5 Stunning Utah State Parks Without the National Parks Crowds - Condé Nast Traveler

As if Utah's “mighty five” were not already a huge draw for visitors, national park mania, spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought swelling crowds to Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef and Zion. The good news: Southern Utah’s massive desert landscape is also sprinkled with a number of lesser known but equally amazing state parks and recreation areas—a number that will grow with the addition the newly approved Utahraptor State Park. The sizable state parks offer more freedom to explore while still providing national park-like experiences in microcosm. As an extra bonus, most of Utah’s state parks are also dog-friendly (check the Utah State Parks site for details).

If you plan a trip to one of these parks, remember that much of southern Utah is a desert. Long drives with no stops in sight are unavoidable here, so come with a full tank of gas and plenty of water, food, and sunscreen. In warmer months, aim for early morning hikes, as daytime temps can quickly soar into 100-plus degree territory. Now that you're feeling prepared, here are places you can escape outdoorsy crowds in Utah.

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Goblin Valley State Park

“You’ll be blown away and feel like you’re walking on another planet in Goblin Valley,” says Christopher Hagedorn of Get in the Wild Adventures, which focuses on guided experiences in Utah’s off-the-beaten path places. Known for its mars-like wild sandstone formations, this state park near Capital Reef National Park is one of three places in the world deemed so similar to the red planet that NASA actually built a training facility here. Hike, rock climb, camp at the designated campground for a view of the stars, or follow Hagedorn on a two-hour canyoneering loop to the Goblin’s Lair. You’ll work your way down into red rock slot canyons before rappelling into the Chamber of Basilisk, a gothic-cathedral like chamber of reddish brown sandstone. If you'd rather have a plush bed than a sleeping bag, head an hour west to Torrey after your hike and check into Cougar Ridge, where you can fire up the grill on the deck of your own private casita, sip a cold beer, and continue recovering from the jaw-dropping sights at Goblin Valley.

Published On: Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:08:02 GMT