bryce Amphitheater’s most striking viewpoints.

Nearby, two campsites provide additional options for in-park lodging (provided you bring your own tent or RV, of course).

Near the park’s entrance, the small town of Bryce has a handful of places to stay—including Ruby’s Inn, the Best Western Plus Grand Hotel, and the Luxe Bryce Canyon Home.

Additional accommodation options are available east of the park, in the town of Tropic.

BEYOND BRYCE

Bryce Canyon is one of the top places to visit in Utah and a highlight of traveling through the American West. The iconic Utah park is hyperbolic in its beauty and extraordinary in its delicacy.

But Bryce doesn’t stand alone. A handful of noteworthy Utah state parks lie nearby—including Kodachrome Basin and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. If you have time, it is worth exploring the state parks, venturing into the remote reaches of Grand Staircase-Escalante, and driving the scenic Highway 12 to Capitol Reef.

****

Bryce National Park’s famed colorful spires and rock arches are among the planet’s most exquisite geological sculptures.

For millions of years, water has shaped this rugged landscape through a cycle of freezing and melting and freezing and melting. The photogenic fairyland is a direct result of winter’s harsh conditions.

Bryce Canyon is one of the the world’s best examples of geology in action. The Paunsaugunt Plateau’s temperature extremes have carved a landscape that is continually in flux—creating an ever-changing canvas of nature’s finest artwork.

________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Post on the Top Things to Do in Bryce? Pin It! 

The post Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Southern Utah is a land of hyperbolic beauty and awe-inspiring desert scenery. Boasting glorious red rock formations and chiseled canyons, it is a destination that is at once dazzling, unique, and otherworldly. 

Utah’s national parks understandably get much of the attention. After all, they are among the most geologically fascinating areas in the United States.

But southern Utah’s beauty isn’t limited to the grandeur of Zion, the delicacy of Arches, or the ruggedness of Canyonlands. In the shadow of Utah’s national parks, a handful of state parks lie scattered about the rose-colored desert. 

While they may not boast the renown of the Mighty 5, Utah’s state parks are often no less impressive. 

MUST-VISIT SOUTHERN UTAH STATE PARKS

A bulk of Utah’s state parks can be found near the Arizona border—amidst a jumble of national parks, national monuments, and BLM land.

These parks showcase the state’s natural splendor and offer a plethora of recreation opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, and adventurers.

In total, Utah has 43 state parks. An annual Utah state parks pass costs $75 for in-state residents and $150 for out-of-state travelers. Individual entrance fees generally range from $10-20 per vehicle. 

          
SNOW CANYON STATE PARK

Snow Canyon State Park is a 7,400-acre sampler of southwest Utah’s most famous land features. Within its canyon walls, it boasts easy access to hiking trails, subterranean lava tubes, narrow slot canyons, and shifting sand dunes. 

Though actual snow occasionally blankets the fiery landscape on chilly winter days, the park is not named after frozen precipitation. Snow Canyon got its name from Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow. The area became a state park in 1958, and has since been a favorite destination among rock climbers and cyclists. 

Snow Canyon’s proximity to St George makes it a popular getaway destination in southern Utah. It is within arm’s reach of a mid-sized town, but feels worlds away from civilization. 

In Snow Canyon’s scenic valley, streaks of red and white sandstone swirl like melted ice cream. Along the park’s trails, ebony lava rock litters the landscape like charred logs in a blazing fire.

The 1.2-mile Petrified Dunes Trail showcases some of park’s most enticing landmarks. It features remarkable Navajo sandstone formations, subterranean tunnels, and jaw-dropping vistas over the canyon. 

Though it lies in the shadow of nearby Zion National Park, Snow Canyon holds its own among southern Utah’s epic red rock landscapes.

CORAL PINK SAND DUNES STATE PARK

Unlike some of Utah’s other state parks, there are no established hiking trails that criss-cross the warm-hued landscape. 

Instead—as with the coastal dunes in Oregon and White Sands in New Mexico—the area is best explored by simply meandering around the ever-shifting sand sea. 

We visited the coral-hued dunes at the crack of dawn, before they filled with ATVs and sand boarders. I’d read somewhere that the state park can be a noisy place to visit due to its popularity with dune buggies.

In the quiet of the morning hours, however, we found ourselves alone in the undulating red expanse. 

It was nothing short of magical. 

SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK

Sometimes, nature creates a display of epic proportions. Other times, it is humankind’s engineering over nature that puts on the most enticing of shows. 

At Sand Hollow State Park near St George, a human-made reservoir has created a recreational haven for water sports enthusiasts. In summer months, it provides an escape from the area’s searing heat. In winter, it is a place that allows for serenity and quiet contemplation.

I imagine that Sand Hollow looks like a mini version of Lake Powell, with its red rocks contrasting against clear blue water. 

Dan and I visited Sand Hollow following a vehicle breakdown that upended our plans. The small Utah state park was never part of our original American Southwest itinerary. 

But when we found ourselves stuck in St George and waiting for a vehicle fix, we reached out to a friend who was familiar with the area. He suggested we spend the remaining hours of our day at Sand Hollow. 

We heeded his advice and soaked in views over the lake at sunset—as a warm glow lit up the surrounding rocks in effervescent shades of orange and pink. 

Admittedly, Sand Hollow is best enjoyed in warmer months. It has a beach, a swimming area, and plenty of space for paddling or boating. When we visited, the temperatures were certainly too cold for taking a dip. 

Yet nevertheless, we enjoyed walking around the reservoir’s perimeter, photographing Sand Hollow’s rock islands, and watching the sunset as it illuminated the area’s red rock formations. 

KODACHROME BASIN STATE PARK

When the National Geographic Society traveled to the photogenic basin south in Bryce in 1948, its members found themselves struck by the area’s colorful sandstone chimneys. They named the area Kodachrome Flat, after the brand of Kodak film known for its vibrant color rendition.

Kodachrome Basin State Park lies 26 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park, along Utah’s achingly beautiful Highway 12. The park is most renowned for its dozens of delicate sandstone chimneys— some nearly 170ft tall—that reach toward Utah’s cloudless skies.

Dan and I spent a morning in Kodachrome Basin, following our sunrise visit to Bryce. With limited time in the area, we chose to hike the scenic Angel’s Palace Trail for aerial views over the park’s unique landforms. 

Angel’s Palace is among the most beautiful short hikes in Kodachrome State Park. Other popular trails include the 1.5 mile Grand Parade and the 3 mile Panorama Trail. 

Following our scenic walk, Dan and I continued along a spur road, to Chimney Rock. 

The towering rock column is one of the top places to visit in Kodachrome Basin. It is the tallest of the park’s 67 chimneys.

Notice how small Dan looks in comparison. 

Kodachrome Basin has more of these rock spires than anywhere else in the world. So far, geologists are unsure about how the chimneys formed. Differing theories suggest that the columns are either remnants of ancient springs, or pathways created by earthquakes.

With my own limited geology knowledge, I really can’t say what causes the area to look the way it does. 

One thing is for sure, though; Kodachrome Basin certainly  lives up to its name. 

GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK

Goblin Valley State Park is an iconic landscape in southern Utah that lies just north of Capitol Reef National Park’s Cathedral District. Aptly named for its thousands of goblin-like formations, the unique state park looks like the backdrop to a magical fantasy novel.

Though a few trails lead down to the valley floor, the area is best enjoyed when wandering aimlessly. 

Goblin Valley’s stunted hoodoos formed as a result of eroding sandstone. In some spots, the rock formations are close together and produce a maze-like playground ideal for exploration.

I presume that Goblin Valley would be a fantastic place to bring kids. I can only imagine how much I would have loved scrambling around the park as a child. 

