Utah’s Top State Parks You Need to Visit
Everyone knows Utah for its famous national parks, but its state parks reveal a different side of the state’s beauty. These parks have everything you could want: hiking desert trails, paddling across calm lakes, or exploring red rock formations without the crowd. Here are 15 parks that show just how much of Utah’s beauty lies off the beaten path.
Antelope Island State Park
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Antelope Island sits on the Great Salt Lake and gives visitors a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Bison and pronghorn antelope roam freely across the island, while the Frary Peak trail presents sweeping views. Exceptional stargazing is another reason to love Antelope Island.
Snow Canyon State Park
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Snow Canyon, with its striking red and white sandstone cliffs, stands out as a unique destination. The park features ancient petroglyphs and unique geological formations.The park is less crowded than Zion and invites you to explore its winding roads and peaceful hiking paths.
Dead Horse Point State Park
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This park offers a calmer experience than nearby Canyonlands, with hiking and biking trails that trace the rim and open onto wide desert views. From high above, the Colorado River winds through deep canyons, and at sunset the cliffs light up in shades of red and gold that make the view unforgettable.
Jordanelle State Park
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Located just outside Park City, Jordanelle is a large reservoir perfect for a range of water activities. Boating, paddleboarding, and fishing are all popular here. The expansive campgrounds boast picturesque views of the Wasatch Mountains.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
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The dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes formed from the erosion of Navajo sandstone and create a landscape found nowhere else in Utah. Many visitors come for sandboarding and ATV rides, but others prefer to walk across the soft sand and take in the stillness of the desert.
Wasatch Mountain State Park
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Wasatch Mountain State Park offers a variety of year-round recreational activities. In summer, its trails are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, while winter brings cross-country skiing and tubing. Its close proximity to local towns makes for an easy and accessible outdoor getaway throughout the seasons.
Bear Lake State Park
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Bear Lake lies on the Utah–Idaho border and stands out for its turquoise water framed by mountain slopes. The lake is a favorite spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. Roads around the shore offer wide views of the landscape, and nearby stands are known for serving the region’s famous raspberry milkshakes.
Great Salt Lake State Park
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The Great Salt Lake, a unique natural feature, draws visitors with its vast waters and unusual ecosystem. Though the lake’s strong smell can be off-putting to some, kayakers enjoy the rare experience of floating in the saltiest body of water in the Western Hemisphere. The shoreline also hosts a variety of wildlife.
Palisade State Park
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In central Utah, Palisade State Park boasts a serene lake where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply relax by the water. The addition of a golf course makes it a versatile destination. Nearby, the Manti-La Sal Mountains have hiking trails for those seeking more adventure in the area.
Goblin Valley State Park
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Surreal rock formations resembling goblins give this park its distinct character. As a designated Dark Sky Park, it’s also a prime spot for stargazing, free from city lights. Visitors can hike through the maze-like terrain and experience the landscape in a way that feels calm and unhurried.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
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The sandstone formations at Kodachrome Basin add vivid color to the desert and make the park one of Utah’s most distinctive landscapes. Trails lead through tall spires and open valleys where layers of rock reveal the area’s geological story. The mix of color and shape makes this a favorite spot for hikers and photographers alike.
Quail Creek State Park
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Quail Creek sits near Zion and offers an easygoing alternative to its busy trails. The reservoir, surrounded by red rock cliffs, is popular for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With hiking paths and shaded picnic spots, the park is a relaxed place to spend a day outdoors.
Sand Hollow State Park
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With its clear waters and sandy beaches, Sand Hollow is known for boating, jet skiing, and ATV riding on the dunes. The surrounding red rock cliffs add to the park’s dramatic beauty. For those preferring a quieter experience, there are plenty of peaceful spots along the shore to unwind.
Goosenecks State Park
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At this remote park, the San Juan River carves its way through tight, meandering bends, creating dramatic views. The park’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal stop for photographers looking to capture panoramic landscapes. The Honaker Trail leads to the river, offering even more stunning vistas along the way.
Flight Park State Park
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For thrill-seekers, Flight Park is a premier destination for paragliding and hang gliding, with spectacular aerial views of the Salt Lake Valley. The park caters to all skill levels, featuring both beginner and advanced launch sites. It’s a great way to experience Utah from above and take in its unique scenery.