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Utah is truly nature's playground—and Salt Lake is the perfect base camp. With 21 National Parks and Monuments within a few hours' drive, Salt Lake is the perfect gateway for some of the world's most acclaimed outdoor escapades. And nearly 80% of of Utah is managed for public use by federal and state agencies — meaning there are miles and miles of natural playground just waiting for hiking, biking, boating, floating, camping and other outdoor fun. So gear up and get out there already.
Below you'll find a list of the National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and Recreation Areas in and near Utah and the major Utah State Parks.
UTAH NATIONAL PARKS & MONUMENTS
1. Wasatch-Cache National Forest - 30 minutes
2. Timpanogos Cave National Monument - 45 minutes
3. Golden Spike National Historic Site - 1.5 hours
4. Dinosaur National Monument - 3 hours
5. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area - 3.5 hours
6. Arches National Park - 4 hours
7. Canyonlands National Park - 4 hours
8. Capitol Reef National Park - 4 hours
9. Cedar Breaks National Monument - 4 hours
10. Bryce Canyon National Park - 4 hours
11. Zion National Park - 4.5 hours
12. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - 5 hours
13. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - 5.5 hours
14. Rainbow Bridge National Monument - Accessible only by water
15. Natural Bridges National Monument - 5.5 hours
16. Hovenweep National Monument - 5.5 hours
17. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - 6.5 hours
WESTERN REGION NATIONAL PARKS
18. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming - 5 hours
19. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming & Montana - 5 hours
20. Mese Verde National Park, Colorado - 6 hours
21. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona - 6.3 hours
Search Results
Showing 1-25 of 25
Antelope Island State Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, is accessed via a 7.2-mile causeway. Its 28,022 acres are home to a unique variety of wildlife. Also featured are 25 miles of backcounty trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, a visitor center that's open year-round, and tours of the Fielding Garr Historic Ranch House. Facilities include RV and primitive camping, a beach picnic area, and marina. The causeway is 7 miles west of I-15 Exit #332 near Layton.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, is accessed via a 7.2-mile causeway. Its 28,022 acres are home to a unique variety of wildlife. Also featured are 25 miles of backcounty trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, a visitor center that's open year-round, and tours of the Fielding Garr Historic Ranch House. Facilities include RV and primitive camping, a beach picnic area, and marina. The causeway is 7 miles west of I-15 Exit #332 near Layton.
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Arches National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
The largest concentration of natural stone arches in the world is found in Arches National Park. Over 2,000 of these "miracles of nature" grace the 119 square- mile area. A 48-mile round-trip paved road in the park leads to the major sights while other arches are accessible via hiking trails. A visitor center, 5 miles north of Moab just off US-191, is open year-round.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
The largest concentration of natural stone arches in the world is found in Arches National Park. Over 2,000 of these "miracles of nature" grace the 119 square- mile area. A 48-mile round-trip paved road in the park leads to the major sights while other arches are accessible via hiking trails. A visitor center, 5 miles north of Moab just off US-191, is open year-round.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Thousands of delicately carved spires rise in brilliant color from the amphitheaters of this national park. The etched cliffs come alive with the rising and setting of the sun. Visitors may take a 37-mile round-trip drive to Bryce's most famous viewpoints or enjoy one of many walking and hiking trails along the rim or to the bottom of the canyon. The visitor center at the north end of the park off U-12 is open year-round.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Thousands of delicately carved spires rise in brilliant color from the amphitheaters of this national park. The etched cliffs come alive with the rising and setting of the sun. Visitors may take a 37-mile round-trip drive to Bryce's most famous viewpoints or enjoy one of many walking and hiking trails along the rim or to the bottom of the canyon. The visitor center at the north end of the park off U-12 is open year-round.
