Utah Lake State Park

Many people flock to state parks to get a breath of fresh air and really enjoy the beauty their state of residence has to offer. The Utah Lake State Park is the perfect place to go with friends or family due to the wide abundance of activities that are offered. Whether somebody is interested in fishing or camping for a few nights, this is a perfect state park to check out. The park is open all year, allowing you to come by and really get an appreciation for the beauty in every season. The total size is a whopping 308 acres, allowing plenty of recreational activities and other fun events. The fee for camping is $20 a night, with the day-use being $9. This is a great way to spend a weekend or just a day, whether somebody is a long time resident of Utah or they are just passing through.

One of the biggest attractions of the Utah Lake State Park is the fishing offered. The facilities offer 4 different boat launching areas, allowing you to bring along your own boat and enjoy the beautiful water for the day. The sheltered 30-acre marina is perfect for you to bring your boat and get in and out of the water without a problem. Along with there being excellent fishing out on a boat, there is also a designated fishing area for those who are disabled. This is just one feature that makes this state park so accommodating to everybody who comes. The most common fish found here are walleye, white bass, black bass, channel catfish, and other species of panfish. Ice fishing is also available when the temperatures drop every winter, allowing avid fishers and beginners alike a chance to catch some fish.

Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park in Southern Utah is a spectacular geological site that is definitely worth visiting on any trip through Utah. Located just 10 miles northwest of the town of Mexican Hat, the park overlooks the San Juan River as it carves through the desert on its way across the state. It is a unique site, and travelers through Utah should put Goosenecks State Park on their list of must-see attractions in the state.

The park overlooks the majestic San Juan River as it cuts and weaves through stone formations over 1000 feet below. The area has a fascinating geological history; experts believe it took over 300 million years for the river to form such a deep impression in the land. The primary overlook in the park is at an elevation of 5,000 feet.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park encompasses 4,000 acres in Southern Utah, just nine miles south of Cannonville. This park is part of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. With its unusual formations of red sandstone, many visitors consider this a smaller version of Bryce Canyon National Park which is located nearby. The park was named in 1948 by the National Geographic Society after the popular color brand of film. The massive sandstone formations seem to change from red to grey and white as the light of the day changes.

The 67 monolithic stone chimneys located in Kodacrhome Basin State Park are estimated to be around 180 million years old. Geologists have surmised that the entire area used to be an ancient lake and the spires were formed from petrified ancient geysers. As the water receded the center of each geyser solidified due all the minerals in the water. The sand surrounding each geyser slowly eroded away over time, leaving these magnificent spires.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at East Canyon State Park, Utah

East Canyon State Park http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon, northeast of Salt Lake City, has a large reservoir that is excellent for boating, fishing and swimming. There is a concrete launching ramp for boats and a 31-unit camp ground. They have a paved parking area, modern restrooms with showers and a special place to clean all the fish caught. Its two covered pavilions with electric connections are suitable for groups. Boats for rent are available and there is a snack bar.

Located high in the mountains at 5,700 feet, it is 12 miles south of the town of Morgan. East Canyon Stare Park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. all year-round and not closed on holidays. In the winter the facilities are limited and there is no concession service. From the first of April to the 15th of October reservations are accepted. Call 801 829 6866 for information.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is located just northwest of Moab, Utah and covers approximately 5,400 acres of desert. It is considered by many to be Utah’s most spectacular park and is one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. The promontory referred to as Dead Horse Point stands at 6,000 feet above sea level and overlooks the Colorado River as well as up the La Sal Mountains which stand at 12,000 feet above sea level.

Dead Horse Point State Park got its name because of its previous use as a natural corral by cowboys. During the 19th century, cowboys used its winding channel to herd wild mustangs. The cowboys would pick the horses that they liked and leave the others to find their way back. The horses that they kept were locked behind a fence of branches and brush. Legend states that even once the corral was abandoned, the horses did not leave, even though the gate was wide open and water was not far away.