Dan and I only had about half an hour to explore the Goblin Valley. Shortened winter daylight hours and an unexpected number of photo stops along Highway 12 meant that we had limited time to hike through the area’s peculiar hoodoos. 

Still, we enjoyed our short visit to Goblin Valley State Park. The otherworldly landscape of melting stone mushrooms is playfully photogenic and just plain fun. 

DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK

Dead Horse Point State Park overlooks a scenic U-shaped bend in the Colorado River. Located just off Highway 313, the park boasts views of rugged canyon walls and the distant snow-draped La Sal Mountains.

The tiny state park packs a lot of punch. In addition to being one of Utah’s most photographed landmarks, Dead Horse Point has been the setting for numerous movies—including parts of Mission Impossible II, Need for Speed, and Thelma & Louise. 

The park got its name from local legend. According to folklore, cowboys once used the land as a natural corral for wild mustangs. In the inhospitable and rugged terrain, the horses often died of thirst and exposure. 

Dan and I chose to visit the state park at sunrise, as a warm glow drenched the cliffs and revealed nuanced layers of rock. Sunrise is one of the most beautiful times to visit Dead Horse Point. I hear sunset can be equally enchanting. 

I’m not entirely sure why Dead Horse Point State Park isn’t a part of Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district. The state park lies only a few miles from the national park’s entrance. Scenery-wise, it is also quite similar.

Nonetheless, the state park is well worth shelling out an extra $20 to visit. It is among the most beautiful state parks in Utah and should not be missed when traveling around the American Southwest. 

*****

When it comes to dramatic geology, southern Utah is well endowed. Its chiseled red rock landscapes house a dizzying assortment of stunning scenic areas and sweeping vistas. 

Almost every Utah road trip includes visits to the Mighty 5. And for good reason. Utah’s national parks are among the most spectacular in the world. 

But travelers with a little bit more time would be remiss to skip the oft-overlooked state parks. 

Because the state parks in Utah are far more deserving than the recognition they often receive.

And with their flaming red rock, delicate spires and weathered canyons, the dazzling red rock areas are nothing if not unique. 

_________________________________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Post on the Top State Parks in Utah? Pin It! 

The post 6 Incredible State Parks in Southern Utah appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Southern Utah’s desolate swath of desert features towering rock spires, chiseled canyons, and lonely dirt roads. It is a place that beckons to explorers and adventure-seekers. A place synonymous with the American West. A place where signs of life abound, despite the odds.

John Burr was a 19th century Mormon settler who grew up in this rugged and formidable backcountry. In order to move his cattle to greener pastures, he created a pathway that cut through the area’s barren desert and Waterpocket Fold.

The cattle trail later became known as the Burr Trail.

And today, the spectacular route is a scenic backway that showcases the majesty of Utah’s red rock country. 

SOUTHERN UTAH’S BURR TRAIL ROAD

The Burr Trail Road is a lightly-traveled backway that winds through dramatic portions of southern Utah. The road extends for 66 miles, from the town of Boulder, to the Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell. Along the way, it passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

The Burr Trail Road boasts a remarkable number of breathtaking attractions—including slot canyons, scenic viewpoints, and lonely offshoot roads that traverse juniper-laden desert.

Dan and I stumbled across the Burr Trail by accident. After exploring the lower reaches of Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold, we found ourselves racing the clock in order to catch a flight back to Seattle. 

Google Maps suggested we follow the Burr Trail Road to Boulder, instead of backtracking along the Strike Valley. Eager to witness parts of Grand Staircase-Escalante, we heeded its advice.

And in doing so, we had the opportunity to soak in some of southern Utah’s most spellbinding desertscapes. 

BURR TRAIL ROUTE MAP

Most travelers begin their Burr Trail road trips in Boulder. The town of Boulder is a small outpost that lies within Anasazi State Park, along Utah’s Highway 12. It contains a gas station, a few dining options, and the route’s only hotels. 

From Boulder, the road continues eastward through three areas that—while connected—are largely independent from one another.

