Utah is NOT skimpy on its natural wonders... but, did you know that Utah's "Mighty Five" National Parks can be visited in ONE weekend. Check out our whirlwind moadtrup guide to all of Utah's National Parks, whether you're on a mission to explore all five, or taking them one at a time.
Canyonlands National Park - Home to some of the most remote (and, in some cases, entirely inaccessible places in the United States) Canyonlands is a fantasyland of red rock arches, mesas, canyons, and winding rivers (this area feeds Lake Powell and eventually leads to the Grand Canyon). BONUS - bring a your 4x4 vehicle for some of the most stunning Sunday drives and off-road camping in the nation.
Arches National Park - a spectacle of geological ballet: Arches NP is made of the silliest collection of the most bizarre, gravity-testing stunts that Earth has seemingly pulled off. I give this park a 10/10 for natural gymnastics. When you visit, take a moment to marvel at a multitude of natural wonders but DON'T MISS the most famous rock in Utah (see: license plate), Delicate Arch.
Capitol Reef - Although there are no fish at this landlocked park, there are plenty of interesting features to explore along the long-and-skinny geological "reef" that is protected in this National Park. Named after the "Capitol" appearance of the white sandstone domes that loom over deep red canyons, Capitol Reef is a hot spot for backcountry hiking and backpacking. Don't forget to stop in the settlement of Fruita, a picturesque outpost with some hungry herbivorous residents.
Bryce Canyon - a legacy park that has been protected since the 1920's, Bryce Canyon is a fantasyland of red rock "hoodoos" set on the edge a high-elevation, evergreen forest. Absolutely stunning (and equally bizarre) be sure to take the hike through the Navajo Loop trail to get up close and personal with some rocks (if you haven't had enough geology in Utah, yet).
Zion - did you make it this far? Don't stop before one of Utah's (truly one of the NATION'S) finest National Parks, Zion. BUT - don't forget to plan ahead for this ultra-popular park. Bummer... if you forget to reserve a ticket for the Zion Canyon shuttle, you're probably out-of-luck for experiencing some of the coolest treks in the NP's like The Narrows (the trail leads directly UP a riverbed set inside a slot canyon) or Angels Landing, a pee-your-pants sheer drop of 3000 feet sets you up for a killer view of Zion Canyon. See you there (along with everyone else).
#travelagain #travelaggressive #utah #mightyfive
26 авг 2024
