What’s the best thing about Utah? It’s probably stuff you’ve never heard of. That’s usually my answer when someone asks me the first question. People ask me that question because Utah tends to be my answer to any question about a favorite state I have visited.
Utah has five national parks, which is third in line nationally. California and Alaska top the list with nine and eight, respectively.
Utah is unique in terms of national parks because it contains “The Mighty Five” within its borders: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyon Lands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. They are some of the most iconic and well-visited parks in the national park system.
If you ask Jessi and me, we’ll tell you Utah actually has five-and-a-half national parks. Great Basin in Nevada seems closer to most of Utah than it is to most of Nevada. It’s also closer to a lot of Utah than some Utah national parks. Great Basin is one of our favorite national parks and seriously underrated.
In the summer of 2023, we spent more than four months exploring Utah while park hosting at Fremont Indian State Park. We created so much content for our YouTube channel that it warranted its own playlist.
One reason so much content is available is that Utah has much to see. Sure, the Mighty Five are incredible. They wouldn’t be so popular and revered if they didn’t live up to the hype.
But Utah has some incredible state parks. And, if you stay in the state long enough to connect with locals, you’ll soon find out about other places that are more off the beaten path but just as beautiful.
A recent post on The Travel website focused on the “8 Most Obscure State Parks in Utah To Visit Instead of National Parks.” It is exciting that their top eight list included Fremont. That park fits the bill regarding smaller parks that people don’t think about and don’t appreciate enough.
As you plan your trips for 2025, make sure Utah is on your list to spread some tourism dollars there. And go beyond the Mighty Five. Check out the state parks system. Maybe find a local willing to tell you about their favorite slot canyon or hiking trail with a mountain vista.
Then you’ll understand why my answer to “What’s a favorite state you’ve traveled to?” always includes Utah.
