Utah's National Parks: Just the Start of Your Southern Utah Itinerary
G
ADAPTED FROM THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM’S OFFICIAL UTAH TRAVEL GUIDE WRITTEN BY: ANDREW GILLMAN, ROSIE G. SERAGO AND SARA HOBBS, UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM
reat access to Utah’s parks and outdoors begins within 30 minutes of the Salt Lake City International Airport in northern Utah, including national forests and monuments crossing high-alpine adventure, tranquil lakes, mountain ranges and hidden caverns.
Once you head south, you’ll find yourself on one of the many astonishingly scenic drives that mark the way for visitors to The Mighty 5® national parks. Though a truly memorable road trip requires taking in all the unexpected national monuments, national forests, towns, state parks and scenic lands in between the iconic parks.
Before you start, stop in at a local visitor’s centers for tips and resources. Be aware of cooler nighttime temperatures, check weather/closures and make sure to secure permits if you plan to enter the backcountry. Learn more about all five parks at visitutah.com/ mighty5.
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Where pioneer orchards meet wild and unexpected geology
WHAT TO DO Near the visitor center, hike Hickman Bridge or the Grand Wash, among other trails. Take the time to examine petroglyph panels and drive the 8-mile scenic drive. You can also explore the rainbow-hued sandstone “reefs” and canyons of the Waterpocket Fold or tour the Temples of the Sun and Moon and the rest of Cathedral Valley’s sculptured sandstone monoliths.
WHERE TO STAY The welcoming and eclectic town of Torrey is the primary gateway to Capitol Reef and includes local dining like Cafe Diablo. In towns between Hanksville and Loa you’ll find additional motel and bed and breakfast accommodations. Boulder boasts the Zagatrated Hell’s Backbone Grill. Open yearround, Capitol Reef ’s campgrounds are firstcome, first-served, including a developed campground in Fruita and primitive campgrounds in the backcountry.
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY
CLEVELAND-LLOYD DINOSAUR QUARRY & JURASSIC NATIONAL MONUMENT | 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
Utah’s newest national monument displays the world’s densest concentration of dinosaur bones — more than 12,000 discovered. Open April–September; but check before you go. Kids get in free.
64
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
FREMONT INDIAN STATE PARK AND MUSEUM | 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
This museum marks the site of one of the largest-known Fremont culture villages and showcases the discovery of this village by a road construction crew. Nearby hiking trails explore petroglyphs and pictographs. Camp or rent a teepee for an evening beneath pristine dark skies. GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK | 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
Whimsical sandstone landscape captures and stretches the imagination. Experience this amazing place by hiking, camping and biking the surrounding canyons. It’s also a certified International Dark Sky Park. SAN RAFAEL SWELL | 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
Start at the 1,000-foot Wedge Overlook, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of the Little Grand Canyon, a 14-mile path cut by the San Rafael River. Next, drive down into the Buckhorn Draw Backway to experience a wealth of petroglyphs, hiking, climbing and camping. The southern portion of the Swell is more rugged, so take a map and plenty of fuel. Most roads in this area are unpaved, needing high-clearance and 4WD. Top photo courtesy of Audrey Livingston. Top right photo courtesy of Tom Till |Temples of the Sun and Moon - Cathedral Valley - Capitol Reef NP. Middle right photo courtesty of Gifford Barn | Capitol Reef National Park. Bottom right photo Goblin Valley.
