Did you know that Utah is home to five National Parks? Only California and Alaska contain more national parks; however, the close proximity of the parks in Utah makes it easy to visit several during the same trip. Last month, I wrote about my time at Zion National Park, and from there, I traveled on to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef at the beginning of October. Despite the three parks being located near each other in southwest and south-central Utah, they are vastly different in landscape and features. Bryce Canyon boasts natural amphitheaters and hoodoos, which are columns of weathered rock, while Capitol Reef is expansive and features red cliffs and canyons. Both parks are Certified Dark Sky Parks which means that they’re protected from using excessive artificial light and enact policies to reduce light pollution, making them prime areas to stargaze. Whether exploring by car or hiking to get up-close to the beauty, these parks provide breathtaking views unlike anywhere else in the U.S. I hope my pictures stir your sense of adventure!
Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon National Park
Scenic point, Bryce Canyon National Park
Hoodoo features, Bryce Canyon National Park
Willis Creek, Kodachrome Basin State Park (near Bryce Canyon)
Capitol Reef National Park
Fremont River, Capitol Reef National Park
Ancient petroglyphs, Capitol Reef National Park
Milky Way at night, Capitol Reef National Park