Nestled in southeastern Utah, this remarkable national monument is renowned for its impressive natural rock formations, which have been sculpted by the relentless forces of nature over thousands of years. The main attraction at the site are three magnificent natural bridges—Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo—each showcasing unique characteristics and breathtaking views. In this guide, I provide you with all the information you will need to visit this remarkable parkland.
Southern Utah boasts striking landscapes, sweeping vistas, unforgettable national parks, and otherworldly views. Aside from natural wonders, Southern Utah’s appeal lies in towns such as Springdale, Colorado City, and Kanab serving up unforgettable meals paired with local adventures and cozy lodging.
If you have been searching for a Southwest United States travel itinerary that hits all the top spots, you are in luck. I have spent the last 20-plus years exploring the Southern Utah and Northern Arizona areas. Without a doubt, these are some of my favorite areas in the United States. With a countless number of stunning canyons, incredible rock formations, and amazing slot canyons to explore, it is an outdoor adventure wonderland.
However, there are so many incredible things to see that it can be a bit overwhelming to plan a trip. That is where this Southwest United States travel itinerary will come in handy. Not only does it hit all of the top spots to see, but it does it in the most logical way possible. That’s right, this itinerary minimizes your driving so that you have more time to explore.
There are many incredible state parklands in the United States, but Dead Horse Point State Park in Southern Utah might just be the most renowned. The park, which gets its name from a legend that cowboys used the peninsula of rock surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs to corral wild mustangs.
According to the legend, horses were once left corralled on the waterless point where they died of thirst. If you believe the legend, these dead horses still haunt the park to this day.
While most people who visit Glen Canyon come to spend time on the water or on one of the area’s many beaches, its prettiest viewpoint is located far away from any beach. Nestled on a cape that extends south into Lake Powell from Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay is where you will find the iconic Alstrom Point viewpoint.
From Alstrom Point, you can see straight across Lake Powell. Looking down on a cross-section of the lake, you have a perfect viewpoint to appreciate all of the lake’s finger-like canyons. As you gaze across the horizon, your eyes will feast on the beauty of the hoodoo rock formations climbing out to rise above the water. And at sunset, you will marvel as the entire landscape seems to glow with the setting sun.
While Southern Utah’s five incredible national parks may get most of the attention from visiting travelers, you would be remiss to discount the region’s many incredible state parks. One of the most popular and most beautiful of these state parks is the amazing Goblin Valley State Park. Renowned for its valley filled with stunning rock formations, Goblin Valley State Park rivals Bryce Canyon National Park in terms of beautiful rock formations. In addition to the beauty of the park, there are also several incredible things for visitors to do within the park as well. In this Goblin Valley State Park guide, I will spotlight the many spectacular viewpoints, trails, and activities that are available to travelers who visit the park.
monuments, state parks, and recreation areas with miles upon miles of incredible trails and challenging climbing routes to explore. Some of the most popular features in the area with outdoor enthusiasts are the many incredible slot canyons. In this Leprechaun Canyon trail guide, I am going to let you know why the Leprechaun Canyon slot is one of my favorite slot canyons in all of Southern Utah. Not only is this slot canyon incredibly beautiful, but it is also one of the lesser-known slot canyons in the area, so it is not nearly as crowded as some of the others. Best of all, the Leprechaun Canyon slot is relatively easy to get to and explore (if you aren’t doing any climbing), so it is a slot canyon that the whole family can enjoy!
Southern Utah has no shortage of stunning backcountry hikes, but the trek to Reflection Canyon is my favorite—and one of the toughest. The unmarked 15‑mile round‑trip route winds through slot canyons and deep washes with almost no shade, fully earning its “Difficult” rating. The beauty of Reflection Canyon is unforgettable, but preparation is essential. I created this Reflection Canyon trail guide to help you get ready so you can complete the hike safely and confidently.
Today has been a day of highs and lows for me, so this post is gonna be kind of all over the place from an emotional standpoint. An unexpected weather front is moving in, so it looks like I am going to have to cancel my Rainbow Bridge National Monument hike.
Since I had to push back my plans to visit the Middle East this autumn, I have decided to take another road trip out West to visit some of the lesser-known spots in Southern Utah that I have been want to visit for a while. On this Southern Utah road trip, I plan on spending some extra time to see some of the harder to reach places that I haven’t had the time to see in the past. Places like the incredible Reflection Canyon and the Rainbow Bridge National Monument in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
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