The first section of the Burr Trail Road is a paved route that traverses the northeastern corner of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The second, is a rough-and-tumble gravel road that cuts across the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. The third, is a ribbon of pavement then connects the national park’s Waterpocket District with the Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell. 

Though Dan and I began our exploration of the Burr Trail in Capitol Reef, this post documents the area’s attractions from west to east. 

BURR TRAIL IN GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument spans nearly one million acres of America’s public lands. It is a diverse geologic treasure speckled with monoliths, slot canyons, natural bridges, and painted dune-like hills. Due to its remote location and rugged landscape, the monument was one of the last charted places in the continental United States.

On our drive along the Burr Trail, Dan and I had the opportunity to travel across a small portion of Grand Staircase-Escalante. Though our drive only afforded us a sampling of the monument’s vast riches, it allowed us to experience a slice of its colorful desert magic. 

• LONG CANYON

The Long Canyon is a scenic stretch of the Burr Trail that features spectacular red rock scenery speckled with dark green juniper trees. In the fall, splashes of yellow accentuate its Sedona-like shades of orange and green.

For seven miles, red sandstone cliffs rise steeply on either side of the road. Hidden within these towering walls are narrow slot canyons suitable for hiking detours. 

While we stopped frequently for photos, Dan and I didn’t have time to explore the area on foot.

However, had we done our research properly before visiting, we would have planned for a short 0.3 mile hike through Singing Canyon. 

• THE CIRCLE CLIFFS

Past Long Canyon, the Burr Trail Road enters a stretch of desert that is characterized by sweeping vistas and rich red earth. The geologically unique area boasts red and white rock mesas known as the ‘Circle Cliffs.’ An unmarked viewpoint along the Burr Trail Road provides exemplary panoramas over the area’s Circle Cliffs and Chinle Hills. 

The Chinle Hills are dune-like landforms that burst with shades of pink, purple, and burgundy. They lie east of Long Canyon, among the Circle Cliffs. Like the Bentonite Hills along Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley Loop, they showcase the area’s intensely colorful terrain.

The Wolverine Loop Road, too, lies east of Long Canyon. It is a largely gravel loop that detours from the paved Burr Trail Road. 

Dan and I didn’t have the opportunity to travel the Wolverine Loop. From our understanding, however, the road requires a high clearance 4×4 vehicle. It is also a popular route among mountain bikers. 

BURR TRAIL ROAD IN CAPITOL REEF

When the Burr Trail reaches the confines of Capitol Reef National Park, its ribbon of pavement switches to gravel and leads into the heart of the Waterpocket Fold.

The 100 mile-long Waterpocket Fold is a buckle in the earth’s surface. It is one of the most fascinating formations in Utah’s Mighty 5. The fold runs north-south, from Thousand Lake Mountain to Lake Powell. Along the entire length of the fold, erosion has cut through stratified rock layers—creating a fascinating host of narrow canyons and curious landforms.

The Waterpocket Fold is the main reason that Capitol Reef became a national park in 1971. The geological feature is a natural buffer that once blocked the westward migration of pioneers in the 1800s. It is said that the formidable wall proved to be a daunting obstacle in the path of explorers (much like an ocean reef blocking a ship’s passage).

Today, the Burr Trail is the only road that cuts across the daunting landform. Along its course, it provides spectacular aerial views of the 100-mile buckle. 

• UPPER MULEY TWIST CANYON

To reach the Strike Valley Overlook, Dan and I followed a poorly maintained offshoot along the Upper Muley Twist Canyon.

We found the unpaved spur road to be treacherous and sometimes downright technical. Boulders and potholes littered the gravel track and nearly forced us to turn back on numerous occasions. We were so grateful to have rented a 4X4 vehicle with high clearance and good off-roading capabilities.

When we weren’t laser-focused on negotiating the road’s obstacles, Dan and I enjoyed some of the most beautiful views in Capitol Reef. 

