The Best State and National Parks in Central Utah

If you’re looking to escape somewhere in the great outdoors, Utah is the place to be. Normally, people think of southern Utah as one of the bastions of outdoor adventure and national parks, but central Utah should NOT be overlooked. 

There are actually several interesting national and state parks right near Signal Peak Mini Resort that our guests love to visit. Maybe one of these will be a surprise favorite!

Fremont Indian State Park

Delve into the mysteries and culture of the Native Americans who lived in Utah long ago. The Fremont Indians roamed this valley one millennium ago. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to peruse the galleries, exhibits, and artifacts that have been attributed to the Indians here. Some interactive activities allow you to create your own souvenirs from the park.

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Hiking Trails

Head outside for a diverse assortment of hiking trails that show off different facets of ancient Native life. 

The Paiute Trail was probably used for travel during hunting trips. The trail is the longest in the park and has beautiful natural scenery and petroglyphs to admire.

The Cave of 100 Hands Trail shows off a remarkable cave with hand prints creating a collage of red on the rock. It’s definitely a must-see stop in the park.

The Parade of Rock Art is a highly accessible trail that allows you to see some creations from the Fremont Indians without needing to navigate some of the harsher trails.

Fremont Indian State Park is not just a museum, though. You’ll be able to hop on the Paiute ATV Trail for a day of high-speed entertainment. Need help with your ATV planning? We have you covered.

Fish Lake

Want to spend more time having fun and less time driving? Fish Lake is arguably the best place to go if you’re looking for a variety of things to do. 

You can definitely expect swimming, fishing, and boating here, but there’s also a number of perfect ATV trails, hunting areas, and horseback riding experiences for you to enjoy in this outdoor paradise.

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Capitol Reef National Park

Guests who want to see a hint of the classic southern Utah red rock, but don’t want to stray too far from the resort should plan a trip to Capitol Reef. Its most famous feature is its Waterpocket District that shows the geologic fold that formed here.

There are dozens of hikes that can give you a different vantage point to see this major attraction, but there are plenty of others that will let you explore slot canyons and valleys.

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The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

For some truly unforgettable views throughout the spring, summer, and fall, drive the scenic drive in Capitol Reef. The road is 8 miles long and will grant you access to some of the most picturesque areas of the park. Put this one on your to-do list.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon has some of the most diverse geologic features in the state of Utah. The Bryce Amphitheater boasts one of the largest congregations of geologic spires on the planet, and its hike is fairly accessible for most people.

If you’re a backpacker or hiker, there are a ton of mountain points for you to climb throughout your stay with us. Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Bryce Point all give you different vista-filled views of the park and surrounding landscape. This is only three of the dozens of hills you can scale. Take a look at all the other fun things you can do here!

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We hope you get to experience all of these astoundingly beautiful parks when you stay at Signal Peak Mini Resort. Take a look at some of  our cottages and plan a trip here today!