UTAH: The state with the most beautiful landscapes and national parks
Why should you plan a trip to Utah?
Utah is an extremely underrated state and destination for nature lovers. I had the most amazing trip there in May, and I can’t begin to explain how incredible the landscapes were throughout the state. Specifically, Zion National Park blew me away and left me speechless with gorgeous views from every hike I did.
best places to visit in utah:
Planning a trip to Utah soon but not sure which parts to go to? This guide will help you make your decision when visiting this gorgeous state!
Zion National Park
where to stay:
Flanigans Resort and Spa is the best place to stay near Zion National Park!! I did an entire blog post about why it’s my favorite hotel in the Springdale area, which you can read here.
what to do:
See here for a blog post about the top 10 things to do in Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
WHAT TO DO IN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK:
Rim trail
Navajo loop/Queens Garden Trail (best hike in my opinion)
Sunset point to sunrise point hike
where to stay:
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon was the best place to stay right outside of the park! It was in the perfect location and had very nice rooms.
Kanab
what to do:
Go on the Peek-a-boo slot canyon tour with Dreamland Safari tours. This is a great day trip from Zion National Park (about a 1-hour drive) to see another great area of Utah!
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT utah’s national parks:
Shoulder seasons: I highly recommend May or September to avoid high summer crowds in June, July, and August.
When I visited in May, it was the perfect time to go in terms of weather and crowds. Note— The Narrows weren’t open in May 2023 due to high levels of water.
TIPS + TRICKS when visiting utah:
1) Always bring a light jacket with you in Utah. You never know when it might rain or when it might cool off from being higher elevation or inside a shaded canyon.
2) Make sure to research about the trails and national parks you are going to before going. You can lose service very quickly and if you don’t have the directions already up, you may not be able to see where you are going!
3) Get into the national parks early before the crowds, especially with Zion National Park.