Posted by Utah is incredible state, offering more opportunities to explore the outdoors than almost any state in the nation. I was blessed with an opportunity to visit a few national parks all over the United States in 2020 and 2021. In the post I will share my three most favorite places in Utah to check out with your family.
#3 Zion National Park
The park, hands down the most picturesque place in the world, with more views, more wonders than any other park. I love that there is a great mix of very hard to climb, advanced level hikes, moderate, and easy. The vibe in the park is kind of magic; you will feel a sense of awe and wonder at every turn. There will be some incredible rock formations, hills to climb on, and many trails to explore.
I recommend using Trip Advisor to explore the best spots to visit, places to stay, and dining options.
#2 Bryce Canyon National Park
The parks get over 2.6M of visitors annually and there is a reason for the popularity. We paid the visit to the park in 2020, and my three kids fell in love with the smooth curbs of the canyons, orange formations, and the magic of golden light in the place. Most hikes are very accessible and doable, even for the youngest hikers. My son was five years old at the time of travel, and he was able to keep up with us. Kids had a blast here.
As a mom, I appreciated most passages’ views, safety, and variety of scenery to explore. To get started with your trip planning, check out the Trip Advisor Bryce Canyon NP page for the latest and greatest update on the park. Please note, most Utah parks do not require to wear a mask in public places.
#1 Arches National Park
If your kids love exploring, climbing rocks, and checking things out with hands-on experiences, this is one of the best places to go. I have two boys and a teenage girl, and we are planning the trip later this spring. I visited the park in March of 2020, and I must tell you, I really enjoyed my experience. Most hikes are moderate to easy, and there is so much to see! I spent almost 3 days touring all the park has to offer, meeting new people, and climbing to view arches. It was therapeutic and so refreshing. Highly recommend visiting with a family, partner, or for a family trip.
To get started, check out Arches National Park TripAdvisor forums, pictures, and recommendations.
Conclusion
- The best season to visit Utah and all the above places is spring and fall time. Summer gets super hot in Utah (85-110F), and it can be a bit too hot to hike. That said, if you can wake up early and enjoy late afternoons, you still can make the best out of your experience.
- Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks. Carry a light backpack, bring a headcover (hat, bandana) and wear long-sleeve UV protective clothing. It gets hot in canyons fast.
- Stay on the trail and follow cairns built by the park staff, there are there for your safety. I got lost in all three parks, and yes, I lived, but I lost time and got a bit scared. Lesson learned, hike with a partner when you can, and carry GPS tracker.
- Good luck on your trip, and please feel free to comment, offer suggestions and ideas
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