The three mile road is full of unmarked hidden gems and surprises. Along the short drive, we came across sheer cliffs, groves of yellow-clad cottonwood trees, and a beautiful double arch.

Two hiking trails leave from where the dirt road ends. One follows the 9 mile loop through the Upper Muley Twist Canyon. The other scales a shallow rock slab and leads to incredible views over the Strike Valley. 

• STRIKE VALLEY OVERLOOK

At the Strike Valley Overlook, the eastern profile of the Waterpocket Fold is on full display. The viewpoint provides the park’s best aerial panoramas and reveals a spectrum of rainbow colors—making it one of the most impressive destinations along the Burr Trail Road.

Visiting the Strike Valley Overlook is one of the top things to do in Capitol Reef. Ironically, it is also one of the park’s least visited areas.

Due to lack of services and poor roads, the Strike Valley Overlook is a place where one can contemplate the Waterpocket Fold’s unique geology in solitude. 

• BURR TRAIL SWITCHBACKS

Beyond the Upper Muley Twist Canyon, the unpaved Burr Trail descends into the Strike Valley. 

In a series of switchbacks, the hairpin road traverses a daunting 800 ft rock escarpment that once vexed early explorers. With each and every bend, it affords breathtaking views of golden monoliths, rainbow-colored rock strata, and purple-hued mountains. 

As we drove along the well-maintained Burr Trail Switchbacks, we stopped frequently to admire views of the Strike Valley from above.

We couldn’t believe that we had the panoramic vistas entirely to ourselves.

BURR TRAIL IN GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

The Burr Trail Road ends at the Bullfrog Marina, along the shores of Lake Powell. 

During our trip to southern Utah, Dan and I didn’t have the opportunity to travel along the easternmost section of the scenic backway.

On a future road trip, however, we’d love to complete the journey. 

****

The Burr Trail Road is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Utah. It is a place where the area’s signature red rock landscapes become more dramatic by the mile. A place that remains wild, undeveloped, and pristine. A place where unexpected adventures lie behind every bend. 

Though pavement now covers part of the route, Dan and I still encountered crowd-free vistas, hidden treasures, and washed out roads that were almost impossible to navigate. 

And in those places, it wasn’t difficult to imagine what it must have been like to travel across the Waterpocket Fold, back in the days of John Burr. 

________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Guide to Southern Utah’s Burr Trail Road? Pin It! 

The post Driving the Burr Trail Road in Utah appeared first on Erika's Travels .

When it comes to red rock landscapes, southern Utah has no shortage of awe-inspiring attractions. The swath of fiery-hued land is so striking that even its lesser-known areas are ripe with places to see.

I became fully cognizant of Utah’s far-reaching splendor while road tripping through Capitol Reef National Park—a place tourists often bypass in lieu of the state’s other more renowned landscapes.

Capitol Reef is the underdog of Utah’s Mighty 5. In fact, the national park receives so little attention that I wondered if it might even be worth visiting. What was there to see and do in Capitol Reef? And why did it always sit in the shadow of its neighbors?

As lovers of offbeat travel, Dan and I decided to explore the national park on a beautiful October weekend. Over the course of two days, we visited the Capitol Reef’s touristy attractions and lesser-known gems.

And in doing so, we discovered one of the most beautiful and underrated corners of the American Southwest.

CAPITOL REEF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Capitol Reef National Park’s centerpiece is the Waterpocket Fold—a 100-mile-long buckle in the earth’s crust that blocked the westward migration of pioneers in the 1800s. It is said that the formidable wall proved to be a daunting obstacle in the path of explorers (much like a reef blocking a ship’s passage).

Known also for its enormous dome-like rocks that resemble capitol buildings, the national park harbors fantastic hiking trails, rugged 4 wheel drive roads, towering monoliths, and 1000-year-old petroglyph panels.

Capitol Reef National Park isn’t the type of place you can visit in an afternoon. Its disjointed sections require lengthy drives on bumpy roads.

