Parks and Monuments

Utah's parks and monuments are the crown jewels of the state's scenic places. A major draw for many visitors are Utah's five spectacular national parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands.

Southern Utah also has five national monuments: Cedar Breaks and the adventurous Grand Staircase-Escalante in the southwest; Rainbow Bridge, Natural Bridges, and Hovenweep in the southeastern side of the state.

The southeast is also home to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, best known for the serpentine waterway of Lake Powell. Also, make sure to check out Monument Valley Tribal Park, known for its panoramic scenery which has been featured in countless films.

In the Northeast, Dinosaur National Monument features the remains of prehistoric beasts that once ruled the globe, and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. With its huge reservoir and wild river, the Flaming Gorge area has some of the best fishing around!

It doesn't end here, as you can also spelunk the caverns of Timpanogos Cave National Monument, or explore the fascinating railroad history of the West at Golden Spike National Historic Site, both located in the northern part of the state.

Utah also has over 40 state parks, thousands of acres of national forests, pristine designated wilderness areas, and vast areas of other scenic public lands.

Salt Lake City is the primary gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks. Salt Lake City International Airport serves eight airlines and 626 scheduled daily flights, with more than 90 cities offering non-stops. There are many natural and cultural activities along the way, beginning in Salt Lake City and driving north along picturesque Highway 89 through Utah's Wasatch Mountains into Star Valley and Jackson, Wyoming. Take the scenic mountain route and enjoy northern Utah's many attractions along the way. For more information, you may download an activity sheet and map here.