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Canyonlands National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Views thousands of feet down to the Green and Colorado Rivers, or thousands of feet up to red rock pinnacles, cliffs, and spires, create the incredible beauty of Utah's largest national park. The two rivers have sliced the park into three districts, each with a visitor center or a ranger station. This rugged national park is world-renowned for four-wheel driving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and hiking.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Views thousands of feet down to the Green and Colorado Rivers, or thousands of feet up to red rock pinnacles, cliffs, and spires, create the incredible beauty of Utah's largest national park. The two rivers have sliced the park into three districts, each with a visitor center or a ranger station. This rugged national park is world-renowned for four-wheel driving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and hiking.
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Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Within its 75-mile length from north to south, Capitol Reef National Park splashes color in an inviting wilderness of spires, formations, and cliffs. In the midst of its red rocks and ancient petroglyph panels, large orchards can be found where fruit may be picked in season. Several moderately easy hiking trails and a 25-mile scenic drive lead from the year-round visitor center located on U-24.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Within its 75-mile length from north to south, Capitol Reef National Park splashes color in an inviting wilderness of spires, formations, and cliffs. In the midst of its red rocks and ancient petroglyph panels, large orchards can be found where fruit may be picked in season. Several moderately easy hiking trails and a 25-mile scenic drive lead from the year-round visitor center located on U-24.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Shaped like a giant coliseum, Cedar Breaks is a circle of painted cliffs and colorful rock spires and columns. There are hiking trails around the rim for use during the open season from late May to mid-October. The monument is a premier cross-country skiing and snowmobiling destination in the winter with access from Brian Head. Cedar Breaks is 23 miles east of Cedar City.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Shaped like a giant coliseum, Cedar Breaks is a circle of painted cliffs and colorful rock spires and columns. There are hiking trails around the rim for use during the open season from late May to mid-October. The monument is a premier cross-country skiing and snowmobiling destination in the winter with access from Brian Head. Cedar Breaks is 23 miles east of Cedar City.
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Dinosaur National Monument
Location: Outside Salt Lake
The largest quarry of Jurassic Period dinosaur bones ever discovered is on this site 20 miles east of Vernal. A year-round visitor center has been built over the quarry to protect the fossilized dinosaur bones. Dinosaur National Monument is also popular for whitewater rafting on the Green and Yampa Rivers.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
The largest quarry of Jurassic Period dinosaur bones ever discovered is on this site 20 miles east of Vernal. A year-round visitor center has been built over the quarry to protect the fossilized dinosaur bones. Dinosaur National Monument is also popular for whitewater rafting on the Green and Yampa Rivers.
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Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Location: Outside Salt Lake
The lake is famous for its trophy-sized trout and the beautiful red rock mountains rising around it. Below the lake, the Green River is renowned for trout fishing and rafting. Many campgrounds and hiking areas can be found in this recreation area. The visitor center is open year-round. For hours please call.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
The lake is famous for its trophy-sized trout and the beautiful red rock mountains rising around it. Below the lake, the Green River is renowned for trout fishing and rafting. Many campgrounds and hiking areas can be found in this recreation area. The visitor center is open year-round. For hours please call.
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Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Glen Canyon is home to Lake Powell, the second largest reservoir in North America. Hundreds of side canyons, inlets, and coves sheltering Indian ruins and natural wonders make Lake Powell a paradise for houseboating and photography. Lake Powell is also known for its bass fishing and is served by four marinas. Visitor centers are located at Bullfrog, Utah, and Page, Arizona. Open year-round.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Glen Canyon is home to Lake Powell, the second largest reservoir in North America. Hundreds of side canyons, inlets, and coves sheltering Indian ruins and natural wonders make Lake Powell a paradise for houseboating and photography. Lake Powell is also known for its bass fishing and is served by four marinas. Visitor centers are located at Bullfrog, Utah, and Page, Arizona. Open year-round.
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Golden Spike National Historic Site
Location: Outside Salt Lake
The Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads joined here to complete the nation's first transcontinental railroad. Enjoy reenactments, trackside talks, and live demonstrations of authentic replica steam locomotives. Self-guiding auto and walking tours are also available. Open year-round.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
The Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads joined here to complete the nation's first transcontinental railroad. Enjoy reenactments, trackside talks, and live demonstrations of authentic replica steam locomotives. Self-guiding auto and walking tours are also available. Open year-round.
