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NATIONAL PARK TRIP PLANNER

Parks MapGet oriented with a map of Utah and its national parks, plus an epic road-trip route through canyon country to see all five.

Arches & Canyon-landsWhat to see, where to hike, and how to find rock art in the two parks closest to Moab.

Zion & Bryce CanyonSee highlights among the hoodoos and rock spires in these south-western Utah parks.

Capitol ReefDiscover the magic of this little-known park in south central Utah, home to excellent hik-ing trails, historic sites, and lovely vistas.

Travel LogisticsAll the details on get-ting to the Utah parks by plane, shuttle, or car, plus need-to-know info on lodging and camping.

The Experts in National Park

Travel

1. ARCHES NATIONAL PARKMarvel at more than 2,000 natural rock arches at this park just outside of Moab. Some of the formations can be spotted from the road, but the best require a scenic hike. Don’t miss the famous Delicate Arch (3 miles round-trip) or the 7-mile (round-trip) Devils Garden Loop.

2. BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARKFamous for its weird and wonderful hoodoos—bulbous rock pillars—this southwestern Utah park also offers hiking, horseback riding, camping, and some of the country’s darkest skies for stargazing. Drive the park’s scenic road for access to a dozen stunning overlooks.

3. CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARKSo expansive it’s divided into four different sections, Canyonlands deliv-ers a quintessential desert experience: deep canyons, prehistoric rock art, rivers, and sweeping overlooks. Go to the Needles District for top-notch hiking and backpacking, Island in the Sky for wide views, and the Maze to explore strikingly remote terrain.

4. CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARKOne of Utah’s best-kept secrets, this south-central park preserves unique geology (including the 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold, a “wrinkle” in the earth’s crust), a preserved Mormon frontier settlement, and vast wilderness ideal for multiday backpacking trips.

5. ZION NATIONAL PARKCliffs, slot canyons, and dizzying views: This southwestern Utah park has them all. Two classic Zion experiences: hiking the 5.4-mile (round-trip) West Rim Trail to Angels Landing and exploring one of the country’s best slot canyons in the 16-mile (one-way) Virgin River Narrows.

ILLUSTRATION BY PETER SUCHESKI

PARKS OVERVIEWUtah’s five national parks make for an unforgettable road trip through canyon country.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARYTurn the page for details on pulling off this epic, 10-day Utah road trip.

GRAND CANYON NP

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START: SALT LAKE CITY, UTDAY 1 Salt Lake City to Moab: 234 milesStart in the city, where you can tour historic Temple Square and check out the new City Center outdoor mall. Or pick up a Connect Pass for access to 15 attractions, including Clark Plan-etarium and Utah Olympic Park in Park City. Then head south on I-15 to Provo, then southeast on UT 6/US 191 to I-70 at Green River. Then drive south on US 191 to Moab. DAY 2 MoabSurrounded by hiking and mountain biking trails, Moab is an excellent base for enjoying Utah’s slickrock canyon country. This outdoor mecca also offers plenty of options for shopping, dining, and lodging. Visit the world-famous natural arch-es in Arches National Park and tour the Colorado River Scenic Byway just outside town. DAY 3 Moab to Bluff: 106 milesFrom Moab, continue south on US 191 to Can-yonlands National Park. Cruise through the Island in the Sky District (32 miles from Moab) and stretch your legs with a dayhike to Mesa Arch or Upheaval Dome. Continue south on US 191 to Blanding and stop at Edge of the Cedars State Park to see an Ancestral Puebloan village dating to 825 AD. Then it’s 25 miles on US 191 to Bluff, where you can watch the sunset over the San Juan River. Extra day? Consider heading east to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. DAY 4 Bluff to Grand Canyon Village, AZ: 255 milesFrom Bluff, drive southwest on US 163 through Mexican Hat and the wind-sculpted buttes of Monument Valley. At Kayenta, drive southwest on US 160 to Tuba City. From there, AZ 264 fol-lows the Hopi Arts Trail, a coalition of traditional Hopi galleries and artists. If you have time, visit the highlights and stay over in Tuba City. Head south on US 89 to Cameron, then drive west on AZ 64 to Grand Canyon National Park East Entrance. Continue west into the park on Desert View Drive to Grand Canyon Village.

