Tag: Utah National Parks

Discovering the Wild West in Arches

Post author By Hannah

Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 arches as well as a myriad of other astounding feats of nature. Conveniently placed near Moab, outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds find themselves drawn to explore the curious rock formations. Whether you’re planning an Arches-only trip or hitting up all the parks in Utah, you won’t regret adventuring to Moab and discovering the wild west that Arches showcases with such grandeur.

Not only are the various arrays of arches just incredible to see and stand under, but the views from the park, with the La Sal mountains in the backdrop, are astounding as well. Arches National Park is an incredible testament to the power and simple beauty of nature.

Fast Facts About Arches National Park

Size: 76,519 acres

Visitors: 1,806,865 (data from 2021)

Highest elevation: 5,653 feet at Elephant Butte

Distance from Moab: 13 miles — 20 minutes

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 240 miles — 4 hour drive

National Park Initiation: November 12th, 1971

While you could totally spend a week in Moab, between Arches, Canyonlands, and all the other fun Moab is known for, one or two days planned specifically for Arches National Park is enough to hit the highlights and feel like you robustly experienced the park. We tend to enjoy an action packed day, so the ideal itinerary might vary from person to person. Fitness level, time of year, and one’s desired Arches bucket list are all going to be factors that dictate just how long you should allot for this astounding and fantastic park. Below we have detailed how to ensure you are allowed into the park, our favorite hikes, the best spots to stargaze, and the scoop on camping in the park— as well as a handful of tips and tricks to ensure you have the best time.

Securing Your Timed Entry

Where to start? Let’s make sure you make it in the door! From 2009 to 2019, visitation to Arches grew over 66 percent, with most people arriving during the same peak hours each day. Due to this influx, the park has integrated an initiative to spread arrivals out (from 7am to 4pm) from April 1st – October 31st. The aim of the timed entry program is not to reduce the quantity of individuals visiting the park but to more evenly disperse their arrival throughout the day.

What exactly does timed entry mean? Prospective park visitors can reserve a 1 hour slot in which they will enter the park. These openings range from 7am-8am to 4pm-5pm. It is important to arrive at the park within your window otherwise your entry may be denied. Taking a last minute trip and worried you won’t be able to get in? Additional tickets are made available at 6pm MDT the calendar day prior. If you are having technical difficulties and are unable to secure any timed entry tickets, your other option would be arriving at the park before 6am or after 5pm.

Hike It Out

We actually almost skipped the Delicate Arch Hike because we thought it would be overcrowded, and I am so grateful we didn’t. While the park is home to a myriad of arches, Delicate Arch just might be the most iconic. Not only is Delicate Arch massively impressive, but the La Sal Mountains in the backdrop make it a beyond picturesque view. My favorite moment in the park was standing under Delicate Arch, looking out at the mountains. If you only have time for one hike, this should be it!

The Devil’s Garden Hike is quite the catch-all trail as it leads to an array of different arches. We utilized this trail to go all the way down to the Double O Arch, stopping at the Dark Arch, Landscape Arch, and Navajo Arch along the way. The viewpoints were certainly beautiful, but this hike was worth doing just for the views of the horizon. We also found some of the climbing and scrambling to be fun and adventurous.

It cannot be said enough, be sure you pack yourself enough water. Due to the long, unshaded nature of this trail, going earlier in the day is especially advisable, but if you are hiking in the afternoon, ensure you are prepared.

Campgrounds

Devils Garden Campground is the only campground available at Arches National Park. As such, its busy season is quite busy, and the 51 campsites go like hotcakes. Campsites can be reserved up to six month in advance between March 1 and October 31. In the low season, campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campground facilities include drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and everyone’s favorite… flush toilets!

Hankering for a Snack

There is no lodge or restaurant in Arches, so be sure to bring along all the snacks and meals you might need. Arches’ close proximity to Moab makes tracking down sustenance daily easy. Grocery stores like City Market are the perfect way to make sure you have everything you need before embarking on your adventure. When you’re done exploring, nothing hits the spot like a cold treat on a hot day. There’s a handful of tasty-looking shops, but we can confirm that Moab Frozen Yogurt is a delightful little dessert desert oasis.

Starry Eyed

On a clear night, you can see the stars almost anywhere in the park. Areas off the main road prevent the headlights or people coming and going affecting your night vision and photographs. The farther north you drive into the park, the darker the sky will be. We initially drove to the Petrified Dunes Viewpoint but found the light pollution from Moab to be disruptive, so we hopped in the car and drove a bit farther to the Balance Rock picnic area.

While these points aren’t terribly far from one another, it made a huge difference in visibility. The best spots to stargaze are at Balance Rock, just past Balance Rock at either the Windows section or the Garden of Eden, and at Panorama Point.

If you have a flashlight or headlamp with a red light setting, bring it along! White lights can be harmful to your night vision, but the red lights are much more gentle. This is also respectful to any photographers out trying to capture pictures of the stars. Due to the long exposure necessary to photograph the stars, extraneous white light can be disruptive. If you have any star identification apps, they may be able to help you find constellations as well as the Milky Way.

As a note, Canyonlands National Park is about 45 minutes away from Moab, and therefore the light pollution of Moab. If you are a night owl with the evening flexibility, the stars will be even more amazing at its gold-tier International Dark Sky status.

How are Arches Made?

To be considered one of the park’s 2,000+ official stone arches, an opening of at least three feet must exist. This hole can stretch in any one direction, and there’s no requirement for width. For this reason, many of the arches in the park are so narrow, you might walk right past them as though it’s just a small hole in a stone.

