Unforgettable Scenic Drives and Hiking in Utah National Parks

By Nur

May 12, 2025

In Travel

0

Utah's National Parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering stunning landscapes, exhilarating hikes, and unforgettable scenic drives. From the iconic red rocks of Arches National Park to the breathtaking canyons of Zion, Utah beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This article explores the best ways to experience these parks, focusing on scenic drives and hiking trails that showcase the state's unique geological wonders.

Discovering Utah's National Park Gems

Utah boasts five incredible National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Each park possesses its own distinct character and allure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking challenging trails or prefer a leisurely drive with panoramic views, Utah's National Parks have something for everyone. Let's dive into what makes each park special and how to make the most of your visit.

Arches National Park: A Landscape of Stone

Arches National Park is famous for its stunning collection of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The iconic Delicate Arch is a must-see, especially at sunset. But beyond Delicate Arch, there are numerous other arches and rock formations to explore.

Scenic Drives: The main park road offers easy access to many viewpoints and trailheads. The Windows Section is a popular spot for scenic drives, with short walks to impressive arches like North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.

Hiking Trails:

• Delicate Arch Trail: A moderately strenuous 3-mile hike to the park's most famous arch.
• Landscape Arch Trail: An easy 1.9-mile walk to the longest arch in the world.
• Double Arch Trail: A short, easy walk to a unique double arch formation.

Remember to bring plenty of water, especially during the hotter months, and be prepared for crowds, particularly during peak season.

Bryce Canyon National Park: A Hoodoo Wonderland

Bryce Canyon is unlike any other place on Earth, famous for its unique geology, consisting of crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. The park offers breathtaking views from the rim, as well as numerous hiking trails that descend into the canyon.

Scenic Drives: The 18-mile scenic drive along the rim offers multiple viewpoints, each providing a unique perspective of the hoodoos. Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are particularly popular.

Hiking Trails:

• Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail: A popular 2.9-mile loop that descends into the canyon among the hoodoos.
• Rim Trail: An easy, paved trail that runs along the rim of the canyon, offering stunning views.
• Fairyland Loop Trail: A more challenging 8-mile hike that explores a less crowded area of the park.

Bryce Canyon's high elevation means cooler temperatures, so be sure to dress appropriately, especially during the shoulder seasons. And don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of the hoodoos.

Canyonlands National Park: Utah's Diverse Landscapes

Canyonlands National Park is Utah's largest national park, divided into three distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Each district offers a unique experience, from dramatic overlooks to challenging backcountry adventures.

Island in the Sky: This district is known for its panoramic views and easy access. Mesa Arch is a popular spot for sunrise viewing.

Scenic Drives:

• Grand View Point Road: Offers stunning views of the canyons and the surrounding landscape.
• Shafer Canyon Road: A challenging off-road drive that descends into the canyon (high-clearance vehicle required).

Hiking Trails:

• Mesa Arch Trail: An easy 0.7-mile walk to a spectacular arch with stunning views.
• Grand View Point Trail: An easy 2-mile walk along the rim with panoramic views.
• Upheaval Dome Trail: A moderate 1.7-mile hike to an impact crater.

The Needles: This district features colorful sandstone spires and offers more challenging hiking and backpacking opportunities.

The Maze: This remote and rugged district is for experienced backcountry travelers only.

Capitol Reef National Park: A Hidden Gem

Capitol Reef National Park is often overlooked, but it's a hidden gem with stunning landscapes, historic orchards, and fascinating geology. The park is centered around the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long monocline (a wrinkle in the earth's crust).

Scenic Drives: The scenic drive through Capitol Reef follows the paved road along the Waterpocket Fold, offering access to various viewpoints and hiking trails. The unpaved Notom-Bullfrog Road is a popular option for those with high-clearance vehicles.

Hiking Trails:

• Hickman Bridge Trail: A moderate 1.8-mile hike to a large natural bridge.
• Capitol Gorge Trail: An easy 2-mile walk through a narrow canyon.
• Chimney Rock Trail: A moderate 3.5-mile hike to a distinctive rock formation.

Don't miss the historic Fruita orchards, where you can pick your own fruit during the harvest season. And be sure to check out the petroglyphs left by the Fremont Culture.

Zion National Park: Hiking Paradise

Zion National Park is renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River, and its world-famous hiking trails. The park's shuttle system helps manage traffic and provides access to the main canyon.

Scenic Drives: The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a scenic drive that connects Zion Canyon with the east side of the park. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle during most of the year.

Hiking Trails:

• The Narrows: A unique hike through the Virgin River, wading through water (permit required for overnight trips).
• Angels Landing: A challenging 5.4-mile hike with steep switchbacks and chain-assisted sections (permit required).
• Emerald Pools Trail: A moderate hike to a series of pools and waterfalls.

Zion can get very crowded, especially during peak season, so be sure to plan ahead, make reservations for the shuttle, and obtain permits for certain hikes.

Planning Your Utah National Park Adventure

Before embarking on your Utah National Park adventure, it's essential to plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, with fewer crowds than summer.
• Reservations: Make reservations for lodging, camping, and shuttle services well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Permits: Obtain permits for certain hikes, such as Angels Landing and The Narrows in Zion, and for backpacking trips in Canyonlands.
• What to Pack: Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing for hiking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a map and compass or GPS device.
• Safety: Be aware of the risks associated with hiking in the desert, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and flash floods. Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.

Experiencing the Best Scenic Drives

Utah's National Parks are crisscrossed with scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the landscape. These drives provide an accessible way to experience the beauty of the parks, even for those who are not able to hike.

• Arches National Park Scenic Drive: This drive takes you past many of the park's most famous arches and rock formations.
• Bryce Canyon National Park Scenic Drive: This drive along the rim offers stunning views of the hoodoos.
• Canyonlands National Park Grand View Point Road: This drive provides panoramic views of the canyons and the surrounding landscape.
• Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive: This drive follows the Waterpocket Fold and offers access to various viewpoints and hiking trails.
• Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: This scenic drive connects Zion Canyon with the east side of the park and features a 1.1-mile tunnel.

Unforgettable Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels

Utah's National Parks offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, you'll find a trail that suits your skill level.

• Easy Hikes: Mesa Arch Trail (Canyonlands), Landscape Arch Trail (Arches), and Capitol Gorge Trail (Capitol Reef).
• Moderate Hikes: Hickman Bridge Trail (Capitol Reef), Emerald Pools Trail (Zion), and Upheaval Dome Trail (Canyonlands).
• Challenging Hikes: Angels Landing (Zion), Delicate Arch Trail (Arches), and Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail (Bryce Canyon).

Conclusion: Utah National Parks Await

Utah's National Parks are a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. With their stunning landscapes, unforgettable scenic drives, and world-class hiking trails, these parks offer something for everyone. So pack your bags, plan your trip, and get ready to experience the beauty of Utah's National Parks. The memories you make will last a lifetime.