National Parks in Utah include the amazing Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and so many more awe-inspiring destinations.
Utah National Parks are considered some of the best parks in our park system. They offer the opportunity to get off the grid and explore on foot, by boat, in a Jeep or on a horse.
Utah National Parks: The Mighty 5 and 8 More to See
There are so many things to see and do within the Utah National Parks. It is hard to pick just one to suggest starting with. I would love to spend a few months exploring all of these parks and finding new spots to explore.
With five outstanding national parks considered to be its "jewels," Utah is rich in history and scenery any visitor can appreciate.
These national parks-Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion-each offer some of the most stunning Western landscapes and important geologic history within the National Park System of the United States. While some parks (like Zion) are more well known than others (Capitol Reef), each offers stunning vistas never to be forgotten.
Southern Utah is where you will find Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. It can get very hot here so be sure to bring plenty of water if you plan to walk up to any of the natural wonders. Allow a minimum of one day for each National Park for the scenic drives. Allow more time if you plan to hike any of the trails.
Arches is probably the most often photographed red rocks. Moab is the closest town or campground to the Arches National Park at US 191 and I-70. There are seven arches carved out of the soft sandstone by wind and water visible from the road.
There are thousands of arches to see if you follow the hiking trails. Continue south from Moab at US 191 and Route 211 to the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands National Park. You will see turrets and spires formed from sandstone.
Follow US 89 to Route 12, then Route 63 to Bryce Canyon National Park. Make reservations to stay in Bryce Canyon. Some call Bryce Canyon a fairyland because of the formations called hoodoos. Hoodoos look like hooded ghost shapes, especially in the moonlight.
The whimsical formations change color throughout the day from reddish-brown to light gold to flaming orange and deep red. St. George off I-15 in Southern Utah is the closest place to Zion National Park. Zion National Park is on Route 9 off of I-15.
Zion is named after the hill in Jerusalem where the Temple was built. Follow the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to see a cluster of sky-high monoliths called the Court of the Patriarchs.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah approximately 80 miles southwest of Grand Junction, Colorado. The park is open year-round offering scenic drives, hiking, and camping.
More than 2,000 sandstone arches dot the 47,000-acre landscape of this national park. Within this rugged, high desert setting, these delicate sandstone structures bear the imprint of geological history over millions of years.
The most famous landmark within the Arches National Park is Delicate Arch, which provides a sweeping vista of mesas, canyons, and the Colorado River from its lofty location.
Other notable stone monuments include Landscape Arch (the longest), Fiery Furnace, Courthouse Towers, Devil's Garden, Parade of Elephants, and Tower of Babel, among others.
A 18-mile scenic drive takes in the wonders of the park, and there are a number of stopping points, where visitors can get out and follow marked trails or enjoy scenic viewpoints.
Top Things to do
🌅 Hike to Delicate Arch, the symbol of Utah, on a 3 mile round trip trail with a steady climb over slickrock. Go near sunset for the best light.
🏜️ Walk through the Windows Section to see North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch up close
🥾 Hike the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world, then continue to Double O Arch if you have the energy
🪨 Photograph Balanced Rock, a huge boulder perched on a narrow pedestal beside the main park road
🚗 Drive the 18 mile scenic road from the entrance to Devils Garden, with pullouts at Park Avenue, Courthouse Towers, and Panorama Point
Lodging
Arches National Park does not have any on-site lodging, however, there are several options in Moab just seven miles South. Here are a couple places that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - Moab Springs Ranch - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A quiet red rock retreat of woodsy bungalows and townhouses on a shaded ranch just north of Moab, only a few miles from the Arches entrance and steps from the Moab trail system!
⭐️ 4.6 of 5 Stars - Under Canvas Moab - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Luxury glamping on 40 acres of slickrock country, with views toward Arches National Park and about 12 minutes from the park entrance!
