Southern Utah Travel, Your Guide to the Best Stargazing and Glamping Hotspots You Need to Visit

Published on November 20, 2025

Southern Utah has long been celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, drawing travelers seeking adventure, tranquility, and unique landscapes. Known for its stunning national parks, dramatic slot canyons, expansive sand dunes, and impressive hoodoos, the region has become a favorite destination for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers. With a history extending back over 10,000 years, this area offers a rich mix of ancient human culture and remarkable geological features. From the towering cliffs of Zion National Park, the vibrant dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, to the striking rock formations at Bryce Canyon, Southern Utah presents a wide array of exploration opportunities. The region’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is particularly notable, providing visitors with the chance to hike narrow canyons during the day and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the United States. These highlights are crucial to understanding why Southern Utah is gaining increasing prominence in the global travel industry.

Iconic National Parks of Southern Utah

Southern Utah is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the United States, with each offering its own unique appeal. Among the most famous is Bryce Canyon National Park, which consistently attracts millions of visitors each year. Its dramatic geological formations and awe-inspiring landscapes make it a must-see destination. Covering over 35,000 acres, Bryce Canyon provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and camping. With a mix of terrains, from towering red rock canyons to high-altitude alpine forests, the park offers something for everyone, making it a perfect spot for all types of nature enthusiasts.

The Remarkable Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon

One of the most iconic features of Bryce Canyon is its extraordinary collection of hoodoos—tall, spire-like rock formations that rise from the earth in a dramatic and striking display. Bryce Canyon is home to the highest concentration of hoodoos globally, which draws visitors from around the world who want to witness these stunning natural sculptures. Several hiking trails give access to these formations, including the Navajo Loop Trail, which is a moderate 1.5-mile route that showcases the beauty of the area. Another favorite is the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Combination Loop, which offers panoramic views as well as intricate canyon paths. For those in search of a more challenging hike, the Peekaboo Loop is the longest trail in the park and provides visitors with an up-close look at the magnificent hoodoos.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes: A Desert Wonderland

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, located on the Colorado Plateau, offers visitors a completely different experience. As the only sand dune area on the plateau, it provides a rare desert landscape. The park is an ideal location for sand surfing, a popular activity that attracts both locals and tourists. For those seeking even more adventure, there are rappelling excursions through Rock Canyon. Alternatively, visitors who prefer a more relaxing experience can enjoy a sunset UTV ride, followed by stargazing under the desert sky, making for a peaceful and awe-inspiring end to the day.

Zion National Park: A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Adventure Seekers

Another iconic gem in Southern Utah is Zion National Park, renowned for its dramatic Zion Canyon and the wealth of wildlife it supports. Home to more than 78 species of mammals and over 1,000 plant species, Zion is a paradise for wildlife watchers. Each year, nearly five million visitors come to explore the park, making it one of the most visited in the United States. Zion Canyon is best explored using the Zion Canyon Shuttle System, which offers easy access to several key trailheads. One of the park’s signature hikes, The Narrows, allows visitors to wade through the Virgin River within a narrow slot canyon. For a gentler experience, the Riverside Walk is a scenic 1.5-mile paved trail that winds its way through cottonwood trees and sandstone cliffs, offering a peaceful and scenic journey through the park.

Escalante’s Hidden Slot Canyons: A Challenge for Adventurers

For those who want to go off the beaten path, Escalante is home to some of the most remarkable slot canyons in the region. These canyons, formed by flash floods and years of erosion, are narrow and winding, providing the perfect opportunity for hiking, scrambling, and rappelling. In addition to their natural beauty, the slot canyons in Escalante also boast significant archaeological value, making the region an exciting destination for history enthusiasts as well. With their remote and untouched nature, the Escalante slot canyons have become a favorite among adventure seekers looking for more challenging routes and secluded natural wonders.

