Anyone who has traveled to the remote countryside of Utah can tell you it’s a place unlike any other. Characterized by grassy plains one moment and snow-capped mountains in the next, visiting Utah for the first time can feel like stepping foot on another planet, thanks in large part to its awe-inspiring landscapes and wide array of national parks.
With all this in mind, it’s safe to say Utah provides a sense of adventure fiancés and their groomsmen crave. Appealing to veteran outdoors enthusiasts and relatively inexperienced nature lovers alike, Utah can outfit travelers with first-rate memories capable of lasting a lifetime.
Bryce Canyon National Park
While there’s plenty to love about Utah’s northern edge, we recommend basing your trip within Bryce Canyon. Above all else, we suggest the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Not only is the hotel reasonably priced, it’s also a short distance away from the actual park itself, making it an ideal drive (or hike) for those hoping to visit the iconic canyon a mile away.
At Bryce Canyon, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of exciting activities. These might range from a guided trail ride to a country music performance at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill Dinner Show. (Conveniently located just outside the Best Western Plus, I.E. a mere two minute walk away.)
Zion National Park
Aside from the easy access to the park, the best thing about Bryce Canyon is its close distance to neighboring points of interest, including none other than the historic Zion National Park.
An hour and 20-minute drive from Bryce Canyon, Zion stands among the most breathtaking national parks in the entire country. Whether admiring its red cliffs, thin canyons, or rocky passageways, exploring the caverns of Zion is an experience unlike any other.
Capitol Reef National Park
Slightly further away from Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef is still only a two-hour drive from Bryce Canyon City. (Trust us, it’s definitely worth the effort.) Not only will you marvel at scenic landscapes straight out of a Bierstadt painting on your drive; you’ll also enter a gorgeous national park that should be near the top of every self-respecting hiker’s bucket-list.
There’s no shortage for walking paths for either a slow-paced, idyllic hike or a more challenging trek uphill. It’s the perfect way to round out your tour of southern Utah, more than measuring up Zion or Bryce Canyon.
