7 spectacular Utah state parks that deserve national park status
It’s amazing that you can visit any one of Utah’s 46 state parks, and if you were to pick it up and move it to another state like Kansas, it would be declared a national park. Here are some of the top state parks in Utah to see in person!
1. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
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Near Kanab, this park features stunning coral-colored sand dunes against red rock formations creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. The dunes provide excellent opportunities for ATV riding, sandboarding, and photography in a setting that rivals national park scenery.
2. Dead Horse Point State Park
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Dead Horse Point State Park is popular for its spectacular views of the Colorado River as it passes near Moab, sitting atop the Colorado Plateau where 300 million years of geological history lie exposed in canyon walls. The dramatic overlook showcases the Colorado River’s gooseneck bend and layered canyon walls that rival views found in any national park.
3. Goosenecks State Park
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This primitive park offers views of the San Juan River 1,000 feet below through a rare geological formation called an entrenched meander. The dramatic overlook provides one of the most spectacular vistas in the American Southwest.
4. Kodachrome Basin State Park
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Located off Highway 12, this park features 67 monolithic stone spires called sedimentary pipes that accentuate multihued sandstone layers revealing 180 million years of geologic time. The unique geological formations exist nowhere else on Earth, making it a true natural wonder.
5. Quail Creek State Park
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Boasting some of the warmest waters in the state and a mild winter climate, Quail Creek Reservoir lures boaters and anglers year-round in a spectacular red rock desert setting. The contrast between deep blue water and red cliffs creates national park-quality scenery.
6. Sand Hollow State Park
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With its warm, blue waters and red sandstone landscape, Utah’s newest state park is also one of its most popular, offering boating and fishing on Sand Hollow Reservoir. The pristine reservoir nestled among Navajo sandstone formations combines water recreation with stunning desert beauty.
7. Snow Canyon State Park
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This park encompasses 7,400 acres featuring ancient lava flows, red and white Navajo sandstone canyons, lava tubes, and sand dunes. Located at the junction of three major ecosystems, its diverse geology and desert landscape rivals nearby Zion National Park.