The rock that makes up much of Arches is different layers of sandstone. Water takes advantage of cracks in rock surfaces and wears the sandstone down into fins. The park only receives 8-10 inches of precipitation per year. This doesn’t sound like much, but if the park were to receive too much more rain, the sandstone would potentially erode so quickly that the arches wouldn’t be able to form. The rain and snow that fall at Arches is a perfect quantity to erode the underlying rock at a sustainable pace to create the gorgeous sandstone arches.

The picture below are from the Arches Visitor Guide, which provides a more thorough explanation. If you have any additional questions about arches or any other geological features, be sure to ask a park ranger. We happened upon one whilst out on the Devils Garden trail, and found she was a wealth of information regarding various questions we had accumulated along our hike.

Pets

Everyone loves their furry friend, but pets can be quite disruptive upon entry into a new ecosystem. For this reason, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or less, and owners are responsible for picking up after their pet all areas in the park. The only places pets are welcome is on established roads or in parking areas as well as in the campgrounds and picnic areas. They are not allowed on any other trails, overlooks, wilderness areas, or in public buildings in Arches. (Service animals are the exception to these location restrictions.)

While Arches isn’t terribly pet-friendly, nearby Dead Horse Point State Park and the La Sal National Forest are both more accommodating.

Planning Ahead

The Elements

If you are going to be out hiking for any length of time, you should ensure you have packed sufficient water. Doing a longer trail? It’s never a bad idea to pack a snack or two to ensure you can keep up your stamina. If you’re not used to heat and elevation changes, it can fatigue you even more quickly on an empty stomach.

Get out early to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. If you are an early bird, the earlier the better to afford you a bit more tranquility in the park and perhaps a stunning sunrise view. For any and all that do their best work in the afternoon, heading to the park around 3pm or 4pm will allow you to miss both the strongest UV rays of the day as well as all the morning park-goers.

Come Prepared

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong, and sustained exposure will leave you burned!

Layers, layers, layers!! Despite the scorching hot temperatures during the day, the early mornings and evenings can still be quite chilly– plus the temperature can vary by elevation or lack of sun exposure (i.e. deep in a canyon). Even when visiting the summer, be sure to pack a few warmer layers!

A walking stick or trekking poles are never a bad idea. These are beneficial for any hike, but I was especially grateful to have mine when hiking Devil’s Garden!

discovering the wild west in Arches on the Devils Garden trail with the La Sal mountains in the background

While all national parks are home to outstanding feats of nature, Arches is perhaps the most uniquely mysterious. While science has a perfectly logical explanation as to how arches are formed, it still feels like nothing short of a miracle to stand under Delicate Arch, looking up. We hope you have a chance to make it out west and enjoy Arches in all its glory.

written by Hannah

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest. Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Tags Arches, Arches National Park, national parks, travel Utah, Utah National Parks, visit Arches

national parks travel

Adventuring In Awe at Zion Canyon

Post author By Hannah

Zion was Utah’s first national park, and its luster has endured as it continues to be the most visited park in Utah as well as one of the most visited parks in the national parks system, with over 5 million visits each year. This 148,016 acre park has range, with abounding hikes for all difficulty levels as well as canyoneering, rafting, and rock climbing. Whether you’re planning a Zion-only trip or hitting up all the parks in Utah, you won’t regret adventuring in awe as you explore the diverse topography and wilderness that make this vast park an unforgettable gem.

Not only is the canyon astounding, but there are so many adventures to be had! There’s not many guarantees in life, but Zion Canyon is almost assuredly guaranteed to knock your socks off and leave you saying “WOAH“.

Fast Facts About Zion National Park

Size: 232 square miles

Visitors: 5,039,835 visitors annually (data from 2021)

Highest elevation: 8,726 feet — Horse Ranch Mountain

Distance from St. George Airport: 45 miles — 1 hour drive

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 170 miles — 3 hour drive

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 300 miles — 4.5 hour drive

National Park Initiation: November 19th, 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson

Zion is truly one of our favorite national parks. You can see pictures and have some appreciation for the magnitude, but there’s nothing quite like going and experiencing it for yourself. While all land protected by the National Park Service is important and beautiful in its own way, some parks are just most engaging to visit than others. Sometimes spending just an afternoon wandering around is enough to wet your beak and feel as though you saw the gist. That will not be enough at Zion!!! Unless you grew up with technicolor canyons in your backyard, you’re going to need at least two or three days to adequately explore Zion Canyon. Below we have detailed all of our favorite hikes, where to grab a bite, how-to’s for navigating transportation, where to bunk down, and beautiful drives— as well as all the tips and tricks that will ensure you have the best time.

Top Hikes

If you’re going to Zion, crushing a few hikes is a must. The sandstone cliffs are as exhilarating to hike as they are gorgeous to observe. With over 90 miles of trails available to explore, the opportunities for exploration are endless. Below we’ve detailed a few hikes that especially stood out, but a more comprehensive list can be found here.

Angels Landing

While views abound throughout the park, there are a few hikes Zion is renowned for. The first of which is Angel’s Landing. This steep hike was once thought to be inaccessible to humans, hence its name. In the time since, it has become a well worn path, with chains for anxious hikers to hold onto as they make their accent.

Due to this trail’s popularity, crowding started to become an issue, so the park launched a lottery permit system for interested visitors to throw their hat in the ring. While this does make the hike safer by diminishing the overcrowding, it also means some hikers that truly wish to hike Angels Landing are unable to.

For those that don’t win it big in the lottery, hiking to the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail provides a pretty comparable view. If you are hiking all the way up to Angel’s Landing, you must start the hike in your given time window. For those hiking to Scout’s Lookout, we recommend getting an early start— especially if you are visiting in the summer months.

The Narrows

An equally iconic hike, the Narrows is an adventurous trek through the most narrow section of Zion Canyon. It feels surreal to hike through the gorge, with sandstone walls stretching up thousands of feet, but even more unique, over half of this hike is spent walking– or rather wading– through the Virgin River. In the spring, the melting snow can make the water flowing through the canyon too dangerous for hikers to endeavor, so be sure to check the flow rate to get an idea of the feasibility of going. The Narrows closes down if the river’s flow rate exceeds 150 cubic feet per second (CFS).

OOTD

Even when the conditions are right, you want to be dressed to impress. Regular hiking boots aren’t going to cut it here, and depending on the time of year, you might be glad to have a pair of bibs as well. Equipment rentals, such as Zion Outfitter, will provide canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, a wooden walking stick, and dry pants (as necessary). If you are considering doing any substantial portion of the water-trek, we highly recommend either packing or renting this gear as it can make or break your experience.

Hike it Out

Most park visitors hike the Narrows bottom-up, and this does not require a permit. Hiking from the bottom up means starting at Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9) and hiking as far as Big Spring. The beauty of the bottom-up hike is that there is no specific viewpoint you are hiking to, because hiking through the canyon itself is the view. This means you could spend an hour hiking or you could spend all day! A true choose-you-own-adventure kind of hike.

An early start to the day is advisable. Due to the popularity of this hike, it will get crowded. The silver lining is that even in the middle of the day, the farther you hike into the canyon, the less people you will see.

Watchman Trail

Easy to access from the Visitor Center, the Watchman Trail is an excellent trail to get your feet wet with. The overlook at the top boasts 360 degree views, including Temples and Towers, the lower Zion Canyon, and Watchman Peak. The proximity to the Visitor Center is convenient to ensure bladders are empty and water bottles are full before departing. This is especially important for anyone embarking on a mid-day hike because this trail has zero shade.

The lack of shade makes The Watchman a perfect choice for an early evening hike. With sweeping views of the canyon, it makes for an awesome sunset spot. It’s not a terribly long hike, so it’s generally pretty feasible to safely descend before dark. No one knows your body like you do, so always make sure you feel safe and comfortable with your hiking plan!

Zion Canyon Campgrounds

There are two campgrounds in the Zion Canyon region of the park, which offer a combined 293 campsites for campers to choose from.

Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground, the slightly bigger of the two, is only a ¼ mile away from the South Entrance of the park. While tent and electric campsites are available year-round, group campsites are only available from March to November. Amenities anyone? All campsites have a space for a tent or RV, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Due to Zion’s illustrious draw, campsites fill up quickly and this campground requires reservations year-round. Mark your calendar if you’re keen to camp here because campsites become available six months in advance… and they will go fast!

South Campground

South Campground is similarly convenient in location, only a ½ mile from the South Entrance of the park. Available March through October, tent, dry RV, and group campsites are available by reservation. Making a reservation is important as this campground is routinely full. Taking a more spontaneous trip? These campsites become available for reservation 14 days in advance, so even if the Watchman campground is full months out, it’s possible to snag a gorgeous, centrally located campsite. Your campsite includes a space for a tent or RV, a picnic table, and a fire ring.

Both of these campgrounds are alongside the Virgin River. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center upon arrival to check the water quality as bacteria blooms can be toxic.

Zion Lodge

The Zion Lodge is located in the middle of the park, placing guests in the heart of the excitement. The longstanding lodge can be found on the National Register of Historic Places as it was built in the 1920s and has withstood the test of time… and fire! Abounding in historical character, the Zion Lodge offers 76 rooms, six suites, and 40 cabins for visitors to choose from. We loved the historic character of our little cabin abode.

The Scoop

Providing a robust experience, the Lodge also offers narrated tram ride tours late spring through fall. These tours traverse Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, showcasing keystone areas of the park with a colorful commentary throughout. As a note, this tram ride differs from the free shuttle rides.

If you’re more invested in zipping around, creating your own adventure, bikes are available to rent as well mid-March through November. Safety first, safety always! When you rent a bike, it will also include a helmet, safety vest, and bike lock. Additionally, all bikes are conveniently equipped with a front basket, safety lights, and a bell, so you will be prepared for all situations!

A huge perk of staying at the Zion Lodge is that you are permitted to drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive up to the Lodge (a restricted area to all other park visitors late spring through fall). This access is allotted via a code, which must be provided for gate entry. Why does this matter? If your Lodge reservation check-in is Monday at 4pm, but you wanted to arrive at the park and hike before your check-in time, you are able to park your car (for free) at the Lodge for that entire day. It is also convenient to be able to come and go from the park as you please without reliance on the shuttle.

The Shuttle Scuttle

To minimize traffic through the park in busy months shuttle services run from March to November both in the park itself and in the adjacent town of Springdale. Both shuttles have nine stops. The shuttle in the park takes visitors to various areas in the park itself, while the Springdale shuttle transports people staying or parking in town up to the park entrance.

The Springdale shuttle service is more necessary than one might think due to parking in Zion typically being full by 8-9am. In the months the shuttles are running, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, so using the shuttle system is the fastest way to maneuver through the park– unless you’re keen to rent a bike! There are a plethora of shuttles running, so one is never waiting too long for their ride.

Staying hydrated throughout the day is incredibly important. Water-bottle refilling stations can be found at shuttle stops 1,2,5,6, and 9.

Taking It Low & Slow

Many of Zion’s most popular hikes can be found along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive; however, this section of the park only makes up a portion of the national park. Directly after crossing over the Canyon Junction Bridge a left turn will lead to the limited access scenic drive; however, if you continue straight, the road becomes Zion Park Boulevard also known as the Mount Carmel Highway. This winding road leads to some absolutely breathtaking views of the canyon. If you have time, you will not regret taking this drive.

Good Eats

In the Park

The lodge is centrally located in the park at shuttle stop 5, and features a couple restaurant options. The Castle Dome Cafe serves coffee and light breakfast bites in the morning as well as burgers and hot dogs and french fries throughout the afternoon. Some local microbrews can be found in the beer cart on the cafe’s patio.

The Red Rock Grill can be found within the main lodge itself, and it makes for a perfect spot to rest your weary legs while you chow down, with a variety of delicious plate options. We both devoured 1/2 pound burgers after hiking Angel’s Landing, and I can honestly say a burger has never tasted better!

Zion Canyon Village

Just outside the entrance to the park, you will find the Zion Canyon Village. This locus has a handful of places certainly worth visiting either on your way into or out of the park.

Happy Camper Market is a small scale grocery store, with everything you might need for your day’s adventure. When we hiked the Narrows, we planned to hike just about the whole thing, so we knew we’d be out past lunchtime. The pre-made sandwiches were a perfect mid-day meal. They also have a wide array of sports drinks if you need a little post-hike hydration.

Right next door, the Zion Canyon Brew Pub has both a restaurant as well as a beer garden area for weary hikers to rest their bones. While we didn’t sample any food here, we can recommend stopping by for a beer.

Sunset & Stargazing

The Zion Human History Museum is just north of the Visitor Center, and its patio provides great sunset views overlooking Bridge Mountain and the East Temple. Once the sun has set, the patio continues to serve looks, with expansive night sky stretched out above you. If you’d rather take a stroll as you take in the heavens, the Pa’rus Trail is an excellent option for both sunset and star gazers. Canyon Junction Bridge was once a lovely spot to watch the sun set, but it now has signs up prohibiting pedestrian loitering (park rangers will patrol the area around sunset to make people move). As mentioned above, the Watchman trail viewpoint makes for a panoramic view of the evening sky.

Despite all the rush of snagging a top notch sunset spot, Zion’s grandiose topography prevents visitors from actually watching the sun settle into the horizon. The sunset hour still affords enviable views as the cotton candy colored clouds and watercolor sky make for a gorgeous backdrop to the tangerine canyons as the sunlight fades.

Zion goes to lengths to preserve the dark night sky that makes for excellent stargazing. Due to this dedication, there is very minimal outdoor lighting to illuminate your path, after the sun sets. If you’re planning to be out after sunset, be sure to bring a flashlight with you.

adventuring in awe through ion canyon on the pa'rus trail — views a long the Pa’rus Trail

Kolob Canyon

In the northwestern corner of the park, you will find the Kolob Canyons. This part of the park clocks in at just under an hour and a half away from the southern entrance to the park, making it a less densely visited area. The Kolob Canyons are narrow slot canyons, permeating the Colorado Plateau, creating breathtaking peaks and cliff sides.

If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the Kolob Canyon experience, there is both hiking and camping available. The Lava Point Campground is open May through September, as weather permits. This campground sits over a mile high at 7890 feet elevation and has six primitive campsites available for reservation. This reservation system is newer and interested explorers should make a reservation over the phone at 877-444-6777. The campground lives up to its primitive description with only pit toilets and trash cans available to campers.

Pets

Everyone loves their furry friend, but pets can be quite disruptive upon entry into a new ecosystem. For this reason, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or less, and owners are responsible for picking up after their pet all areas in the park. The Pa’rus Trail, which begins at the Visitor Center, is the only trail that permits pets. They are not allowed on any other trails, wilderness areas, shuttles, or in public buildings in Zion. (Service animals are the exception to these location restrictions.)

It’s important to bring water for yourself, but keeping your pet hydrated is equally important. The water in Zion is not always safe to drink though, so be mindful of what your pet laps up!

Planning Ahead

The Elements

Be sure to check the weather before you go hiking– especially if you plan to hike a slot canyon, like the Narrows. Even little rain can be dangerous because water levels rise exponentially faster, making flash flooding a real risk. The National Weather Service monitors ten park areas in southern Utah for likelihood of flash flooding and issues each one a flash flood potential rating. Checking for likelihood of flooding as well as keeping an eye on imminent weather is super easy to do, and just might save your life!

Come Prepared

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong, and sustained exposure will leave you burned!

While Angels Landing is the only hike that requires a permit, activities such as canyoneering, backpacking, rock climbing, and rafting all require permits as well.

A walking stick or trekking poles are never a bad idea. These are beneficial for a multitude of hikes, none more-so than hiking through the Narrows. With the water moving around you, a walking stick increases your base of support and makes undesirable plops into the river less likely.

They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but no picture truly captures how immense Zion Canyon is. The national parks system protects some of the most beautiful niches of the country, and Zion is a crown jewel in this collection. Let us know what you think of this immense testament to nature’s grandeur.

written by Hannah

Tags Utah Big Five, Utah National Parks, Zion Canyon National Park, Zion travel

national parks travel

Mesas, Mazes, Rivers, and More at Canyonlands

Post author By Hannah

Canyonlands National Park, a nearly 337,600 acre desert in southeastern Utah, is known for its rugged landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. As the largest national park in Utah, it boasts four distinct regions of the park, each with its own exceptional topography. With panoramic overlooks, towering spires, and a plethora of remote canyons scattered throughout, Canyonlands has range. Whether you’re planning a Canyonlands-only trip or hitting up all the national parks in Utah, you won’t regret exploring the unique landscape in this diverse desert wilderness: from mesas to mazes and everything in between.

Below we will detail the three districts of the park, the best hikes, beautiful drives, and some excellent camping options— plus some of our best tips and tricks for making the most of your time at Canyonlands!

