Utah is Nature's Playground

 

Utah is a land of extraordinary beauty, where nature’s artistry is on full display. With five national parks, countless state parks, and a rich history, it’s a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and 

curious travelers alike. Whether you’re hiking through canyons, wading through rivers, or marveling at 

ancient rock carvings, Utah offers an adventure for everyone. 

Somewhere by Zion

Zion is Utah's first national park, known for its towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and thrilling trails. Every turn brings a new marvel in scenery. Even the drive on the way to the park is something to see. Nature's playground at its finest. 

Zion National Park, Utah

With many trails to choose from, Zion National Park offers a hike for most any level/stage and age. Be careful to follow the guidelines to ensure you don't get in over your head, literally and figuratively speaking.

The Emerald Pools Trail has 3 Levels of Difficulty

The pay-off from visiting Utah in general, is getting to experience a new kind of scenic beauty around every bend. Even more true, at Zion National Park.

One of the many trails offered to the public in this park is the Emerald Pools Trail. The 3 levels offer excellent scenery, including waterfalls. The length and difficulty of the hike will vary depending on the level you wish to conquer.

The Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest to hike (Beginner-Level), and is about a mile-and-a-half long. You will come across waterfalls, which is always one of nature's big delights.

The Middle Pool becomes a more challenging part of the trail (Moderate-Level), and if you desire to continue forward, it will be closer to a mile-and-a-half long.

The Upper Pool is marked 'strenuous' and this is for the more experienced hikers (Strenuous-Level), willing to go the extra almost 2 and-a-half miles. If you decide to continue on, the biggest payoff, besides an even more elevated sense of scenery (pun intended) is the waterfall. 

Utah is a wonderful place with cool streams, shimmering pools, waterfalls, and lush greenery. You can literally see some of the most beautiful scenes in the United States.

The Narrows
 

The Narrows: A famous hike where you walk through the Virgin River, surrounded by canyon walls up

to 1,000 feet tall. Stop by the visitor's center and speak with a ranger to understand how the weather could change before you head out on the hike, and plan appropriately.

Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes/boots that can get wet (because they will get wet). You'll get a walking stick to navigate the rocky riverbed.

Colorado River Rafting

Rafting Tours (Guided): The Colorado and Green Rivers provide thrilling opportunities to raft with a new, inside take on the scenery. Take the guided tour and you'll find a sense of camaraderie with the other rafters and a well-versed guide to help you navigate.

 Canyonlands National Park, Utah

This park is divided into four districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers that carved the canyons. 

There's hiking, scenery, history and wilderness to be found. If you like to spend time outside, this is the place to be. Don't forget your camera, there are photo opportunities aplenty.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is famous for its amphitheaters filled with hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires (that look like totem poles) created by erosion. This is one of the places you can visit to see the hoodoos, without having to hike all the way down into the area where they have formed.

Mossy Cave has a popular hiking trail that varies from easy to moderate. It has one waterfall that is pretty any time of year, but I have heard it said that it is definitely a sight to behold in the winter when it freezes. This is definitely a highlight in Bryce.

Moab, Utah

The sheer size of the boulders is enough to take your breath away. It's been said many times over that Utah has beautiful scenery. That is an understatement, Utah has breathtaking scenery, and a lot of it.

The Birthing Scene Petroglyph Panel located just south of Moab, Utah is a large boulder covered with Native American rock art. This is famous because no other rock is known to depict the birthing scene in quite this way. 

A lot of people who come to Moab, search for the Solstice Snake Hieroglyph. Whether you find it or not, be careful where you're walking because there are living reptiles to be found as well.

Butch Cassidy's Boy Hood Home

Butch Cassidy became a wanted outlaw but before he was "Butch Cassidy," he was Robert Leroy Parker, and he grew up in the state of Utah. 

His childhood home is available to tour in Circleville, Utah. The teen did not even know who Butch Cassidy was.... Of course, some schooling had to be done as soon as the trip was over (aka watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). 😊😅

Utah is Nature's Playground

For those who love nature, Utah is truly a marvel to see. While you are there, be sure to consider the following:

Pack for the Weather: Utah’s climate varies dramatically by region and season. Bring layers, sun protection, and plenty of water. If you are hiking bring closed-toe shoes or boots (even better if they can get wet).

Plan Ahead: Some popular hikes require permits, and accommodations near national parks can fill up quickly.

Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve Utah’s beauty for future generations.

From the red rocks of Bryce to the sweeping views of Canyonlands, Utah is an unforgettable destination. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation. It's certainly a place that will leave you in awe.