11 Best Utah State Parks You’ve Got to Visit
Utah’s state parks are incredibly beautiful and are must-stops on any Utah roadtrip. As a local Utahn, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on which Utah state parks to visit, what to do while you’re there, plus any other helpful information you might need. This list of Utah state parks are some of the best and most beautiful state parks to visit in Utah starting in Northern Utah then Central Utah and lastly Southern Utah.
Best Northern Utah State Parks
1. Bear Lake State Park
Bear Lake State Park is located on the Utah/Idaho border with the gorgeous lake sharing land in both states. The lake is known for its famous turquoise-blue waters (sometimes called the Caribbean of the Rockies), its huge 109-mile circumference, and a myth similar to the Loch Ness Monster.
You can find almost any type of water rental that you’d like at Bear Lake Fun to spend some quality time on the water with Sea-Doos, boats, kayaks or SUPs.
While you are in the area, take the short and easy hike to Bloomington Lake and take a tour of Minnetonka Cave. Plus, be sure to try as many famous Bear Lake Raspberry Shakes as you can in Garden City at any of the cute burger joints along Bear Lake Blvd (it’s always a debate as to who has the best shakes😜).
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2. Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park sits on The Great Salt Lakes’ largest island- Antelope Island. The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere and the namesake of Utah’s capital city, Salt Lake City. The lake is reminiscent of the Dead Sea in that the salt content is so high that you may be able to float in the water! To learn more about the lake’s unique ecosystem, be sure to swing by the visitor center.
Enjoy your time on the lake taking in the views, floating, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Or you can rent E-bikes or take guided horseback tours.
A great, easy hike on Antelope Island is Buffalo Point Trail which takes you to the top of a hill with beautiful views and fun rocks to scramble on. If you are looking for a longer, more strenuous trail, the Frary Peak Trail summits the tallest mountain on the island with stunning views along the way.
One of the most unique aspects of Antelope Island (besides the super salty water) is that you can see free-roaming bison and antelope herds plus experience some of the best birding in the country! But be sure to remember it’s very unsafe to approach the bison.
*It’s important to note that during the summer months, Antelope Island is known to have loads of bugs. Like you won’t have fun because of all the bugs flying around. However, if you are interested in going during the summer, just call the visitors center to see what the current conditions are😊.
3. Red Fleet State Park
Red Fleet State Park is located right in the heart of Utah’s Dinosaurland and some like to compare it to a miniature Lake Powell. Red Fleet features a picturesque reservoir surrounded by beautiful red rocks which make for perfect spots for cliff-jumping (short and tall!). And another perfect way to experience the water is with a kayak or SUP which you can rent right at the park.
Besides relaxing on the lake, you’ve also got to see the ancient dinosaur tracks in the Navajo Sandstone surrounding the lake. The tracks at Red Fleet are thought to be more than 200 million years old and paleontologists say the dinosaurs were three-toed and walked on two legs. The best way to see the tracks are on the Dinosaur Trackway Trail or from the lake if you have a kayak or paddle-board to approach the area.
Camping is available at Red Fleet Campground in traditional campsites or for a unique experience, you can book one of the park’s two teepees. If camping is not your thing, there are plenty of Airbnbs and hotels in Vernal which is only about 20 minutes away.
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4. Flight Park State Recreation Area
Flight Park State Recreation Area is one of the most unique state parks in Utah. Located a few minutes south of Salt Lake City at The Point of the Mountain you can watch paragliders and hang gliders take off and soar high above the earth. Take a picnic lunch to hang out and spend some time taking in the views. You can even take lessons yourself or book a tandem flight.
Utah has partnered with the Utah Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (UHGPGA) to preserve this unique area for both flyers and visitors. It is known around the world as one of the best training areas for paragliding and hang gliding with visitors coming each year from around the country and world.
Along with paragliding and hang gliding, there is also a designated area for RC airplanes and helicopters.
Best Central Utah State Parks
5. Goblin Valley State Park
Visiting Goblin Valley is a completely out-of-this-world experience and rivals Bryce Canyon National Park in uniqueness. The valley portion of the park is 3 square miles and full of thousands of ‘goblins’ or hoodoos. These amazing rock formations are created from wind and water wearing down the sandstone over thousands of years.
One great things about Goblin Valley is you are allowed to play and climb on all of the red rock goblins! It really feels like nature’s ultimate playground. One of our favorite things to do is to play tag while running up, down, and around all of the amazing formations.
Along with playing among the Goblins, Goblin Valley has 6 beautiful hiking trails in the park. I recommend hiking Carmel Canyon Loop. It is only 1.5 miles roundtrip and features a small section of beautiful narrows. Be aware that a little scrambling is required, but that just makes it more fun.
Just a short drive out of the park is a gorgeous red-rock slot canyon called Little Wild Horse. Little Wild Horse is a long stretch of narrows where smooth and sculpted red rock walls are so close together you may have to turn sideways. It’s a totally unique experience and very beautiful!
You can hike as far up the canyon as you’d like and turn around when you are ready.
