National Parks

Utah's National Parks

Utah's National Parks Map
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Comparing Utah's National Parks

Arches National Park

Location: Southeastern Utah

Known for: The largest concentration of natural sandstone arches.

Biggest crowds: Spring and fall

Accessibility: Many of the arches can be viewed from your car.

Why kids like it: Walking through rock windows and playing in sand dunes is like taking a trip to Mars.

What hikers say: Awe-inspiring scenery and thrilling walks on the tops of sandstone fins make this place hard to forget.

Best for:
Climbing, Geological Greats

Bryce Canyon National Park

Location: Southern Utah

Known for: Bright, red-orange rocks in bizarre shapes.

Biggest crowds: July through September

Accessibility: You can view much of the park from scenic overlooks along the road.

Why kids like it: Exploring the hoodoos is like wandering through a giant maze.

What hikers say: You'll see some amazing colors at sunrise and sunset at the naturally carved-out amphitheaters.

Best for:
Geological Greats, Winter Recreation

Canyonlands National Park

Location: Southeastern Utah

Known for: Biking on White Rim Road, whitewater rafting, and canyons as far as the eye can see.

Biggest crowds: Spring and fall

Accessibility: It's easy to see three mountain ranges and countless canyons.

Why kids like it: They'll almost be able to see home from here—no matter where home is!

What hikers say: You'll find some of the best hikes in the world here.

Best for:
Climbing

Capitol Reef National Park

Location: Southern Utah

Known for: The 100-mile long Waterpocket Fold.

Biggest crowds: Spring and early summer

Accessibility: Many of the park's historic sites are close to the road.

Why kids like it: Picking fruit in the orchards at historic Fruita and seeing mule deer up close.

What hikers say: A huge backcountry plus light traffic equals solitude and beauty.

Best for:
Majestic Mountains, Climbing

Zion National Park

Location: Southern Utah

Known for: Sheer 2,000-foot cliffs and river-carved canyons.

Biggest crowds: April through October

Accessibility: Scenic drive leads to many features and easily-accessible trails.

Why kids like it: Swimming and tubing the Virgin River is a great antidote for the summer heat.

What hikers say: Hiking the Narrows and the Subway are life-list activities.

Best for:
Climbing, Winter Recreation

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