Alternate North Rim route (296 miles from Bluff) in summer and fall: At US 160/US 89 junc-tion, drive north on US 89. Turn west on US 89A toward Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. At Jacob Lake, drive south on AZ 67 to Grand Canyon North Rim Entrance.

DAY 5 Grand Canyon National ParkExplore one of the world’s greatest natural won-ders with at least a day in the park.

DAY 6 Grand Canyon to Kanab, UT: 206 milesFrom US 89/US 89A continue on US 89A from Jacob Lake to Fredonia and Kanab. This historic town is a convenient base from which to explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Extra time? Detour to Page, Arizona, gateway town to Lake Powell and the massive Glen Canyon Dam. DAY 7Kanab to Cedar City: 99 milesContinue your slickrock sojourn by driving north and west on UT 9 to Zion National Park, where you can dayhike to Weeping Rock or Emerald Pools (services are available in nearby Spring-dale and Hurricane). If weather conditions are favorable, don’t miss a hike into the Zion Narrows. From Zion, continue west on UT 9 to I-15 and drive north on I-15 to Cedar City. This is a great area for a theater fix: Head to Tuachan Amphitheater in Ivins for top musicals or to the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City.

DAY 8Cedar City to Torrey: 189 milesFrom Cedar City, drive east on UT 14 to Cedar Breaks National Monument and stretch your legs in meadows surrounded by dramatic sandstone spires. Continue to US 89 and drive north on US 89 to UT 12. Head east on UT 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park and hike among

the hoodoos (layover options: two park camp-grounds, Ruby’s Inn near the park, or lodging in Panguitch). Make sure to visit a few park over-looks for a view over the vibrantly colored rocks, especially in the northern amphitheater area. From Bryce Canyon, drive east and north on UT 12 to Torrey. DAY 9 Torrey/Capitol ReefSpend the day in Capitol Reef National Park, lo-cated 30 miles from Torrey, exploring a slickrock wonderland. Head for dayhikes and scenic drives in Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley or the Water-pocket District, or tour the preserved frontier settlement at Fruita. DAY 10Torrey to Salt Lake City: 213 milesTo close your loop, drive north on UT 24 to US 50 west. Continue on to I-15 north to Salt Lake City.

END: SALT LAKE CITY, UT

UTAH’S BEST ROAD TRIPFrom Arches to Zion: Explore all five of Utah’s national parks on this 10-day, 1,300-mile route to slot canyons, hoodoos, whitewater rivers, and slickrock—plus, a side trip to the Grand Canyon.

HIKING THE NORTH KAIBAB TRAIL, GRAND

CANYON NATIONAL PARK

PHOTO BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE

LODGING, PARK ACCESS, REGISTRATION & MOREVisit av for the info you need to plan a dream trip!

POINTS OF INTERESTWhat to see and do in the Moab-area parks.

ARCHESDelicate ArchYou’ve likely seen photos of this dramatic, 65-foot-tall rock arch al-ready—now check out the real thing. Short option: Park at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint and take the short trail to a long-distance overlook. Longer option: Hike the 3-mile (round-trip) trail from Wolfe Ranch to see it up close.

Fiery FurnaceThis wild, trail-less zone encompasses giant boulders, narrow squeez-es, and sheer rock cliffs. To explore it, pick up a permit at a park visitor center or join a ranger-led tour (the best option for beginners).

CANYONLANDSNeedles DistrictLocated in the southeastern part of the park, the Needles contains popular hiking trails through a desert decorated with rock spires. It’s also one of the best places for overnight backpacking trips. You’ll find a visitor center, ranger programs, and the Squaw Flat Campground here.

Island in the Sky DistrictThe closest district to Moab, Island in the Sky is the place for rim-side views over deep, vast canyons. Hiking trails to arches and domes descend into this area, and the White Rim Road, popular with mountain bikers and ATVers, circles the district. Contains a visitor center, ranger programs, and Willow Flat Campground.

Maze DistrictExperienced hikers visit the untracked Maze area for solitude, scenery, and adventure—trips to this zone usually require several days. There is a ranger station, but no visitor center.

Horseshoe CanyonHead to this standalone unit northwest of Island in the Sky to see the Great Gallery, one of the country’s best panels of ancient rock art. Hike the strenuous 7-mile (round-trip) trail from the rim to reach the panel.

NORTH WINDOW ARCH AND TURRET ARCH (IN THE DISTANCE), ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

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No river access along thisportion of Potash Road.

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(no river access)

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Island in the SkyVisitor Center

NeedlesVisitor Center

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Moab to Areas in the ParkIsland in the Sky Visitor Center via SR 313 32mi/51kmNeedles Visitor Center 76mi/121kmHorseshoe Canyon Unit via I-70 101mi/162kmHorseshoe Canyon Unit via State 24 119mi/191kmHans Flat 133mi/74km

M A N T I - L A S A L N A T I O N A L F O R E S T

NEWSPAPER ROCKRECREATION SITE

D A R K C A N Y O N P R I M I T I V E A R E A( B u r e a u o f L a n d M a n a g e m e n t )

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toMonticello

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Hatch Point

Neck Spring

Upheaval Dome5760ft1756m

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WhaleRock

Shafer Canyon OverlookGooseneckOverlook

Dead Horse Point Overlook5680ft1731m

Moab

AnticlineOverlook

5745ft1751m

CandlestickTowerOverlook

Orange CliffsOverlook

VisitorCenter

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Pothole Point

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Cave Spring

Roadside Ruin

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MoabInformationCenter

CanyonlandsNational ParkHeadquarters

4960ft1512m

No through roadin HorseshoeCanyon Unit

Grand ViewPoint Overlook

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PanoramaPoint Overlook6240ft1902m

MazeOverlook

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Confluence Overlook4880ft1487m

NeedlesOverlook6295ft1919m

Big SpringCanyon Overlook4880ft1487m

Colorado RiverOverlook4880ft1487m

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Angel Arch

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Tower Ruin

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Cedar Mesa6987ft2130m

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North SixshooterPeak6374ft1943m

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BagpipeButte6679ft2036m

Chimney Rock5563ft1696m

Elaterite Butte6552ft1997m

Ekker Butte6226ft1898m

Cleopatras Chair6250ft1905m

Candlestick Tower5865ft1788m

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Drink one gallon ofwater per person per day in this semi-desertenvironment.

Boat launch

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ARCHES & CANYONLANDS

MAP COURTESY NPS, PHOTO BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE

POINTS OF INTERESTThese diverse destinations are all just a shuttle stop away.

Zion Human History MuseumLocated .5 mile north of the South Entrance in Springdale, this museum features permanent displays on the area’s human history: both Native American culture and pioneer settle-ments. Zion’s growth as a park is explored in the context of these histories, bringing its story to life. A permanent exhibit on water explains its importance to the ancient people of the area, and how it created the unique landforms that define Zion. Temporary exhibits have included replicas of Union Pacific Railroad lodging, Civilian Conser-vation Corps diaries, park ranger photos, and more. A free 22-minute video shown every half hour provides a general overview to the park. Books, maps, posters, and films are available for purchase and rangers are on hand to answer questions.

Court of the PatriarchsA short walk from the shuttle stop of the same name yields expansive views of one of the park’s most identifiable landmarks. Named for the Bible’s Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, these three craggy peaks of banded sandstone tower above the surrounding landscape. Take the 3.5-mile Sand Bench Trail (round-trip) for a closer look.