Fast Facts About Canyonlands National Park

Size: 337,570 acres

Visitors: 733,996 visitors annually (data from 2019)

Highest elevation: 7,180 feet — Big Pocket in the Needles District

Distance from Moab: 30 miles — 35 minute drive

Distance from Salt Lake City: 250 miles — 4 hour drive

National Park Initiation: September 12, 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson

The Districts

Canyonlands has three separate districts that combine to form a truly diverse park— in addition to the two rivers that create the boundaries of each district (these rivers are considered a fourth district). Whether you’re excited to explore renown hikes or keen on a slice of remote silence, you’re sure to find adventure in this primitive desert ecosystem.

Island in the Sky

The ‘Island in the Sky’ district is aptly named as the mesa rests on a sandstone pedestal. Sheer cliffs elevate this district over 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Island in the Sky is the most popularly visited district, largely due to its proximity to Moab.

Hikes & Sights

Whether you’re planning on spending a few hours here or a few days, there’s a myriad of overlooks and hikes to explore. The Mesa Arch Trail is a short, easy hike to a unique arch with a picturesque background. It also makes for a great spot to watch the sun rise! The Grand View Point Trail is an awe-inspiring hike with constant views for the entire nearly 2-mile hike. Similar in length and oftentimes less crowded, the White Rim Overlook Trail showcases a panorama of canyons with the La Sal mountains as a backdrop.

If you’re keen on mountain biking, the White Rim Road is an illustrious path for any biker up to the challenge. While the road can get rather steep and strenuous in some places, you will be afforded spectacular views in spades. The harder you work for it, the more rewarding it is!

For those with mobility-impairments that make long walks challenging, the Green River Overlook provides stunning perspective, without any wear and tear on the joints. Or perhaps take it all in from your car. Grand View Road stretches about 19 miles and makes for a meandering exploration of Canyonlands, coasting past many popular viewpoints!

Camping Out

There is no lodge in the park, so if you want to stay in the park, plan on camping. The Island in the Sky campground, Willow Flat, is open year-round and offers 12 sites, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Looking to get a room with a view? The gorgeous Green River Overlook is adjacent to the campsite. The nightly camping fee is a very reasonable $15 per site, and sites fill quickly in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Campground amenities include toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings in the campground. While there is no water at the campground, drinking water can be found outside the visitor center.

The Needles

Exploration station

Needles makes up the southeast corner of Canyonlands. It is named for the colorful spires that proliferate this region of the park. This part of the park is best suited for visitors with a bit more time on their hands as it’s a bit further of a drive from Moab than Island in the Sky— farther, but worth the drive! The extensive trail system in this district offers abundant opportunities for day hikes and overnight trips. Driving up to the Big Spring Canyon Overlook is an easy way to check out the northern part of the district, while hiking the Chesler Park Viewpoint Trail is a breathtaking way to explore the more southern region.

Camping Out

The Needles Campground is open year-round and has 26 individual sites as well as 3 additional group sites. The nightly camping fee for an individual site is $20. Spring through fall, visitors can reserve individual sites and group sites, but the remainder of the year, these sites are first-come, first-served. This campground has toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings in the campground to facilitate your camping experience.

The Maze

You won’t find a Visitor Center in the Maze as this part of the park is remote and all roads are unpaved. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is a must if you want to come exploring out here. Bring your patience and best boy-scout skills, because being self-sufficient in the outdoors is important to staying safe in this region of the park. This is no joke– the Maze is where Aron Ralston was stuck and his determined survival inspired the movie 127 Hours!

The most historically remarkable hiking in the Maze is to Horseshoe Canyon, renown for its historic yet beautiful American Indian rock art. Hikers make the seven mile trek to the ‘The Great Gallery’ to observe the intricately drawn, life-sized figures that act as a living memory to a bygone civilization. While we weren’t quite hardy enough to make the trip, it seems like a surreal experience to take in this slice of history.

The Rivers

The Colorado and Green rivers wind through Canyonlands, slicing through centuries of sandstone to separate the park into its three distinct districts. These rivers are generally calm, flowing south until they intersect at The Confluence. Both the Colorado and Green rivers are ideal for a canoeing or kayaking adventure— before they meet at the Confluence. Once combined, their subsequent flow through Cataract Canyon creates a world-class stretch of white water rapids. The rapids range from class II to V, giving adrenaline junkies quite the rush with its powerful speed. Unless you are very confident rafting, it’s always best to explore white water rapids with a guide!

from mesas to mazes the colorado river has carved through this desert landscape

Star Light, Star Bright

Staying in Moab and hoping to catch a glimpse of the starts? Canyonlands will provide the best views in the Moab area. While it is a bit more of a drive than nearby Arches, this extra distance means even less light pollution from near-by Moab. The starry night skies are actually so pristine, the park received a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park designation.

Pets

Pet-companion trailblazing is limited at Canyonlands due to the sensitive desert ecosystem and extreme temperatures. Pets must be on a leash at all times when outside a vehicle, for everyone’s safety. Pets are welcomed at the developed campgrounds in Island in the Sky and The Needles districts and along paved roads. It is not permitted to bring your pet with you on any of the hiking trails or to the overlooks. While the backcountry does tend to be less populated, pets are also unwelcome on the backcountry rivers and roads.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder

The Elements

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong. Sustained exposure will leave you burned!

If you’re keen on a bit more information, but don’t want to sift through the National Park Service Website, the Visitor Guide is an awesome resource with everything you need to know about Canyonlands in one place.

