I did not realize until I went to the five Utah National Parks that dirt roads in the parks were such a thing. Mostly this was not an issue, as I did not seek to drive roads intended for four wheel drive vehicles in the rental car. However, at Canyonlands Needles district and at Capitol Reef it was an issue. There are places I wanted to visit where it would require that I drive on a dirt or gravel road. I chose to avoid that in both cases, but it did hamper my visit. This was because the rental car contract says you can only drive on paved roads. Looking at other parks, Great Sands only has the first 5 miles out of 8 on the main road that are paved. I don't want to get a hefty fine from the rental company. What are your experiences with getting dinged by the rental company for driving on dirt roads?

Dream Lake

Any essentials that I should pack for a Big Bend NP trip!? 🥾 We will be in the area for 3 days!

My husband and I are planning out our next National Park trip for early-mid September 2025. We’re torn on which to do. We’re planning on spending 6-7 days total wherever we decide.

Into seeing the sights (I’m a hobby landscape painter and love to paint from photos I take - especially beautiful skies) and just relaxing and enjoy being in nature and in the moment. Would love to see wildlife. Hiking but nothing super crazy (under 5 miles). Stargazing.

Would love to hear where ya'll put your patches/stickers. having a hard time deciding where to put mine (I'm a sticker hoarder who's also indecisive, but I finally want to put them to use)

Hello yall i live in ABQ and me and my wife are moving away from the SW next summer, my 26 birthday is jan 28th so I'm hoping to either go to death valley or big bend, big bend is 9 hours or so away and death valley is 11 hours away so really only a 2 hour difference, I'm huge into hiking and my wife is huge into reading books at the campsite and looking at the gorgeous scenery from there. What NP would be the best?

Hey all,

I've been browsing the sub, I am getting married in Vegas in December and wanted to do a road trip through Utah hitting some hikes in the national parks. However, after ready, it seems maybe my 4-5 day road was over-zealous. I had originally planned to do the follow, but it seems like i won't get the most out of it, and would love your tips on how to better use my time? My partner is coming from Australia and I'm flying in from Canada, so we would love to get the most bang for our buck. Thanks as always!

24th: Pickup Rental Car (Vegas)

• Day trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley

25: Drive to Zion National park - 2hrs - Day Trip

• Drive 4.5hrs to Moab Dessert for evening

26th: Explore Moab - Day Trip

• Drive 2.5hrs to Monument Valley - Overnight

27th: Explore Monument Valley - Day Trip

• Stay in Monument Valley - Overnight

28th: Drive 3hrs to Grand Canyon - Day Trip

• Drive 3hrs to Dolan Springs - Overnight

29th: Drive 1.5hrs to Las Vegas 

• Fly to New York @ 0800

Hi. I'm trying to identify all the parks in the world that have an active artist residency program or arts program in general. Any help is greatly appreciated! I'm hoping to work for a national park, in a role where I would support/led the park's arts and culture programming.

Please tell me your favorite things to do around Big Bend NP! Must sees, favorite trails, etc.! Also do you recommend any restaurants or places to eat in the towns around!? We’re staying two days in the Chisos mountain lodge during winter!

There are maps, sweatshirts, water bottles.

I’m taking my best friend to Utah for her first couple NPs outside Colorado and want to get her/us something to start marking them off on.

What’re your favorite products?

National Park of American Samoa on Ofu Island did not disappoint! ❤️

Its snowing today and supposed to get some snow on Saturday - when we will be driving to Bryce from Zion.

We wont have AWD vehicle - but instead a 12 seater Ford Van!

Should I be concerned? How well maintained/cleared are the roads? We wont be driving in the dark, so thats one thing that will help.

tia!

Planning to drive from PHX airport to Monument Valley.

What are some must see spots that we need to stop and check out?

And also any restaurant recommendations?

Thanks!

Sunrise at Inspiration Point. 9°F with 20-30mph winds. Completely worth it.