Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park

Capitol Reef National Park – We recognize that this may be an unpopular opinion, but this is our favorite Utah national park. We loved the hiking and history of the park. The scenic drive is beautiful, the orchards are unique, and the pie from Gifford House was delicious. Our favorite hikes and sites were the River Trail, Petroglyph Trail, Panorama Point, Castle Overlook, Hickman Bridge Trail, and Grand Wash Trail. In the area, we also visited Etta Place Cidery where we had a tasty flight, and we learned more about the history of the area, water shares, and orchards. We stayed in Torrey at the Broken Spur which offered good dinners and breakfasts.

Goblin Valley State Park – On our route to Capitol Reef National Park from Moab, we stopped at this otherworldly park. It is unlike any other park and gives you the opportunity to choose your own adventure! You can walk amongst the goblins!

On a longer trip, these parks can be combined with the other mighty five Utah national parks. Read more on Utah and National Parks