Canyonlands provides a cornucopia of opportunity for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing, back country camping, rafting, or biking, outdoor recreation abounds. What adventure are you most intrigued to pursue out in this desert wilderness escape?

written by Hannah

Tags Canyonlands National Park, Utah National Parks, Utah's Big FIve, visit Canyonlands

national parks travel

Capitol Reef: Making the Most of a Beautiful Desert Oasis

Post author By Hannah

Capitol Reef National Park is the youngest of Utah’s five national parks, with its inception in 1971. The south-central desert park is home to an impressive, nearly 100-mile Waterpocket Fold. This wrinkle in the earth’s crust breathes life into high desert ecosystems and some enduring historic orchards. Whether you’re planning a Capitol Reef-only trip or hitting up all the parks in Utah, you won’t regret exploring the immense sandstone canyons and savoring breathtaking panoramic views that make this desert oasis unique. With so much to explore in this expansive yet underrated park, making the most of your time is a priority!

Not only does this area boast unique geography, but it’s also steeped in rich history. From historic farming practices to trails named after infamous outlaws, Capitol Reef remains intriguing.

Fast Facts About Capitol Reef National Park

Size: 243,921 acres

Visitors: 1,226,511 visitors annually (data from 2019)

Highest elevation: 8960 ft — in upper Deep Creek drainage near Billings Pass

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 220 miles — 3.5 hour drive

National Park Initiation: December 18th, 1971 by President Richard Nixon

Below we have detailed our favorite hikes, beautiful drives, stargazing walks, where to bunk down, and an unexpected spot to grab a snack— as well as all the tips and tricks that will ensure you have the best time.Where to begin? Start by getting your boots dusty! There’s nothing like a hike to take in the sights and put yourself in the heart of nature.

Top Hikes

What’s a visit to a national park without a hike? Capitol Reef has dozens of hikes to choose from in the various regions of the park. We have highlighted a couple we loved and thought maximized hiking time— plus one on our list to tackle next time we visit.

The Cassidy Arch Trail is a nice afternoon challenge, with an elevation gain just shy of 700 feet. It offers gorgeous views of not only the Cassidy Arch but of the waterpocket fold as well. Hiking to a viewpoint is always rewarding, but this hike showcases dramatic views the whole time! A few spots along the trail can be a little hard to follow, but the cairns placed throughout ensure no one wanders too far from the trail.

The Grand Wash Trail is an easy flat trail, with virtually no hiking to be done. With minimal elevation change, this long walk, is probably about as kid-friendly as it gets here. Easy to find, it starts from the same parking lot as the Cassidy Arch Trail. The Grand Wash Trail has been likened to the Narrow hike in Zion… without the water. It will make travelers of any size feel tiny in comparison to the staggering canyon walls.

The Navajo Knobs Trail is one of the more strenuous hikes in the park, clocking in at a little over nine miles round trip and over 2,100 feet of elevation. While we didn’t have time to explore this stretch, the trek appears to more than worth it— delivering spades of top-of-the-world feels.

Scenic drive

If you’re less inclined to hike, perhaps a scenic road trip is more your speed. Capitol Reef offers a virtual “guide” of sorts, available on their website. This 8 mile drive takes about an hour and a half and takes visitors through some of the park’s highlights. Be sure to pull the webpage up before you leave (service can get spotty), so you can read a little background information and history on various spots along your drive.

Perhaps you don’t have time for the full scenic drive but want to sneak in one last view before you leave? Two miles west of the Visitor Center, Panorama Point and Gooseneck Point stand 800 feet above the Sulphur River. These viewpoints showcase the millions of years of erosion it took to carve out the canyon.

If you are going for an evening drive, you have certainly picked the correct place. Capitol Reef is a designated International Dark Sky Park due to the opportunity to experience near-pristine night skies. Visitors can snag night sky charts from the visitor center, to aid in stargazing. No gatekeeping the best stargazing spots— a list, organized by district, can be found here.

panoramic view of the Waterpocket fold from the Cassidy Arch Trail in the desert oasis that is Capitol Reef National Park

Camping

Capitol Reef National Park does not have a lodge or restaurant, so if you want to eat, pack a lunch, and if you want to sleep, bring a tent! There are three campgrounds in the park: one developed and two primitive. The campgrounds are each found in a different district of the park.

Fruita Campground

The Fruita Campground is located in the Fruita Historic district, and it is open year-round. It is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park. This campground might just feel like a slice of heaven, surrounded by historic orchards, with the Fremont River running nearby.

In this campground, there are 71 sites. Each site has a picnic table and either a fire pit or above ground grill (a handful have both), but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups. There are restrooms with running water and flush toilets; however, there are no showers. Campers visiting from March 1st to October 31st must make a reservation— up to 6 months in advance to ensure availability. For the remainder of the year, all campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Cathedral Valley Campground

The Cathedral Valley Campground is exactly where one might imagine it, in the Cathedral Valley District— at the northwestern-most point of the park. This campground has six sites, each with their own picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. As this is a primitive campground, there is no cost or need for reservations. Campsites are available year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s important to note, access to this campground requires a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, and is occasionally inaccessible due to recent weather. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to ensure you don’t encounter any undue surprises.

Cedar Mesa Campground

The Cedar Mesa Campground is found in the Southern Waterpocket district, about 25 miles south of the Visitor Center. Up at a cool 5,500 feet elevation, this campground has five sites, each with their own picnic table and fire-grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. As this is a primitive campground, there is no cost or need for reservations. Campsites are available year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis. Usually two–wheeled vehicles are able to access the Cedar Mesa Campground, it too will occasionally become inaccessible due to weather. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to ensure you don’t encounter any undue surprises.

Special Programs

Capitol Reef National Park offers a handful of programs to facilitate visitors’ exploration. Program availability fluctuates given time of year and current staffing. Check out the visitor center or campground bulletin boards for more details upon your arrival.

