Camping Gems - Places to Go in Utah
Arches National Park
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other unusual rock formations. In some areas, the forces of nature have exposed millions of years of geologic history. The park offers superb hiking, biking, scenic drives, photography, and stunning views.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Famous for its unique geology of red rock spires and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, Bryce offers the visitor a "Far View" from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. You'll see bizarre-looking formations and hoodoos as you hike, bike, or ride on horseback along Bryce's many scenic trails.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Encompassing over 1.2 million acres, Glen Canyon offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a vast panorama of human history. Head there for outstanding bass fishing, boating, water skiing, and water sports of all kinds.
Zion National Park
Massive canyon walls ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs, or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons.
Capitol Reef National Park
A 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust, known as The Waterpocket Fold, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to Lake Powell. This dramatic upheaval created steep canyons, towering reefs, and an amazing hiking area. Capitol Reef is best explored on foot, but there are view points and a few scenic drives available.
Park City
This ski resort town is filled with terrific restaurants, shops, art galleries, and mountain scenery. To learn about local history, visit the Park City Museum and Territorial Jail. Here you'll find exhibits about the silver boom days, the mining camp, and how this town transformed itself into a major ski resort. Wander down Park City's historic six block Main Street and browse in unique shops like Christmas on Main, Cowboy Culture, Southwest Indian Traders, and Bingham Junction Antiques.
Heber Valley Historic Railroad
Take a ride aboard this historic railway! On your trip you'll get to see scenic Heber Valley, Deer Creek Lane, and the dramatic Provo Canyon. The train also has special events and programs. (450 South West, Heber City, UT, 435-654-5601)
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration.
The Great Salt Lake
You won't want to leave town without making the 17-mile drive west to the Great Salt Lake. The largest lake west of the Mississippi, the Lake can be as much as eight times saltier than the ocean, with only the Dead Sea having a higher salt content. You'll float and bob like a cork! While you're there, be sure to visit the bison on Antelope Island. (I-80 & exit 104)
Provo
South of Salt Lake on I-15, you'll find the charming college town of Provo, home to Brigham Young University, Utah Lake, and the scenic American Forks Canyon, a great place to go hiking, fishing, or picnicking. Other Provo attractions include the Timpangos Cave National Monument, the McCurdy Historical Doll Museum, the Pioneer Memorial Building, the Earth Science Museum, the Museum of Art, and some great ski areas. |