Zion LodgeThe only lodging located within park boundar-ies, this hotel has been a part of Zion since the 1920s. After being destroyed by a fire in 1966, the Lodge was rebuilt in 100 days; its exterior was remodeled in 1990 to restore the original rustic appearance. Today, the Zion Lodge offers a variety of ac-commodations, including cabins, hotel rooms, and suites. Cabins come equipped with a gas log fireplace, private porch, and full bath. Hotel rooms feature similar amenities, in addition to a flatscreen television with satellite. Air condition-ing and complimentary wireless internet are also provided. The Red Rock Grill is the Lodge’s signature dining room, with indoor and terrace seat-ing. The menu features American cuisine with Southwestern-inspired dishes. Reservations required (zionlodge.com; 435-772-7700).

The GrottoEnjoy a picnic in this cottonwood grove while enjoying views of the Virgin River and Angels Landing. Restrooms and water are available; many trails leave from here.

Angels LandingDepart from the Grotto shuttle stop for one of

the country’s most memorable hikes. This 5,790-foot sandstone prow towers above the Virgin River, offering the best views in Zion. The trail is steep—it gains 1,500-plus feet in 2.4 miles—and terrifying if slick (or if you have vertigo). But cables provide sure grips on the exposed fin that leads to 360-degree vistas.

Weeping RockWater drips down sandstone rock—reminiscent of tears—and creates hanging gardens. Partici-pate in ranger programs, walk one of the many trails leaving from this area, or peer up at Angels Landing and Big Bend.

Temple of SinawavaThe shuttle ends at this 3,000-foot natural red-rock amphitheater forming the northern end of Zion Canyon. Named for a powerful Paiute deity known as the Coyote God, this formation is the gateway to The Narrows (a long, life-list slot canyon that requires special gear and lots of endurance) via the 1-mile Riverside Walk trail.

MAP COURTESY NPS, PHOTO BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE

ZIONZion encompasses 146,560 acres of high desert, lush canyons, and red rock domes.

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To Cedar City,Cedar Breaks National Monument,

and Salt Lake City

To St George andLas Vegas, Nevada

To Pipe Spring National Monument andGrand Canyon National Park

To(north to Bryce Canyon NP; south to Kanab, Grand Canyon NP, and Page, Arizona)

at Mt Carmel Junction,89

St George, and Las Vegas,Nevada

exit 16,To 15

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Grafton Road BridgeRoad

Lava Point Rd

Beyond this point, roadnot plowed in winter.

Unpaved roads are impassable when wet.

Unpaved roads are impassable when wet.Smithsonian ButteScenic Backway may beclosed in winter.

Vehicles pulling trailers not recommended. Narrow winding road with steep grades. Upper section not plowed in winter.

Spring through fall, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to shuttle buses only. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Canyon Junction

TunnelNo bikes or pedestriansallowed. Large vehiclerestrictions.

Vehicles longer than 19 feet/5.8 meters are

not allowed on Lava Point Road. Unpaved roads are impassable

when wet.

turn on Anasazi Way

ChinleTrailhead

Left ForkTrailhead

Right ForkTrailhead

GrapevineTrailhead

Hop ValleyTrailhead

WildcatCanyonTrailhead

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Lava PointLava Point

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Temple ofSinawava

Emerald PoolsTrails

Canyon Junction

The Grotto

WeepingRock

Zion Lodge

Coalpits Wash

Springdale / Zion Canyon Shuttleand Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

and Tunnel information

South

Watchman

East Entrance

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Court of thePatriarchs

Kolob CanyonsVisitor Center

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Zion Human History Museum

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Unpaved road(impassable when wet)

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Paved road open toprivate vehicles

Zion Canyon shuttleroute and shuttle stop

Springdale shuttleroute

Shuttle Information Other Visitor Information

Spring through fall, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is opento shuttle buses only.

0 1 2 3 4

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WildernessIn 2009, Congress protected nearly 84 percent of the park as wilderness under the 1964 Wilderness Act. Wilderness designation protects forever the land’s wilderness character, natural conditions, opportunities for solitude, and scientific, educational, and historical values.

