Utah’s Big 5 National Parks draw visitors from all over the world, and they can become pretty crowded. Of course, everyone wants to bask in the natural beauty of these parks. Back in the good old days when the parks were much newer, they looked a lot different. Check out these 15 snapshots from decades past. Is your favorite national park to visit in Utah on this list?

1. Arches National Park, 1950s
NPS
Visitors to Arches in the 1950s were greeted with this cool sign at the entrance. Back then, it was a national monument, not a national park.
2. Arches National Park, 1939-1941
NPS/Dorris "Doc" Bumgarner
The Civilian Conservation Corps worked to complete this bridge near the park's entrance between 1939 and 1941.
3. Arches National Park, 1939-1941
NPS/Dorris "Doc" Bumgarner
Here's a photo of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp's cook. Imagine making meals for a huge group of people in the wilderness back then!
4. Bryce Canyon National Park, pre-1929
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook
Way back before the trails were completed at Bryce Canyon National Park, visitors used to hang on on the rim between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, often enjoying music on the radio
5. Bryce Canyon National Park
NPS
Check out this cool car camping tent! We're not sure when this photo was taken, but we're guessing it was in the 1950s or 1960s.
6. Bryce Canyon National Park
NPS
An early photo of the Inspiration Point shelter, long before there were safety fences in place.
7. Canyonlands National Park, 1938
Canyonlands National Park/Facebook
Back in the 1930s, several cowboys called this park home. This line camp in the Needles District has been preserved.

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8. Canyonlands National Park, 1954
Tug Wilson via NPS/Public Domain
Moab scouts visited the Confluence Overlook and enjoyed the sunshine.
9. Canyonlands National Park, 1965
Canyonlands National Park/Facebook
This photo taken by NPS employee Ed Rothfuss shows a line of old-school Jeeps on the White Rim Trail in 1965.
10. Capitol Reef National Park, 1937
NPS
Capitol Reef National Park got this fancy sign after President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated it as a national park on August 2, 1937.
11. Capitol Reef National Park, 1915
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
Imagine growing up in Capitol Reef National Park! The children in the Oyler family did just that, and they're pictured here with their horse Johnne.
12. Capitol Reef National Park, 1930s
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
A stunning view that includes a peek at the Fruita orchards back in the 1930s.
13. Zion National Park, 1960
Courtesy Zion National Park, Photographer Frank R. Oberhansley, Museum Catalog Number ZION 9629/Public Domain
An inspection party journeys into Bear Trap Canyon to see about further development in the area.
14. Zion National Park, 1957
Courtesy Zion National Park, Photographer Carl E. Jepson, Museum Catalog Number ZION 7971/Public Domain
The fire lookout at Lava Point - quite a view!
15. Zion National Park, 1937
Courtesy Zion National Park, Photographer O.M. Uhl, Museum Catalog Number ZION 10177
This photo was taken during the construction of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. It was a true feat of engineering.

Do you have childhood memories of your favorite national park to visit in Utah? We’d love to read your stories and see your photos in the comments below!

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national park to visit in Utah

Beth C. | January 12, 2022

What are the best state parks to visit in Utah?

Now that we've taken a look at some of the Beehive State's most famous national parks, it's time to dive into some other beautiful outdoor spaces. It's the national parks that are famous, but we'd argue that state parks in Utah are just as splendid (and oftentimes, less crowded). If you're wondering about the best state parks to visit in Utah, you've come to the right place! At the top of the list is Antelope Island State Park. Popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, this gorgeous state park also offers countless opportunities for recreation. Some of the most popular adventures that people enjoy here include swimming, picnicking, and, of course, hiking. While you're there, you may even spot antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, and mule deer. Next up on the list is Bear Lake State Park. Boasting beautiful blue waters, Bear Lake looks like something out of a postcard. Visit and you'll quickly understand why so many enjoy camping here. Looking for a totally unique landscape? You can't go wrong with a trip to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It's nothing short of heavenly for ATV enthusiasts, who enjoy riding up and down the beautiful dunes. Some other noteworthy state parks to visit in Utah include Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Green River State Park, Gunlock State Park, Huntington State Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Palisade State Park, Quail Creek State Park, and lastly, Wasatch Mountain State Park. Do any of these places pique your interest? If so, check out our previous article: These Are The 12 Most Beautiful State Parks In Utah… And You Need To Visit.

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Featured Addresses
Arches National Park Entrance Station, Arches Entrance Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA
UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, USA
Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Zion National Park Visitor Center, Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, USA
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA