Welcome to Utah
Utah is home to some of the most stunning and diverse natural landscapes in the world. The state is home to five national parks that attract millions of visitors every year. In this blog post, we'll explore the Big 5 national parks in Utah, their landscapes, terrains, and erosion, and provide a brief history of each park.
If you want to explore more and gather further information, please check out the National Parks Service (NPS) links included throughout this blog. If you have any questions for someone who has made the trip before, reach out to us... We're always happy to share adventure stories and make sure you are as prepared as you can be to have a great time.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park Zion National Park is the most popular of the Big 5 national parks in Utah, attracting over 4.5 million visitors annually. It is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River, which runs through the park. The park's terrain is characterized by steep canyons, mesas, and plateaus, and it is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. The park was established in 1919 and was Utah's first national park.
For more information please check out the NPS website.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geological formations known as hoodoos. These tall, thin spires of rock are the result of millions of years of erosion. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and pronghorns. The park's terrain is characterized by a series of amphitheaters and fins, and it is a popular destination for hiking and horseback riding. Bryce Canyon National Park was established in 1928.
For more information please check out the NPS website.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park Capitol Reef National Park is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, canyons, and domes. The park is located in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline that stretches for nearly 100 miles. The park's terrain is characterized by towering sandstone cliffs, canyons, and domes, and it is a popular destination for hiking and scenic drives. Capitol Reef National Park was established in 1971.
For more information please check out the NPS website.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as balanced rocks, spires, and other geological formations. The park's terrain is characterized by steep-walled canyons, fins, and spires, and it is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. Arches National Park was established in 1971.
For more information please check out the NPS website.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged canyons, towering mesas, and the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. The park is divided into three sections: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The park's terrain is characterized by canyons, mesas, and buttes, and it is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and river rafting. Canyonlands National Park was established in 1964.
For more information please check out the NPS website.
If you would like more information on each specific park and hiking recommendations please check out our other blog posts!
Make it a Road Trip
If you are visiting from the South West it is most likely you will start this loop at Zion NP, from Zion it is a beautiful drive along Highway 12 (scenic byway) up towards Bryce Canyon NP, you will drive through Red Canyon which may be recognizable to those who know the Disney Movie Cars.
From Bryce you can continue North and then East over to Capitol Reef NP, be sure to check out the visitor center as there are multiple regions to Capitol Reef NP. Depending on how much time you have to explore these areas will mean you may have to miss and or prioritize certain trails & viewpoints.
On from Capitol Reef NP to Arches NP taking Highway 80 East, (side note one of my favorite things about Utah is the Speed limit 80mph) Arches NP is a very busy park so please plan accordingly, you may need to reserve a permit in advance to enter. Please use the link I provided above to check ahead.
And finally from Arches NP it is a short drive over to Canyonlands NP. Canyonlands is one of the lesser travelled National parks and includes the famous Shafer Canyon Road, if your vehicle is capable I would recommend this drive. If not there is a viewpoint you can stop at and see the switchbacks.
Let's wrap this up...
With Zion National Park being the most popular of the Big 5 national parks in terms of annual visitors in Utah. All five parks are unique and offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Each one of these parks is beautiful in their own right, we visited these 5 parks on a week long roadtrip for our honeymoon in 2020!
The erosion of the sandstone cliffs, canyons, and other geological formations in these parks is a natural process that has taken millions of years. The wind, water, and other natural forces have slowly carved out these unique formations over time, creating the stunning landscapes that we see today.
In conclusion, the Big 5 national parks in Utah are a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure. Whether you're hiking through Zion's narrow canyons, exploring the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, or rafting down the Colorado River in Canyonlands, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and head to Utah to explore these parks.
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