Sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah, USA. Utah's National Parks

Top 5 Places for Outdoor Adventures in Utah's National Parks

Discover Utah’s mighty 5 National Parks

Visit Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks for your taste of Western Adventure in the outdoors. From the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, each park offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Get ready to channel your inner explorer and discover the red rock wonders of a lifetime!


1. Zion National Park, Utah

Visit Zion National Park, Utah, an otherworldly landscape full of towering red rock cliffs and carved winding canyons.

Where is Zion National Park? You will reach Zion National Park in southwest Utah. Springdale is a charming little town just outside of Zion National Park and is a great place to stay on your road trip to enjoy Zion. From Springdale, Utah, you can hop onto the free shuttle service, which services Zion National Park, taking you between each scenic spot; you can jump on and off this as you enjoy the sights! Zion National Park is 2.5 hours drive from Las Vegas, 1.5 hours from Bryce Canyon National Park and just under two hours from Page, AZ. 

 Zion National Park makes a great stop along your American road trip. We know we shouldn’t have favourites – but Zion is certainly an American Road Trip Company fave!

Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Zion National Park…

Zion National Park, Utah, USA. Utah's National Parks

Zion National Park, Utah


2. Arches National Park, Utah

Where is Arches National Park? 5 miles north of Moab you will discover the dusty red hues of Arches National Park. This park is huge! There are over 2,000 natural sandstone arches within 76k acres of geological wonders, sandstone formations balancing rocks, spires and fins and each and every one will blow your mind.

How much does it cost to enter Arches National Park, Utah? $30 per vehicle will get you entrance into the park for 7 days. An annual National Parks pass is $80, so if you’re planning on visiting Utah’s other national parks, this is certainly worthwhile.  

What is there to do at Arches National Park? There are plenty of hikes, trails and sights to experience. There is a 36-mile round trip scenic drive you can take to absorb the views in the park. Or with a little more time there are many sort trails you can take such as the Park Avenue Trail. This National Park will make for an ideal day trip, combine it with nearby Canyonlands for a packed day of adventures! With a day or two to spend in the park there are driving tours and hiking trails for all abilities.

When is the best time to visit Arches National Park? It will be hot hot hot in the summer, however, don’t expect this to keep the crowds away. Spring and autumn, just outside of the summer heat, are best times to visit the park with nicer temperatures. In addition to this there are fewer ‘Instagram models’ to fight for the perfect shot- win-win!

Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Arches National Park…

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah, Western USA. Utah's National Parks

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park


3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Head to Bryce Canyon National Park where intricately formed rocks, moulded over thousands of years create a landscape that will have you thinking you’ve left planet earth!

Can you drive around Bryce Canyon? Most of Bryce Canyon is best seen by car and to drive through the park would take only three hours. There is an entrance fee of $35 per vehicle to enter Bryce National Park.

How long to spend in Bryce Canyon? This is one National Park that you can explore in just a day. If you have more than one day here, that’s great, hike away. For those passing through on your American Road Trip, we would advise arriving early to beat any crowds and visiting the visitors centre. There are a few short hikes which will lead to some awesome vista points. Inspiration point is an amphitheatre shape and from here you can witness the hoodoos.

When is the best time of year to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?

In the winter months, the hoodoos get a slight sprinkling of snow which is certainly quite magical to see. During the summer months, the park tends to stay cool due to its high elevation. Spring and autumn are good times to visit as there are smaller crowds visiting the park. 

Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Bryce National Park…

Bryce Canyon National Park, Southwest USA. Utah's National Parks

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah


4. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Visit Canyonlands National Park – the least visited National park in Utah! One of Utahs ‘Mighty 5’, Canyonlands is Utah’s best kept secret- quiet and undeveloped. Once you find the striking red buttes and natural sandy arches, you’ll know you’ve arrived!

Where is Canyonlands National Park? Visit Canyonlands National Park on the very eastern side of Utah. To visit Canyonlands National Park on your road trip is easy. Just under 4 hours drive to Salt Lake City, 2 hours 20 minutes from Capitol Reef National Park and 5 hours 20 minutes from Zion National Park

What to see as Canyonlands National Park? Mesa Arch, The White Rim trail, and Grand View Point Overlook are top of our list for when you visit Canyonlands National Park. Kayaking, Hiking, Camping, and Cycling are great in these bronze terrains. Top off your day with an evening under the stars, before doing it all again the next day!

You should know before you go… Preparation is key. The only water available in the park is in the visitors centre so be sure to take plenty along with you. 

Click here to view our Road Trip Itineraries that explore Canyonlands National Park…

Canyonlands National Park, Utah, Western USA

Canyonlands National Park, Utah


5. Capitol Reef National Park

Finally, The fifth and least visited of Utah’s National Parks. Capitol Reef is home to geological wonders including massive natural arches, deep sandstone canyons and towering rock cliffs. Check out the rugged red cliffs of Cathedral Valley.

Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah


Check out our Itineraries that Explore The West here… 

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