Utah's largest national park, carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers into a vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Island in the Sky, atop a massive mesa 30 minutes from Moab, is the most accessible, with sweeping overlooks and the famous Mesa Arch. The Maze is one of the most remote areas in the lower 48.
| Category | National Park |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Moab (Island in the Sky district); Monticello (Needles district) |
| Top activities | Overlook viewpoints, Hiking, 4x4 driving on the White Rim Road, Mountain biking, River rafting |
| Best time to visit | April-May and September-October; spring brings wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather. |
| Entrance fee | $30 per vehicle (7 days); $25 motorcycle; $15 per person. |
| Permits | No permit for day use on paved roads and trails; permits required for overnight backcountry trips, White Rim Road (day and overnight), and river trips. |
Visitor tip: Arrive at Mesa Arch 30-45 minutes before sunrise - the glow of dawn light under the arch is the park's signature photo, and the small lot fills fast.
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