Just like that, April has already come and gone, and now May is F-L-Y-I-N-G by. While this time could be sad for some as it signals the end of a fun ski season, it should also bring excitement for those who are planning their next spring adventure. For us, Southern Utah is our go-to spring destination for its breathtaking beauty and for the unbeatable weather this time of the year.
However, we have found that planning a trip to Southern Utah trip can be overwhelming - there are so many options (though, we admit that's a great problem to have). To help narrow down the choices, we present to you a bucket list of Utah's 5 must-see National Parks that will captivate you with their surreal sights.
1. Zion National Park
We know this is a bold statement, but we'll say it: Zion National Park is for everyone. With hiking trails that cover all skill levels and a river that winds through large sandstone boulders, this Southwestern Utah Park is a gem. Not only is it beautiful, but it features an array of activities to enjoy whether it is hiking, biking, climbing, camping, horseback riding, or backpacking. For more information, we like Utah Travel Industry's comprehensive guide.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is known for its brilliant pink-orange cliffs that contain both forest and hoodoos, oddly shaped rocks that beg for discovery. Hike, backpack, stargaze and camp at this ravishing park. Studies have shown that the sunset, a night's sleep under the stars, and the sunrise here will change your life for the better (just kidding about the studies part, but we know it to be life changing, trust us). If we still haven't convinced you, maybe Utah Travel Industry's pictures will.
3. Capitol Reef National Park
South-central Utah's Capitol Reef National Park differs from the fairy-tale like Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. It has a quiet, vast charm that makes us feel we're on a different planet. This park was named Capitol Reef because the white domes of Navajo Sandstone call to mind the Capitol Building's white dome and because the large cliff-like barriers similar to coral reefs. This park also boasts a not-so-casual 100 mile long warp in the Earth's crust called a "waterpocket fold". Whether you're driving through or taking a hike, check it out.
4. Arches National Park
It doesn't matter if you're an avid hiker or vacationing with your family, Arches National Park is a great destination regardless. This Southeast Utah Park has the most amount of arches (an opening with one side at least 3 feet wide) in the world, and we want to see each and every one of them. Arches National Park has trails for hikers of all skills, and enough scenery to last a lifetime. Want to know more? Look here.
5. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands contains enough opportunities to adventure to last a lifetime. Its cliffs, canyons, pinnacles and mesas sprawl across 527 square miles. Because the park is so large, it is broken up into four parts: 3 land districts and 1 river part. Backpackers, hikers, and daring mountain bikers would be on cloud 9 at any of the 4 districts of Canyonlands National Park. To see what section would best fit you, see the Utah Office of Tourism's tips.
If we still haven't covered a weekend getaway option for you, check out the National Park Service's Plan Your Next Adventure Tool. Once you do escape on your great adventure, share it with us by tagging us @AllgoodProvisions and #FeelAllgood on your pictures or videos. How many of these 5 Bucket List Parks have you been to?
5 Utah Destinations for the Adventurer
Just like that, April has already come and gone, and now May is F-L-Y-I-N-G by. While this time could be sad for some as it signals the end of a fun ski season, it should also bring excitement for those who are planning their next spring adventure. For us, Southern Utah is our go-to spring destination for its breathtaking beauty and for the unbeatable weather this time of the year.
However, we have found that planning a trip to Southern Utah trip can be overwhelming - there are so many options (though, we admit that's a great problem to have). To help narrow down the choices, we present to you a bucket list of Utah's 5 must-see National Parks that will captivate you with their surreal sights.
1. Zion National Park
We know this is a bold statement, but we'll say it: Zion National Park is for everyone. With hiking trails that cover all skill levels and a river that winds through large sandstone boulders, this Southwestern Utah Park is a gem. Not only is it beautiful, but it features an array of activities to enjoy whether it is hiking, biking, climbing, camping, horseback riding, or backpacking. For more information, we like Utah Travel Industry's comprehensive guide.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is known for its brilliant pink-orange cliffs that contain both forest and hoodoos, oddly shaped rocks that beg for discovery. Hike, backpack, stargaze and camp at this ravishing park. Studies have shown that the sunset, a night's sleep under the stars, and the sunrise here will change your life for the better (just kidding about the studies part, but we know it to be life changing, trust us). If we still haven't convinced you, maybe Utah Travel Industry's pictures will.
3. Capitol Reef National Park
South-central Utah's Capitol Reef National Park differs from the fairy-tale like Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. It has a quiet, vast charm that makes us feel we're on a different planet. This park was named Capitol Reef because the white domes of Navajo Sandstone call to mind the Capitol Building's white dome and because the large cliff-like barriers similar to coral reefs. This park also boasts a not-so-casual 100 mile long warp in the Earth's crust called a "waterpocket fold". Whether you're driving through or taking a hike, check it out.
4. Arches National Park
It doesn't matter if you're an avid hiker or vacationing with your family, Arches National Park is a great destination regardless. This Southeast Utah Park has the most amount of arches (an opening with one side at least 3 feet wide) in the world, and we want to see each and every one of them. Arches National Park has trails for hikers of all skills, and enough scenery to last a lifetime. Want to know more? Look here.
5. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands contains enough opportunities to adventure to last a lifetime. Its cliffs, canyons, pinnacles and mesas sprawl across 527 square miles. Because the park is so large, it is broken up into four parts: 3 land districts and 1 river part. Backpackers, hikers, and daring mountain bikers would be on cloud 9 at any of the 4 districts of Canyonlands National Park. To see what section would best fit you, see the Utah Office of Tourism's tips.
If we still haven't covered a weekend getaway option for you, check out the National Park Service's Plan Your Next Adventure Tool. Once you do escape on your great adventure, share it with us by tagging us @AllgoodProvisions and #FeelAllgood on your pictures or videos. How many of these 5 Bucket List Parks have you been to?
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