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Best Utah State Camping & Hiking Spots

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Alex Rivera

Utah’s Outdoor Paradise: Utah Camping and Hiking Adventures

Utah is a haven for outdoor lovers, with landscapes ranging from red rock canyons to alpine forests. Whether you’re trekking to iconic arches or pitching a tent under a star-filled sky, these Utah camping and hiking destinations offer unforgettable experiences in every corner of the state.

Arches National Park: Iconic Rock Formations and Rugged Trails

  • Delicate Arch Trail: Hike to Utah’s most photographed landmark and soak in panoramic desert views.

  • Devils Garden: Explore a network of trails with access to multiple arches and sandstone fins.

  • Camping: Book a site at Devils Garden Campground for easy trail access and stunning night skies.

Zion National Park: Towering Canyons and Bucket-List Hikes

  • The Narrows: Walk through the Virgin River beneath sheer canyon walls.

  • Angels Landing: Tackle one of the park’s most exhilarating hikes for jaw-dropping views.

  • Camping: Stay at Watchman Campground, right next to the visitor center and shuttle stop.

Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos and High Elevation Trails

  • Queens Garden Trail: Descend into a wonderland of colorful hoodoos and spires.

  • Navajo Loop: Combine with Queens Garden for a magical hiking loop.

  • Camping: North and Sunset campgrounds provide easy access to the Bryce Amphitheater.

Canyonlands National Park: Wild Desert Landscapes

  • Island in the Sky: Visit Mesa Arch at sunrise or hike to Grand View Point.

  • The Needles: Discover rugged beauty and solitude on trails like Chesler Park Loop.

  • Camping: Choose Island in the Sky or Squaw Flat Campgrounds for starry desert nights.

Capitol Reef National Park: Geology and Solitude

  • Golden Throne Trail: Enjoy colorful cliffs and scenic overlooks with fewer crowds.

  • Scenic Drive: Cruise along the park’s Waterpocket Fold for breathtaking views.

  • Camping: Stay at Fruita Campground and snack on fresh fruit from the historic orchards.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Off-the-Grid Exploration

  • Lower Calf Creek Falls: A moderate hike to a hidden waterfall oasis.

  • Devils Garden: Wander among bizarre rock formations in a quiet corner of the desert.

  • Camping: Enjoy dispersed camping in remote locations—true wilderness solitude.

Antelope Island State Park: Wildlife and Water Views

  • Buffalo Point Trail: Short hike with panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake.

  • Wildlife Watching: Spot free-roaming bison, pronghorn, and migratory birds.

  • Camping: Set up at White Rock Bay Campground for sunset views and peaceful nights.

Hiking Tips for Utah Adventures

  • Check Conditions: Weather changes quickly—verify trail and road conditions before heading out.

  • Permit Awareness: Some hikes like Angels Landing require advance permits.

  • Leave No Trace: Respect nature by packing out all waste and staying on marked trails.

Embrace the Magic of Utah

From alpine lakes to sandstone arches, Utah camping and hiking spots deliver the kind of rugged beauty that stays with you long after the dust has settled. Whether you’re tackling a backcountry hike or relaxing by a campfire, Utah’s landscapes offer something unforgettable.

Explore more of our top picks for hiking trails and start charting your next great escape.

Posted in CampingTagged best camping spots, hiking in Utah, top hiking destinations, Utah camping, Utah outdoor adventures

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