Realizing the area’s lack of infrastructure, Dan and I decided to spend two full days in the park. We crafted an itinerary that would integrate Capitol Reef’s three main sections, while allowing us to visit all the offbeat areas that make the park special.

THE FRUITA DISTRICT

The Fruita District is home to Capitol Reef’s only visitor center. It boasts some of the area’s most incredible red rock landscapes and contains the park’s only network of paved roads. It features apple orchards, shaded picnic areas, scenic drives, and a combination of historical and cultural attractions.

The Fruita District is the most accessible section of Capitol Reef National Park. I read somewhere that it welcomes 99% of the area’s visitors.

Though I’m not sure the statistic is entirely true, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn of its accuracy. The Fruita District was the only place in Capitol Reef where we had to jostle for parking or make way for other tourists on the hiking trails.

• PANORAMA POINT AND GOOSNECKS OVERLOOK

If you’re driving to Capitol Reef National Park from the direction of Torrey, Panorama Point is the first major turnoff you’ll encounter. The viewpoint lies off Highway 24, near the park’s western entrance.

From Panorama Point, a gravel access road continues for about a mile, before reaching a dead end. At the end of the road, a short uphill walk to Goosenecks Point provides views over Sulphur Creek’s curving river canyon.

• FRUITA HISTORIC DISTRICT

Fruita is a green oasis, where shade-giving cottonwoods and fruit-bearing trees line the Fremont River’s banks. The first Mormon homesteaders arrived in the area in 1879. They settled near the river and established a small community amongst spectacular red rock surroundings.

The historic buildings in Fruita include the Gifford Homestead, a blacksmith shop, and a small one-room schoolhouse that dates back to the late 1800s. The tiny schoolhouse reminded me of the historic one-room Stehekin School that I visited during a trip to Washington’s Lake Chelan.

The oft-photographed Gifford House is an old homestead museum that sells fresh baked goods and preserves made from orchard fruit. Nearby, a grassy lawn amongst ancient cottonwood trees makes for a wonderful picnic area.

The last residents left Fruita in the mid 20th century, but the area’s houses and orchards are still standing. Among the historic buildings in Fruita, the National Park Service maintains fruit trees planted by early settlers.

If you visit between June and October, you can pick ripe fruit from the trees, for free.

• SCENIC DRIVE

Capitol Reef’s 7.9 mile Scenic Drive splits from Highway 24 in Fruita and winds through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, it allows visitors to see many of the park’s famous formations. It also provides access to popular trailheads and two unpaved offshoot roads. 

Scenic Drive features sheer sandstone cliffs in a variety of reddish hues. The area’s layers of shale and rocks have been lifted and folded and carved into the dramatic formations visible today. There are 11 viewpoints marked along the scenic road, providing an overview of the area’s geologic history.

The scenic drive dead-ends at Capitol Gorge Road. 

Two unpaved offshoots—Grand Wash Road and Capitol Gorge Road—make for worthwhile detours if weather conditions permit.

• GRAND WASH

The twisting Grand Wash spur road travels through a narrow, steep-walled canyon. It features sheer sandstone cliffs that contain colorful strata and eroded rock formations.

Beyond the road’s dead-end, hiking paths lead deeper into the canyon and up to Cassidy Arch.

The canyon is subject to dangerous flash floods that often arrive with little warning. Check the forecast before traveling in the area and avoid the wash when storms threaten.

• CASSIDY ARCH TRAIL

Named after the famous Butch Cassidy, the Cassidy Arch Trail is one of the top hiking destinations in Capitol Reef. The 3.1 mile heavily trafficked path is a spur off of the larger Frying Pan Trail. It provides spectacular aerial views over Grand Wash and leads to one of the most prominent geological features in the national park’s Fruita District.

Like Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, it is possible to walk atop the Cassidy Arch Bridge for photo ops. When we visited the rock arch, we even saw people rappelling from the bridge into the canyon below.

• CAPITOL GORGE

Capitol Gorge Wash is one of many ravines that cuts across the Waterpocket Fold. A geological cousin of nearby Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge played a central role in the park’s human history. In the 1800s, the canyon was the only reliable transit point for Mormon pioneers seeking to pass through the towering, 100-mile long reef.

At the end of the road, a 2 mile hiking trail leads through the narrow gorge. The canyon walls contain a Pioneer Register that has been carved into the sandstone. It contains names of the settlers and miners who traveled through the area nearly two centuries ago. 

• PETROGLYPHS

Mormon settler history is not the only evidence of human habitation within Capitol Reef National Park.

Etched within the area’s red rock walls is evidence of early human activity in the Fruita Valley. Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan people lived in present-day Capitol Reef between 600-1300 A.D. Their rock art tells stories of their hunting patterns, crop cycles, and mythologies.

The most pristine example of Capitol Reef petroglyphs can be seen 1.5 miles east of the visitor center, on Highway 24.

• HICKMAN BRIDGE

Though my two day Capitol Reef itinerary included most of the top things to see and do in the park, I unfortunately did not have the time to hike the Hickman Bridge Trail.

Hickman Bridge is a popular hike in Capitol Reef. The 1.8 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail features one of the park’s most notable rock arches.

THE CATHEDRAL VALLEY DISTRICT

The Cathedral Valley is a scenic area in the northern reaches of Capitol Reef National Park. A remote and pristine desert, it is characterized by towering sandstone monoliths that are said to resemble cathedrals.

The Cathedral Valley is an enchanting place to visit.

And yet, while it is certainly a must-see southern Utah attraction, it remains almost entirely off the trodden tourist trail.

• TEMPLES OF THE SUN AND MOON

Visiting the striking Temples of the Sun and Moon is one of the top things to do in Capitol Reef. The rock formations lie just inside the border of the national park, along a treacherous unpaved road.

The sandstone monoliths rise from the desert floor like temples of worship surveying a cityscape. Boasting quiet solitude and scenic backdrops, the Temples of the Sun and Moon are truly magnificent landforms.

If possible, try visiting the area at sunrise. In the wee hours of the morning, the rising sun paints the rock massif with fiery brushstrokes of red and orange.

Since the landmarks lie at the edge of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-controlled land, it is possible to camp for free within eyeshot of the monoliths.

• SCENIC VIEWPOINTS ON THE CATHEDRAL LOOP

Though many tourists who visit Capitol Reef’s iconic Temples of the Sun and Moon choose to drive out and back, the entire 57.6 mile Cathedral Valley Loop is well worth the wear and tear on your car.

The ill-maintained dirt road through the Cathedral Valley offers stunning desert panoramas and views of rock outcrops that erupt from the valley floor. The drive is chock-full of stunning vistas that provide sweeping views over the red rock valley.

The Cathedral Valley Overlook is among the most impressive viewpoints in Capitol Reef National Park. Other stops of interest include the Gypsum Sinkhole, the Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, the Upper South Desert Overlook, and the Lower South Desert Overlook.

THE WATERPOCKET DISTRCT

The 100 mile-long Waterpocket Fold is the main reason that Capitol Reef became a national park in 1971.

But unless you drive to the remote Waterpocket District in the southern confines of the park, you won’t get a good idea of what the massive chasm in the earth actually looks like.

So on the afternoon of our second day in Capitol Reef, Dan and I decided to drive to the southern end of the park.

We didn’t exactly know what we would encounter, but we were lured with promises of seldom-trafficked roads and panoramas over the park’s most striking geologic feature.

Our drive through the Waterpocket District followed the Notom-Bullfrog Road through the Strike Valley. Then, it veered up the Burr Trail Switchbacks, detoured to the Strike Valley Overlook, and continued toward Highway 12 in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

• BURR TRAIL SWITCHBACKS

After driving through the Strike Valley, Dan and I turned right onto Utah’s spectacular Burr Trail Road. The Burr Trail traverses parts of Grand Staircase Escalante, Capitol Reef, and the Glenn Canyon Recreation Area. Its most defining feature within Capitol Reef National Park is its zigzagging ascent along the Burr Trail Switchbacks.

