7 Underrated Utah State Parks Worth Visiting

From Kodachrome Basin to Goosenecks, these hidden gems offer stunning scenery and unique experiences.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:53am

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A bold, geometric landscape illustration in shades of blue, orange, and green, capturing the sweeping vistas and dramatic rock formations of a Utah state park in a stylized, Art Deco-inspired aesthetic.Utah's stunning state parks showcase the natural grandeur and geological diversity of the American West.Salt Lake City Today

While Utah is renowned for its national parks like Zion and Arches, the state is also home to 46 official state parks, many of which often fly under the radar. This article highlights seven of Utah's lesser-known but equally impressive state parks that are worth adding to any traveler's bucket list.

Why it matters

Utah's state parks offer a diverse array of natural wonders, from petrified forests and dinosaur fossils to dramatic canyons and starry night skies. Shining a light on these underrated destinations can inspire visitors to explore beyond the state's most famous attractions and discover the breadth of Utah's stunning landscapes.

The details

The seven state parks featured include Kodachrome Basin, Dead Horse Point, Edge of the Cedars, Utahraptor, Goblin Valley, Goosenecks, and Escalante Petrified Forest. Each park offers unique geological features, recreational activities, and historical significance, from the colorful sandstone spires of Kodachrome to the ancient Puebloan ruins at Edge of the Cedars.

  • Kodachrome Basin State Park opened to the public in 1963.
  • Goblin Valley State Park was originally named 'Mushroom Valley' in the 1940s before being designated as a state park in 1964.
  • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park added a 50-foot petrified tree as a focal point in 2014.

The players

Utah Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that oversees and manages Utah's network of state parks, including providing information about their history and features.

National Park Service

The federal agency that provides information about the cultural and historical significance of sites like the kivas at Edge of the Cedars State Park.

National Geographic Society

The organization that named Kodachrome Basin State Park, inspired by the vibrant colors of the sandstone formations.

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The takeaway

From the otherworldly landscapes of Goblin Valley to the ancient Puebloan history at Edge of the Cedars, these seven underrated Utah state parks offer a wealth of natural and cultural wonders waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers.