Utah is known for its beautiful national and state parks, each with its unique features and landscapes. If you only have one day to visit Utah’s parks, here are some of the best options to consider:

  1. Zion National Park – Known for its towering red rock cliffs and narrow canyons, Zion is one of Utah’s most popular parks. Some of the park’s most famous landmarks include Angels Landing and The Narrows. You can hike the moderate Riverside Walk, a flat trail that leads to the start of the Narrows, or take the park shuttle to the Emerald Pools trailhead, a hike that takes you to three beautiful pools and a stunning waterfall.
  2. Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon features unique, spire-like rock formations known as hoodoos. The park’s most popular hike is the Queen’s Garden-Navajo Loop, a moderate 3-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the park’s hoodoos.
  3. Arches National Park – Arches is known for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as other unique rock formations like spires, fins, and balanced rocks. The park’s most famous landmark is the Delicate Arch, a 65-foot freestanding arch that is the most photographed spot in the park.
  4. Canyonlands National Park – Canyonlands is a vast park that encompasses rugged canyons, mesas, and buttes. One of the park’s most popular areas is the Island in the Sky, which features panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. You can hike the short Mesa Arch trail, a 0.5-mile round trip that takes you to a stunning viewpoint of the surrounding canyons.
  5. Antelope Island State Park – Antelope Island is located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake and is known for its unique wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep. You can hike the moderate Buffalo Point trail, a 2.5-mile hike that takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Great Salt Lake.

Be aware that driving times between parks can be long, so it’s best to choose just one or two parks to visit in a day, depending on your interests and travel time.