The earth has music for those who listen.
William Shakespeare
Finding the best national parks in Utah feels like an argument that will never end. There are currently five national parks in Utah, also known as The Big Five. But which of these really is the best? All of these parks are amazing in their own fabulous way. If you can’t visit them all, here is where you’ll find the information you need to help you make the right decision for your trip.
This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Canyonlands National Park
Along with Death Valley National Park, Canyonlands is my favorite NP. Fun fact, Canyonlands is where I fell in love with Utah and knew I was going to return with a camper van and just stay there wandering around like a loon. They also have fabulous off-roading trails that are just so epic, it’s really hard to hold back the adventurous spirit here.
Location information:
- Easily accessed from Moab
- Shares an entrance with Dead Horse State Park
- Near Arches National Park
- 2 hour drive from Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
- Less than a 4 hour drive from Salt Lake City
Zion National Park
There is a very good reason why this park is so popular. It’s absolutely stunning. There’s so much to do here for all ages. It’s the perfect family-friendly national park.
Location information:
- Easily accessed from Le Verkin
- 40 minutes from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- 1 hour from Red Cliffs National Conversation Area
- 1 hour from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- 2 hours from Valley of Fire State Park
- 2.5 hours from Las Vegas
- 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City
Bryce Canyon National Park
Oh those beautiful famous hoodoos. You can hike through the hoodoos and really feel how small you are as a human being on this planet. It’s truly a weird and wonderful national park.
Location information:
- Easily accessed from Panguitch
- Near Kodachrome Basin State Park
- 25 minutes from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- 1.5 hours from Zion National Park
- 4 hours from Salt Lake City
Arches National Park
In my experience, I have found you either like or do not like Arches – and that’s okay! It’s right in Moab, and there’s plenty to do all around to make a really great itinerary for your trip to this area.
Location information:
- Easily accessed from Moab
- Near Canyonlands National Park
- Near Dead Horse State Park
- 3 hours from McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
- Less than 4 hours from Salt Lake City
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef, I think, is an underrate national park. Because it’s a bit more out of the way than the rest of the parks, there isn’t as much foot traffic here. Does this mean it’s not one of the best national parks in Utah? I don’t think so. The hikes here are gorgeous, the scenic drive is lovely, and I think that it’s a bit more quiet than the rest of the national parks in Utah is a plus.
Location information:
- Easily accessed from Torrey
- Less than 2 hours from Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- 2 hours from Arches National Park
- 2 and change hours from Canyonlands National Park
- 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City
Additional Items For Your Trip
If you’ve never been to Utah before, the air is a little dryer and I find myself hydrating more than usual every time I’m there. It’s really important to take care of yourself, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when it’s incredibly hot AND dry.
Here is the Camelbak hydration day bag that I use. Not only is it perfect for holding my snacks for the day, but I’m able to stay well hydrated and carry some extra batteries and SD cards for my camera.
These parks can get busy quite quickly, it’s best to show up as early in the morning as you can to get good parking and have some time to yourself on the trails before the foot traffic picks up.
Things are changing at these parks, especially Zion National Park. Please visit their website because they’re implementing permit systems for certain hikes beginning in 2022.
Which do you think are the best national parks in utah?
Find some information for your trip from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park HERE (<- link)!
Never Miss An Adventure.
Those photos are absolutely beautiful! Utah has always been on my bucket list. I really want to visit this upcoming summer.
It literally pains me that I haven’t gotten to the west coast np’s, or really the west coast at all because the views and hikes look absolutely stunning. Utah and Arizona parks have been especially high in my list.
I was only familiar with a couple of these national parks, though I haven’t been to any yet. Can’t wait to travel to Utah – thanks for the travel inspiration!
wow, great pictures and places! Hope to see them one day.
I really want to go to Utah. All the national parks look so out of this world that I honestly don’t know which one I want to see first. It’s going to be an epic trip when I can finally get there
Utah is on our short list! Thank you so much for sharing!
Saving for this summer out west! Utah inspired you to go back with a campervan, and CO inspired us to sell our house and go full time RVing. Love the western US!
Wow that’s a great list..saving it for my visit
Excellent article & quotes. I am in full agreement. Get out into nature & live.