I live in Utah and think these 5 underrated outdoor spots rival the 'Mighty 5' national parks
· Business Insider
Gentry Hale
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- I'm from Utah and love its five national parks, but I think other spots are worth visiting too.
- For example, the San Rafael Swell has stunning views of sandstone cliffs — without large crowds.
- Snow Canyon State Park is another alternative that offers amazing landscapes.
As a Utah native, I know that the state's five US national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands — are full of jaw-dropping views. However, their popularity can make it easy to overlook Utah's other breathtaking outdoor spots.
These national parks, known as the "Mighty 5," are each worth visiting, as they are home to beautiful landscapes and incredible rock formations. But they come with one downside: together, they draw about 15 million visitors each year.
So, when people tell me they want to experience the geological wonders of Utah's national parks, I let them in on a little secret: there are plenty of outdoor destinations that rival the "Mighty 5" without the crowds. Here are some of my favorites.
Goblin Valley feels like another planet.stellalevi/Getty Images
Even though Bryce Canyon National Park is known for having the world's largest collection of hoodoos — tall, skinny rock formations that were sculpted by water and wind erosion — it's not the only place to find otherworldly landscapes.
In Goblin Valley State Park, located an hour-and-a-half drive from Moab, Utah, there are thousands of bizarre, square sandstone structures. I love wandering through the fields of these stone figures, but the park also offers hiking, camping, mountain biking, and other activities.
A bonus: whenever I've visited, the crowds haven't been overwhelming.
The San Rafael Swell is peaceful and full of stunning views.