The hairpin road travels up a daunting rock escarpment that once vexed early travelers who were crossing the plains by stagecoach.

As we drove up the well-maintained gravel road, we stopped frequently to soak in views of the Strike Valley from above.

We couldn’t believe that we had the panoramic vistas entirely to ourselves.

• STRIKE VALLEY OVERLOOK

After reaching the top of the escarpment, Dan and I continued down a gravel road to the Strike Valley Overlook.

Soaking in the view from the Strike Valley Overlook is one of the top things to do in Capitol Reef National Park. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the area’s fascinating geology.

To reach the Strike Valley Overlook, Dan and I followed a poorly maintained dirt road that veered off the Burr Trail. The road’s driving conditions were treacherous and sometimes downright technical. We were so grateful to have rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle with high clearance and good off-roading capabilities.

Please do not attempt to drive the road in a compact car.

If you wish to see the Strike Valley Overlook during your visit to Capitol Reef, you can always park your vehicle near the turnoff road and hike the six mile roundtrip journey to the viewpoint.

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPITOL REEF

As with many desert parks, camping is the best way to experience Capitol Reef’s night-time splendor. The park is a designated dark-sky preserve. On cloudless nights, it boasts dramatic star-speckled skies that are untainted by light pollution.

There are three campgrounds within Capitol Reef: the 71 spot reservable Fruita Campground, and the primitive first-come first-served Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa Campgrounds.

Since much of the national park borders BLM land, finding a camping spot is easy even in peak season. On BLM land, dispersed camping is permitted for free, for up to 14 days at a time.

There are a number of accommodation options in Torrey for travelers who do not wish to camp. Torrey is the gateway to Capitol Reef. The shaded tree-lined town is home to a host of hotels and lodges.

Capitol Reef Resort, Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel, and the Cougar Ridge Lodge all boast great reviews and close proximity to the park’s entrance.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPITOL REEF

As with most of the American Southwest, the best time to visit Capitol Reef is during springtime and fall. Soaring summer temperatures can make the area an uncomfortable place to visit in summer months. And come winter, the chill of the high desert means that some activities may be inaccessible.

In autumn, the national park’s cottonwood trees erupt in brilliant shades of yellow. It is a spectacular time to visit the park and witness nature’s colorful displays.

Temperature-wise, spring is also a fantastic time to visit Capitol Reef. However, if you are visiting in spring, be sure to check on road conditions before tackling the park’s unpaved roads. Flash floods are real dangers in the area after it rains.

CAPITOL REEF TRAVEL TIPS AND LOGISTICS

• Capitol Reef National Park does not have a designated entrance kiosk. Thus, it is entirely possible to visit some of the most popular areas in the park for free. If you choose to travel along Scenic Drive, you’ll be required to pay $20. The payment is on the honor system. Please do not abuse it.
• There are no places to fuel up in Capitol Reef National Park. If you are planning on driving the Notom-Bullfrog Road or the Cathedral Valley Loop, make sure you fill your car’s gas tank prior to leaving Torrey.
• Please do not attempt to drive to the Strike Valley Overlook without a 4 wheel drive. The road is poorly maintained and requires high clearance. If you get stuck, it could be a while before you encounter help.

****

Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s redheaded stepchild. Compared to Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands and Arches, it receives hardly any attention. Many people decide to skip Capitol Reef entirely when road tripping through the national and state parks of southern Utah.

And among those who visit, few stray away from the main attractions on Highway 24.

But Capitol Reef—located smack in the heart of red rock country—is a treasure-trove of cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges.

Just because it doesn’t get the same amount of attention as Utah’s other national parks, doesn’t mean it is any less deserving.

______________________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Guide to Capitol Reef National Park? Pin It! 

The post Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park appeared first on Erika's Travels .