Hiker Makes Case for Visiting Utah National Park That Most People Forget
We love our national parks! They're cheap vacation options, they encourage physical activity, and they prompt visitors to better appreciate nature. Plus, the more profitable these parks are, the more it incentivizes funding for them. However, there is a downside- the most popular parks tend to get swamped around tourist season.
Seasoned visitors have started to suggest alternatives to the more popular parks. Hiker Miriam G (@explorehiketeach on TikTok) challenges prospective visitors to Utah's Zion National Park to consider this oft-overlooked park instead.
The Sulphur Creek Narrows rival the Narrows at Zion National Park with their stunning beauty, but they also have the added bonus of fewer crowds. Capitol Reef National Park, the home of the Sulphur Creek Narrows, is the least visited of Utah's "Big Five" national parks. Despite its relative obscurity, it's home to some absolutely beautiful natural scenery and stunning sandstone formations.
In the description, Miriam shares additional key information for first-time visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. According to her, the Sulphur Creek area alone has: "3 waterfalls, soaring red rock narrows, some high adventure scrambling, a natural water slide, and no crowds (Typically the water here is crystal clear. There was a recent flash flood giving it it’s temporary chocolate milk look)." Sounds like you might want to pack a bathing suit for this hike!
Fellow hikers and national park lovers validated Miriam's recommendation. "I did it in June 2020 and I saw 20 people along the way max. It was a once in a lifetime experience," @bigtimegardener reminisced. "Capitol Reef is so amazing, I just went there for the first time in the autumn and the fall colors were stunning," @strangespeciesart chimed in.
We don't mean to talk down on Capitol Reef's park rival: Zion is a beloved national park for a reason. However, the overwhelming crowds there have become a turn-off for many, with @amber19827 describing it like so: "Zion is the theme park of national parks. Capitol Reef is an amazing experience." If you're looking for fewer crowds and more breathing room to experience Utah's stunning scenery, it might be time for you to give Capitol Reef National Park a try!
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