Utah National Parks: Everything You Need to Know
Our absolute favorite places to visit are Utah National Parks! The landscape at each park is different: arches, canyons, hoodoos, balancing rocks, and more!
When you’re looking for places to visit in Utah, the five National Parks in Utah should be on your bucket list!
We have created a list of helpful resources like travel guides, packing checklists, tips and more to help you plan your Utah National Parks vacation!
If you want to visit all five parks, check out our Utah National Park road trip itinerary to make it a reality!
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
National Park Packing List
When you are visiting US National Parks it is important to be prepared. This includes wearing the proper clothes and shoes to be comfortable for the climate and the terrain.
→ CHECK OUT: National park packing lists for spring, summer, fall and winter!
- Merrell Moab hiking shoes or Oboz hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
- Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
- Columbia fleece jacket
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Sun protection – sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
- UV sunglasses are good for summer and winter
- Travel hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- US National Park travel guides and maps
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!
Outdoor Gear we recommend! Travel Gear & Hiking Gear
A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Utah National Parks Travel Guides
When looking for US National Park vacation ideas, check out our Utah National Park travel guides and photography guides to plan the perfect trip to visit all 5 parks!
- Arches National Park travel guide
- Arches & Canyonlands photography guide
- Bryce Canyon travel guide
- Bryce Canyon photography guide
- Canyonlands National Park guide
- Capitol Reef National Park guide
- Capitol Reef photography guide
- Zion National Park travel guide
- Zion National Park photography guide
When Is the Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks?
There are important things to know about visiting these parks during the different seasons of the year. You’ll need to be aware of the busy seasons at the parks. Check out these articles to know all about planning a trip during a specific season or month so you know in advance what to expect.
- Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks
- Utah National Parks in the Spring
- Utah National Parks in the Summer
- Utah National Parks in the Fall
- Utah National Parks in the Winter
ARCHES
- Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
- Arches National Park in the Spring
- Arches National Park Summer Vacation
- Arches National Park in the Fall
- Arches National Park in the Winter
BRYCE CANYON
- Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon National Park in the Spring
- Bryce Canyon in the Fall
- Bryce Canyon in the Winter
CANYONLANDS
- Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands National Park in the Spring
- Canyonlands National Park in the Summer
- Canyonlands National Park in the Fall
- Canyonlands National Park in the Winter
CAPITOL REEF
- Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Spring
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Summer
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Fall
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Winter
ZION
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
- Zion National Park in the Spring
- Zion National Park in the Summer
- Zion National Park in the Fall
- Zion National Park in the Winter
Visiting Utah National Parks By Month
There are important things to know about visiting each park during a specific month.
Use our resources below to know all about planning a trip during a specific month so you know in advance what to expect.
- Utah National Parks in January
- Utah National Parks in February
- Utah National Parks in March
- Utah National Parks in April
- Utah National Parks in May
- Utah National Parks in June
- Utah National Park in July
- Utah National Parks in August
- Utah National Parks in September
- Utah National Parks in October
- Utah National Parks in November
- Utah National Parks in December
Attractions and Things to Do at Utah National Parks
Here’s a list of things to do, see and photograph at the 5 national parks. Explore the various points of interest by driving, hiking or biking. And don’t forget to learn about all the best photo spots. These are all beautiful parks where you’ll want to take pictures of the stunning landscape!
ARCHES
- Things to Do at Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Photography
- Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Arches Devil’s Garden Trail Guide
- Arches National Park scenic drive
- Things to Do Near Arches National Park
BRYCE CANYON
- Things to Do at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Views
- Bryce Canyon photo spots
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Hikes
- Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail
- Tourist Attractions in Bryce Canyon
CANYONLANDS
- Things to Do at Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands Hikes
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Things to Do
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Hikes
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Visitor Center
- Things to Do at Needles Canyonlands
CAPITOL REEF
ZION
- Things to Do at Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Hikes
- Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Zion National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Activities
- Things to Do Near Zion National Park
Where to Stay at Utah National Parks
Use our resources below to know all about the lodging and camping ideas at the national parks. We also share our favorite places to stay near the national parks.
ARCHES
BRYCE CANYON
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Bryce Canyon National Park RV Vacation
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- Bryce Canyon Winter Camping
CANYONLANDS
CAPITOL REEF
ZION
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
- Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon and Zion
- Camping in Zion National Park
- Camping Near ZNP and Bryce Canyon
- RV parks near Zion National Park