*Be aware that slot canyons can be super dangerous if it rains (even if the rain is far away from the slot canyon). Check weather forecasts and steer clear of August because of frequent afternoon rain showers.
Campsites are located in the park along with a beautiful yurt you can reserve or you can stay in a hotel or Airbnb 30-45 minutes out in Green River or Hanksville.
Related post: 5 Adventurous Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park this Winter
6. Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the hidden gems of Utah State Parks tucked between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park just a 40-minute drive from Moab. A visit at Dead Horse Point is like the perfect combination of visiting the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona.
This gorgeous park is known for hiking and mountain biking with mountain bike rentals available right in the park (how easy and awesome is that!?). You can rent bikes on your own and receive a map of the Intrepid biking trail system or you can even take a guided bike tour. Dead Horse Point’s bike trail system is a family-friendly trail system that includes both beginner and intermediate trail options but all routes come with spectacular scenery.
If biking isn’t your thing, you can find many great hiking trails within the park with sweeping canyon views. And for a truly unique experience, make sure to spend the night enjoying Dead Horse Point’s amazing dark sky. It is one of Moab’s best and most accessible areas for incredible stargazing. You can camp in a traditional campsite or experience glamping in one of their amazing yurts.
Best Southern Utah State Parks
7. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Located right near the adventure hub of Kanab, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is popular for ATV riders, photographers, and sand boarders. The dunes at the park are thought to be about 10,000-15,000 years old and are made of eroded Navajo Sandstone.
About 90% of the dunes are open to off-highway vehicles, however, you are free to explore anywhere on foot. If you are new to ATVs/OHVs, you can book a tour through Coral Pink ATV Tours– you can’t beat their specialty sunset tours!
Be sure to hike to the top of the park’s two tallest dunes in the park (located in front of the boardwalk) for amazing views and perfect photo-ops. The tallest dune, Star Dune is 100 feet tall and followed by Star Dune which was the first dune formed in the park. You can also find a couple of hiking trails in the area for nature walks and for different views of the park.
Camping is available at Coral Pink Sand Dunes Campground or you can find lodging in Kanab only about a 25-minute drive away.
8. Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, located in Blanding, is a perfect stop on your way to Monument Valley or the Four Corners. The museum features Ancient relics from the Pueblo People (Anasazi) and amazing restored ruins (including a 1,000-year-old restored kiva!).
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the picnic area near the short paved path surrounding the ruins. And be sure to follow the museum on Facebook for upcoming events and exhibitions.
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9. Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park is located off beautiful Highway 12 and a perfect stop if you are driving from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park. Kodachrome Basin is dominated by 67 huge stone spires called sedimentary pipes and various hues of beautiful colored sandstone.
There are some great hiking trails in Kodachrome Basin plus fun geocaches and probably one of the most epic disc golf courses you’ll ever see. Some popular hikes are Panorama Trail and Angel’s Palace Trail.
After visiting the park be sure to visit the epic double arch, Grosvenor Arch just a few minutes down the road.
10. Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a beautiful red rock park located just over an hour from St. George and often overlooked by visitors heading to Zion National Park. Snow Canyon features a beautiful canyon carved from red and white Navajo sandstone, an extinct volcano, interesting lava tubes, and gorgeous petrified sand dunes.
Some activities to enjoy in the park are hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Two beautiful and easy hiking trails are the Butterfly Trail and Jenny’s Canyon. Jenny’s Canyon is perfect short hike that also includes a small slot canyon. In the heart of the park is the Petrified Dunes trail which is a beautiful area to explore and take gorgeous photos.
A beautiful camping area is located among the red rocks in the park at Snow Canyon Campground or you can book a hotel or Airbnb just a few minutes out of the park in Ivins.
related post: Summer Camping Gear Essentials for First-Timers
11. Sand Hollow State Park
Located in the greater Zion area, Sand Hollow State Park is perfect for every outdoor enthusiast. The park’s reservoir is surrounded by gorgeous folded red rock and beautiful red sand and whether you like to kayak and paddleboard, ride ATVs/UTVs, hike trails or ride horses Sand Hollow will provide! You can even rent kayaks, boards, and ATVs at the park.
In addition to the already mentioned activities, Sand Hollow is also perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling and is home to The Dive Shack where you can book scuba lessons. Under the water, you’ll find a bus, a skeleton, and even a plane!
Those are the top 11 best Utah State Parks you’ve got to visit!
Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:
- 27 Amazing Things to do in Utah that Aren’t National Parks
- How to Spend One Perfect Day in Island in the Sky: Canyonlands National Park
- The Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park with Kids: Things to Do + Map and Tips
- Things to do in Bryce Canyon in Winter: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
- Visit Fantasy Canyon Near Vernal Utah: A Hidden Gem
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below if you have any questions about visiting Utah! I’ll be sure to get back to you.
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Ashley Sullivan
Such a great list!! We LOVE the coral pink sand dunes. We went “snowboarding” and “sledding” on them. It was a blast!
jenessa
Ashley SullivanThat sounds like so much fun!