Kids and adults alike can learn more about the geologic story of Capitol Reef in a 30 minute Geology Talk from a park ranger. Guided hikes are less of a plan-in-advance adventure, and more of a see-if-it-works-out option. Hour and a half long hikes are led to various locations in the park, but be sure to stop by the visitor center for schedules and meeting points.

Hoping to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way? Its International Dark Sky Park designation makes this a world class spot for stargazing. These tours usually run about thirty minute and are typically offered near the new moon, to maximize the dark sky. As the moon waxes back to its full muster, Full Moon guided walks are offered. These tend to be a little longer, running about an hour and a half.

Orchards

Capitol Reef is home to a few gorgeous orchards, bearing cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, and apples. Trees in bloom are always beautiful but in the middle of the desert, these fruit trees feel like an oasis.

In the late 1800s, Latter-Day Saints planted thousands of trees in the fertile Fremont River Valley. The remaining trees are remnants of this pioneer community in Fruita, making these historic orchards the bearers of heirloom fruits. These orchards remain ignorant of current farming practices as they are maintained year-round with historic cultural irrigation practices, pruning, pest management, mowing, planting, mapping, and grafting. Prioritizing the robust preservation of these orchards remains an important goal for Capitol Reef National Park, as Fruita has been fondly nicknamed “Eden of Wayne County”.

making the most of your time at Capitol Reef includes visiting the beautiful orchards and seeing all their blossoms

Snack Time

When the trees are bearing fruit, park visitors are allowed and encouraged to pick the fruit. You will know an orchard has ripe fruit, ready for harvest when you see a “U-Pick Fruit” sign.

Fruit pick from the orchard must be paid for, but this done with ease with a self-pay station, scale, and fruit price list located near the entrance of the orchard. Caring for these orchards with historic farming practices is a time intensive job, so all proceeds of fruit picked is invested back to support the preservation of these historic orchards.

Respect Mother Nature

A couple tree-care kindness reminders: do not climb the fruit trees or hang hammocks between them. While the unattainable apple at the top of the tree always looks the most delicious, you do not have to climb the tree to reach it. Ladder and pickers are available to help with the just-out-of-reach sweet treats. Additionally, an orchard sounds like the perfect place to string up a hammock and take a nap, but this is not permitted as fruit trees are easily damaged. If you are interested in learning more about these beautiful, historic orchards, you can do so here.

The 411 on Four-Legged Friends

In Capitol Reef, pets are permitted, but they are only allowed in the developed areas of the park, and must always be on a leash. Wonder what is included in this list of developed areas? More than you might think! Pet are permitted on the trail from the visitor center to the Fruita Campground, on the Fremont River Trail, in unfenced or unlocked orchards, in the Chestnut and Doc Inglesby picnic areas, in campgrounds, within 50 feet of roads (paved and dirt) open to public vehicle travel, and in parking areas open to public vehicle travel. Pets are not welcomed on other hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder

The Elements

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong and sustained exposure will leave you burned!

Ridin‘ Dirty

If you are going down to Utah for a national parks tour, you won’t be disappointed to have rented a higher clearance car. We were able to get by with a sedan, but if we were to do it again, we would have a higher clearance car— especially for this park! Of the five parks in Utah, we found Capitol Reef to be the most rural.

Capitol Reef is visited less than some of Utah’s other illustrious parks, but that’s what makes it a perfect spot. With over 1 million people visiting annually, you will certainly see other visitors exploring , but the remote nature of Capitol Reef limits the crowds. Be sure to add this technicolor desert escape to your bucket list!

written by Hannah

Tags Capitol Reef National Park, national parks, Utah National Parks

national parks travel

Bryce Canyon: Home of the Hoodoos

Post author By Hannah

Bryce Canyon is Utah’s second most visited national park, with over two million visits annually. Bryce is known for its extensive collection of hoodoos, natural amphitheaters, and scenic tree lines. The unusual landscape is, at times, almost other-worldly. Not only is this park a feat of natural beauty, but this is also an amazing spot for star-gazing as the light pollution is negligible so far from a city. Whether you’re planning a Bryce-only trip or hitting up the Utah Big Five, you’re sure to be impressed with this testament to nature’s alluring artistry. With the largest collection of hoodoos in the world, this truly is the home of the hoodoos.

I hope your boots are made for walking because there are truly endless sights to behold. Even if you’re not typically an early riser, you won’t regret peeling yourself out of bed to catch the sunrise over the amphitheater. It might just be the most breathtaking way to see the park!

Fast Facts About Bryce Canyon National Park

Size: 35,835 acres

Visitors: 2,354,660 visitors annually (data from 2022)

Highest elevation: 9,115 ft at Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 270 miles — 4 hour drive

Distance from Salt Lake City Airport: 275 miles — 4 hour drive

National Park Initiation: February 25th, 1928

Below we have detailed all of our favorite hikes, all the best viewpoints, how-to’s for navigating transportation, and where to bunk down— as well as all the tips and tricks to ensure you have the best time.

Top Hikes

Regardless if you are planning on spending a few days or a few hours at Bryce Canyon, you will be able to hike your heart out! We have detailed a couple hikes we enjoyed, but you can find a complete list of hikes arranged in order of difficulty here.

The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is the most popular trail in the park, but for good reason. The expansive scenery will leave you at a loss of words, while the towering canyon walls are staggeringly tall in a way that truly puts the magnitude of Bryce Canyon into perspective.

