Utah is a state rich in tourism resources, boasting numerous national parks and state parks. Deserts, canyons, and prairies can all be seen here, offering diverse and captivating landscapes. However, due to its location in the western interior, traveling from coastal areas such as LA requires a long drive, consuming a considerable amount of time and energy. This article mainly introduces a travel guide to the southern region of Utah, known for its dense concentration of national parks.
South Utah Self-Driving Tour Route Planning
In South Utah, I’ve spent two separate trips exploring the national parks. The first time, I only visited Zion NP, and the second time, I specifically delved deeper into the southern region of Utah to complete visiting the remaining national parks. If planning a comprehensive and compact trip, I would recommend visiting Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP on the first day (as these two parks are relatively close together), then making Moab the final destination, passing through Capitol Reef NP along the way for sightseeing, and finally heading to Canyonlands NP and Arches NP on the second day. Of course, if you prefer a leisurely or more detailed trip, on the first day, you could just visit Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP, stay overnight near Bryce Canyon NP, head to Capitol Reef NP and Arches NP the next day, stay overnight in Moab, and allocate a day to explore Canyonlands NP on the third day.
Day 1 Zion NP/Bryce Canyon NP/Capitol Reef NP
Day 2 Canyonlands NP/Arches NP
Weather/Transportation/Accommodation/Dining
My second South Utah Trip started in early March, when the region was still in winter. The weather was unstable, mostly cloudy, occasionally rainy, and in higher elevations, it could snow, possibly even blizzard conditions, so staying warm was important. It’s advisable to drive an AWD vehicle during winter trips. However, the road conditions during the local winter were relatively good, with not too much snow accumulation, especially as the roads in national parks are regularly cleared of snow, so there’s not much worry about road accessibility. Besides the freeways, even during daylight, the regular local roads have relatively few vehicles passing through, making them very quiet. With a sparse population, you get closer to the natural scenery. Traveling in summer might be hotter, so precautions against heatstroke are necessary for outdoor activities.
The distribution of towns in South Utah is sparse, so dining and accommodation require planning. Since the towns are generally located near national parks, you might consider staying in Bryce Canyon City, Green River, or Moab.
Attraction Recommendations
Zion National Park
A very popular national park in South Utah, with beautiful mountains and clear waters.
1. Canyon Junction Bridge
Taking the shuttle to Angel Landing, you’ll pass by a viewpoint where you can see the scenic landscape of mountains and water.
2. Emerald Pools Trailhead
On the trail, you can see a small waterfall.
3. Angels Landing
One of the must-visit attractions in the park, it’s one of the most challenging trails in all of the US national parks. In the final stretch of the trail, you’ll only have handrails to hold onto as you navigate along the cliffside, making it extremely thrilling. However, once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of distant mountains with no obstructions. If you don’t wish to complete the entire trail, you can stop at Scout Lookout halfway up the mountain. The view from here is also quite impressive, offering a panoramic view of the nearby mountains. Of course, even reaching Scout Lookout isn’t easy, as the uphill path is quite winding and demanding. It’s recommended to bring plenty of drinking water and food before heading up the mountain. If you feel exhausted along the way, it’s important to take breaks and rest before continuing, without overexerting yourself.
4. The Narrows
The river-crossing trail is also one of the must-visit attractions, and it’s highly challenging.
Bryce Canyon National Park
One of my favorite national parks. A type of pillar-like rock formations called Hoodoo is scattered throughout the mountains, resembling human figures standing halfway up the mountainside. Especially in winter, the Hoodoo formations covered in snow appear partially hidden and partially visible, creating a spectacular sight.
1. Lower Inspiration Point
Not far from the park entrance, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Hoodoos.
2. Natural Bridge
A small arch.
3. Rainbow Point
The furthest viewpoint in the park, overlooking the Hoodoos on the other side.
Capitol Reef National Park
This park features dense, towering, and imposing pillar-shaped mountains. This type of mountain is widespread in Utah, making the park’s characteristics relatively singular.
1. Panorama Point
A scenic viewpoint where you can see the surrounding mountain landscapes.
2. Goosenecks Overlook
Another viewpoint near Panorama Point, where you can see the mountain scenery from a closer distance.
Canyonlands National Park
Similar to the Grand Canyon but even more expansive, desolate, and with more distinct layers, this national park primarily features canyon landscapes. With its vast area and numerous viewpoints, it offers a plethora of scenic spots.
1. Shafer Canyon Overlook Trailhead
Near the park entrance, you can overlook the surrounding expansive canyon scenery from a high vantage point, as well as nearby treacherous winding mountain roads.
2. Mesa Arch Trailhead
Trail, with an arch at the cliff edge at the endpoint.
3. Green River Overlook Trailhead
You can see the canyon scenery further ahead.
4. Buck Canyon Overlook
Another canyon viewpoint.
5. Grand View Point Trailhead
A highly recommended trail where you can not only see panoramic views of the surrounding canyons but also observe formations similar to Hoodoos.
Arches National Park
A popular national park, featuring a dense distribution of arches.
1. Park Ave Viewpoint
Near the entrance of the park, you can see several uniquely shaped mountains.
2. Balanced Rock
A famous viewpoint within the park, where one rock is precariously balanced atop another, creating this unique landscape. Of course, over time, the upper rock may eventually fall, so it’s advisable to visit and see this sight while it lasts.
3. Double Arch Trailhead
A popular trail that leads to several arches in the vicinity, and you can also directly overlook distant arch landscapes from the parking lot. Sometimes you may even see people rock climbing nearby.
4. Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint
A viewpoint where you can see the famous Delicate Arch from a distance.
5. Devil’s Garden Trailhead
A famous trail within the park leading to several arches, including the Landscape Arch, one of the longest arches in the world. The ecological environment is excellent, and it’s easy to spot a group of deer foraging.
Conclusion
After considering the natural landscapes and the recommended attractions in South Utah, my top recommendation would be Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP. These two national parks offer unique scenery—one characterized by lush green and spectacular mountains, and the other by stunning Hoodoo formations resembling human figures. Next would be Arches NP, known for its unique and numerous arches. Following that is Canyonlands NP, with its rugged and layered canyons, although I find its scenery somewhat similar to Grand Canyon NP, but with more layers and a broader view. Grand Canyon NP, on the other hand, has denser canyons and more vegetation, appearing greener.
Lastly, there’s Capitol Reef NP, with its towering mountains resembling pillars. Similar landscapes can be found in many places in Utah or Arizona, but they are more concentrated here. Therefore, simply visiting the viewpoints in Capitol Reef to admire the scenery should suffice.
Utah’s vast land and dispersed landscapes mean more time is spent driving than exploring attractions. The towns along the way are also scattered, with gas stations and fast food restaurants few and far between. Hence, meticulous route planning is crucial. This trip requires patience and careful planning, but the unique scenery makes it well worth the visit.