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Explore the Majestic Natural Attractions of Southern Utah

Nicole Potter06 mins

Discover Utah’s Iconic National Parks

Start your day exploring the beauty of Utah’s national parks. Utah is home to incredible natural wonders, and visiting places like Arches and Zion National Parks is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Zion National Park: A Must-Visit Destination

Zion National Park is often the first stop for visitors on the Grand Circle tour of national parks in Utah and Arizona. The National Park Service offers a shuttle service within the park, so you don't have to worry about finding parking at trailheads or viewing locations.
Zion National Park – Zion National Park is often the first stop for visitors on the Grand Circle tour of national parks in Utah and Arizona. The National Park Service offers a shuttle service within the park, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking at trailheads or viewing locations.

Angels Landing: A Challenging Hike

The strenuous hike to Angels Landing is about a five-mile round trip from the Grotto parking lot. On your ascent, you’ll encounter steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles, providing both a workout and spectacular views.

The strenuous hike to Angels Landing is about a five-mile round trip from the Grotto parking lot shuttle stop. During your ascent to Angels Landing along the West Rim Trail, you'll encounter several steep switchbacks known as Walter's Wiggles.
The strenuous hike to Angels Landing is about a five-mile round trip from the Grotto parking lot shuttle stop. During your ascent, you’ll encounter several steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles.

Enjoy Scenic Trails

Moreover, the West Rim Trail leads into the comforting shade of Refrigerator Canyon, continuing past Scout Lookout toward Angels Landing. This route offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon.

The West Rim Trail leads into the comforting shade of Refrigerator Canyon and continues past Scout Lookout, veering to the right toward Angels Landing. Then you'll scramble over several camel humps until you reach the top of Angels Landing, where breathtaking views of Zion Canyon await.
The West Rim Trail leads into the comforting shade of Refrigerator Canyon, continuing past Scout Lookout toward Angels Landing. Breathtaking views of Zion Canyon await.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Approximately 90 minutes from Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park offers stunning geological formations. You’ll need a couple of hours to explore the park and hike in the canyon.

About 90 minutes from Zion National Park is Bryce Canyon National Park. You'll need at least two and a half hours to drive through the park to visit Bryce Amphitheater viewpoints and at least another couple of hours to hike in the canyon.
About 90 minutes from Zion National Park is Bryce Canyon National Park. You’ll need at least two and a half hours to drive through and explore.

Hidden Gems: Calf Creek Falls

While not inside a national park, Calf Creek Falls is located about 16 miles east of Escalante, Utah. The six-mile hike to the waterfall is a rewarding experience.

While not in a national park, Calf Creek Falls are about 16 miles east of Escalante, Utah, and about an hour south of Capitol Reef National Park. The six-mile Lower Calf Creek Falls hike is about a three-hour round trip if you spend some time at the waterfall and walk at a comfortable pace.
While not in a national park, Calf Creek Falls are about 16 miles east of Escalante, Utah. The Lower Calf Creek Falls hike is a three-hour round trip.

Experience the Sunrise at Mesa Arch

Located in Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch is famous for its stunning sunrise photography. Arriving an hour before sunrise is recommended for the best experience.

Located in Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch is an iconic sunrise photography spot. It might be crowded, but it's an unmissable sight. It's best to get there an hour before sunrise for viewing and at least another 90 minutes earlier if you want a good spot for photos.
Located in Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch is an iconic sunrise photography spot. Arrive an hour earlier for the best views.

Marvelous Views from Shafer Trail

Following your sunrise visit, consider hiking the Shafer Trail in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands. This beautiful trail leads to stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

After your sunrise visit to Mesa Arch, the Shafer Trail is a marvelous morning hike in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands. It leads to the fork between Potash Road and White Rim Road. Not up for a hike? Shafer, Potash and White Rim are all four-wheel drive roads.
After your sunrise visit to Mesa Arch, the Shafer Trail is a marvelous morning hike in Canyonlands.

Aerial Adventures: Flightseeing Tours

For a unique perspective, consider taking a flightseeing tour over Canyonlands and Arches. These tours offer magical views of stunning landscapes, creating unforgettable memories.

For a bird's-eye view, flightseeing tours over Canyonlands and Arches afford magical views of Island in the Sky, Fisher Towers and Devil's Garden, all stunning landscapes in the parks.
Flightseeing tours over Canyonlands and Arches afford magical views of stunning landscapes.

Explore the Natural Beauty of Corona Arch

Just outside Canyonlands National Park, Corona Arch features a magnificent 140- by 105-foot opening, creating a beautiful backdrop for photos.

Corona Arch, just outside of Canyonlands National Park on Potash Road, features a 140- by 105-foot opening.
Corona Arch features a magnificent 140- by 105-foot opening.

The Iconic Delicate Arch

No visit to Utah is complete without hiking to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. This famous landmark is one of Utah’s most recognizable symbols.

Delicate Arch is a symbol of Utah. It's on posters, signs, logos and the state license plate. You'll understand why on the steep three-mile round trip hike in Arches National Park. Starting the hike 90 minutes before sunset delivers views of the arch at its absolute best.
Delicate Arch is a symbol of Utah. It’s a steep three-mile round trip hike in Arches National Park.

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