A HIKER LOOKS OUT OVER ZION FROM THE ANGELS

LANDING TRAIL.

POINTS OF INTERESTSee the park’s best views and rock formations from these favorite scenic overlooks.

Rainbow and Yovimpa PointsThese adjacent overlooks at the park’s southern end offer fantastic views back over Bryce Canyon’s rock formations. From here at 9,100 feet in eleva-tion, you can clearly see most of the geological Grand Staircase rock layers, from the uppermost Pink Cliffs to the red Vermilion Cliffs. Visit both points to get the complete view; hikers can also explore the 7.5-mile Riggs Spring Loop Trail, which connects the two.

Natural BridgeSee one of Bryce Canyon’s rock arches at this viewpoint. Erosion of the Claron Formation rock from ice, rain, and gravity sculpted Natural Bridge, a deep red arch in the southern end of the park.

Farview PointFrom this overlook, you’ll see many of the park’s most famous rock forma-tions and even out to the Kaibab Plateau (where the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is located). Enjoy views of hoodoos, fins, and caps and pick out the different layers of the Grand Staircase.

Paria ViewLooking for a stunning sunset photo op? Head to this overlook in the north part of the park, one of the few places where the rock formations face west to catch the evening light. You’ll also see slot canyons below and, if you’re lucky, peregrine falcons in the sky.

Bryce PointThis is the place to savor views over the park’s amphitheater, especially at sunrise, where the hoodoos are positioned to catch morning light. The Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail descends from this point.

Sunrise and Sunset PointsSunrise Point, near the park visitor center, offers views of well-known formations such as the Silent City and Thor’s Hammer. The Claron Forma-tion colors are vivid here, and the Navajo Loop Trail leads to 700-year-old Douglas firs and up to Sunrise Point. At Sunrise, you’ll see Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship, plus a limber pine with exposed roots.

Under-the-Rim TrailThis 23-mile backcountry trail extends from Bryce Point in the park’s north-ern end to Rainbow Point on the southern, passing hoodoos, boulderfields, creeks, and scenic ridgelines. Dayhikers can sample portions of the trail, but hiking the whole thing requires three to four days and a backcountry permit.

BRYCE CANYON Hoodoos, arches, and fins galore.

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B R Y C E C A N Y O N N A T I O N A L P A R K

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SwampCanyon

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Under-the-Rim Trail(Rainbow Point to Bryce Point)

YovimpaPoint

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BlackBirchCanyon

Ponderosa Canyon8815 ft2687 m

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Paria View8176 ft2492 m

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Inspiration Point

Sunset Point

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Lodge

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Deer Mountain7833 ft2387 m

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SUNRISE AT INSPIRATION POINT

MAP COURTESY NPS

POINTS OF INTERESTThe best viewpoints, trails, and attractions in this under-the-radar park.

Fruita Historic DistrictStep back to the time of frontier pioneers at the preserved Fruita settle-ment, site of a small community from the 1880s to early 1940s. Visit the Gifford House, built in 1908 by a Mormon settler and occupied until the late ‘60s, for a glimpse of life in historic Fruita. The home now holds a small gift shop and bakery, famous for its delicious pies. The park maintains the fruit orchards planted by early residents, including apple, peach, pear, and cherry trees, and a one-room schoolhouse still stands in the area. The Fruita Historic District is located just east of the park’s visitor center.

Sunset PointThe place to be when the sun goes down, Sunset Point has dramatic views over Capitol Reef’s rock formations and lovely evening light. To reach it, head to the Goosenecks Overlook and pick up the Sunset Point Trail from the parking lot. A short (.3-mile) trail leads right to the overlook.

Rim Overlook TrailHikers looking for excellent views—including the Fruita Historic District, the Waterpocket Fold formation, and rock domes—should head to this 2.3-mile (one-way) trail that leads to a vista 1,000 feet over the park. Pick it up at the Hickman Bridge trailhead in the Fruita Historic District.

Cassidy ArchClimb 670 feet from the Grand Wash Road trailhead to a view overlooking Cassidy Arch (named after Butch Cassidy, the famous outlaw who hid out in the area), a thick rock span. The 1.8-mile (one-way) trail skirts sheer drops and passes striped rock walls en route to the arch.

CAPITOL REEF Hike slot canyons, tour historic sites, and see the Waterpocket Fold formation at Capitol Reef.

PHOTO BY ISTOCK, MAP COURTESY NPS

GET SOCIALFollow us on Facebook to get the latest deals and news for Utah travel. Facebook.com/utahparks

Lower BownsReservoir

Oak CreekReservoir

Deer CreekLake

Pleasant

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Temple ofthe Sun

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Lower South DesertOverlook

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PanoramaPoint

Fruita

Singletree

Larb HollowOverlook

HomesteadOverlook

Steep CreekOverlook

PleasantCreek

Oak Creek

Calf Creek

AnasaziState Park

Cedar Mesa

Strike ValleyOverlook

Burr TrailSwitchbacks

Post Corral

Muley Tanks

Halls CreekOverlook

Historic Fruita SchoolPetroglyphs

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ARCHESGetting there Arches sits just 5 miles north of Moab, Utah. Its one entrance is off US 191 on the south end of the park.Transportation Air: The closest airport to Arches is Canyonlands Field in Moab, which serves limited commercial flights and charter flights. Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colo-rado has connecting flights from six major cities and is a 90-minute drive from the park. The closest international airport is in Salt Lake City, a 3.75-hour drive. Shuttle: Several private shuttle companies are based in Moab. Visit discover-moab.com for details.Gateway town Moab is a lively mecca for outdoor recreation and offers plenty of lodging, dining, groceries, and outfitters.

Visitor CentersArches Visitor Center is located near the Entrance Station off US 191. There, you’ll find a staffed information desk, ranger programs, bookstore, and backcountry office.

CampingDevils Garden Campground is open year-round and has 50 sites and flush toilets, but no show-ers or RV hookups. Sites fill up quickly spring through fall; reserve in advance at recreation.gov. The park also offers limited backcountry camping; get a free permit at the visitor center.

BRYCE CANYONGetting there Bryce Canyon is in southwest-ern Utah, between Zion National Park and Glen Canyon. The park has one main entrance, located on Utah Route 63.Transportation Air: The closest airports to Bryce Canyon are in Cedar City, Utah (80 miles away; connections to Salt Lake City) and St. George, Utah (125 miles away; connections to Salt Lake City and Denver). Major airports are in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, each about 270 miles away. Shuttle: The free Bryce Canyon shuttle runs from May to October and connects Bryce Canyon City to Bryce Point.Gateway town Tiny Bryce Canyon City is the closest town and offers a few hotels, dining, shopping, and a campground.

Visitor CentersBryce Canyon Visitor Center is located near the Entrance Station and has a ranger desk, exhib-its, and a park movie.

Lodging The Bryce Canyon Lodge is open from March through November. The lodge also has a full-service restaurant and gift shop. Reservations: foreverlodging.com/brycecanyon.

CampingThe North Campground is east of the visitor center, near the park general store. Some of

its 99 sites remain open year-round. There are no RV hookups, but in summer there is a dump station. Sunset Campground, 1.5 miles south of the visitor center, is open May to September. Some RV and tent sites can be reserved at recreation.gov ($30/night for RVs and and $20/night for tents). Backcountry camping must be at designated sites only and requires a permit; buy one up to 48 hours in advance in person at the visitor center ($5/person).

CANYONLANDSGetting there Generally, Canyonlands is located southwest of Moab, but visitors access Canyonlands’ three districts (and the Horseshoe Canyon Unit) separately. Island in the Sky is 33 miles from Moab via Utah Route 313, and the Needles are 74 miles southwest via Utah Route 211. Getting to the Maze, located in the park’s southwest, requires driving rough, 4WD roads. Horseshoe Canyon is 120 miles from Moab.Transportation Air, bus, train: See Arches.Gateway town Moab

Visitor CentersIsland in the Sky Visitor Center is 40 minutes from Moab. Farther south, the Needles Visitor Center is on Utah Route 211. Both offer exhibits, rangers, the park movie, a bookstore, and back-country permit stations.

