National Parks in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is but one of many astounding national parks, monuments, or natural areas in southern Utah and the Southwest. The geology of this general area adds tremendous cachet to its wilderness cred, making Utah a favored destination for national parks. If you're making a longer trip of it, consider visiting these top national parks in the area.

Cedar Breaks is uncommonly high, clocking in at over 10,000 feet in elevation. Its wildflowers put on an unforgettable summertime show. Zion National Park needs no introduction, but its low-profile neighbor, Red Canyon, can use a nudge. This "mini-Bryce" has mountain biking trails that are fast becoming crazy popular. Heading northeast, you'll pass through the huge Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Its nearly two million rock-studded acres beg exploration, especially its incomparable slot canyons. Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem of the national parks system, notable for its historic fruit orchards.

Goblin Valley is a little-known state park between Capitol Reef and Canyonlands via Highway 24, and it's worth a stop to play around its hoodoos. Canyonlands is famous for its remote, seemingly endless vistas. Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural arches; most famously, Delicate Arch.

Hovenweep National Monument is far afield, straddling the Utah/Colorado border. It's notable for its unusual circular, crumbling stone towers, built by ancient native peoples who struggled to survive in this beautiful but harsh environment. And Canyon de Chelly is another testament to the enduring human need for beauty, even if they carved it out of the sheer rock with their own hands.

Red Canyon

user rating

expert pick

Highway 12

Mini Bryce Canyon with excellent hiking & mountain biking...
Read more

Cedar Breaks National Monument

expert pick

10,000-foot elevation wilderness playground...
Read more

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

expert pick

190 East Center Street

Nearly 2 million stunning acres of remote plateaus, cliffs, and adventure...
Read more

Goblin Valley State Park

user rating

Goblin Valley State Park

Fascinating goblin-like rock sculptures; like a mini-Bryce...
Read more

Hovenweep National Monument

user rating

expert pick

McElmo Route

Puebloan-era villages in a remote location...
Read more

Canyon de Chelly

user rating

Canyon de Chelly

Ancient ruins yet still home to modern Navajo. Outdoors...
Read more
Contact   ·   Privacy   ·   Terms