It wasn’t until I arrived to Utah that I realized I had under budgeted my time. At first I was filled with excitement that I could go to Arches National Park and Canyonlands all from Moab. But then I started doing more research, I realized I totally forgot three other gems of a national park.
Utah is your national park enthusiast’s ultimate destination.
One state, five incredible national parks that beckon for a trip of a lifetime. Each national park is filled with natural wonders from arches to valleys. Take a look at the big five:
1. Arches National Park
Location: Moab, Utah
Known for: Balancing rocks, arches, and Mars-like landscapes.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Bryce Canyon, Utah
Known for: Hoodoos (odd shaped pillars of rock left over from erosion) and forests
3. Canyonlands National Park
Location: Moab, Utah
Known for: Canyons, Rivers, Buttes, and spires.
4. Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Torrey, Utah
Known for: Cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges.
5. Zion National Park
Location: Canyons, mountains,
Known for: Slot canyons, towering waterfalls, and soaring mountains.
LOCATIONS:
Image Credit:
Bryce Canyon: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/BryceCanyon-Amphiteatre1.jpg
Capitol Reef: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Cassidy_Arch,_Capitol_Reef_National_Park.JPG
Zion: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Angels_Landing.jpg
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Flights
Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
2. Book Your Accommodations
Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Car
Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.
5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access
Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
