I know there are other beautiful places in the rest of the country, but I feel like it’s pretty hard to beat the five national parks in Utah. If you’re like me, you can’t decide which national park to visit in Utah, and love exploring these natural wonders and exploring these remarkable creations. Sometimes though, we aren’t taking full advantage of our visits. Here are eight mistakes you might be making when you visit the best national parks in Utah.

1. You try to do it all in one day.
Kevin Lau/Flickr
Can you "do" Zion in one day? Sure, but you’re going to miss a lot. Don’t be tempted to try and schedule four parks for one weekend — take your time and thoroughly explore each one. The best parks in Utah are all so beautiful and diverse that they’re well worth it. Hey, you live here after all. You can always choose a different national park to visit in Utah on your next trip.
2. You dress inappropriately.
Jonathan Hartford/Flickr
No, I’m not talking about that tank top your grandma hates. I’m talking about taking steep hikes on slickrock wearing flip flops, hiking Angel’s Landing without a hat and sunscreen, or failing to bring a jacket if you’re going on a day-long hike. The weather at the national parks in the Beehive State is often unpredictable and the terrain can be tough.
3. You skip the other cool stuff nearby.
brewbooks/Flickr
Some of Utah’s coolest small towns are near the national parks. In these small towns, you may find some of the best things to do outside in Utah. Stop in at the local cafe or check out the art gallery. There might even be hiking trails in Utah that you don't want to miss. Make some time in your itinerary for the state parks and national monuments, too. They’re often less crowded and offer some amazing beauty and recreation.
4. You’re so busy playing on your smartphone that you forget to see the real thing.
Maggie Tacheny/Flickr
In our tech-obsessed world, it’s pretty easy to spend an entire day texting, browsing social media, and talking on a phone. If you find yourself at the top of Angel’s Landing and you’re ON YOUR SMARTPHONE, it’s time for an intervention. Put that thing in your pocket and enjoy the hike. Sure, use your phone to take plenty of pics, but enjoy it all in real time, too.

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5. You forget you’re in a wild place.
The U.S. Army/Flickr
Our national parks are vast, wild places. Remember that, and respect it. Don’t try the steepest hike if you’re not in very good physical shape — every park has tons of easy trails suitable for all fitness levels. Rescue crews can’t always get to you quickly if you have medical issues, or if you’re screwing around and fall off a cliff. Be smart, be safe, and have fun, while remembering where you are — in the great outdoors! (These Utah Army National Guardsmen are practicing rescue drills and hopefully, you’ll never need their service!)
6. You bemoan the lack of privacy.
Canyon Country Discovery Center/Flickr
I often get comments asking me to stop sharing info about Utah’s prettiest places because "then I won’t be able to enjoy them in solitude anymore." I get that you want some solitude in the great outdoors, but there IS a way to do it! Get away from the paved trails near the Visitor’s Center. Do more than just pull over at the lookouts. Get there early in the morning or visit during the off-season. Hike into a more remote area of the park. You have to earn your solitude, but it’s there.
7. You don’t keep an eye on your kids.
Gabe Shore/Flickr
This sign at Bryce Canyon National Park isn’t kidding — the edge of Bryce Canyon is crumbly and the fall could be deadly. Our national parks are the perfect place for family bonding, but make sure to keep your kids on the right side of guard rails and chains. Don’t let them throw rocks off the sides of cliffs or run past other hikers on steep trails. The national parks aren’t amusement parks. Make sure your kids understand the appropriate behavior to keep themselves and others safe.
8. You don’t say hello at the visitor center.
Pacific Wanderer 태평양 과객/Flickr
What’s one way to make sure you see all that our national parks have to offer? Ask a park ranger! Rangers love their jobs, are passionate about their park, and are more than happy to share some tips with you to make your visit the best ever. Also, if you’re planning an extensive hike into a more remote area, check in to get a weather and trail update.

I’m guilty of making many of these mistakes in the past. How about you? Let us know in the comments! 

Did you know that the five national parks in Utah are some of the most crowded? Check out this article to learn more.

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National Park to Visit In Utah

Courtnie Erickson | January 11, 2022

What are some of the best parks in Utah?

The Beehive State is home to five national parks and more than 40 state parks. While it is hard to narrow down the best parks in Utah, there are many that are certainly worth your time. If you are looking for a national park to visit in Utah, we highly recommend Bryce Canyon National Park. At this national park, you will see the most unique and gorgeous views with red cliffs, hoodoos, and desert landscapes. Plus, you will find hiking trails for every skill level.

When looking for the best state parks in Utah, Goblin Valley must be at the top of the list. This state park’s terrain has been compared to the landscape of the moon and you will see some remarkable and oddly-shaped rock formations all throughout the park. Goblin Valley is also known as having the highest concentration of hoodoos in the entire world. It's one state park that is unforgettable.

What are some things to do outside in Utah?

The list of things to do outside in Utah is long and extensive. If you want to find some peace and quiet, we suggest a hike. The hiking trails in Utah vary drastically. For example, in the southern part of the state, you will hike through the desert landscape but in the northern part of the state, you can climb incredible mountains like Mount Timpanogos. There are also nature trails and short excursions that will take you to waterfalls and lakes. If you are searching for scenic hiking trails in Utah, check out this article with 12 of the best trails that are just waiting to be explored.

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