Southern Utah National Parks Trip Ideas
Avid outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to keep them occupied in Southern Utah’s National Parks, from backpacking to rafting and everything in between, but so too will nature lovers, road trippers, and those simply looking for a reason to be outdoors. Consider these great trip ideas:
- Backpacking: Head into the canyons and washes of the Escalante River and beyond in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- Canyoneering: Hike through the water of the Virgin River on the Narrows hike in Zion. For something more challenging, rappel, squeeze, and wade your way through the Subway route, accessible via the less traveled Kolob Terrace area of Zion.
- Horseback Riding: Zion and Bryce National Parks and Kodachrome Basin State Park all offer horseback rides into the backcountry.
- Kid-Friendly Activities: There’s something magical about the sandstone features of Arches, and exploring these awe-inspiring landmarks doesn’t require long treks. Dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs will also be a hit.
- Mountain Biking: Moab is the must-visit destination, but Red Canyon (just outside Bryce) and Canyonlands also offer good riding.
- Photography: Sleep the day away if need be, but be sure to catch sunrise and sunset at Bryce, golden hour at Arches, and the panoramic masterpieces of Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District.
- Rafting: The Colorado River offers sensational rafting, and outfitters in Moab offer everything from tame family floats to heart-pounding white water.
- Rock Climbing: The big walls in Zion Canyon attract climbers, but the true hot spot is just east of Canyonland’s Needles District, in the Indian Creek area of Bears Ears National Monument.
- Scenic Driving: Head east from Bryce and follow Highway 12 all the way to Capitol Reef. It’s only a little over 100 miles, but it’s best to allow at least half a day for this incredible drive.
- Solitude: It’s true—the marquee parks like Arches and Bryce are busy. Plan a backcountry drive or trek in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument for a quieter adventure.
- Winter Sports: Cross-country skiers can enjoy the quiet (and cheap) season at Bryce, when snow makes the hoodoos especially lovely.
- Accessible Views: It’s hard to beat the views from the 0.5-mile stretch of the paved Rim Trail between Bryce’s Sunrise and Sunset Points.
Related Travel Guide
Spark your sense of wonder and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape of Utah’s five national parks.
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