Visiting Utah’s National Parks: The Amazing Road Trip Less Traveled

Adventure, Rock Climbing, Travel

 

Get ready to plan a great road trip through Utah’s National Parks!  We’ve road-tripped through most of Utah’s spectacular backcountry, taking the road less traveled and finding secluded spots off the pavement and far from your typical tourist routes.

 

 

Keep reading this if:

 

  • You want to go off the beaten path and experience parts of Utah’s parks that you will not find in your guidebook

  • You’re seeking more than the ‘5 National Parks in 5 Days Itinerary’

  • You want insider knowledge from local Utah residents who grew up experiencing the best of Utah’s National Parks

 

Mountain biking outside of Zion National Park on Gooseberry Mesa.

 

Why the Beehive State?

 

 

We love road tripping through Utah.  Why?  Because Utah is home to the 3rd highest concentration of National Parks in the country behind Alaska and California!  Then, there are 3 National Monuments, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), plus 2 National Recreation Areas.  That’s a lot of public lands ready to be explored!

Wondering why Utah is called the Beehive State?  Well, the beehive symbol represents the industrious settlers of the region.  They showed perseverance and self-reliance through incredibly challenging conditions and terrain.  By comparison, our lives are pretty easy these days.

So, if you hail from the East Coast or are traveling from Europe, the vast distances and alien landscapes found in Utah can seem to go on for eternity.  However, enjoy the journey and you will be rewarded with stunning vistas.  Towering sandstone walls.  Slot canyons that seem carved by hand.

Are you convinced and ready to start packing?  Well then here are some tips for what to pack for your road trip through Utah’s National Parks!

 

The Road Trip Less Traveled

 

The tranquility and remoteness of Utah’s National Parks are felt when you actually take the time to enjoy them.  They almost have a healing power that you can’t quite experience if you are rushing through each park.

In addition, the best parts of the parks are often more challenging to get to, like the Subway in Zion National Park.  That’s why Zion is one of the most visited National Parks in America, yet only a small fraction of visitors ever leave the pavement.

So, ask for that extra vacation day or week, and let’s get planning!

Get up early to catch the sunrise out here in Canyonlands National Park…and jump for joy at the views!

 

Utah’s National Parks

 

  • Arches National Park– one of the most popular National Parks in Utah due to its easy access and proximity to Moab.  However, take the time to get out of the car and hike out to places like Delicate Arch and the Fiery Furnace, along with the Devil’s Garden Trail to the Landscape Arch.

  • Bryce Canyon National Park– Sunrise Point, Peek-a-Boo Trail, and the Rim Trail are our favs!

  • Canyonlands National Park– Canyonlands is one of the most remote National Parks. Here you will also find Island in the Sky and the 100-mile White Rim Trail

  • Capital Reef National Park – Make sure and visit the historic fruit orchards, originally planted by Mormon settlers in 1880.

  • Zion National Park– the top spots in Zion include the Narrows and Angel’s Landing, but the Subway in Zion is our hands-down favorite adventure.  First, you begin with a hike. Second, you scramble down canyon walls. Third, you swim across narrow canyon pools.  Finally, you crawl out exhausted 7-9 hours later through a subway-like tunnel!

 

The moon setting over Canyonlands National Park.

 

Utah’s National Monuments

 

 

Utah’s National Historic Sites

 

 

Spotting caves in the limestone in American Fork Canyon near the Timpanogos Cave system.

 

Utah’s National Recreation Areas

 

 

Best time to visit Utah’s National Parks

 

What is the best time of year to visit Utah’s National Parks?  In the Spring or Fall.  Even the Winter for fewer crowds.

Summer in southern Utah can bring temperatures of over 100 degrees!  Therefore, always check the weather before rolling out.  You could easily find snow, ice and freezing temps at higher elevations, especially if hiking Angel’s Landing before noon.

 

Just a small portion of our collection of guidebooks for Utah!

 

guide books and maps

 

We’re a huge fan of the Falcon Guide Books for exploring Utah’s National Parks.  Whether hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking, we carry a Falcon Guide in our pack!  For more maps check out:

 

Major entry points

  • Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Grand Junction, Colorado

  • Salt Lake City, Utah

 

The National Parks in Utah are in the southern part of the state.  Therefore, you might be driving in from Las Vegas.  Or flying into Salt Lake City, renting a car, and driving south. If you’re coming in from Las Vegas, there are plenty of hotel options near the airport, and rental cars are quite cheap!  You could also drive from Las Vegas through the Virgin River Gorge and into St. George, where you can stock up on all your travel essentials before moving on.

 

Wanting some adventure starting on Day 1?  Here are a few options near St. George:

 

 

Mountain biking in Dead Horse Point State Park, adjacent to both Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

 

Mountain Biking in Utah

 

First, you should be aware that mountain biking within Utah’s National Parks is often not allowed.  Most National Parks are the same in this regard.  However, both Zion and Arches National Park have some of the best mountain biking in the entire world just outside their boundaries.  So, we have included our top 5 places where you can definitely let it rip.

 

Top 5 Mountain Bike Rides Near Moab and Arches National Park:

 

Top 3 Mountain Bike Rides Near Zion National Park and St. George:

 

Bike Rentals And Gear:

  • Poison Spider:  Did you forget padded bike shorts? Or your Camelbak bladder?  Or long-fingered gloves? Well, Poison Spider in Moab has it all.  Plus a great team to help you get fitted on the best rental bike for the type of trails you want to ride.

  • Moab Cyclery: A great place for gear, shuttles, and guided mountain bike tours.

