If youre not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Sand Hollow State Park is a favorite destination for local off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts and provides 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes within the vast 20,000-acre park. I'm Erika. Camping opportunities abound, ranging from all-inclusive RV resorts to rustic cabins and remote tent sites. From narrow slot canyons to grand sweeping vistas, sandstone plateaus to meandering rivers, San Rafael Country and the San Rafael Swell are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah. Explore the history and beauty within Utahs 43 state parks. In many ways, its rust-colored sands reminded me of Namibias Sossusvlei Dunes in miniature. Located just east of the more famous (and often overcrowded) Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome offers a quieter alternative. In the inhospitable and rugged terrain, the horses often died of thirst and exposure. Stunning images and the promise of big adventure lure travelers from around the world toThe Mighty 5 national parks. Numerous bolted routes throughout the canyon lure rock climbers. Insteadas with the coastal dunes in Oregon and White Sands in New Mexicothe area is best explored by simply meandering around the ever-shifting sand sea. Coral Pink Sands is one of the prettiest sand dune areas in the United States. The park was certified as anInternational Dark Sky Park, making it a great place for stargazing too. Then take your shoes off to leave footprints in the orange-red sand dunes. Grab your camera. Southern Utah is a land of hyperbolic beauty and awe-inspiring desert scenery. Follow the Utah Pie Trail through a scenic landscape of water-sculpted canyons and sandstone peaks and past three iconic national parks to savor the flavor at five delectable pie stops. The Sleeping Rainbows Trail is a .75-mile loop that is much steeper than the other trails but has the densest concentration of petrified wood in the park. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? In the sweltering summer months, head to the Flaming Gorge, north of Vernal, on the Wyoming border. Need winter vacation ideas? Camping is available inside the park. Along the parks trails, ebony lava rock litters the landscape like charred logs in a blazing fire. Welcome to Utahs Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road. Here, ancient hot springs and geysers have solidified into an array of beautiful and bizarre rock features called sand pipes. _________________________________________________________. Many of the gorgeous rock columns in the park can be seen while driving, but its worth your time to get out and explore. 8 people per vehicle). These parks showcase the states natural splendor and offer a plethora of recreation opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, and adventurers. Trails for hiking, climbing & horseback riding amid dunes & sandstone cliffs. Snow Canyons proximity to St George makes it a popular getaway destination in southern Utah. The dunes are formed from the erosion of Navajo Sandstone surrounding the park. Photograph: Christian Heinrich/Getty Images/Imagebroker RF, Sunset at Dead Horse Point. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is where weekend warriors can leave footprints in soft sand. Other times, it is humankinds engineering over nature that puts on the most enticing of shows. The park has a campground and rooms can be found in nearby Torrey and along highway 12, towards Boulder. Though it lies in the shadow of nearby Zion National Park, Snow Canyon holds its own among southern Utahs epic red rock landscapes. This trip assumes a start in Salt Lake City, Utah or Grand Junction, Colorado, and heads toward Moab, though travelers arriving via Las Vegas should reverse the order and launch their Utah trip from St. George. The Bears Ears area, situated around two rounded humps of rock shaped like a bears ears, inspires many mysteries and local legends. Photograph: Michael Busselle/Getty Images, White Canyon, Natural Bridges national monument. Evidence for at least two collapsed bridges are found within the park. Here are eight enticing state parks along the The Mighty 5 road trip, which means each day youll have the option to stop at the national parks if its your first time to Utah, or leave them for the other travelers if youre looking to see Utah from another angle. The area became a state park in 1958, and has since been a favorite destination among rock climbers and cyclists. The park is named after its series of domes and cliffs, eroded into white Navajo sandstone, which somewhat resemble the US Capitol building in Washington DC. Bring the family and experience this amazing place by hiking, camping, mountain biking, and exploring the surrounding canyons. Tips to help keep solo women travelers safe on road trips and outdoor adventures in Utah and beyond. And with their flaming red rock, delicate spires and weathered canyons, the dazzling red rock areas are nothing if not unique. Tents and motorhomes are allowed at the Dead Horse Point campground and dispersed sites can be found outside the park. Edge of the Cedars state park in Blanding has a museum featuring the an impressive archaeological repository, plus the ruins of a Puebloan village. Start at the visitor centre (open year-round) and head either north to Cathedral Valley or south into the Waterpocket Fold area. All three spans can be viewed from overlooks, with trails leading down to each bridge. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau. Kodachrome Basin photographed under the Milky Way. Camping: Goblin Valley also offers a couple of yurts in addition to standard back-in and tent sites (no hookups). The otherworldly landscape of melting stone mushrooms is playfully photogenic and just plain fun. When the National Geographic Society traveled to the photogenic basin south in Bryce in 1948, its members found themselves struck by the areas colorful sandstone chimneys. Located south and west of Arches, Dead Horse Point is a narrow 2,000-ft high promontory that overlooks the northern reaches of Canyonlands national park. Dan and I only had about half an hour to explore the Goblin Valley. Photograph: Mark C Stevens/Getty Images/Flickr RF, The Castle, Capitol Reef national park. Then they could pick and choose the best horses from the bunch and let the others go. Please note some state parks close their gates at night. The red sand is an incredible backdrop for Sand Hollow reservoir. The landscape covered with mushroom-like sandstone goblin formations and eroded cliffs is often compared to Mars. Campground full? Nonetheless, the state park is well worth shelling out an extra $20 to visit. In addition to being one of Utahs most photographed landmarks, Dead Horse Point has been the setting for numerous moviesincluding parts of Mission Impossible II, Need for Speed, and Thelma & Louise. stateparks.utah.gov. Here the entrenched curves of the San Juan river nearly double back on themselves, exposing millions of layers of geologic history. A paradise for canyoneers and rock climbers, Zion boasts rock formations spanning more than 150 million years of geologic history. This state park is made up of a shifting landscape of sand. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Get up early to start your trip on the right note: sunrises are spectacular in canyon country. The strangely shaped rocks are eroded out of entrada sandstone, a reddish rock that dates to the time of the dinosaurs and underlies much of south-east Utah. He suggested we spend the remaining hours of our day at Sand Hollow. Top tip Visit a geologic mystery at Upheaval Dome. Sandstone goblins and fascinating formations cover Utahs Goblin Valley State Park, to which Hollywood frequently turns for its unusual landscapes, like alien worlds. Angels Palace is among the most beautiful short hikes in Kodachrome State Park. Utah is a place for all seasons, except summer. In the shadow of Utahs national parks, a handful of state parks lie scattered about the rose-colored desert. Spend a day on the water then retire to a campsite in a spectacular red rock desert setting. Southern Utah State Parks Near the Mighty 5, Here are eight enticing state parks along the, Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Only a fraction of the park can be seen from the road. Cliffside park offering camping, hiking/biking trails, plus overlooks & views of the Colorado River. So far, geologists are unsure about how the chimneys formed. Camping: Reserve a Yurt for a unique overnight experience. The south-west desert is known for out-of-this-world landscapes some places look like the moon, others like Mars but Utahs Canyonlands is an otherworldly place like no other. Whenever possible, he hikes Utah's Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument with his dog. Though a few trails lead down to the valley floor, the area is best enjoyed when wandering aimlessly. They named the area KodachromeFlat, after the brand of Kodak film known for its vibrant color rendition. Snow Canyon is popular with road cyclists touring the parks scenic drive and hikers exploring the network of trails through the main canyon and numerous side canyons. Quail Creek State Park offers adventurers the chance to appreciate Southern Utahs dramatic landscapes from the water. If ever a state park was made to be photographed, it is Utah's Kodachrome Basin State Park. Erika is an avid traveler and explorer of over ninety countries on six different continents. Though actual snow occasionally blankets the fiery landscape on chilly winter days, the park is not named after frozen precipitation. Differing theories suggest that the columns are either remnants of ancient springs, or pathways created by earthquakes. Join me as I discover the road less traveled. Venture back in time through discovery of artifacts and remnants of the past. You could spend a lifetime exploring the land between the Colorado and the Green rivers and still not reach all the way into the parks red depths. High winds passing through the notch between the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains pick up loose sand particles and then drop them onto the dunes because of the Venturi effect. 