Tours
Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (2,059+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 to 5 hours | 🚙🏜️ Check Rates and Availability
A guide takes you into the park's remote corners by 4WD, to spots like Tower Arch, Marching Men, and Eye of the Whale. The trip includes a stop at fossilized dinosaur tracks, which kids and adults both enjoy. Hundreds of reviewers praise guides who are part geologist and part storyteller.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Arches National Park!
Camping
Devils Garden Campground is the only campground located in the park. It is one of my personal favorites but it does fill up fast with only 51 campsites. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov
Park Address - Physical location of the park's entrance, it is located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Moab, Utah, along U.S. Route 191
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon NP is located in Southern Utah approximately 120 miles northeast of St. George, Utah. The park is open year-round though winter snow can close some roads.
High atop the Paunsaugunt Plateau, lush greenery of pines gives way at the rim of Bryce Canyon, the rim, at over 8,000 feet, drops into an amphitheater of brilliantly colored limestone rock formations. Surrounded by pink and orange cliffs, this canyon is filled with stunning red rock hoodoos, created by the interaction of wind and water over millions of years.
Summer sunsets are the most spectacular time to view the brilliant colors in this national park, although the park is open year-round.
Traveling along the 18-mile scenic drive will allow visitors to reach key scenic viewing areas to see rock formations such as Queen's Garden, Sinking Ship, Fairyland Canyon, and Inspiration Point. Participating in ranger-guided hikes and on horseback are two other great ways to see Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
Top Things to do
🌅 Watch sunrise from Sunrise Point or Bryce Point as the first light lights up the amphitheater
🥾 Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail combination, the best way to walk among the hoodoos
🏔️ Walk the Rim Trail for amphitheater views without descending
🚗 Drive the 18-mile scenic road to Rainbow Point, the highest point in the park
🔭 Join a ranger astronomy program, and check for the park's annual astronomy festival
Lodging
⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - The Lodge at Bryce Canyon - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The only lodging inside Bryce Canyon National Park, a historic stone-and-log lodge sitting steps from the rim with Sunrise Point and Sunset Point a short walk away!
⭐️ 4.7 of 5 Stars - Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon Stargazing Domes - Click here for Rates and Availability.
One of the most exciting new lodging concepts near any national park in America, a retro-futuristic astrotourism resort featuring 62 geodesic glass Sky Domes on 80 private acres just 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon, where you literally sleep under the stars through floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass!
Tours
Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (1,139+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚗 Check Rates and Availability
The most popular tour in the park and one of the highest-reviewed on all of Viator, this small-group scenic tour hits every major viewpoint with a guide who brings the hoodoos, history, and local ecology to life.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Bryce Canyon National Park!
Camping
Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds and both are located in close proximity to the Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon Lodge and the Bryce Amphitheater.
The North Campground is open year-round with 99 campsites available.
Check out my full article, along with campsite photos.
Reservations?: Yes, Campsite reservations are available at recreation.gov
The Sunset Campground is closed in the winter and has 99 campsites.
Reservations?: Yes, Campsite reservations are available at recreation.gov
Park Address - Highway 63, Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, UT 84764
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands NP is located in Southeastern Utah approximately 110 miles southwest of Grand Junction, Colorado. The park is open year-round
Canyonlands is Utah's largest national park. The sights are inspiring, whether you are looking thousands of feet down to the Colorado and Green Rivers or up thousands of feet to red rock pinnacles and spires.
The rivers have divided this national park into three distinct areas, each named to reflect its own special vista: Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the most remote district, the Maze. Renowned for its white water rafting, as well as 4-wheel drive and mountain biking trails, Canyonlands has much to offer the traveler to this Utah national park.
In addition, one of the things that makes this national park so unique is an area of petroglyphs left behind by the Fremont people (a Native American tribe).
Within the Needles District, travelers can see these ancient images of hunting scenes and harvesting left behind on the red rock face. This wild, rugged national park offers an amazing experience at any time of the year.
