NATIONAL PARKS NEAR PARK CITY WORTH EXPLORING
From the geological wonders of Bryce Canyon National Park to the “island in the sky” at Canyonlands, Park City boasts close proximity to some of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the country. Whether you’re an adventure lover ready to hit the trails or prefer to explore from behind your camera, you’re never far from the best sightseeing of the great American West.
Here’s a rundown of the best national parks outside of Park City, Utah, including when to go and what to do at each one.
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Utah’s first national park, Zion draws visitors from all over the country who flock there to witness Zion Canyon’s massive red sandstone cliffs. The southwest Utah nature preserve is also home to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which leads to forest trails along the Virgin River and the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden.
Distance from Park City, Utah: 30 miles west
Things to do in Zion National Park: The options for hiking and sightseeing are practically endless in Zion. The slimmest section of Zion Canyon is known as the Narrows, and it's one of the park's most popular hikes — but claustrophobes beware! For a bird’s-eye view of nearly all of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Zion National Park, climb to the top of Observation Point Trail, where you'll find yourself at an elevation of 6,521 feet atop Mount Baldy.
Best time to visit: Make your trip to Zion between May and November to take advantage of the park’s free shuttles and best weather. To avoid the summer crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, October and early November are your best bets.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Arches National Park lies north of Moab and is bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast. It’s known for being home to the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. However, it also boasts a shocking variety of other geological formations, from massive sandstone fins and colossal balanced rocks to soaring pinnacles and spires.
Distance from Park City, Utah: 230 miles
Things to do in Arches National Park: Hikes and scenic drives here are a must. With 76,518 acres to explore, you can wander down trails or even take in the otherworldly views from paved roads. It may take a lifetime to see every single one of the 2,000 sandstone arches, but there are some that are too stunning to put off until your next trip. These include the emblematic, freestanding Delicate Arch in the east; the long, thin Landscape Arch in Devils Garden to the north; and the iconic Balanced Rock, which towers over the middle of the park.
Best time to visit: The park is at its busiest between March and October, which means the heaviest traffic. April through May and September through October offer comfortable daytime temperatures, averaging between 60 to 80 degrees. Summer weather can bring temperatures that exceed 100 degrees, which can make exploring the park's trails quite uncomfortable.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Contrary to its name, Bryce Canyon is not a single canyon, but a series of natural “bowls” carved into the edge of a high plateau. It’s known for its red-hued hoodoos — columns of spire-shaped rock formations. In fact, it’s home to the largest concentration of hoodoos anywhere in the world. These crimson-colored formations are gorgeous in the daylight, but they also cast an ethereal glow as the sun rises and sets, making for some seriously epic views.
Distance from Park City, Utah: 275 miles
Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce Canyon boasts endless trails and scenery throughout the 20-mile-long park. However, the four can’t-miss viewpoints are Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.
Best time to visit: May through September offers the warmest weather of the year. However, October through April boasts picturesque fall foliage and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s important to remember that due to the high elevation of Bryce Canyon, the weather in the fall, winter, and spring can be quite variable.
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah, known for its countless canyons and dramatic buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Canyonlands is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers of Canyonlands National Park. Each of these areas boast a serene desert atmosphere, but they each also offer unique opportunities for adventure and sightseeing.
Distance from Park City, Utah: 250 miles
Things to do in Canyonlands National Park: From the rambling trails in the Needles to the deep remoteness of the Maze to the rivers daring you to float down them, Canyonlands offers a lifetime of exploration possibilities. However, the Island in the Sky may be the crown jewel of this park, which sits atop a massive 1,500-foot mesa — quite literally an Island in the Sky. This area is one of the best locations from which to see the park, and it offers many pull-offs with spectacular views along the paved scenic drive.
Best time to visit: Especially for hikers, the spring or fall months are ideal for taking advantage of the best weather. During April through May and September through October, the high temperatures average between 60 and 80 and lows range from 30 to 50.
LIFE IN BENLOCH RANCH: VIP ACCESS TO THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS NEAR PARK CITY
When you live at Benloch Ranch, you’ll enjoy the daily serenity of a modern mountain lifestyle just outside your door. Here, you’ll find nature and adventure calling your name year round — from spring fishing to summer boating to fall hiking and winter skiing. Best of all, you’re situated within arm’s reach of the rest of the great American West, with countless national parks just a short drive away.
Ready to learn more about Utah’s newest adventure living destination? Contact us to learn more about Benloch Ranch, so you can come home every day to your very own mountain paradise.