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Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Located about two hours south of the southwestern Utah town of Kanab, the north rim of the Grand Canyon has lodging and camping facilities that are typically open from May to mid-October. Visitors may drive out to the north rim viewpoint until the road is closed by snow. Photo courtesy Doug Duncan.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Located about two hours south of the southwestern Utah town of Kanab, the north rim of the Grand Canyon has lodging and camping facilities that are typically open from May to mid-October. Visitors may drive out to the north rim viewpoint until the road is closed by snow. Photo courtesy Doug Duncan.
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Location: Outside Salt Lake
This vast tract of land (1.9 million acres) connects Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. This mostly desert wilderness offers canyons to hike, wildlife to observe, and remote areas to explore and photograph.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
This vast tract of land (1.9 million acres) connects Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. This mostly desert wilderness offers canyons to hike, wildlife to observe, and remote areas to explore and photograph.
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Grand Teton National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. On the west side the range slopes gently, showing the angle of tilt of the Earth's crust. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of the North America's oldest rocks. Directly south of Yellowstone National Park.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. On the west side the range slopes gently, showing the angle of tilt of the Earth's crust. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of the North America's oldest rocks. Directly south of Yellowstone National Park.
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Great Basin National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Less than 20 miles over the Utah/Nevada border, west of Delta, Utah. Great Basin is home to streams, lakes, alpine plants, wildlife, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and limestone caves, including the Lehman Caves. Daily guided cave tours are offered year-round.Photo courtesy Drew Milsom.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Less than 20 miles over the Utah/Nevada border, west of Delta, Utah. Great Basin is home to streams, lakes, alpine plants, wildlife, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and limestone caves, including the Lehman Caves. Daily guided cave tours are offered year-round.Photo courtesy Drew Milsom.
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Hovenweep National Monument
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Protects five prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of mesa tops and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. The multi-story towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders lead visitors to marvel at the skill and motivation of their builders. Hovenweep is noted for its solitude and undeveloped, natural character. The Square Tower Group is the primary contact facility with a visitor center, campground and interpretive trail. Outlying groups include Holly, Horseshoe, Hackberry, Cutthroat Castle and Cajon.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Protects five prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of mesa tops and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. The multi-story towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders lead visitors to marvel at the skill and motivation of their builders. Hovenweep is noted for its solitude and undeveloped, natural character. The Square Tower Group is the primary contact facility with a visitor center, campground and interpretive trail. Outlying groups include Holly, Horseshoe, Hackberry, Cutthroat Castle and Cajon.
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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Sprawling across southeastern Utah and northern Arizona, Monument Valley continues to be home to the Navajo who live among the red rock buttes and eroded pillars and spires for which the valley is famous. View panoramas or purchase in-depth Navajo guided tours at the year-round visitor center, located at the park's main entrance. Photo courtesy of Victor Homola.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Sprawling across southeastern Utah and northern Arizona, Monument Valley continues to be home to the Navajo who live among the red rock buttes and eroded pillars and spires for which the valley is famous. View panoramas or purchase in-depth Navajo guided tours at the year-round visitor center, located at the park's main entrance. Photo courtesy of Victor Homola.
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Natural Bridges National Monument
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Established in 1908, Utah's oldest National Park Service site is among the finest examples of ancient stone architecture in the Southwest. Where meandering streams cut through the canyon walls, three natural bridges formed: Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu. Open year-round.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Established in 1908, Utah's oldest National Park Service site is among the finest examples of ancient stone architecture in the Southwest. Where meandering streams cut through the canyon walls, three natural bridges formed: Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu. Open year-round.
