activities
night skies
The San Rafael Swell offers some of Utah’s best hiking trails. Hikes range from mild kid-friendly to intense mega-adventures. There is something for everybody here!
From slot canyons to Rock Art panels, there is a wide variety of adventures waiting you in and around the Swell. While many of the trails are well marked, some are a little more remote and require a little effort to find. It should also be noted that many of the trails offer no amenities, so bring water, snacks and of course… a camera!
DARK SKY CERTIFIED PARKS
Goblin Valley State Park
Explore Goblin Valley’s otherworldly landscape, featuring unique “hoodoo” sandstone rock formations (also known as “goblins”) formed by erosion over millions of years. Home to one of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world, Goblin Valley is a popular destination for stargazers, and has been officially designated an International Dark Sky…
Capital Reef National Park
Cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges make this park a geological wonder well-worth exploring. Capitol Reef is a hiker’s dream with no shortage of trails. From day hiking to backcountry hiking, the area rewards any and all efforts to get out and explore nature. The park rewards visitors with large sandstone domes, pillars, waterfalls and mysterious…
Arches National Park
Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches that more than 1 million visitors come from far and wide to see each year. Vibrant colors make these fragile geological formations a sight to see in the desert. Within the park’s more than 75,000 acres, you will find a myriad of other strange…