  • Red Rock Bicycle Co:  Located in St. George, this is the best shop for both bike rentals and gear.  In addition, the staff are locals and can not only give you tips on where to ride, and where to grab food and be after!

 

The famous Wall Street climbing area on a quiet afternoon outside of Moab near Canyonlands National Park.

 

Rock climbing in Southern Utah

 

The rock formations in Southern Utah are largely sandstone, which is easily eroded, delicate, and fragile.  However, it’s no secret that you can find world-class climbing within the National Parks of southern Utah.  How is this possible?

Well, the sandstone is characterized by long, consistent joints or fractures which form cracks that you can place gear into to keep you safe.  This is why you will typically find more traditional (trad) climbing than sport (bolted, anchored) climbing in the National Parks of Southern Utah.

 

Top 5 Rock Climbing Areas In Utah’s National Parks:

 

  • Wall Street:  The approach doesn’t get any easier, making Wall Street a great beginner area.  Pull up, park, and belay right out of your van.  Located on Potash Road along the Colorado River.

  • Indian Creek:  Ready to test your crack climbing skills?  Well then, Indian Creek is THE spot.

  • Fisher Towers:  These otherworldly spires are some of the most unique sandstone towers you’ll ever see.  An easy entry climb is Ancient Arts.

  • Zion National Park:  Word famous amongst the ranks of big wall aid climbers, Zion offers some of the hardest multi-pitch climbing in the country.  For an easy entry into Zion climbing, check out the Practice Cliffs.

  • Castleton Tower:  Located in Castle Valley, this is one of the most famous towers in the world.  In addition, it’s no surprise that 2 climbs here are featured in Fred Beckey’s 100 Favorite North American Climbs.

 

Gear for days here at Gearheads Outdoor Store in Moab.

 

Camping Gear and Rock Climbing Equipment

 

Forgot some essential travel items at home?  No biggie.  Here’s where you should stop to find hiking, camping, mountain biking, or rock climbing gear:

  • Backcountry.com has its headquarters in Park City but there’s also a distribution center and a great gear shop in Salt Lake City near the airport.  Just order online and pick up in-store when you land!

  • REI is where you can buy or rent gear and they have 2 locations in the Las Vegas area, 2 in Salt Lake City.

  • Black Diamond is our go-to for all skiing and rock climbing needs and has both a headquarters and a company store in Salt Lake City.

  • The Desert Rat in St. George has everything you could possibly need for hiking, camping, and climbing.

  • Gearheads in Moab is the bomb.  I think I had to be dragged out of the store.

 

LIVING THE VAN LIFE in Utah

 

Are you planning to camp and looking for that #vanlife?  Well, then rent a sweet ride for you and your favorite adventure buddies.  Here are a few places to check out:

 

Interested in figuring out what campgrounds are best, and how to connect with other van-lifers on the road?  Use Sekr, originally called the Van Life App, to keep in touch with your community of #vanlife peeps!

 

We opt for camping whenever possible.  Remember to pack layers and some wine 🙂 as it cools off at higher elevations, even in the summertime.

 

Campgrounds and Accommodations near Utah’s National Parks

 

Moab

Stay in Moab for access to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and Bears Ears National Monument.  Moab is also a great town for gear rentals, coffee shops, restaurants, and a bit of nightlife.

Also, the mountain biking around Moab is simply some of the best in the world.  We haven’t even mentioned Utah’s multitude of state parks!  Just outside Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is one of our favorite places to camp, along with Slickrock campground closer to town.

 

Lake Powell

If you want to come in from Vegas and visit Grand Canyon National Park 1st, you can then head into Arizona to Lake Powell.  From here you can access the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and even take a boat out to view Rainbow Bridge National Monument from Wahweap RV & Campground.

Taking a boat tour is the best way to see Rainbow Bridge unless you’re up for a 14-mile hike.  Keep in mind, this will be a long drive from Las Vegas.

However, it’s worth it because you can return back through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Zion National Park.  This was one of my 1st road trips as a kid, and I remember standing on the pool deck at Wahweap Lodge with my mom, watching the most spectacular sunset over Lake Powell.

 

Springdale

The gateway to Zion National Park from the west is through Springdale.  There are plenty of hotels and motels in Springdale, and if you bring a bike you can ride into the park within minutes!  Remember to bring bike locks if you plan to ride then hike.  We did this for Angel’s Landing and it worked out quite well as the main park road had closed and the shuttle was not running at the time.

If you like to plan ahead, get online, and book camping at either South Campground or Watchman’s.  Both are located right inside the southern park entrance, walking distance to the town of Springdale.  Again, bring a bike to get around the park, this way you’ll avoid crowds, can get into the market for supplies, and still access areas like Emerald Pools and Angels Landing even if the park road closes to vehicular traffic.

From Springdale, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head Resort are also great day trips, along with Kolob Canyon.

 

Kanab

A hidden gem in southern Utah, Kanab is a classic western town with access to Zion National Park (eastern entrance), Capitol Reef National Monument, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Keep in mind if you’re driving to Zion, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel may be closed to vehicular traffic at certain times during the day.  For camping nearby we love Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, especially if surfing the sand dunes is on your bucket list!

 

Hiking up to view Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.

 

Take it slow

 

We know route planning is important, and you might have to be back at your desk come Monday.  So, soak up the natural wonders at your own pace.  However, keep in mind, it’s not often the destination, but the journey that is most memorable.

Want more adventure tips and travel destinations?  Check out some of our other travel blogs here:

 

Until next time, follow Top Rope Media’s daily wanderings on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Happy adventuring!

– Meredith McConvill

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