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Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Considered sacred to neighboring Native American tribes, the world's largest natural bridge is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and is acessible only by boat (approximately 50 miles from marina). The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time—from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 300,000 people from around the world who visit it each year. Please visit Rainbow Bridge in a spirit that honors and respects the cultures to whom it is sacred. A courtesy dock is available for short-term docking during the half-mile walk to the bridge.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Considered sacred to neighboring Native American tribes, the world's largest natural bridge is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and is acessible only by boat (approximately 50 miles from marina). The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time—from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 300,000 people from around the world who visit it each year. Please visit Rainbow Bridge in a spirit that honors and respects the cultures to whom it is sacred. A courtesy dock is available for short-term docking during the half-mile walk to the bridge.
more info | view site | add to trip planner
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Helicites and anthodites are just a few of the many dazzling formations to be found within 3 spectacularly decorated caverns. The strenuous climb to the cave entrance, a hike gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation, offers incredible views of American Fork Canyon.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Helicites and anthodites are just a few of the many dazzling formations to be found within 3 spectacularly decorated caverns. The strenuous climb to the cave entrance, a hike gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation, offers incredible views of American Fork Canyon.
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Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Location: Mtn Resorts
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest encompasses 1,300,000 acres of Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Scenic highways provide easy access to most of the forest's campgrounds, picnic areas, clear blue mountain lakes, rivers, and trails. Ski resorts located in this forest provide world-renowned downhill skiing.
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Location: Mtn Resorts
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest encompasses 1,300,000 acres of Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Scenic highways provide easy access to most of the forest's campgrounds, picnic areas, clear blue mountain lakes, rivers, and trails. Ski resorts located in this forest provide world-renowned downhill skiing.
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USDA Forest Service
Location: Provides service across the Salt Lake area
The National Forests provide the setting for camping, picnicking, hiking, skiing, scenic drives, and many other outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities.Make camping reservations at: www.reserveUSA.com
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Location: Provides service across the Salt Lake area
The National Forests provide the setting for camping, picnicking, hiking, skiing, scenic drives, and many other outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities.Make camping reservations at: www.reserveUSA.com
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Utah State Fairpark
Location: Salt Lake City
Host your event, large or small, indoors or outdoors at the State Fairpark. Historic buildings and spacious grounds year round.
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Location: Salt Lake City
Host your event, large or small, indoors or outdoors at the State Fairpark. Historic buildings and spacious grounds year round.
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Utah State Parks & Recreation
Location: Provides service across the Salt Lake area
Steward of Utah's boating and off-highway vehicle education and safety programs, and more than 42 state parks, including museums, scenic areas, and water-based recreation sites.
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Location: Provides service across the Salt Lake area
Steward of Utah's boating and off-highway vehicle education and safety programs, and more than 42 state parks, including museums, scenic areas, and water-based recreation sites.
more info | view site | add to trip planner
Yellowstone National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
Yellowstone, the world's first national park, contains more than 2 million acres of steaming geysers, thundering waterfalls, crystalline lakes, and panoramic vistas. The park's five distinct regions, marked by different terrain, flora, and fauna, include more than 1,100 miles of marked hiking trails.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
Yellowstone, the world's first national park, contains more than 2 million acres of steaming geysers, thundering waterfalls, crystalline lakes, and panoramic vistas. The park's five distinct regions, marked by different terrain, flora, and fauna, include more than 1,100 miles of marked hiking trails.
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Zion National Park
Location: Outside Salt Lake
One of the nation's oldest national parks, Zion is a masterpiece carved from Navajo sandstone by the combined forces of wind, water, and time. There are several easy self-guiding trails, as well as more strenous hikes. Entrances to Zion Canyon are located 33 miles east of I-15, and 12 miles west of US 89, both on State Route 9. The beautiful Kolob Canyons section of the park is accessible off I-15, 18 miles south of Cedar City. Visitor centers are open year-round.
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Location: Outside Salt Lake
One of the nation's oldest national parks, Zion is a masterpiece carved from Navajo sandstone by the combined forces of wind, water, and time. There are several easy self-guiding trails, as well as more strenous hikes. Entrances to Zion Canyon are located 33 miles east of I-15, and 12 miles west of US 89, both on State Route 9. The beautiful Kolob Canyons section of the park is accessible off I-15, 18 miles south of Cedar City. Visitor centers are open year-round.
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