National Forest Utah Map

National Forest Utah Map

If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Utah’s national forests are the perfect destination. With breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in these natural wonderlands. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-see sights in Utah’s national forests.

Top Attractions

Utah’s national forests are home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. From towering mountains to deep canyons, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring landscapes to explore. Some of the top attractions in Utah’s national forests include:

Arches National Park

Located in the heart of Moab, Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park to see some of the most iconic arches, including Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch.

Canyonlands National Park

Also located in Moab, Canyonlands National Park is known for its dramatic canyons, towering mesas, and panoramic vistas. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park to see some of the most stunning sights, including the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze.

Zion National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is known for its towering red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush valleys. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park to see some of the most iconic sights, including the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the Narrows, and Angel’s Landing.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions in Utah’s national forests are certainly worth a visit, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Some of the best hidden gems in Utah’s national forests include:

Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its distinctive hoodoos, or rock formations, which are formed by erosion. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park to see some of the most unique and stunning landscapes in the world.

Dixie National Forest

Located in southern Utah, Dixie National Forest is known for its stunning red rock formations, towering ponderosa pines, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the many hiking trails, fishing streams, and scenic drives in the park to experience the beauty of this hidden gem.

Manti-La Sal National Forest

Located in central Utah, Manti-La Sal National Forest is known for its rugged peaks, lush forests, and stunning vistas. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah.

Food Scene

Utah’s national forests are home to some of the best food in the state. From local favorites to upscale dining, there’s something for every taste and budget. Some of the best places to eat in Utah’s national forests include:

Moab Brewery

Located in Moab, Moab Brewery is known for its delicious craft beers and pub fare. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer and a burger after a long day of hiking or exploring the national parks.

The Hell’s Backbone Grill

Located in Boulder, The Hell’s Backbone Grill is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, such as trout, lamb, and organic vegetables.

Chuckwagon Cookout

Located in Zion National Park, the Chuckwagon Cookout is a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy a western-style barbecue dinner while taking in the beauty of Zion Canyon.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Visiting Utah’s national forests doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and some budget-friendly tips, you can experience all the beauty and adventure of these natural wonderlands without spending a fortune. Some of the best budget-friendly tips for visiting Utah’s national forests include:

Camping

One of the best ways to save money on your trip to Utah’s national forests is to camp. There are plenty of campsites available in the national parks and national forests, and many of them are very affordable. You can also save money by bringing your own food and cooking your meals at the campsite.

Midweek Visits

If you’re planning a visit to Utah’s national forests, consider going midweek instead of on the weekend. Many of the attractions and activities are less crowded during the week, and some of the hotels and campgrounds may offer lower rates.

Free Activities

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Utah’s national forests, such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. You can also find free ranger-led programs and educational activities in many of the parks and forests.

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re looking for adventure, Utah’s national forests are the perfect destination. With endless opportunities for hiking, biking, climbing, and more, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Some of the best outdoor adventures in Utah’s national forests include:

Hiking

Utah’s national forests are home to some of the best hiking trails in the world. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging trek, there’s a trail for every skill level. Some of the best hikes in Utah’s national forests include Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, and the Narrows in Zion National Park.

Biking

Utah’s national forests are also a great place to go biking. With miles of scenic trails and roads, you can explore the beauty of the parks and forests on two wheels. Some of the best biking trails in Utah’s national forests include the Slickrock Bike Trail in Moab, the Gooseberry Mesa Trail in Dixie National Forest, and the Thunder Mountain Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Climbing

For the more adventurous, Utah’s national forests offer some of the best climbing in the world. With towering red cliffs, deep canyons, and challenging routes, there’s no shortage of climbing opportunities. Some of the best climbing spots in Utah’s national forests include Indian Creek in Canyonlands National Park, Wall Street in Moab, and the Fisher Towers in Arches National Park.

Family-Friendly Activities

Utah’s national forests are a great place to take the whole family. With plenty of activities for kids and adults alike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the best family-friendly activities in Utah’s national forests include:

Jr. Ranger Program

Many of the national parks and forests in Utah offer a Jr. Ranger Program, which allows kids to learn about the parks and forests while completing fun activities and earning a badge.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a fun activity for the whole family that involves using GPS to find hidden treasures in the parks and forests. Kids will love the thrill of the hunt, and parents will love the opportunity to explore the beauty of the parks and forests.

Horseback Riding

Many of the national parks and forests in Utah offer horseback riding tours, which are a great way to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time. Kids will love the chance to ride a horse through the beautiful landscapes, and parents will love the opportunity to relax and take in the scenery.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little more unique and off-the-beaten-path, there are plenty of experiences to be had in Utah’s national forests. From stargazing to hot air ballooning, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered. Some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences in Utah’s national forests include:

Stargazing

Utah’s national forests are known for their dark skies, which make them the perfect place for stargazing. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just looking for a romantic evening under the stars, there are plenty of opportunities to see the night sky in all its glory.

Hot Air Ballooning

For a truly unique experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over Utah’s national forests. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes and be able to appreciate the beauty of the parks and forests in a whole new way.

River Rafting

Utah’s national forests are home to some of the best river rafting in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time rafter, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the thrill of the rapids and see the beauty of the parks and forests from a new perspective.

Natural Wonders

Utah’s national forests are home to