Utah’s Unusual and Spectacular Public Lands

This is a guest post by our friends, Matt and Karen Smith.

Few states compare to the diversity of natural wonders that Utah offers.

Seventy-one percent of the state is public land, and here you’ll find everything from dinosaur fossils to bison to rock pinnacles and arches towering over the landscape.

Every corner of the state offers visitors a chance to discover unique landscapes and cultural treasures, experience exhilarating outdoor adventures, and even see some of the resident wildlife.

Below is a sample of the many must-see places in the state that we go back to again and again.

Antelope Island State Park

Would you ever guess that just beyond the shadows of bustling Salt Lake City sits an island wilderness home to several hundred American bison? It’s true. Antelope Island, surrounded by Utah’s Great Salt Lake, is a scenic haven where bison roam freely across expansive grasslands.

Brought there in the late 19th century in an effort to save the species from extinction, the bison herd now thrives. The park actively manages them with annual health checks and monitoring as part of their conservation of the island’s unique environment.

This 42-square-mile state park is also home to pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and numerous bird species. It boasts more than 45 miles of hiking trails and spectacular sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities.

Stay at the Best Western Plus Layton Park Hotel.

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument, straddling the border of Utah and Colorado in the northeastern part of the state, is a treasure of prehistoric wonders.

Less than a 30-minute drive east of Vernal, Utah, visitors can explore Quarry Exhibit Hall, where hundreds of fossilized dinosaur bones are embedded in rock for a vivid reminder that these creatures called this area home millions of years ago.

Beyond these paleontological marvels, the monument offers rugged canyons carved by the Green and Yampa Rivers, sweeping desert vistas, and petroglyphs left by ancient peoples, making it a fascinating destination for history and nature enthusiasts.

Stay at the Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Otherworldly is an accurate description of the “hoodoo” rock formations found in southern Utah. And Bryce Canyon National Park has the highest concentration of hoodoos anywhere.

These towering rock spires, sculpted by wind and weather over thousands of years, create a mesmerizing landscape painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and white. Visitors can experience these natural wonders from the many viewpoints along the canyon’s rim or by hiking into the park’s amphitheater for a close-up adventure.

Open all year, the park is equally stunning in any season. And with a dusting of snow, the canyon becomes a truly magical place to experience. With the canyon rim at an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, it can be chilly any time of the year, especially in the winter months.

Stay at the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, just north of Springdale, Utah, is the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

With the Virgin River creating a lush valley between towering canyon walls, visitors are surrounded by stunning views and numerous hiking options. Trails lead up the rock walls to scenic overlooks as well as through the river’s narrow slot canyon, where hikers wade upstream for a truly unique experience.

When we visit Zion, we always make time to drive Highway 9 through the park from the southern entrance by Springdale to the east entrance above the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and back. This way, we get to see the park’s spectacular views from each direction.

Stay at the Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches ranging from three-foot openings to expansive gaps spanning hundreds of feet. Sculpted by millions of years of erosion, this desert landscape is like no other in the world, with delicate stone bridges, towering fins, and even a few precariously balanced massive boulders.

A drive through the park alone is worth the visit, but there are also numerous hiking trails that lead to beautiful viewpoints of some of the more dramatic rock formations.

Every trail within the park is worth hiking, but if you only have time for one, consider the 3-mile roundtrip trek to Delicate Arch. Give yourself 2 to 3 hours to complete the hike, and try to get to the parking lot early to beat the crowds.

Sunrises and sunsets are also stunning in the park. With the arches painted in vivid hues, you’ll be glad you arrived early or stayed late to see the show.

Stay at the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn or Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn.