When Hollywood needs to re-create the surface of Mars, they come to southern Utah. Red rock vistas and ancient geologic rock formations rise up in every direction the eye can see. It’s no wonder the state is home to five national parks that bring millions of people to visit each year. A stop at any one of them is worth the time, but can be busy in the height of summer vacation season. Tips for avoiding the crowds include:
- Start the day bright and early to beat the late risers and avoid the mid-day heat
- Choose a hike that will take you into the heart of the park rather than touching only the recommended viewpoints
- Plan your vacation early in spring, late in the fall, or even in winter. There will be a wider variety of plant life and colors, moderate temperatures, and the possibility of not running into anybody.
While every trip to southern Utah should include a stop at one of the national parks, an even better way to avoid feeling trapped in the tourist crowd is looking for adventure away from where everyone else is going. These are a few of our family favorite destinations near Utah’s national parks.
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
In the Moab area, Canyonlands might actually be considered the less-busy destination. It is further out of town and the entrance is at the end of a slow winding road. There are overlooks and viewpoints, but this park is one you will want to leave the RV train and book a multi-day excursion inside. Or, drive south of Moab to the southern entrance and see even fewer people. The drive down has incredible arch views for absolutely free.
Two hours west of Moab is our family’s #1 get-away location, Goblin Valley State Park. The National Parks are rather strict about staying on trails and not getting too close to natural structures, but Goblin Valley is a completely hands-on, natural playground. The best way to explore the valley is by walking down into it and rambling around. Kids will believe they’ve journeyed to another planet and run around all day conquering new landscapes and protecting the Earth from foreign space creatures.
While Goblin Valley can make for an easy day-trip, it is even more fun to stay overnight. The campground is nestled right up to red rock bluffs. The park has yurts available for rent to make the trip even more of an adventure. Take the kids back into the park with flashlights after dark and have fun exploring all over again.
Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Just as Canyonlands is less congested than Arches, Capitol Reef is an under-utilized destination. Spending a few hours on a trail will afford indescribable colors and formations, as well as waterfalls and wildlife with few other people to bother you. There is a scenic byway driving south from Capitol Reef to Grand Staircase-Escalante, but for a real tale to tell take the gravel Hell’s Backbone Road. It winds through juniper forests, crosses deep cut canyons, and trails over high mountain passes with sheer drops on either side. It’s mildly hair-raising, but the kids will talk about it forever!
Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
There is no getting around it, these are busy parks. Zion is only accessible by shuttle bus in the summertime. What they have to offer is worth the hassle, but be prepared for waits and journeying with the crowd. As with the parks listed above, getting off the paved trail will ensure a little bit of freedom from the masses. Kolob Canyons, a northern branch of Zion, is easily accessed from the interstate. It has the tall, flat-faced rock walls Zion is known for, but far fewer visitors as it is not accessible from the main section of the park.
The Bryce Canyon hoodoos are one-of-a-kind. Even better, Bryce Canyon is isolated from the light of any major cities and so is consistently recognized for their bright starry skies. Swarms of people come to see and experience both these attractions. Only a short one- hour drive northwest a miniature Bryce Canyon is quietly waiting. Cedar Breaks National Monument houses a 2,000 feet deep red rock. The stone is deep red, purple, and yellow and change in hue as the sun moves across the sky. It’s a great place to picnic, to walk around, and take pictures. The summer desert wildflowers add to an already breathtaking display.
The truth is any road you decide to drive down in southern Utah is bound to take you some place spectacular. Our family’s favorite getaways were all found on our way to someplace more well-known. Look around, leave the traffic caravan behind for a little while, and take back home a vacation tale no one else has ever told!
Hi Michelle: Great article with loads of info — thanks. I am planning a trip next year with my family which includes three year old twins and a ten year old and so your tips were very pertinent. We will be driving from British Columbia and, although we have been to the Vegas and Zion area, I am looking at what time of year to go. We would like to camp (tents, not RV) — it’s a LONG drive and so we want to be economical. I am considering being in the Moab/Canyonlands area for either last week of March and first two weeks of April OR first three weeks (ish) of May and was wondering about the weather for tenting and what time would be better. We would probably drive down through Salt Lake city and would also like to see the Grand Canyon! Things I would consider are temperature for tenting (mind you we are Canadian and so our idea of cold may be slightly different, but we would like good hiking temperatures), and business. Would I have to reserve tent sites? and how far in advance? What about bugs. We have HUGE mosquitos when it gets warm, is that an issue?
I think I read on your blog that you traveled solo with your four children and I may be doing some of the trip solo and have my husband catch up. Any big tips that stand out? What tent did you use? With three kids I would prefer something really simple and fast….our tent we have now is great but takes two and about 30 to 35 minutes (with two adults) so….? Thank-you so much. Would love to hear your thoughts and maybe any suggestions of resources to look for pre-school friendly hikes. Kerri
Your trip sounds so amazing! Late March and April is a perfect time to be in Moab, but absolutely avoid the weekends around Easter. Hundreds of Jeeps descend on the city for Jeep Week and it’s absolutely packed full of people. Search for Moab Jeep Week to find out the specific dates for next year. You shouldn’t have much trouble with bugs and mosquitos do don’t stress about that. As for traveling solo, I hope you love it! Definitely by an instant tent…Coleman makes one that literally takes me 2 minutes to set up. We just bought a new instant tent from Ozark Trails that has a screen room also – it’s still super easy to put up and we love the extra space outside the main tent. Let me know when you start finalizing your plans and I’ll try sending more information.
Michelle h recently posted…Celebrate Utah’s Dinosaur Heritage: Jurassic World Giveaway