Utah boasts 5, count ’em 5 National Parks. Seems just perfect for a summer road trip!!
National Parks Pass
If you have a fourth-grader, you really should look into the National Parks Pass. This is an awesome program (Thank you President and Mrs. Obama!!!!) where ALL 4th graders get a FREE National Parks Pass. It’s not just for the 4th grader, it applies to family members (4th grader must be with you). But Parks with a car entrance fee, the entire (passenger) vehicle can get in. I think its something like 3 adults and 2 siblings or something. But that saved a ton. Don’t fret if you don’t have a 4th grader. Check out the America The Beautiful Pass which is good for a rolling 12 mo period (when you purchase the pass), gives you access to National Parks and Monuments. Only $80. A complete bargain if you are going to visit more than 2-3 parks in a year (at $30/each… for places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite…). Plus it gets you into those smaller points of interest that you pass by, Education at work.
Be sure to check out the national parks website for up to date information.
On to our trip…
Flaming Gorge
Ok, Flaming Gorge isn’t a National Park, but since it IS a National Recreation Area, we are including it. Flaming Gorge is really an unspoiled area, not very touristy despite being a National Recreation Area, and that was kind of nice. This is a haven for boaters and those who love to fish. We had 2 quick days and packed those with fun. We visited the beach. Flaming Gorge is more of a boating area, but there are some sandy beaches. The next day, we toured the Sheep Creek Geologic Trail. Seeing the towering cliffs and the creek was so awesome. And, you know what was better? Practically no one else was there. We literally encountered a handful of other cars. Try doing that in Yellowstone!
If coming to Flaming Gorge, bring your own provisions. This is roughing it and there are few choices for groceries, restaurants, and such. The grocery was essentially a mini-market. And one of the few restaurants was a very greasy spoon!
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument actually borders two states. Utah and Colorado. The quarry is on the Utah side. If you have dinosaur-lovers, then this is definitely a must-see stop, A visit warrants at least a couple of hours. If you are traveling in the fall or spring, a longer visit could be recommended and you can do some of the hikes. There are also white water rafting excursions. Although we didn’t do those, they are definitely an option if you have more time. It was quite hot when we were there so we stuck to the quarry (inside = A/C!!).
Unlike other museums, you can actually touch the dinosaur bones. Rangers are more than happy to share stories about the park. Be sure to ask why and how so many dinosaur fossils were found in this one site. Fascinating!
Arches
From there, we hit our first National Park. Arches. Words cannot describe. Pictures do not do it justice. Towering rock formations with names like Park Avenue, Courthouse. Of course, we saw Balanced Rock.
Then the Arches and Windows. Windows are just holes in the rock, not arches (yet). It’s amazing to see the effects of time, wind, and rain on the rocks. We did the loop drive. You can see arches and not have to hike far but can see so much more with a bit of hiking. So fill up your Hydro flasks or Camelback packs and get hiking!!
Canyonlands
Arches is definitely more of the star in this part of Utah. Canyonlands, think of the Grand Canyon. This is a mecca for Mountain Bikers. Honestly, we spent most of our time in Arches and only an afternoon at Canyonlands. But if you stay in Moab, you are literally just outside of both parks.
In Moab, we rented an Airbnb and it was a great place. The condo we stayed in was awesome. Such a comfortable place to come home to after exploring. Moab is pretty built up and is quite touristy. Lots of great restaurants, shops, and markets. If you are an adventure-loving family, this is a mecca for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Capitol Reef
We stopped in Capitol Reef on our way to Bryce Canyon. The biggest hit here was the Apricot Orchards. There are historic orchards, where u-pick the fruit. Payment is based on weight and the honor system. The Apricots were in season, and ripe for the picking, Maybe a little too ripe. They were so easy to pick. They were so sweet and juicy, we dubbed them Nature’s Candy. They were even sweeter than candy. We saw Deer lounging in the orchards munching on fallen apricots.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is known for the Hoodoos. These rock formations in columns. The softer rock gives way during the process of erosion, leaving these incredible formations. Yes, we fit in some science on this trip! We drove through the various vantage points.
But, the absolute highlight of the trip was the Mossy Cave Trail. It’s accessed through a little turnout on the side of the road. Before you even get to the park. A trail through hoodoos, to a creek and waterfall. (We didn’t see the cave). But loved splashing and playing in the creek!!! We loved it so much, we came back the next day to splash around and brought a picnic breakfast. Some of the simplest (and free) excursions yield the most fun. These girls love to splash in water any moment they get.
While in Bryce, we stayed in another KOA. KOA’s are great to get your “glamp” on. Pseudo-camping if you will. You can bring your tent, or rent a cabin, which is what we do. The quality does vary from KOA to KOA as they are independently operated. Especially when traveling in the southwest in the summer, there are frequent bans on campfires. Some KOA’s will have propane fire pits (which are usually allowed), so you can get your s’more fix that way.
Zion
On to the final stop on our whirlwind tour, Zion National Park. Zion, despite being in the high desert, is amazingly lush and dramatic. The soaring cliffs and vegetation. Being summer, and monsoon season, rains do happen frequently and with little warning.
On the day we arrived, part of the park was closed (and the East entrance to the park) due to mudslide. Only a few trails were open. We had to drive to the other entrance (a 2-hour trip!). Gained access to the park, took a shuttle to the Lodge, and began the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, which was one of the few trails that were open. We at least wanted to do that one. The Middle and Upper Pools trails were closed, but the Lower Pools trail was open when we started. As we approached the Pools, rangers closed down the Lower Pools trail as it started raining. You could see the evidence of mudslide activity. We scampered back to the start of the trail and were soaked. Hopped on the shuttle. On the ride back to our car, you could see the mudslides and waterfalls spontaneously forming. Back at the car, we gathered dry clothing and set out for a pizza dinner. Despite the mudslides, Zion was absolutely beautiful and we will be back!
This quick tour was done in just over 1 week. We wish that we had more time in Moab (where we visited Arches and Canyonlands). The scenery in all of these parks was so very dramatic and breathtaking. Each park a bit different than the other. Definitely a must-do!
C’mon, let’s go!