Top Things to do
🌅 Walk the short loop to Mesa Arch at sunrise, when the underside of the arch glows orange
🏜️ Take in the view from Grand View Point, where the canyons spread out below the mesa
🌋 Visit Upheaval Dome, a mysterious crater about three miles wide, and hike to the overlooks
🥾 Hike the Whale Rock and Aztec Butte trails for easy slickrock views and a look at old Ancestral Puebloan granaries
📸 Photograph the canyons at sunset from Green River Overlook or Grand View Point
Lodging
There are no lodging options within the park. If you are looking for lodging near the Islands in the Sky District, Look for hotels in Moab, Utah. (Look at the same hotels listed in the Arches National Park section above) Lodging for the Needles District will be listed below.
⭐️ 4.6 of 5 Stars - Canyonlands Dome Resort - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Nine geodesic glamping domes tucked among the pines just outside Monticello, with wide views of the surrounding mountains and canyon country and some of the darkest night skies in the Four Corners region!
Tours
Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (1,133+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚙🏜️ Check Rates and Availability
This half-day 4WD tour from NAVTEC Expeditions takes you onto the Shafer Trail switchbacks and the White Rim Road, where canyon walls drop 1,000 feet. Stops include Musselman Arch and Ancestral Puebloan rock art, with ice water provided. Guides get high marks for their geology and history.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Canyonlands National Park!
Camping
Canyonlands has two campgrounds, one at The Needles and one at Island in the Sky.
Willow Flat Campground (Island In The Sky) - This small 12 site campground is open year-round and is first-come, first-served.
The Needles Campground (Needles) - This is a smaller 26 site campground with a mix of sites that are first-come, first-served and Reservations.
Reservations?: Yes, Campsite reservations are available at recreation.gov
Park Address - Islands in the Sky Visitor Center - Grand View Point Rd, Moab, UT 84532
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef NP is located in south-central Utah approximately 200 miles south of Salt Lake City. The park is open year-round offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
The central geological feature of this national park is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long warp of rock rising up from the earth. Formed 70 million years ago, a fault below the earth's crust pushed up the layers of rock to create a monocline, better known today as the Capitol Reef.
Hickman Bridge and Capitol Dome sit right along Highway 24, which crosses the park. South of Fruita, the 7.9-mile paved Scenic Drive follows the Waterpocket Fold to Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. In the remote north end, the roughly 58-mile Cathedral Valley Loop leads to the Temples of the Sun and Moon, but it requires a high-clearance vehicle and dry weather.
Also within the park are remnants of a 1800s pioneer town, Fruita, so named for its abundant orchards of apricots, apples, cherries, pears, and peaches. In addition to fruit-picking, a nature center, children's activities, afternoon ranger talks, and bird watching are popular pastimes within this Utah national park.
Top Things to do
🥧 Buy a fresh fruit pie at the Gifford House, and eat it on the lawn by the Fremont River (Trust me, they are delicious!)
🚗 Drive the 8 mile paved Scenic Drive for views of the Waterpocket Fold and cliffs
🌉 Hike to Hickman Bridge, a 1.7 mile round trip to a 133 foot natural bridge
🪨 Walk through Capitol Gorge or Grand Wash, two narrow canyons that you can enter on foot
🎨 Stop at the petroglyph panel along Highway 24 to see Fremont rock art
🚙 Take a high-clearance vehicle into Cathedral Valley to see the huge Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon monoliths. I loved this drive and would love to go again!
Lodging
There are no lodging options in the park, luckily there are a couple really cool hotels nearby!
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Capitol Reef Resort - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A 58-acre red rock resort about a mile from the Capitol Reef entrance, where you can sleep in a Conestoga wagon or a teepee with the cliffs glowing behind you!
Choose from standard rooms and suites, stand-alone cabins with porches and Adirondack chairs, or the seasonal wagons and teepees, which run from mid-May through the fall.
⭐️ 4.7 of 5 Stars - Skyview Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
An art-filled boutique hotel in Torrey, Utah's first International Dark Sky Community, with 14 rooms, 6 glamping domes, and a rooftop terrace made for stargazing!
Tours
Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef, Private 4X4 Trip
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (181+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 to 5 hours | 🚙🏜️ Check Rates and Availability
A private guide drives you into Cathedral Valley, the remote north end of the park, past the Temples of the Sun and Moon and into quiet spots away from the crowds. Reviewers say the roads are only reachable in a rugged vehicle, and they praise guides who explain the geology and history.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Capitol Reef National Park!
Camping
With one developed campground, two primitive campgrounds, and vast backcountry options, there are many places to stay the night in the park.
Fruita Campground has 71 campsites and is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef. I personally loved camping here as you are surrounded by historic orchards!
Reservations?: Yes, Campsite reservations are available at recreation.gov
Cathedral Valley Campground is a small 6 site primitive campground that is open year-round. Of course this campground does become inaccessible due to weather and a high clearance four-wheel drive is usually necessary to reach.
Cedar Mesa Campground is a small 5 site primitive campground that sometimes requires a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle to access.
Park Address - 52 West Headquarters Drive, Torrey, UT 84775
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Top Things to do - Ranger Led Programs, Camping, Hiking, Enjoy the Scenic Overlooks, Stargazing, Picnicking
Lodging - There are no lodging within the park.
Camping - The Point Supreme Campground has 25 campsites and accommodates both tents and RVs. Camping is available from mid-June to mid-September.
Park Address - 4730 South Highway 148, Brian Head 84719
Cedar Breaks NM is located in southwestern Utah approximately 65 miles northeast of St. George, Utah. The park is from late spring through fall. The park offers great scenic drives and hiking.
The park sits much higher than other parks on the Colorado Plateau. The visitor center is located at 10,000 feet in elevation. The park is blanketed in snow throughout the winter.
Dinosaur National Monument
Top Things to do - Camping, Hiking, Picnicking, River Rafting, Fishing, Stargazing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Guided Tours, Visit the Visitor Center
Lodging - There are no lodging or hotels within Dinosaur National Monument. However, the nearby communities of Vernal, Utah, Dinosaur, Colorado, Craig, Colorado, and Rangely, Colorado, have lodging.
Camping - With six different campgrounds located around the monument and over 120 sites to choose from, options are plentiful.
Park Address - Quarry Visitor Center, 11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035
Dinosaur NM is located in northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah approximately 110 miles south of Grand Junction, Colorado. The park offers dinosaur fossils and rock art, scenic drives, hiking, and camping.
Paleontologist Earl Douglas found eight vertebrae of a dinosaur in the arid badlands of eastern Utah. He had stumbled upon the world's greatest collection of dinosaur fossils.
Remains of ten species of dinosaurs have been found in this area. The fossils that have been excavated can be found in the Carnegie Museum, Smithsonian Institute and the Denver Museum of Natural History.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Top Things to do - Kayaking, Biking, Camping, Hiking, Guided Tours, Scenic Drives, Ranger Programs, Fishing, Off-Road Vehicle Driving
Lodging There are several lodging options within the park, such as:
- Hotel rooms near the lake available at Lake Powell Resort in Wahweap
- Defiance House Lodge in Bullfrog
- Standalone Family Units (three-bedroom single-wide trailers) are available at Halls Crossing and Bullfrog
Camping - Pitch a tent on the beach or pull into a full hook up RV spot. You have camping options at Glen Canyon.
Houseboat Rentals- The original glamping, just on Lake Powell! There are two park consessioners who rent houseboats on Lake Powell.
Park Address - Carl Hayden Visitor Center, Hwy 89 at Glen Canyon Dam, Page, AZ 86040
Glen Canyon NRA is located in southern Utah and northern Arizona approximately 125 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona. The park is open year-round and offers hiking, boating, camping, fishing, and exploring.
Lake Powell is the second-largest reservoir in the United States. The lake was formed after the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River in 1963.
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Top Things to do - Watch trains Jupiter and No 119, Auto Tours, Locomotive Ranger Programs, Explore the Engine House, Hike the Big Fill Loop Trail
Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the park. The closest lodging can be found in Tremonton, Bringham City, and then in Ogden and Logan.
Camping - There are no campgrounds within the park.
