Delicate Arch is located in Arches National Park and is one of Utah's most famous sights.
The state of Utah has six national parks and is revered by many as one of the most beautiful states in the country. In addition to these national parks Utah has countless acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land as well as an extensive state park system. While most vacationers won't get to see everything this state has to offer, there are some sites that shouldn't be missed.
Instructions
1. A car is a necessity to see Utah's parks.
Having a car is a necessity to see the highlights of Utah's beautiful landscape. Whether you drive your own car or rent one, plan to hit attractions in a logical order. Utah is a vast state with lots of open land. Without proper planning entire days may be consumed by drive time. If you are renting a car or have a decision of what type of car to bring, do not be concerned with four wheel drive. There are many places in Utah only accessible by four wheel drive, but most of the most popular highlights do not require this feature.
2. Canyonlands National Park is huge. Plan enough time to see more than a small part of it.
Spend enough time in each park to warrant your stop. With the large size of many of Utah's national parks, this means that a minimum of one full day will be needed. A general guide of highlights you shouldn't miss as well as time to plan for each park are as follows. Remember, this list does not include many additional spectacular parks and sites, and the times listed are a minimum amount of time to spend. It is easy to spend much more time. Don't forget to include these drive times between sites!
Zion National Park: 1 Day
Bryce Canyon National Park: 1 Day
Capitol Reef National Park: 1 Day
Goblin Valley State Park: ½ Day
Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon: ½ Day
Canyonlands National Park Needles District: 1-2 Days
Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District: 1 Day
Arches National Park: 1-2 Days
3. Wandering through Goblin Valley can be an one hour or all day hike depending on your desires and hiking ability.
Hike a lot and see a lot. To see the best of Utah you will often have to hike. Some hikes are relatively short and easy, while others can be taxing, especially in the hot summer months. Know your body's abilities when you plan your trip. If you are a good hiker try to fit these attractions into your visits to each of the aforementioned parks: In Zion National Park, the most well-known and popular hikes are Angel's Landing and The Narrows. In Bryce Canyon National Park, take any of the hiking trails but make sure you walk down into the Hoodoos. In Capitol Reef National Park skip the better known hikes and hike up the four wheel drive trail to the Strike Valley Overlook. Wander through Goblin Valley State Park at your leisure, and hike at least the first two miles of Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon located nearby. In Canyonlands National Park Needles District, plan on visiting the Chesler Park area. In Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District, don't miss Mesa Arch or the Grand View Point. Finally, in Arches National Park make sure you hike up to Delicate Arch, the Windows loop, and the primitive trail at the Devil's Garden.
Arches National Park
PO Box 907
Moab, UT 84532
http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm
Bryce Canyon National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce, UT 84764-0201
http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm
Canyonlands National Park
2282 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, Utah 84532
http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm
Capitol Reef National Park
52 Scenic Drive
Torrey, UT 84775
http://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm
Goblin Valley State Park
P.O. Box 637
Green River, UT 84525-0637
http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley
Zion National Park
Springdale, Utah 84767
http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
Tags: National Park, Canyonlands National, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National, Arches National Park, Goblin Valley
