Utah is one of the best states in America for natural wonders. There are quite a few marquis national parks, all of which are worthwhile to visit. We have done the western part of the state and plan to do the eastern part this summer, so, once again, my post is a bit skewed since we have not seen the entire package. But the places we have seen are fantastic!

     The capital, Salt Lake City, is interesting to explore. Much of its attraction centers around the Mormon Church which is headquartered there. Temple Square is the focal point of the city.

Temple Square

     The Utah State House is also prominently located.

Utah State House

   The most intriguing and fanciful of Utah’s national parks is Bryce Canyon. It is famous for its hoodoos, tall columns of colorful rock, often clustered together in groups.

Bryce Canyon National Park

  Some hoodoos stand alone, like Thor’s Hammer.

Thor's Hammer

  Capitol Reef National Park preserves a large portion of the Waterpocket Fold, a significant geological feature that extends south to the Grand Canyon.

Capitol Reef National Park

  Another wonderful national park is located in the southwestern corner of the state. Zion National Park is like an upside down Grand Canyon. Visitors here traverse the base of a deep canyon looking up at the walls. As in the park name, the park’s attractions have religious names.

Great White Throne, Zion NP

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a huge area of canyons, buttes, and mesas which wind through the southern part of Utah. The scenery here is spectacular along State Route 12.

Grand Staircase Escalante NM

 Here is another example.

Grand Staircase Escalante NM