Park Address - 6200 North 22300 West Promontory, Utah, UT 84307
Golden Spike NHP is located in northern Utah approximately 85 miles northwest of Salt Lake City. The park is open year-round and offers the opportunity to view steam locomotives and learn more about railroad history.
In Promontory Summit, Utah on May 10, 1869 officers from Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroad met to celebrate where the railroad meets from coast to coast.
A golden spike completed the first transcontinental railroad line in the United States.
Hovenweep National Monument
Top Things to do - Hiking, Stargazing, Birdwatching, Picnicking, Visiting Cutthroat Castle, Square Tower Group, Horseshoe and Hackberry Groups, Holly Group, Cajon Group, Enjoy Arts in the Park,
Lodging - There are no lodging options within the park. The nearest hotels are in Monticello, Blanding, and Bluff, Utah, and Cortez, Colorado. These towns are about 40-45 miles (one hour's drive) from Hovenweep.
Camping - Hovenweep National Monument has one campground, located ¼ mile from the visitor center.
Park Address - Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534
Hovenweep NM is located in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah approximately 150 miles south of Grand Junction, Colorado. The park is open from spring through fall.
The park offers the opportunity to tour thousand-year-old pueblo ruins and camping. There are six pueblo communities protected within the park boundaries.
The park includes dwellings, kivas, and multi-story ruins. The visitor center and Square Tower Group of structures are the only unit within Hovenweep that can be reached on a paved road.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Top Things to do - Auto Touring, Hiking, Birdwatching, Stargazing, Ranger-led Programs, Arts in the Park, Picnicking
Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the National Monument.
The closest lodging is in Blanding, Utah
Camping - Natural Bridges has one campground located near the visitor center with 13 sites that are first come first serve.
Park Address - The entrance to Natural Bridges is at the end of UT 275, which is roughly 35 miles west of Blanding, Utah, on UT 95.
Natural Bridges NM is located in Southeastern Utah approximately 43 miles east of Blanding. The park is open year-round and offers camping, hiking, and a scenic drive.
Located east of Lake Powell this park showcases three rock bridges that have been carved in the sandstone of the Colorado Plateau by erosion.
Visitors can enjoy a 9-mile scenic drive that takes you to overlooks with epic views of the park's three natural bridges - Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo.
If you want to get a close-up look there are trails that lead to the bridges.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument (by boat only)
Top Things to do - Boat Tours from Wahweap Marina, Hiking
Lodging - There are no lodges within the Monument.
Camping - Camping within Rainbow Bridge National Monument boundaries is not allowed. Shoreline camping within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is allowed.
Rainbow Bridge NM is located in Southern Utah approximately 125 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona. The park is open year-round.
Rainbow Bridge is the world's largest known natural rock bridge. The bridge spans 290 feet from the base to the top and 275 feet in width. The top of the bridge is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide.
The park is administered by the Glen Canyon NRA. Most visitors visit the park on a commercial boat tour that leaves from Lake Powell.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Top Things to do - Cave Tours, Centennial Lantern Tours, Renager Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, Birdwatching
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping - There are no campgrounds within the park.
Park Address - 2038 W. Alpine Loop Road, American Fork, UT 84003
Timpanogos Cave NM is located in Northern Utah approximately 30 miles south of Salt Lake City. The park is open spring through fall depending on the weather.
Visitors to the park can see three caverns that are filled with formations. Some of the highlights include rare green and yellow formations within the caves. In order to visit the caves, visitors must be on a tour.
It is worth noting that to reach the cave entrance visitors need to do a 1.5-mile hike that gains 1,000 feet in elevation. The hike is at an altitude of 6,730 feet above sea level. The path to the cave entrance is paved but the hike can be very difficult due to the altitude.
Zion National Park
The oldest and most visited national park within the state of Utah is Zion National Park. With nearly 3 million visitors annually who come to see its soaring towers and massive monoliths, the park has come to rely on its own internal transportation system to maintain the fragile ecological park system.
Open-air shuttles transport visitors around the park to see such stunning formations as The Great White Throne and Angels Landing, among others.
