Southern Utah Adventures
With cooling temperatures, bright, vibrant colors, and powder shots starting to creep into the back of your mind, it’s no wonder why fall is so many people’s favorite time of year.
Personally, it’s my favorite season, because with the dropping temperatures comes the ability to start visiting one of the coolest landscapes you will ever witness; Southern Utah! With five National Parks and 16 State Parks all within an afternoon’s drive from Salt Lake City, it’s no wonder these parks attract millions of visitors each year from all over the world. The unique geology, red rock formations and dozens of slot canyons are unlike anything you have ever seen and encompass over a lifetime of adventures. Below are my favorite hikes within three of the National Parks; Arches, Canyonlands and Zion.
Arches:
Located 5 miles north of Moab, Arches National Park contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. Not only are there over 2,000 arches within the park, but this amazing landscape also includes enormous sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks and towering pinnacles that dwarf visitors as they explore the park’s viewpoints and hiking trails.
Favorite Hike: Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop. 7.2 miles and about 4 hours roundtrip. http://www.arches.national-park.com/hike.htm
Canyonlands:
An hour or so from Moab, depending on where in the park you’re visiting is Canyonlands, Utah’s largest National Park. With three different districts; Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze, Canyonlands has something for everyone.
Favorite Hike: Chesler Park Loop/Joint Trail. 11 miles and about 4.5 hours roundtrip. http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needleslonghikes.htm
Zion:
Only 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Zion is probably the most aesthetic National Park in Utah. With massive sandstone cliffs, endless slot canyons, and incredible wildlife you’ll keep coming back never having to do the same thing twice.
Favorite Hike:
The Subway. 4 miles and about a half day hike. http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/thesubway.htm
Did I mention Southern Utah has some of the brightest stars in the world:)!
Personally, it’s my favorite season, because with the dropping temperatures comes the ability to start visiting one of the coolest landscapes you will ever witness; Southern Utah! With five National Parks and 16 State Parks all within an afternoon’s drive from Salt Lake City, it’s no wonder these parks attract millions of visitors each year from all over the world. The unique geology, red rock formations and dozens of slot canyons are unlike anything you have ever seen and encompass over a lifetime of adventures. Below are my favorite hikes within three of the National Parks; Arches, Canyonlands and Zion.
Arches:
Located 5 miles north of Moab, Arches National Park contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. Not only are there over 2,000 arches within the park, but this amazing landscape also includes enormous sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks and towering pinnacles that dwarf visitors as they explore the park’s viewpoints and hiking trails.
Favorite Hike: Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop. 7.2 miles and about 4 hours roundtrip. http://www.arches.national-park.com/hike.htm
Canyonlands:
An hour or so from Moab, depending on where in the park you’re visiting is Canyonlands, Utah’s largest National Park. With three different districts; Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze, Canyonlands has something for everyone.
Favorite Hike: Chesler Park Loop/Joint Trail. 11 miles and about 4.5 hours roundtrip. http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needleslonghikes.htm
Zion:
Only 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Zion is probably the most aesthetic National Park in Utah. With massive sandstone cliffs, endless slot canyons, and incredible wildlife you’ll keep coming back never having to do the same thing twice.
Favorite Hike:
The Subway. 4 miles and about a half day hike. http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/thesubway.htm
Did I mention Southern Utah has some of the brightest stars in the world:)!
