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.
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.
From Alstrom Point in Glen Canyon, the panorama sweeps across Lake Powell’s maze of finger-like canyons. Hoodoo rock formations rise dramatically above the water, and at sunset the entire scene glows in warm light, creating one of the Southwest’s most unforgettable vistas.
One of my favorite spots in the Southwest United States is the breathtaking Valley of the Gods in Southern Utah. With this Valley of the Gods guide in hand, you can be certain your trip to this enchanting place will be one you will never forget.
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.
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.
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