8 people per vehicle); $5 for Utah seniors 62 and older (max. Unlock new levels of understanding about the land you are traveling through, around and on by learning about the geology in Utah. Though technically mild by Moab standards, the trails are a hit for riders of all abilities. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. Free backcountry camping permits are available in the visitor centre. Kodachrome Basin covers 2,240 acres and is surrounded by Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument on three sides. Dead Horse Point State Park overlooks a scenic U-shaped bend in the Colorado River. Other popular trails include the 1.5 mile Grand Parade and the 3 mile Panorama Trail. About 90-percent of the dunes are open for ATV riders, an attraction for which this state park has become ever popular. Because the state parks in Utah are far more deserving than the recognition they often receive. When exploring Southern Utah, just about every road is a stunner, featuring views of the red-rock landscape thats unlike anything else in the country. Visitors to Coral Pink Sand Dunes have a world of outdoor adventure just around the corner: several additional trailheads access Grand StaircaseEscalante along U.S. 89 in the extreme southern part of Utah. Sometimes, nature creates a display of epic proportions. The trail to Owachomo is an easy half-mile round trip, while the climb down to Sipapu is considerably steeper and negotiates stairs and three ladders. It has a beach, a swimming area, and plenty of space for paddling or boating. It features remarkable Navajo sandstone formations, subterranean tunnels, and jaw-dropping vistas over the canyon. Walk amongst kaleidoscopic colors and petrified logs up to 15 feet long. In summer months, it provides an escape from the areas searing heat. Kodachrome Basin State Park Photo: Depositphotos. The former is carved by wind and ice, while the latter is sculpted by a waterway. Here, three majestic bridges, named Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu, span the White and Anderson canyons. Previous Group
But dont miss the stunning 850-year-old scarlet macaw feather sash found on the very southern edge of Canyonlands National Park. Photograph: Dibrova/Getty Images/Flickr RF, Cart Creek Bridge at Flaming Gorge. The color of the sand moves too from red to pink depending on the light. It is open year round. In the Neighborhood: Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park, Entrance Fee: $10 day-use pass; $5 for Utah seniors 62 and older. Blanding is also home to the Blanding Dinosaur Museum, which features rotating exhibits on Utahs rich Mesozoic history, including fossilised eggs and baby dinosaurs. For hotels and hostels, stay in Moab or Blanding. Goblin Valleys stunted hoodoos formed as a result of eroding sandstone. Either way, its a fantastic place for a hike in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. Then, cool off in the refreshing waters of the reservoir, popular for boating, canoeing and fishing. The name Edge of the Cedars come from the parks location between the densely forested Manti-La Sal national forest and the treeless desert to the east, a prime habitat for early human settlement. The small Utah state park was never part of our original American Southwest itinerary. The 1.2-mile Petrified Dunes Trail showcases some of parks most enticing landmarks. Journey along meandering trails and waterways, or ride off-highway vehicles on shifting seas of coral pink sand. Scenic Byway 12 has all the breathtaking views (and riding) you could ever hope for. Photograph: Jodi Jacobson/Getty Images, New Mexico's top 10 national and state parks. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Sand Hollow and Quail Creek state park are less than 10 miles apart, where warm reservoirs play host to an array of water sports and quality fishing and the surrounding landscapes provide sites for camping and extensive off-highway action. Plan your Utah winter road trip! The Capitol Reef to Bryce road trip is great for friends, family and group vacations or getaways. Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle; $5 for Utah seniors 65 and older. At Sand Hollow State Park near St George, a human-made reservoir has created a recreational haven for water sports enthusiasts. Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle; $10 for Utah seniors 62 and older; $10 per motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian. After all, they are among the most geologically fascinating areas in the United States. Last modified on January 29th, 2021 at 15:31. Back in the 19th century, cowboys used the point as a natural corral, where they could herd mustangs out to the tip and build a fence across the bottleneck of the point. Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Areas backroads and byways. Heres a look at six local artists whose work draws upon Utahs diverse environments as inspiration. There are many ways to explore Southern Utah. In winter, it is a place that allows for serenity and quiet contemplation. But travelers with a little bit more time would be remiss to skip the oft-overlooked state parks. If you want to know what Mars looks like then the dramatic terrain of Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding lands are a good place to start. The valley floor can get crowded with people, but private cars are restricted in favour of free shuttles, which helps quiet the chaos. Its one thing to see ancient Southwestern ruins, but to get a true sense of the ancient peoples who inhabited them, go to the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, Utah. Heres what you need to know to travel safely, protect Utahs rural communities, and help preserve sensitive desert landscapes. I presume that Goblin Valley would be a fantastic place to bring kids. If you want to ask some of the big questions of humanity like how do we become farmers, city dwellers, crucibles most of us on the planet have passed through, this is the best place to do it, says Jonathan Till, curator of Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum. Check out the worlds densest concentration of dinosaur bones at Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry and explore other prehistoric wonders around Utah. The park is most renowned for its dozens of delicate sandstone chimneys some nearly 170ft tallthat reach toward Utahs cloudless skies. Did You Enjoy this Post on the Top State Parks in Utah? For lovers of dunes and desertscapes, the small state park in southern Utah is a definite must-see. A travel-obsessed flight attendant, outdoor enthusiast and adventure-lover from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Mary Caperton Morton is a freelance writer and photographer who makes her home on the back roads of North America, living and working out of a tiny solar-powered camper. Snow Canyons Navajo sandstone cliffs share the same history and geology as Zion. An annual Utah state parks pass costs $75 for in-state residents and $150 for out-of-state travelers. Pause to take in the expansive vistas of the reservoir and surrounding mountains from the top of the hiking loop. Its chiseled red rock landscapes house a dizzying assortment of stunning scenic areas and sweeping vistas. The towering rock column is one of the top places to visit in Kodachrome Basin. So when you find a route specifically designated as a scenic byway, you know youre in for a treat. Fun fact: In the movie, Thelma and Louise, the car went over the cliff at Dead Horse Point, not the Grand Canyon as stated in the movie. Im not entirely sure why Dead Horse Point State Park isnt a part of Canyonlands Island in the Sky district. Camping: Kodachrome Basin has more than 30 stand sites and 14 sites with full hookups. Pin It! Top tip Just down the road from Kodachrome Basin is the Grosvenor Arch, an unusual double arch high up on a colourful canyon wall that serves as a symbolic gateway to Grand Staircase Escalante national monument (see below). Visit Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum at 660 W. 400 N., which is in a residential area; 435-678-2238; stateparks.utah.gov/parks/edge-of-the-cedars. Looking for scenic bike rides in Utah? Located just off Highway 313, the park boasts views of rugged canyon walls and the distant snow-draped La Sal Mountains. Notice how small Dan looks in comparison. Whether hitting the Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City in January or visiting Utah throughout the year, youll find yourself near some Utahs most iconic and most filmed places. This is a place for explorers: more than 100 miles of trails lead from the valley into the narrow river canyons to the north and up the towering red and tan walls of Navajo sandstone to the east and west. Ace Kvale is a photographer and guide in Boulder, Utah. Campsites tend to fill up fast on weekends, so reservations are recommended. The Flaming Gorge is also know for its endless backpacking options. The 'Goblins' are made of Entrada sandstone deposited 140 million years ago. In the Neighborhood: Bryce Canyon National Park, Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle (max. Explore the geology and camp among the nooks and gnomes. Yet nevertheless, we enjoyed walking around the reservoirs perimeter, photographing Sand Hollows rock islands, and watching the sunset as it illuminated the areas red rock formations. To the east lies the Valley of the Gods, a pocket of spectacular scenery featuring mesas and buttes reminiscent of the more famous Monument Valley, to the south. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. If not, introduce yourself to the family-friendly canyoneering of Little Wild Horse Canyon (may not be suitable for smaller children). Photograph: Matthew Crowley Photography/Getty Images/Flickr RF, Kodachrome Basin.
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