Kodachrome Basin: A Photographer’s Dream

Kodachrome Basin State Park, located in the heart of Southern Utah, is another standout destination. The park is famous for its colorful Entrada sandstone, which has been sculpted into spires and cliffs over millions of years. These formations, with their striking hues, make Kodachrome Basin a photographer’s paradise. The park’s colors were so striking that National Geographic suggested the name Kodachrome, after the iconic film developed by Kodak. Visitors can explore the park via trails such as the Panorama Trail, which offers sweeping views of the landscape, or visit famous rock formations like the Hat Shop and Ballerina Spire, which are ideal spots for capturing stunning photographs.

Stargazing Under Southern Utah’s Dark Skies

One of the most captivating features of Southern Utah is its designation as a haven for stargazing. The region is home to over 20 certified International Dark Sky Places, offering some of the clearest night skies in the United States. This makes Southern Utah an ideal destination for both professional astronomers and casual sky-watchers alike. Parks like Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef offer special stargazing tours, including events like the Astronomy Festival in June and Heritage StarFest in September. For a more intimate experience, Zion National Park also offers guided stargazing tours, where visitors can relax under the desert sky, enjoying the sights of the Milky Way with telescopes and binoculars in hand.

Culinary Experiences in Southern Utah

Southern Utah is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its diverse dining experiences. In Springdale, a town near Zion National Park, visitors can enjoy hearty comfort food at Oscar’s Café, where dishes like enchiladas and burritos are favorites. For a more refined dining experience, Anthera offers globally inspired cuisine, including shrimp tostadas and Thai coconut curry. Further from Zion, near Bryce Canyon, Rustler’s Restaurant offers a classic country-style dining atmosphere, while Stone Hearth Grill provides a more upscale experience with a stunning view of Powell Point.

Unique Accommodations Near Zion

Visitors to Southern Utah have a wide range of lodging options to choose from. For those looking for a more immersive experience, Zion Wildflower Resort offers a variety of glamping accommodations, including tents, covered wagons, and bungalows. This resort provides a relaxed atmosphere with amenities such as a pool, firepit, and recreational activities, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day of outdoor adventure. For a more luxurious experience, Under Canvas offers safari-style tents in both Zion and Bryce Canyon, each complete with private decks and wood-burning stoves. For those who prefer a more secluded experience, Escalante Yurts offers spacious yurts with modern amenities, such as private bathrooms, fireplaces, and full kitchens, providing a cozy and comfortable base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

The Growing Impact of Southern Utah on the Travel Industry

As Southern Utah continues to gain popularity, it is having a significant impact on the travel industry. The rise in visitors to iconic destinations such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has led to a growing demand for unique lodging options, particularly eco-resorts and glamping accommodations. This shift toward sustainable tourism, alongside Utah’s focus on conservation, has positioned Southern Utah as a leader in promoting environmentally responsible travel. As more travelers seek eco-friendly experiences, it is likely that other destinations will begin to adopt similar practices, reshaping the way tourism is approached around the world.

The Global Impact of Southern Utah’s Tourism

The rising popularity of Southern Utah has profound implications for the broader travel industry. As tourists increasingly seek experiences that allow them to connect with nature while also supporting conservation efforts, Southern Utah serves as an excellent example of how sustainable tourism can flourish. The demand for eco-tourism and nature-based vacations is expected to grow, with other regions around the globe likely to follow Southern Utah’s lead in promoting environmental stewardship and preserving natural resources. The global tourism industry will likely see more travelers gravitating toward destinations that prioritize sustainability, with Southern Utah setting a precedent for how to balance tourism and conservation effectively.

Southern Utah has proven itself to be a remarkable destination, offering stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a commitment to sustainable tourism. With its national parks, geological wonders, and emphasis on conservation, Southern Utah is not only captivating visitors but also reshaping the future of tourism. As the region’s popularity continues to rise, its influence on the global travel industry will only grow stronger. The shift toward eco-conscious travel and nature-based experiences will likely have a lasting impact on how travelers choose their destinations, encouraging others around the world to embrace sustainable practices and environmental preservation. Southern Utah has become a beacon for the future of tourism, providing a model for other regions to follow as they balance growth with responsible stewardship of the environment.