A few summers ago, a local woman named Jan and her teenage grandson were hiking on a trail outside. It was just a quick ...

Arches, Zion, and Canyonlands are must-visit national parks, but don't sleep on this one. Here's why you need to add Utah's Capitol Reef to your list.

If you're looking for a scenic road trip that takes you to a variety of beautiful parks and monuments, then this Utah byway is a must-drive!

Zion National Park sits near the Utah-Arizona border. It’s within a few hours' drive of other Southwest national parks like Bryce Canyon (70 miles) and Capitol Reef (175 miles).

Zion National Park sits near the Utah-Arizona border. It’s within a few hours' drive of other Southwest national parks like Bryce Canyon (70 miles) and Capitol Reef (175 miles).

After visiting all 63 US National Parks, my favorite, lesser-known recommendations include Gates of the Arctic, New River Gorge, and Big Bend.

From beginner to advanced, these are the best hikes in Utah’s national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef.

That’s the beauty of the Annie’s Canyon Trail, a short, inviting slot canyon hike etched into the southern end of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve about 20 miles north of San Diego.

Day hikers can explore trails of various intensities. There are also myriad backcountry routes “into narrow, twisting gorges, slot canyons, and to spectacular viewpoints,” according to the park.

Day hikers can explore trails of various intensities. There are also myriad backcountry routes “into narrow, twisting gorges, slot canyons, and to spectacular viewpoints,” according to the park.

Given that Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are all within about 200 miles of each other, why not?

That’s what you get in south-central Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park, a must-see stop on a tour through the Southwest. It's a treasure trove of cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges.