When most people think of Utah, they picture the Mighty Five National Parks, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. While these iconic parks are bucket-list worthy, Utah is also home to 46 state parks, 6 national monuments, and countless underrated landscapes that many travelers overlook.

From otherworldly hoodoos and ancient petroglyphs to pink sand dunes and dinosaur fossils, Utah’s hidden parks deliver just as much adventure (without the heavy crowds). If you’re looking to find secret adventures beyond the famous spots, here are 10 road trip ideas in Utah you’ll definitely want on your bucket list.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

1. Goblin Valley State Park

Ever seen rocks that look like goblins, gnomes, or giant mushrooms? Goblin Valley’s whimsical hoodoos are a playground for both kids and adults. Visitors can hike, climb, and wander freely among the formations, making it one of Utah’s most interactive landscapes. If you like other worldly destinations, this park is for you. Best seasons to visit are spring and fall. You will find this park along Utah’s Mighty Five Loop.

2. Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

With jaw-dropping slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo Gulch and Spooky Canyon, this monument rivals even Zion in beauty. Unlike the crowds at Antelope Canyon, Escalante’s canyons are peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for a half-day hike. Don’t miss the vibrant Zebra Canyon for striped rock walls unlike anywhere else. Binoculars come in handy to see those stripes! We got these Occer binoculars on Amazon and we really like them.

3. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Step back in time with trails lined by millions-of-years-old petrified wood. The 2-mile Petrified Forest Trail showcases glowing red, green, and golden logs that have been turned to stone. It’s like walking through an ancient storybook of Earth’s history.

4. Fremont Indian State Park

This park blends archaeology, history, and scenic hikes. See petroglyphs carved into cliffs by the Fremont people, then explore the Five Finger Ridge Trail for sweeping canyon views. The on-site museum adds depth with artifacts and cultural exhibits.

5. Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument

Nicknamed the “rock that tells a story,” Newspaper Rock features a massive wall of ancient petroglyphs, depicting humans, animals, tools, and abstract symbols etched into sandstone. Pair this stop with a drive along the Indian Creek Scenic Byway, which eventually leads to Canyonlands’ Needles District. This is just one place to see Utah’s petroglyphs and pictographs.

6. Valley of the Gods

Often called a smaller version of Monument Valley, this area is filled with towering sandstone buttes with names like “Seven Sailors” and “Lady in the Bathtub.” Drive the 17-mile scenic loop for stunning desert views. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended after heavy rain.

Pro Tip: Whatever you do don’t forget to bring your camera! You will want to look back on these memories. Find a camera that is easy to carry in your bag, so you have it handy. I love my Kodak PixPro, it’s a great size and takes really nice pictures and videos.

7. Nine Mile Canyon

Known as the “World’s Longest Art Gallery,” this 46-mile canyon is home to thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs. Along the scenic drive, you’ll find marked stops and picnic spots perfect for a leisurely day of exploration. Don’t forget your camera!

8. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Just an hour from Zion, this park glows with vibrant coral-colored sand dunes set against red rock cliffs. Visitors love sandboarding, hiking, and photography.

Pro Tip: If you visit in winter, the pink dunes look stunning against the snow.

9. Bonneville Salt Flats

Stretching for 46 square miles, the Bonneville Salt Flats look like another planet. The shimmering, flat white landscape is best visited in summer or fall when dry conditions allow you to drive across the salt crust.

*Pro tip: Sunset and sunrise here are unforgettable.

10. Dinosaur National Monument

Straddling Utah and Colorado, this monument is a dream for dino lovers. The Quarry Exhibit Hall displays over 1,000 dinosaur fossils still embedded in rock walls. Beyond the bones, explore scenic drives, petroglyphs, and sweeping canyon views along Harpers Corner Road.

 Final Thoughts on Utah’s Hidden Parks

Utah is a land of endless wonder, from slot canyons and sand dunes to petroglyphs and petrified forests. While the Mighty Five draw the crowds, these underrated Utah parks offer adventure, history, and natural beauty without the hustle.

Next time you’re road-tripping through the Beehive State, make room on your itinerary for these hidden gems, they just might become your favorite stops. Utah has some amazing state parks worth visiting and so do most other states. If you can’t get away for a long trip, investigate what your state has to offer. I bet you’ll be surprised. If you need help finding new places to visit or with planning a road trip, check out roadtrippers.com. They have lots of great information. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5.

We enjoy sharing information and tips we learn along the way to help you plan your next trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make lots of memories!

The post 10 Hidden Gem Parks in Utah You Must See appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

Utah is full of jaw-dropping landscapes, but some places feel so unusual you might wonder if you’ve left Earth altogether. Beyond the iconic Utah national parks, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Park, Southern Utah is packed with surreal destinations that look like they belong on Mars, the Moon, or in a fantasy movie.

From alien-like hoodoos and colorful slot canyons to bizarre desert monoliths, these unusual landscapes are perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone chasing Utah’s stranger side. Here are some of the most unique places to visit in Southern Utah.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

Did We Travel to Mars? Hanksville & The Mars Desert Research Station

The town of Hanksville, Utah sits in the middle of landscapes that look more like Mars than Earth. Surrounding rock layers of Wingate, Navajo Sandstone, Mancos Shale, and Chinle formations give the area its red-planet vibe.

