Which Utah national park is the best?

GEAR:30 | September 1, 2022

So you want to spend some time exploring Utah's national parks, but maybe don't have time to visit all of "The Mighty 5." Which national parks should be at the top of your list?

The answer to that question depends on personal preference. Find the best Utah national park based on the type of adventure you're seeking below.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Best for: Families, hiking, canyoneering, jeeping, rockclimbing, biking, rafting, proximity to Moab, and car accessibility.

Area: 119.8 square miles

Best month to visit: April through May and September through October, when daytime temperatures average about 60-80 degrees.

Number of campgrounds inside the park: 1

Reservations required for park entry: Yes, at least through October 2022. Here's how to reserve your timed entry ticket.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed (on leash) at all park roads, in parking areas, in picnic areas, and at Devils Garden Campground. Dogs are not allowed at any overlooks, on any trails, or in the visitor center.

Cons: Can be very crowded.

Photo credit: Powder Mountain

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Best for: Families, backpacking, hiking, sightseeing, and quick trips.

Area: 56.2 square miles

Best month to visit: April through May and September through October, when daytime temperatures average about 60-80 degrees.

Number of campgrounds inside the park: 2

Reservations required for park entry: No

Dogs: Dogs are allowed (on leash) at all paved surfaces in the park, including campgrounds, parking lots, and paved viewpoints. Pets are not permitted on trails or unpaved viewpoints, in public buildings, or on public transportation vehicles. 

Cons: Can get very cold due to high elevation, especially during sunrise, even in summer.

Photo credit: Nordic Valley

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Best for: Biking, hiking, backpacking, orchards, whitewater rafting, and car accessibility.

Area: 527 square miles

Best month to visit: April through May and September through October, when daytime temperatures average about 60-80 degrees.

Number of campgrounds inside the park: 2

Reservations required for park entry: No

Dogs: Dogs are allowed (on leash) at established front-country roads, parking areas, established front-country campgrounds, and picnic areas. Dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails, at overlooks, in the visitor center, or anywhere in the backcountry (including vehicles on backcountry roads and river trips).

Cons: May be considered less memorable than some of the other national parks, but you're likely to feel you have the whole park to yourself!

Photo credit: National Park Service

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

Best for: Hiking, geology, slot canyons, sightseeing, and car accessibility.

Area: 378 square miles

Best month to visit: During spring and fall, when temperatures are mild.

Number of campgrounds inside the park: 3

Reservations required for park entry: No

Dogs: Dogs are allowed (on leash) at the established areas of the park, including campgrounds and some hiking trails. Pets are not permitted on most hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry.

Cons: May be considered less memorable than some of the other national parks, but you're likely to feel you have the whole park to yourself!

Photo credit: Rich Martello

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Best for: Families, hiking, canyoneering, biking, backpacking, kayaking, slot canyons, and sightseeing.

Area: 229.1 square miles

Best month to visit: Between the months of April and November when free shuttles are running and the weather is comfortable.

Number of campgrounds inside the park: 3

Reservations required for park entry: No, though permits to hike Angel's Landing must be acquired via a lottery system.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed (on leash) at campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, and the Pa’rus Trail. Dogs are not allowed on any other trails, wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings.

Cons: High crowding, riding shuttle busses is necessary.

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