Arches National Park is home to over 2000 natural stone arches. The most famous of these, and the most photographed, is the stunning delicate arch, standing like a horseshoe jutting out of the ground, framing the distant mountains. Numerous walking trails and hikes lead to the most popular arches and many other interesting rock formations. The premiere sites and hiking areas are Devil's Garden, Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, Double Arch, Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, the Windows, Broken Arch and Sandstone Arch.
Arches National Park is located just outside the town of Moab. The park is considerably higher than the town and reached via a winding road with impressive views.
The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in southeastern Utah near the Arizona. Numerous films and commercials have been shot in this scenic area which is famous for its picturesque red mesas, buttes, and surrounding desert. The Valley Drive is a 17 mile, self drive dirt road running through the spectacular scenery. Along the route are many of the famous sights and formations, with pullout areas for viewing and photography. For ventures beyond this road visitors must use a guide, which can be arranged at the visitor center. There are also excellent views from the entrance of the park at the Monument Valley Visitor Center.
Zion National Park, less than a three hour drive from Las Vegas, features some of Utah's most outstanding scenery, with red rock cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas. The falls are particularly impressive in the spring when the flow of water is abundant. Hikers will find all kinds of awesome hikes, from simple walks along the valley floor to the famous and more demanding Angel's Landing hike. From spring until fall a sightseeing bus takes visitors through the park, stopping at all the major sites and trail heads, making touring the park very simple.
Many of the park's most impressive sites are in Zion Canyon, along the scenic drive. The tallest towers and sandstone monoliths are found here, as are some of the more popular hiking trails. The 11 mile long Zion-Mount Carmel Highway goes off on the right at the junction of Pine Creek with the Virgin River, heading for the east entrance to the National Park.
Canyonlands National Park is Utah's version of the Grand Canyon. The park has three sections, but the main portion which attracts the majority of sightseers is "Island in the Sky". This area has incredible vistas looking out over the carved canyons below, and beyond to the snowcapped mountains. It is arguably as impressive as the Grand Canyon in its own unique way. The other sections of the park, the Needles District and the Maze offer a little different type of landscape but are also impressive. These areas are more remote.
One of the main attractions that is easily reached on a short walk is Mesa Arch. Here a beautiful arch, particularly stunning in the early morning hours, looks out to the landscape below. Also of note, although not necessarily something that everyone wants to do, is the White Rim Road, which runs down from the Island in the Sky portion of the park to the valley below. This winding dirt road runs along sheer cliffs and dramatic drop offs as it descends. Visitors can catch a glimpse down over the road, across from the Island in the Sky Visitors' Center.
Bryce Canyon, located at an elevation of 8000 to 9000 feet, is home to some interesting landscapes. The most unique features are the tightly packed stone pillars that jut up from the floor of a huge natural amphitheater. The orange colored rocks glow in the sun, contrasting beautifully with the green trees. Due to the high elevation the area is cooler and receives snowfall during the winter months and into spring. The best time to visit it is from April to October.
Park City is a popular ski destination in Utah, with several ski hills in the surrounding area. Deer Valley Resort, Canyons Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort are some of the main ski destinations in the state. The Olympic Sports Park, also located in the vicinity, was used as a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
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