Welcome to Utah, one of the most beautiful states with incredible hiking and camping locations. Utah is famous for its five amazing national parks, and Utah state parks are less well-known but equally worth visiting. Here are the best state parks in Utah and why you’ll love living near them and other opportunities for hiking and camping in Utah.
Dead Horse Point has to be one of the most jaw-dropping views in Utah—especially if you go at sunset or sunrise. When you get to the overlook you’ll see expansive red-rock canyons with a peninsula mesa, rivers, and desert life. Legend has it that cowboys used to corral horses on the peninsula (and hopefully the horses lived!)
Dead Horse Point is in Moab sandwiched between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park so it’s a perfect addition to a Southern Utah trip.
Utah may be landlocked, but there are a few beaches. Bear Lake State Park is one of the most beloved water recreation areas in the state. The area, in Bear Lake Valley, has the clear blue waters and beaches you’re imagining as well as opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. Come for the beautiful summer views and stay for the famous raspberry shakes!
Goblin Valley State Park is a must-see at least once in your lifetime and it’s still interesting to see no matter how many times you go! The park is a playground filled with hoo-doo “goblins” which are rock formations in strange shapes. At Goblin Valley, hiking in Utah feels like hiking in Mars with the park’s six marked trails. The park also offers opportunities for disc golf, mountain biking, stargazing, and camping!
Snow Canyon State Park is a red-rock wonderland that has a little bit of everything for everyone. Enjoy hiking, camping, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and taking in the views. The state park features ancient lava flows (hardened into sweeping textured rock formations across the area) and a mild climate.
Jordanelle State Park is a perfect summer party spot. It’s one of Utah’s most popular locations for watersports and camping with its full-service marina, children’s play area, rentals, and modern facilities. Plus, it’s conveniently located between Salt Lake and Heber. Visitors can come for a fun day trip or stay for a weekend.
A list of the best state parks in Utah wouldn’t be complete without Utah’s iconic Great Salt Lake State Park. The Great Salt Lake is an important part of Utah history as a remnant of Lake Bonneville, a Utah lake that formed 11,000 years ago. It gets its name from its salt content, which is 2-7 times higher than the ocean—which makes floating easy! The state park is a great place for boating, bird-watching, camping, and more. One thing to be aware of is that the Great Salt Lake is drying, so Utahns are working together to save the lake.
Utah is the place! If you love hiking and camping you’ll love living near all the amazing outdoor activities in Utah and the beautiful Utah state parks. Live a quick drive away from the treasure trove of adventure and memory-making locations for hiking and camping in Utah.
EDGEhomes is your homebase for all your explorations. Take a look at our Quick Move-ins, our communities we build in, and our blog with more information about what makes Utah so great!
03/15/2024
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