Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Travel Guide 3rd

Perhaps nowhere else in the Southwest can compete with southern Utah when it comes to the sheer number of geological works of art. Soaring pinnacles and arches, dizzyingly deep canyons and rainbow-colored rocks are all par for the course. This is where the bones of the earth and the powerful natural processes that shape them are laid bare. Take the time to observe the different-colored layers stacked one upon the other: Kayenta, Navajo, Temple Cap, Carmel. These are snapshots of the planets distant past, and an amazing opportunity to take in the work of 240 million years in a single glance.

Theres no better way to get a feel for this red-rock wonderland than by having some fun. Serious fun. Whatever your sport, theres a good chance that Utah sets a pretty high standard. Hikes lead to majestic freestanding arches, secret oases, desert labyrinths and exposed traverses across narrow fins. Canyoneers rappel into the earths wrinkles to explore dark, mystical passageways filled with adventure. Moabs slickrock trails set the standard for mountain biking decades ago, while desert spires and mighty big walls are the envy of rock climbers around the world.

Though southern Utahs majestic parklands are hardly drive-by attractions, scenic roads abound. In fact, theyre an essential part of your journey here in canyon country, whether youre driving, cycling, riding the park shuttles in Zion and Bryce, or negotiating a teeth-rattling, nerve-wracking 4WD road in the rugged backcountry. And if there are moments when you feel as if youve seen that view in a Hollywood film, its because you probably have.

You could spend weeks immersed in the national parks and monuments. But then youd be missing out on some of the most memorable places, from arty, alternative-minded towns like Moab to Native American tribal lands and sites where prehistoric denizens made their mark. Detours are always worthwhile here, whether for an earthy plate of organic, farm-fresh food or to capture another top-of-the-world vista. Local state parks (Snow Canyon, Goblin Valley) and wilderness areas (Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs) deserve consideration, as does off-the-grid Cedar Mesa. Take our suggestions as starting points for your own sojourn.

, Zion Canyon
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Why I Love Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks

By Christopher Pitts, Writer

I love the prickly pears hot-pink blooms, the tenacity of crimson paintbrush draped across a rock face. I love exploring canyons: listening to echoes of water sometimes light and joyous, sometimes rumbling and ominous or just tracing its ancient passage along the smooth, rippling walls. I love how a place that seems so barren is in fact so full of wonder. Its much like life itself: from afar it might appear tough and unforgiving, but take the time for a closer look and youll find that each moment has its own special beauty.

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Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Top 15

The Narrows

. Its deceptively easy at first, but once you hit the confluence with Deep Creek youll be glad you brought that walking stick. By day two youll be wading through chest-deep pools, the echoes of the rushing water growing louder and the dark canyon squeezing tighter until you reach Wall Street, where the sheer sandstone buttresses shoot up a neck-craning 1500ft. No permit? No worries: day hikers can get wet too.

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Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Top 15

Canyoneering

Canyoneering is that perfect combination of adventure, problem-solving, unsettling beauty and commitment. And indeed, its that last element that gives the sport its particular thrill for once you rappel into a serious canyon, there is generally only one way out. Luckily, the remarkable diversity of chasms in Utah means that you dont always need a rope or wetsuit to find yourself in some hidden corner of the earth. Get a taste at Escalantes , which contains three nontechnical slots all within walking distance of one another.