Spend a Week in Utah's National Parks

​Over the last two years I have taken two summer trips to Southern Utah and I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about it. No state in the union has as many incredible national parks, or the variety of colors and scenic landscapes as Utah does. Trying to figure out your next vacation? Spend a week in Utah's National Parks. 

Southern Utah is perfect for group trips, family trips, couples getaways, girls trips et al, and there's something for everyone to do. Whether you're a hardcore backpacker, or someone who likes to view gorgeous nature from your front porch, Utah will capture your heart just as it has mine!
​
You can download my Perfect Utah Trip Itineraries here

But here are some of my favorite highlights that are not to be missed if you're planning your own trip. ​

---

Where to Stay

ZION NATIONAL PARK

There are a variety of nice hotels, and motels near Zion National Park, but if you're an outdoorsy person who will camp, or glamp, I highly recommend Wright Family Ranch. Reservations are inexpensive and can be made with ease using HipCamp.

The Wright Family Ranch is a family owned property run by Bill Wright, that sits ontop of a butte mesa just on the outskirts of Zion National Park, in fact you have to drive through the park's back country border to enter Bill's property. The huge open area is basically a ratcheted up version of dispersed camping. There is no water onsite, there are only porte-potties and cell service there is limited. However, the luxuries you trade in are worth it for the views, especially the night sky. I've done many mountain trips in my life but this is the best stargazing I've ever encountered. It's also heaven for anyone interested in astro-photography.

Pro-Tip: Pay the extra $100 and do the sunset horseback ride. It's worth every penny. 

---

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

My favorite place to stay near Bryce Canyon is about 15 minutes outside of the park's border in Tropic, UT and it's a place called Bryce Pioneer Village.  

​This sweet little property has affordable motel rooms, western cabins, family suites and camping/RV facilities. On top of that there's a lovely restaurant on property and beautiful green lawns where you can sit and relax after a long day hiking and sightseeing. 

---

GRAND STAIRCASE ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

My absolute favorte place in Southern Utah without a doubt is the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It's a protected land that in my humble opinon should be a national park. It is protected as a national monument however, so rest assured it's safe from drilling and development. Escalante, or "The Step" as it's often lovingly referred to has an ecclectic array of landscapes and terrains. There are slot canyons, fascinating and bizarre geological formations, epic waterfalls, lush creeks, and stunning petroglyphs. For me, the only place to stay in the area is Escalante Outfitters.

This darling property houses the cutest bunk cabins (summer camp vibes!) and camping/RV facilities. They aslo have hot showers, laundry facilities, a darling general store that has literally anything you might need and a fabulous cafe that makes some of the best pizza I've ever had, and y'all, I've been to Italy. 

---

What to See

 ZION
 
Hiking the Narrows is a crowd favorite and the views there are spectacular, but the trail can be very crowded and only is accessible weather permitting. If you're looking for a more relaxed day in the park, equally wonderful can be a day spent renting bikes and riding around the canyon along the Virgin River. There are beautiful places to swim, as long as the algee bacteria is at a safe level, (they'll tell you) and there are stunning views of the entire canyon on your journey. 

Bike Rentals: Zion Peddler or Zion Cycles 
​
Don't Forget: To check shuttle times and to find out if the river water is safe for swimming.

---

​BRYCE
​
I recommend hiking the Wall Street Trail loop. It takes about an hour at a leisurely pace and hosts some of the absolute best views in the entire park. 

Don't Forget: Plenty of water and a jacket. Bryce Canyon is at a much higher elevation than the rest of the national park areas of Southern Utah.

---

ESCALANTE
​
For families or people who are less adventurous do not miss the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike. This hike is 6.7 miles out and back, but the elevation gain is miniscule and it's one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done. The hike itself goes along Calf Creek and there are detailed maps that show you some of the historical sites like some anciet petroglyphs etched on the canyon walls. Best part is that the path leads you to sunning waterfall with white sandy beaches where you can sit and relax, or take a dip in the chilly water. 

Don't Forget: Sunscreen, water, a bathing suit.

If you're a big adventureer I recommend doing the hike Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon and Spooky Gulch. This trail has two slot canyons in a 6 mile loop that requires a bit of scrambling and climbing. Not only that but there are a few sections of the slot canyon where the width is only about a foot wide. I'd suggest reading reviews on AllTrails to see if this hike is for you. ​

Don't Forget: Plenty of water, sunsreen, snacks and a length of rope for some of the harder sections.

---

What to Pack

Southern Utah's temperatures can swing quite a bit during the year. The ideal time to visit is late spring to early summer, or early fall. You want to go when the temps are going to sit around the 70s/80s during the day but not cool down lower than about 50* at night. 

Bring warm layers for nighttime, especially if you're camping, or staying in bunk cabins where you'll need to go outside to get to the restroom and shower facilities, but you'll also want to pack shorts, tees, bathing suits, hiking sandals (I'm partial to Chacos) and a good sun hat!

If you end up downloading my trip itinerary, it includes an perfect packing list. 

---