Arches National Park
Visited: January 2023 – 1 day
Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, the largest concentration found anywhere in the world. These arches have formed over time, starting from cracks in sandstone fins that begin to widen from mechanical and chemical weathering. Besides arches, the park also contains other geological formations including spires, pinnacles, towering sandstone fins and balanced rocks. There is a paved scenic drive through the park that provides access to many viewpoints and hiking trails to catch a better glimpse of the desert scenery and interesting rock formations.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Visited: January 2023 – 1 day
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for having the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. These red rock pillars are made of sandstone and have been shaped and formed throughout the years by uneven weathering and erosion. And because it sits at a higher elevation, this area can experience some heavy snowfalls, especially in the winter.
Canyonlands National Park
Visited: January 2023 – 1 day
Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah. Its dramatic desert landscape has been sculpted over time by the Colorado River. It contains countless canyons, rock pinnacles, mesas, buttes, arches and spires. The park consists of four districts: the three land districts of Island in the Sky in the north (the most accessible and visited district), the Needles in the east (filled with backcountry roads and colourful spires) and the Maze in the west (the most remote and rugged district), and the Green and Colorado rivers that divide the park.
Capitol Reef National Park
Visited: January 2023 – 2 days
Capitol Reef National Park is located in the desert in the heart of red rock country in south-central Utah. Its defining feature is a wrinkle in the Earth’s crust, known as the Waterpocket Fold, that extends nearly 100 miles, running north-south from Thousand Lake Mountain to Lake Powell. It was created millions of years ago from deposition, uplift of the Colorado Plateau and erosion, creating a dramatic landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, natural bridges and other interesting rock formations. It is the least visited of the “Mighty Five” national parks in Utah, but has plenty to offer in terms of stunning vistas and scenic hiking trails.
Snow Canyon State Park
Visited: January 2023 – 1 day
Snow Canyon State Park is located in red-rock country in southwestern Utah. Despite its name, it seldom snows here. The park features dramatic sandstone cliffs, colourful canyons, sand dunes and lava flows and offers plenty of hiking trails to enjoy the desert scenery.
Zion National Park
Visited: January 2023 – 3 days
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and features dramatic sandstone cliffs, high plateaus, narrow canyons, waterfalls and a desert landscape. The park contains two regions, each with their own Visitor Center, scenic drive and series of hiking trails and viewpoints. There’s the famous Zion Canyon, located along the Virgin River, and the less-visited Kolob Canyons, located in the northwest corner of the park. Zion is open year round and provides a series of adventurous hiking trails and overlooks through the dramatic landscape and different habitats in the park.