Visitors can find some solitude, however, by exploring the Utah park along self-guided trails (which range from easy to challenging) or on guided horseback adventures. The park is known for its abundant birdlife (more than 250 species have been recorded in Zion) and a profusion of wildflowers.
Many unusual species (including orchids and evening primrose) can be found growing in the grottoes of the Virgin River, while drier areas produce a range of flora equally diverse. Free guided hikes, interpretive tours, audiovisual programs, and evening lectures happen within Zion National Park on a daily basis in summer.
Top Things to do
🚌 Ride the free Zion Canyon Shuttle to trailheads and viewpoints along Scenic Drive. In season, it is the only way to reach the canyon.
💧 Hike The Narrows, wading up the Virgin River between canyon walls hundreds of feet high. Start with the paved Riverside Walk, then continue upstream as far as conditions allow.
🧗 Apply for the lottery to hike Angels Landing, a steep climb with chains along a narrow ridge and sweeping views of the canyon
🌿 Walk the Emerald Pools Trails, a gentle series of pools and waterfalls
🌅 Take the short Canyon Overlook Trail near the east tunnel for one of the best views in the park
🏛️ Stop at the Human History Museum and the visitor center for exhibits on geology, wildlife, and the people who have lived here
Lodging
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Zion Lodge Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Historic 1920s cabins tucked among the cottonwoods inside Zion National Park, the only place in the park where you can wake up to canyon walls and walk to the Emerald Pools and Angels Landing trailheads!
⭐️ 4.7 of 5 Stars - Zion Canyon Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
An independent, outdoors-first cabin stay on the edge of Springdale, about 0.7 miles from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, with the Virgin River running behind the property and a free Springdale shuttle stop right outside!
Tours
Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (1,746+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🚙🏜️ Check Rates and Availability
A guide drives you in a Can-Am UTV across rugged private land to slot canyons in East Zion, where you walk through the deepest parts on foot. Reviewers, including four seniors on a recent trip, praise guides who go at your pace and take photos. It is the top-reviewed tour in Zion.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Zion National Park!
Camping
Zion has three campgrounds, two of which is located at the park's South Entrance. This includes the Watchman Campground and South Campground.
Watchman Campground is a 184 site campground and is open year-round.
Reservations?: Yes, Campsite reservations are available at recreation.gov
South Campground is a 124 site campground that just went through a major renovation! This campground is open seasonally and sits along the bank of the Virgin River.
Reservations?: Yes, Campsite reservations are available at recreation.gov
Lava Point Campground is a small 6 site campground located an hour from the South Entrance of Zion National Park and is typically open from May through September.
Reservations?: Yes, Campsite reservations are available at recreation.gov
Park Address - 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767
Zion NP is located in Southwestern Utah approximately 45 miles northeast of St. George. The park is open year-round and offers hiking, camping, a shuttle service up the Zion Canyon and epic views.
Affiliated Sites
California National Historic Trail
(CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY)
Top Things to do - Exploret Donner Springs, Black Rock Site, Salt Flats Rest Area, Redlum Spring, Horseshoe Springs, Hogsback Summit, Hastings Pass, Grassy Mountain Rest Area, Bonneville Salt Flats
Lodging - The California National Historic Trail in Utah offers a variety of lodging options for travelers along its 2,000-mile route. These options include hotels and motels in nearby towns and cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, Fillmore, Beaver, and Cedar City.
Camping - Campgrounds are a popular lodging option for travelers along the California National Historic Trail in Utah. Various campgrounds are available, including those in Dixie National Forest, and national parks like Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon.
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
(IL, IA, Ne, UT, WY)
Top Things to do - Hike in Little Emigration Canyon, Explore Hogsback Summit, Hiking, Auto Tours, Visit Temple Square, Visit Historic sites or interpretive facilities
Lodging - The Utah segment of the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail offers a range of lodging options for travelers. These include hotels and motels in cities like Salt Lake City and Provo, historic inns and bed and breakfasts, campgrounds in state and national parks, vacation rentals, guest ranches, and RV parks.
