Utah is a state filled with beautiful and unique nature that attracts visitors not only form around the country, but around the world. There are 46 state parks in Utah to explore, each with different attractions and scenery.
What Makes Utah State Parks So Special?
What makes state parks in Utah so unique is the diversity of nature in the state.
Utah has a variety of landscapes and scenery to offer such as brightly colored sands, alpine forests, red rock deserts and more. Utah has it all whether you want to hike, bike, camp or backpack. Some state parks have more to offer than just nature, featuring museums, golf courses, heritage areas and more.
The Best Utah State Parks
#1 Dead Horse State Park
Dead Horse State Park features miles and miles of canyons, desert woodland, hiking trails and more that luminate the landscape in a vibrant orange.
During sunsets, the canyon walls are brightened by the sun lighting up everything you can see in beautiful colors as the day comes to an end.
This park is also amazing for stargazing, with thousands of stars visible throughout any point in the park.
If you are avid hiker or mountain biker, this state park has an abundance of trails for you to use whether you are a beginner or expert.
It will cost $20 to enter the park in a private vehicle. You also have the option of camping in a yurt at this park, making for a very unique experience.
The price to camp in a yurt costs $150 a night.
#2 Palisade State Park
This park is unique in Utah offering a canyon golf course, tent and RV camping, as well as off road vehicle driving.
Palisade state park offers paddle boat rentals, fishing, OHV riding, hiking, and much more.
With beautiful canyons, lakes, and greenery, it doesn’t get much better than Palisade.
This is a perfect park whether you are simply looking to camp and enjoy the sunset, or spend a day golfing and fishing with friends or family.
It costs $15 Monday-Thursday to enter the park and $20 Friday-Sunday. Rental fees for Paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes and kayaks are available on the Utah State Parks Website.
#3 Deer Creek State Park
Deer Creek offers a variety of water activities including windsurfing, boating, zip lining, fishing and more.
This is the perfect park if you are looking to spend a day on or near the water. Deer Creek also offers a number of different campgrounds.
Deer Creek park has a restaurant, resort and aqua park. During the Summer season, it costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park.
A full hookup campground costs $30-60 depending on the location you choose.
#4 Kodachrome Basin State Park
This park has 67 monolithic stone spires complementing multi-colored sandstone layers that portray 180 million years of geological history.
Visitors can ride horses, hike, or bike through this beautiful park. Nearby the monolithic stone spires there is the Grosvenor Arch, a beautiful double arch that is a must see feature of the area.
It costs $10 per vehicle to enter the park. Camping fees are $35-45 depending on the location.
Visitors also have the option to reserve a hut for $75 a night.
#5 Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
This park consists of vast and vibrant sand dunes that are known for their vibrant red and pink color.
These 10-15,000 year old sand dunes are popular for ATV riders and hikers alike.
This state park also boasts breathtaking multi-colored red rocks and canyon slots for hikers to enjoy. It costs $15 per vehicle to enter the park, campsites are $28-45 per night for a single site.
#6 Goosenecks State Park
The San Juan river flows through a deep canyon in this state park. The river flows over six miles advancing towards lake Powell.
This state parks shows off 300 million years of geological activity, a result of winds and water carving through the desert.
This park costs $5 to enter in a car. You can pay $10 a night to stay at a campsite. There are eight designated campsites with fire rings and picnic tables.
The campsites at this park are first come first serve. If you are seeking great views, this park is a great option.
The Bottom Line: Utah State Parks
There are a number of state parks in Utah that are not featured on this list, and they are all great options.
If none of the parks that you see on this list interest you, visit the Utah State Parks website to see the full list of parks that Utah has to offer.
Regardless of the state park you decide to visit in Utah, you will be sure to have an adventure in the unique nature the state has to offer.
Comments