Shafer Canyon Road, Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park Canyonlands National Park is also a must-visit, especially since it’s easy to pair with Arches. The largest park by acreage, it is divided into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers. The Island in the Sky district offers the Grand View Point trail, an easy walk with breathtaking canyon views. For a truly magical experience, hike the Mesa Arch trail at sunrise. In the Needles district, the Druid Arch trail is a favorite, offering stunning scenery that’s worth every step. Up for a challenge? Test your skills in The Maze, the most remote district of them all. Or perhaps you’d rather enjoy the power and majestic beauty of The Rivers, where the Colorado and Green Rivers wind through sandstone to create deep canyons before converging at the Confluence. FUN FACT: APPROXIMATELY 75 MILLION YEARS AGO, UTAH WAS PART OF A LANDMASS CALLED LARAMIDIA. THIS LAND MASS WAS HOT, SWAMPY, AND FULL OF DINOSAURS, WHICH MAKES UTAH ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE U.S. TO FIND DINOSAUR FOSSILS.
Capitol Reef National Park Capitol Reef, located near Torrey, is a hidden gem and the second-largest park by acreage. It gets its name from the striking white sandstone dome resembling the US Capitol building, visible as you head east from the visitor’s center. The “Reef” part of its name refers to the rugged Waterpocket Fold, a natural barrier reminiscent of ocean reefs. Exploring the park, you’ll find charming historic homes from Mormon pioneers who settled here in the late 1800s. Don’t miss the orchards scattered throughout, and stop by the Gifford Homestead for freshly baked pies made from the park’s fruit. It’s a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich history!
Chimney Rock, Capitol Reef National Park
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