5 BUCKET LIST PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTHERN UTAH THIS SPRING
Utah is famous for is snow, but its red rocks are just as good. Spring is my favorite time of year to enjoy the beautiful red rocks of Southern Utah. There's less crowds and the temperatures are glorious (but don't forget your sunscreen).
Remember desert landscapes are very fragile. Please follow Leave No Trace Principles when visiting these locations. The desert is also more prone to flooding and flash floods, especially this year with the record snow fall UT has gotten. Check weather reports and use extreme caution.
Here are a few of the places that should be on everyones bucket list...
Lower Calf Creek Falls
# 1. Grand Staircase - Escalante
Technically this is a National Monument, but not a National Park! It is free to visit and one of the most underrated places in Utah in my opinion. It is a huge area with canyoneering, slot canyons, and even desert oasis's. Some trails are accessible only by 4x4 roads. Plenty of dispersed camping but many of the popular areas and trails get crowded.
My favorite things to do:
Explore Devils Garden - This is a great place for kids to run around and explore. We love to play hide 'n' go seek and have a picnic lunch here after exploring near by slot canyons. Always lots of lizards!
Canyoneer Golden Cathedral - This requires skill and is not a beginners route. But it makes a beautiful hike too. The hike is long and challenging, would be difficult with kids ( I wouldn't take my kids on this one) but the view are worth it.
Explore Spooky & Peekaboo slot canyons - If you've never done slot canyons these are great to start with! No ropes required. I like to link the two and make a loop. They are doable with children although you'll have to help boost them through a few parts. ( I did it 7 months prego with a 3 & 5 year old, they LOVED it!). There is some moderate scrambling required.
Take a dip in Lower Calf Creek Falls - This hike is famous (and crowded) for a reason, the desert oasis that is stunning. It's just under 6 miles round trip and family friendly (my 5 yr old sprinted the whole trail). You do have to pay to park for this hike, and the parking fills up early but since it doesn't take people all day to hike spots open up.
# 2. Goblin Valley
If you haven't heard of Goblin Valley you may have seen it in a movie. This unique landscape really does feel like you're on another planet. Our favorite thing to do here is play hide n go seek, fun for folks of all ages.
If you're short on time this is a great place to visit, you really only need a day here. But it's worth it to see. You can camp here although reservations are required far in advance. There is free dispersed camping near by.
It is a state park and has a $20/per car fee.
This area has lots of other great spots to check out, like Little Wild Horse Canyon. A slot canyon you can walk through. Again CHECK THE WEATHER & PAY ATTENTION. People have died here from flash floods.
# 3. Moab
Moab may be home to two National Parks, but there is so much to see outside of the parks that it needed to be on the list. Moab is a cool little adventure town, but it has gotten very crowded in recent years. If possible avoid visiting on weekends, holidays, and especially during the Jeep weekends. Things to do...
Dead Horse State Park - There is an entrance fee but the views are worth checking out, just as good as Canyonlands NP in my opinion. I like to visit for sunrise or sunset for the best views.
Rock Climbing - Moab has SO MUCH climbing. Bouldering, sport, trad, and of course the infamous desert sandstone cracks. World famous climbs can be found here, and some of the best family friendly crags.
Mountain Biking - People come from all over to ride some of Moabs famous trails. There is everything from expert to beginner levels. There are also some great paved trails if road biking is your jam.
Moab Music Park - This is such a fun park for kids. It has good shade too if you need to escape the heat of the day.
Hiking - You can't visit Moab without doing some hiking. My top 3 favorite kid-friendly trails are : Corona Arch, MillCreek, & Grandstaff Canyon. These are very popular trails and get crowded. Arrive early to get parking, but spots will open up.
Other adventures: You can also float the river, sky dive, go off-roading/jeeping, and BASE jump ( I have not done the last two so can't comment on those).
#4. Sand Hallow
Sand Hallow is a Sate Park and does have a $15/day a fee to enter. However it's a fun little staycation if you live in Utah. The red sand beaches are so fun for the kiddos and you can get a head start on your summer tan.
There is camping within the park, & free dispersed camping outside the park.
There are paddle board & kayak rentals.
Sand Hallow is notorious of Swimmer’s Itch ,an irritating, yet harmless rash caused by the human body’s allergic reaction to a free-swimming microscopic parasite found in shallow water. It is more common during the summer but can be present in the Spring months. Call the rangers or check the website for updates on this.
#5. Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon is another State Park that needs to be on your bucket list. It's like Zion NP's younger cousin. You can usually beat some of the crowds by visiting in the Spring. This is a great place to visit with kids and offers many family-friendly hikes. It also has a paved path that runs the length of the canyon making it accessible for individuals of all abilities. You can camp in the park but reservations need to be made in advance. What to do
Jenny's Canyon - Super short easy trail takes you to a "slot canyon" that is super fun for kids.
Butterfly to Lava Flow - This trail is doable for most kids. It offers beautiful views and takes you to some lava tubes you can climb down into (don't forget flashlights!).
Petrified Dunes - The views. The red sand is also fun for kids to play in.
Scout Cave- Technically this is just outside the park. It's just under 5 miles with some scrambling at the end which might be difficult for young children, but a fun trail for older kids to explore.
Have you been to all 5?! Which places would you put on this list?