CampingAt Island in the Sky, Willow Flat Campground has 12 first-come, first-serve sites. No running water; maximum RV length is 28 feet ($15/night). In the Needles, Squaw Flat Campground has 26 first-come, first-serve sites. Water is available year-round; maximum RV length is 28 feet ($20/night). Backcountry camping is very popular at Canyonlands and requires a permit. Reserve one online up to 4 months in advance at canypermits.nps.gov, or try for a walk-in per-mit up to one day ahead ($30/permit).

CAPITOL REEFGetting there Capitol Reef is located in south central Utah, a 2.5-hour drive from Moab and a 3.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City. The main entrance is on the west side of the park off Utah Route 24, but visitors can also enter at the east end (near Orientation Pullout) and via 4WD roads in several other locations.Transportation Air: The closest airports are in Moab (2.5 hours), Cedar City (3 hours), and Grand Junction (3 hours). The closet major airport is in Salt Lake City (3.5 hours). Gateway towns Torrey is a few miles west of the park’s main entrance and features several motels, plus restaurant options and groceries.

Visitor CentersCapitol Reef Visitor Center, in the Fruita Historic District near the Entrance Station, features sci-ence exhibits, a park movie, bookstore, and a

staffed information desk.

CampgroundsFruita Campground is the park’s only devel-oped campground. Located along the Fremont River, the 71-site campground has water and flush toilets, but no RV hookups. First-come, first-serve ($20/night). The park also operates primitive campgrounds with pit toilets and with-out water: Cathedral Valley Campground and Cedar Mesa Campground. Both are first-come, first-serve (free). Backcountry camping options are plentiful and require a free permit; pick one up at the visitor center.

ZIONGetting there Zion, sited in southwestern Utah, has several entrance stations: The South En-trance outside Springdale is the most popular, but visitors can also access the park via the East Entrance or Kolob Canyon Entrance (northwest). Transportation Air: St. George Municipal Airport (49 miles from the South Entrance) and Cedar City Regional Airport (60 miles) are the closest options. Nearby major airports are in Las Vegas (170 miles) and Salt Lake City (311 miles). Shut-tle: The free Zion Canyon Shuttle is mandatory for getting around the park from spring through fall and runs every 7 minutes during peak hours. The free Springdale Shuttle connects various stops around town to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, where you can catch the Zion shuttle.Gateway town Springdale is just south of the South Entrance and offers lodging and dining options, plus groceries, outfitters, and shopping.

Visitor CentersThe main hub is the Zion Canyon Visitor Cen-ter, near the South Entrance. It has exhibits, a staffed info desk, ranger programs, and a bookstore; catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle here. Kolob Canyon Visitor Center on the northwest side also has rangers, exhibits, and a bookstore.

Lodging Zion Lodge has motel-style rooms and cabins 3 miles north of the South Entrance, plus a restaurant. Both are open year-round. Reserva-tions: zionlodge.com.

CampingZion has three developed campgrounds. The largest, Watchman Campground, is located just past the South Entrance and is open year-round. Reservations can be made for trips March-November. Some electrical hookups provided; dump station available ($20-$30/night). South Campground is just to the north and offers 127 first-come, first-serve campsites. Open March through November; no hookups, but there is a dump station ($16/night). Lava Point Campground has 6 first-come, first-serve sites on the north end of the park but no water. Usually open June to October.

TRAVEL LOGISTICSNeed-to-know details for planning your Utah national park trip.

ABRA KANABRA!Explosive colors. Dynamic landscapes. Friendly folks. Views that go on

forever. There’s only one way to experience the magic of Kanab in Southern Utah: start planning a trip today. For tips, go to visitsouthernutah.com