The Rim Trail makes for a beautiful Sunrise hike. We woke up early and watched the sun rise at Inspiration Point and walked up to Bryce point as the sun began striking the hoodoos. This portion of the hike was perfect for our early morning hike, but the trail stretches 11.0 miles, stretching the perimeter of Bryce Amphitheater from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point.

the home of the hoodoos showcases a beautiful sunrise at Inspiration Point

Viewpoints

There are so many fantastic viewpoints that allow one to admire Bryce Canyon in its entirety. The rim along the canyon varies in elevation but is 9,100 feet at its highest point. This vantage point affords breathtaking views of unique scenery. The first few miles on the Main Road will take you past the Bryce Amphitheater, which overlooks, perhaps, the most iconic area of the park. There are four different viewpoints of Bryce Amphitheater, and any given stop is sure to delight. We’ve detailed a few of our favorite viewpoints in the park, but if you have time, be sure to check them all out!

From Bryce Point, we were able to delight in a water-color-esque sunrise, which makes for an enticing start to the day. While Sunrise and Sunset Point are not far from one another, Sunset Point offers a glimpse at the Thor’s Hammer rock formation. It’s important to note, while there is both a Sunrise and Sunset point, only the sunrise is visible in the part. The sunset creates an etherial watercolor painting in the sky, which is certainly beautiful in its own right, but the sun sinking into the horizon is not visible from Sunset Point.

Rainbow and Yovimpa Points are at the very southern end of the park, giving way to the Grand Staircase and an array of truly remarkable cliffs. At over 9,000 feet, this area has the highest elevation in the park, making it a delightful crow’s nest for observation.

Campgrounds

There are two campgrounds found in the Bryce Canyon National Park. In addition to these two areas, rugged backpackers are able to go backcountry camping along the Riggs Spring Loop and Under the Rim Trail. Camping along the trail requires attaining a first come, first serve permit, up to 48 hours in advance. The largest difference between backcountry camping and setting up camp at one of the campgrounds is the availability of “amenities” such as flush toilets, trash collection, etc.

The North Campground can be found right across the street from the Visitor’s Center, so it’s hard to miss! This campground has 100 sites that are spread out over 4 loops. If you are planning to go camping May 27th through October 1st, you must make a reservation, up to six months in advance. If you are planning to visit October 2nd through May 26th, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Sunset Campground can be found not far from Sunset Point. This campground boasts 99 sites, divided into 3 loops– one of which is primarily for RVs, the other two, tent-camping only. This campground is available on a first come first serve basis April 15th through October 31st, and is closed throughout winter (i.e. the rest of the year)

Fees for campsites at either campground are the same, ranging from $20-30 per campsite depending on how you are camping– tent vs RV.

The Lodge

If your idea of rustic accommodations are less tent and more log cabin, the Bryce Canyon Lodge is the place for you. The lodge and cabins were built in 1925, and the exterior of the buildings has undergone minimal change in the time since they were built. These historic accommodations are available to visitors mid-spring through late fall. Due to its convenient location inside the park, rooms go quickly. Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance.

*photo via www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/lodging*

Shuttle

Bryce Canyon operates a free shuttle around the Bryce Amphitheater, from April 1st to October 23rd. No advance reservation required. The shuttle runs from 8am – 6pm with extended hours until 8pm from May 14th to September 25th. If you want to plan your inter-amphitheater shuttling, you can track the shuttles here.

When the park gets crowded, this can be an awesome way to maneuver around without the classic fear of not being able to find a parking spot. This is also super helpful to any over-eager-turned-quickly-humbled hikers that might want a bit of a lift back to their car.

Pets

In Bryce, pets are permitted, but they are only allowed on paved trails and viewpoints, roads, campsites, and picnic areas. The only “trails” they can go on, is the half mile section of Rim Trail that connects Sunset and Sunrise Points and the shared-use trail around Bryce Amphitheater. Only service animals recognized by the ADA are allowed to adventure off-pavement with their adventurous owner. Regardless of how good your good boy (or girl!) is, pets must be leashed at all times when in the park.

If you were really feeling rather keen on a longer hike to tucker a doggo out, Red Canyon is not far, and its dog friendly trails afford their own charming views of the mysterious-looking hoodoos. While this Canyon area is not a National Park, it is managed and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service.

Park Entrance Fees & Passes

Pass Type	Cost
Single Vehicle (Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle for 7 consecutive days— aka keep your receipt if you plan to come back!)	$35
Single Pedestrian or Bicycle (Children under 15 years old are free; Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)	$20
Single Motorcycle (Grants unlimited entry for 7 consecutive days)	$30
America The Beautiful Annual Pass (entry into 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all National Parks)	$80*

Entrance fees are waived on Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, for the first day of National Park Week, for the one year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, for National Park Service Birthday, for National Public Lands Day, and for Veteran’s Day.

* Free to past and current members of the military. See if you qualify here.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder

The Elements

If you have some walking poles, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring them along. Not a must-have item but they certainly might come in hardy for some of the more rugged hikes.

Pack your sunscreen… and perhaps a hat as well. Even if you are getting after it before the sun has reached its peak, the rays are strong, and sustained exposure will leave you burned!

Park Logistics

Don’t stress if you’re running a bit late for the sunrise. While the time for the sunrise is set according to when it rises over the horizon, the sun must rise a bit further to be visible over the mountains in the distance. This provides a nice cushion— especially if you’re trying to catch the sunrise over the summer.

If you’re keen on a bit more information, but don’t want to sift through the National Park Service Website, the visitor guide is an awesome resource with everything you need to know about Bryce Canyon in one place (including a map).

The hoodoos and spires that abound throughout the canyon are almost miraculously formed by rain, snow, and ice. If you have questions about anything, be sure to ask a park ranger for a more in depth explanation! They are truly an awesome resource.

While sunrise and sunset are generally known to be beautiful times of day, this is especially true at Bryce Canyon. The way the sun reflects across the hoodoos and spires makes it beyond worth-it to stay in the park to witness this kaleidoscope of color.

written by Hannah

Tags Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah Big Five, Utah National Parks