Camping - There are campgrounds available in or near several towns and areas along the trail, particularly in state and national parks.
Park Address - Trail sites are located across 1,300 miles and 5 states.
Mormon Pioneer NHT traces the route followed by 19th-century travelers seeking religious freedoms. The Mormon church was founded by Joseph Smith in New York on April 6, 1830. The religion grew quickly which brought opposition to the church's beliefs.
The main body of the church moved west to find a place they could freely practice. They first moved to Ohio, then to Missouri, and then to Nauvoo, Illinois. Violence followed the church members and Joseph Smith was killed in 1844.
Bringham Young assumed leadership and moved the church to the American West. 3,000 Mormons started the trek from Illinois towards Salt Lake City. From 1847 to 1869 nearly 70,000 Mormons would journey along the Mormon Trail.
Today the trail follows the approximate route of the Mormon followers from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. The trail covers a distance of 1,300 miles.
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
(AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, UT)
Top Things to do - Visit Richfield Visitor Center, Museum of the San Rafael, John Wesley Powell River History Museum, Explore Old Spanish Trail Heritage Loop, Upper Cottonwood Wash, Idol Rock on the Old Spanish Trail, Muddy Creek, Emery County, Big Rock Candy Mountain Bike Trailhead, Green River Gap, Head Rock on the Old Spanish Trail
Lodging -Lodging options for travelers exploring the Utah segment of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail can be found in several towns and cities along the route. Some notable places to consider for lodging include Moab, Green River, Hanksville, Blanding, Monticello, Mexican Hat, Bluff, and Cedar City.
Camping - The Courthouse Rock Campground is located just off of U.S. Highway 191 in Grand County, UT, about 15 minutes from Arches National Park. From the Highway, take Mill Canyon Road to Cotter Mine Road.
Pony Express National Historic Trail
(CA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY)
Top Things to do - Auto-touring, Visiting Interpretive Sites, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding trail segments, Visit Museums, Become a Junior Ranger, Explore Hogsback Summit, Grassy Mountain Rest Area
Lodging - Lodging options along the Utah segment of the Pony Express National Historic Trail vary depending on the location. Travelers can find accommodations in several towns and cities along the trail, including Salt Lake City, Tooele, Wendover, Delta, Nephi, Fillmore, and more. These options typically include hotels, motels, and RV parks. Some historic sites along the trail, like Simpson Springs and Cove Fort, may offer primitive camping.
Camping - Camping along the Utah segment of the Pony Express National Historic Trail offers various options for outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers can choose from primitive or dispersed camping in remote areas, utilize campgrounds in state and national parks, consider backcountry camping, or stay in private campgrounds near towns and cities along the trail.
List of National Parks in Utah
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (AZ, UT)
- Golden Spike National Historical Park
- Hovenweep National Monument (CO, UT)
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument (by boat only)
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument
- Zion National Park
Affiliated Sites
- California National Historic Trail (CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY)
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (IL, IA, Ne, UT, WY)
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail (AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, UT)
- Pony Express National Historic Trail (CA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY)
There are 13 National Parks in Utah that receive over 13.9 million visitors a year! These visitors produce over $1 billion in economic benefits through tourism.
Utah National Parks include 2 National Heritage Areas, 1 Wild and Scenic River managed by the National Park Service, 4 National Trails, 1,830 National Register of Historic Place Listings and 14 National Historic Landmarks.
National Parks in Utah also includes 4 National Natural Landmarks, 674 places recorded by the Heritage Documentation Program, over 2.3 million objects in the Utah National Park museum collections and 6,831 archeological sites.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Do you know how many National Parks you have visited? Check out this printable list of National Parks to see how many of the 64 National Parks you have visited.
Have you ever wanted to work in our National Parks? Check out how to become a Park Ranger for information on what it takes to work in our amazing parks.
Check out all of the Utah National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Wyoming, National Parks in New Mexico, National Parks in Nevada, Idaho National Parks, Colorado National Parks, and Arizona National Parks.
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