This terrain caught the attention of The Mars Society, which built the Mars Desert Research Station nearby to simulate what life might be like on Mars. While the station itself isn’t open to the public, you can view it from the road and explore the surrounding Martian-like desert.

Bentonite Hills – Utah’s Lunar-Like Clay Landscape

Just an hour from Hanksville lies the surreal Bentonite Hills, a favorite among photographers and geologists. The soft clay creates waves of purple, red, and gray that look like a lunar landscape.

These formations are extremely fragile, so it’s important to stick to established roads and trails. This is one of those Southern Utah hidden gems that looks almost too strange to be real.

Always follow the Leave No Trace Principles. Learn more: Guide to Leave No Trace

Moonscape Overlook – Skyline View Near Factory Butte

If you’re chasing unforgettable views, you can’t miss Moonscape Overlook, also known as Skyline View. This dramatic cliffside viewpoint near Factory Butte offers panoramic vistas of badlands, rugged canyons, and desert monoliths stretching to the horizon.

The crumbly rock edges make it dangerous to get too close, so admire the view safely from a distance. Located about 16 miles west of Hanksville, this spot is a must for anyone exploring Factory Butte.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars that have a camera so you can still take great pictures even when you can’t get too close. We like these because of the 8X zoom.

Factory Butte – A Cathedral in the Desert

Rising 6,302 feet above the desert floor, Factory Butte is one of Southern Utah’s most striking landmarks. Its sheer size and flat-topped shape make it look almost manmade, like a massive desert cathedral.

Located just east of Capitol Reef National Park, Factory Butte is surrounded by barren desert and open skies, often dotted with mule deer. It’s a classic Utah roadside stop for landscape photographers and adventurers alike.

The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael Swell

Nicknamed the Little Grand Canyon, this hidden gem offers sweeping canyon views without the crowds of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Located in the San Rafael Swell, the best place to experience it is from the Wedge Overlook, where you’ll find multiple viewpoints with incredible perspectives of the gorge’s steep cliffs and layered rock formations.

It’s an off-the-beaten-path stop that showcases Utah’s canyon country at its finest. You can take the Wedge Overlook drive which cuts through the heart of the northern portion of the San Rafael Swell, providing access to several scenic play areas including the “Little Grand Canyon” of the San Rafael River, an ancient rock art panel in Buckhorn Draw and a camping area near the Swinging Bridge over the river.

Slot Canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon & Beyond

Utah is famous for its slot canyons, and near Hanksville, Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most accessible and family friendly. The winding sandstone walls shift in color from deep reds to purples and golds, creating that otherworldly feel Utah is known for. Little Wild Horse trail is 3.3 miles one way or extend it into an 8-mile loop with Bell Canyon. It’s good for beginners, no ropes or climbing gear required.

More advanced slot canyons nearby: Ding and Dang, Little Bull, Blarney Canyon Loop, and Leprechaun Canyon (these require technical gear and experience).

Goblin Valley State Park – Utah’s Alien Playground

Located just 15 minutes north of Hanksville, Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah’s most bizarre landscapes. Thousands of sandstone hoodoos nicknamed “goblins,” fill the valley, shaped like mushrooms, chimneys, gnomes, and alien-like creatures.

With three main hiking trails and plenty of areas to explore off-trail, this park feels like walking through another planet. It’s often compared to a real-life Mars or moonscape, making it one of the most unique state parks in Utah.

Pro Tip: Be sure to always carry water with you. Parts of Utah are very dry and arid and it’s easy to become dehydrated. We like this water bottle because it clips easy to our daypacks and even belt buckles.

Little Egypt Geologic Site – A Secluded Hoodoo Wonderland

For a quieter alternative to Goblin Valley, head 30 minutes south of Hanksville to Little Egypt Geologic Site. Here, eerie stone hoodoos resemble ancient Egyptian temples, giving the site its name.

This small but stunning area is less visited, making it perfect if you want solitude while exploring unusual formations.

Long Dong Silver – Utah’s Remote Twin Spires

One of Southern Utah’s strangest and least-known formations, Long Dong Silver consists of two tall black spires rising from the desert. Remote and unsigned, this spot requires GPS navigation to find, it’s located off Highway 24 about 7 miles west of Hanksville.

Its mystery and solitude make it one of Utah’s coolest off-the-beaten-path destinations. If you love adventure, this is a must, plus you’ll get great pictures!

Final Thoughts – Southern Utah’s Otherworldly Adventures

Southern Utah is packed with destinations that feel like stepping onto another planet. From Martian deserts and lunar badlands to goblin-shaped hoodoos and winding slot canyons, the landscapes here are some of the most unusual in the U.S.

Whether you are road-tripping through Capitol Reef Country or seeking Utah hidden gems beyond the national parks, these otherworldly destinations prove that Utah is truly one of the most adventurous and photogenic states in America. If you need ideas or help planning a road trip through Utah or somewhere else, check out roadtrippers.com. We’ve used them for a couple trips and found some great places to stop that we wouldn’t have known about. If you use code BTR5QTP, you can save $5.

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