Favorite National Park in Utah (Sunset, Tropic: live, to move, nicest)

[Katzpur]

Utah has five national parks. To the best of my knowledge, there is no state that has more. I'm embarrassed to say that as a native Utahn, I have only been to three of the five, but I've been to those three so many times that I've lost count. I thought it would be fun to do a poll and see what everybody's favorite is and why.

[Katzpur]

Okay, so I'll start by explaining why Bryce is my favorite (even though Zion and Arches tie for a close second). I think it's partly because of some childhood memories that lay hidden in some corner of my mind -- seriously. When I go to Bryce, I am a child again. I had so many wonderful experiences there growing up that they all just come flooding back when I'm there. I could seriously stand at Sunset Point and look out on the majesty of Bryce for hours without wanting to move. I am speechless every time I see its beauty. I love hiking the Navajo Loop, especially when you start on the shady side where the trail goes back and forth from one side to the other and then, getting to the bottom and looking back up at where you started. I have three favorite places in the world, and all of them are as different from each other as night and day. Bryce Canyon is one of them.

[JaneyBlu]

I'd say the same thing about Zion. It reminds me of my childhood. Before my family moved to Utah, we lived back east and took yearly summer road trips out west. Zion was always on the grande tour. I loved hiking the narrows as a teen too.

[Dr. Greg W. Hancock]

I've visited two of them... Zion and Bryce Canyon and would rate them in that same order.

[Lmejh]

For the record, Alaska has eight national parks, but Alaska is massive. So five in such a small area (southern Utah) is impressive. Anyway, I'd vote Zion, followed by Arches.

[chaseystarz]

I voted for Bryce Canyon. I was 4 when my older sister took me. I remember looking down at all the Hoodoos and the color. I loved the park at sunrise.

[eddie cantrell]

I have visited all 5, but only the Island in the sky section in canyonlands, didn't get to make it to Neddles. All 5 are great, but I would rate like this
1) Bryce
2) Zion
3) Arches
4) Canyonland
5) Capital Reef -- although it is sad to put any one last, because all 5 are great

[stycotl]

i'm pretty sure that cali has 7 parks, and dozens of monuments and stuff.

either way, i'd say capitol reef is my favorite, though i love them all. one of the things that attracts me to capitol reef is the solitude. especially in the winter. it's almost time again...

[Katzpur]

This is interesting... Eddie puts Capitol Reef last (with a nice apology) and stycotl puts it first. I'd be interested in a further explanation. I don't even know what Capitol Reef looks like! By the way, guys, you gotta vote in the poll -- especially you, eddie, since you'd be voting for my favorite.

[Vichel]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I could seriously stand at Sunset Point and look out on the majesty of Bryce for hours without wanting to move. I am speechless every time I see its beauty. .

I can relate to that. I was there in May. Speechless. Didn't want to move, even for the pushy, loud French tourists who crowded & jostled around me. I managed to drown them out because I was in complete awe.

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I love hiking the Navajo Loop, especially when you start on the shady side where the trail goes back and forth from one side to the other and then, getting to the bottom and looking back up at where you started.

Oh yeah! We were there only a day and had to pick one hike. We picked the Navajo Loop and it was gorgeous. Next time, we're spending 4 or 5 days and seeing it all, including the Navajo Trail again.

The town of Tropic outside of Bryce was just so cute. So neat and pretty with the nicest people.