Arches
Over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the one on Utah's license plate.
5 national parks in Utah
National Parks in Utah
Utah has 5 national parks. Here's when each one is at its best, and the months that work for seeing several on one trip.
October is the best overall for Utah's parks. Arches: Apr–May, Oct; Bryce Canyon: May–Jun, Sep–Oct; Canyonlands: Apr–May, Oct; Capitol Reef: Apr–May, Sep–Oct; Zion: Apr, Oct–Nov.
Season calendar
The parks
Bryce Canyon
A forest of orange hoodoos at 8,000 feet, and some of the darkest night skies in America.
Canyonlands
A vast maze of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green rivers.
Capitol Reef
Utah's quiet park: a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth, historic orchards and fresh pie.
Zion
Towering sandstone cliffs, a river you hike through, and Utah's most famous trail.
Road trips through Utah
Utah's Mighty 5
All five of Utah's national parks in one loop of red rock, slot canyons and hoodoos. It's the most popular national park road trip in America for good reason.
Grand Canyon, Zion & Bryce
The classic Southwest loop from Las Vegas: the Grand Canyon's South Rim, Zion's narrow canyon and Bryce's hoodoos.
Nearby parks in other states
Grand Canyon
Arizona · Best Apr–May, Oct
Mesa Verde
Colorado · Best May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Great Basin
Nevada · Best Jul–Sep
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Colorado · Best May–Sep
Questions
How many national parks are in Utah?
Utah has 5 national parks: Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park.
When is the best time to visit national parks in Utah?
October is the best overall for Utah's parks. Arches: Apr–May, Oct; Bryce Canyon: May–Jun, Sep–Oct; Canyonlands: Apr–May, Oct; Capitol Reef: Apr–May, Sep–Oct; Zion: Apr, Oct–Nov.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.