national park

Capitol Reef National Park

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Located 2.5 hours northeast of Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park is named for two of its prominent geological features. Take the name of a dome-like formation that resembles the US Capitol, and combine it with a massive rock wall that was likened to a barrier reef by early explorers, and voila, you have Capitol Reef. Today the 100-mile long Waterpocket Fold still presents a formidable reef-like obstacle, while Capitol Dome is one of the most recognizable park landmarks. Highway 24 bisects the park, which has a west entrance near Torrey and an east entrance 10 miles west of Caineville.

Insider Tips

  • If you have little ones in tow, be sure and stop in at the Ripple Rock Nature Center, which offers interpretive programs for children from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Activities include wool spinning, fossil identification and cornmeal grinding. Junior Ranger booklets and Family Fun Packs are also available there. Best of all, the nature center is wheelchair-accessible.
  • Most visitors completely miss Panorama Point, which offers one of the best views in the park. The turnout to the viewpoint is located west of the visitor center, at milepost 77 on Highway 24; and the overlook features a comprehensive and very scenic overview of the park. And although the trail to the upper viewpoint is steep and not wheelchair-accessible, there’s level access out to the lower viewpoint, and even a great windshield view from the parking lot.
  • Don’t miss the Petroglyph Boardwalk, which offers good views of the petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls along Highway 24. There’s level access to the viewing platform, which has an accessible scope trained on the canyon wall. The adjacent boardwalk also features level access, as it passes by another collection of petroglyphs believed to have been made by the Hopi and Paiute people.

Capitol Reef National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Canyonlands National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

More about National Parks in Utah

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National Park Lodges

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Why Stay in a National Park Lodge?

National park lodges are more than just places to rest your head. Not only are they part of the essential infrastructure of our national parks, but they’re also filled with history . In fact, more than a few national park lodges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And the good news is, the bulk of these historic properties have added access upgrades over the years, so wheelchair-users and slow walkers can also enjoy them. Thinking about staying in a national park lodge on your next road trip? Here are a few more benefits of staying “in park”.

Beat the Crowds

The best way to beat the crowds at national parks is to arrive early in the morning, and that’s much easier to do if you stay overnight in the park. The crowds drastically increase after 10 AM, when a lot of tour buses also appear. For example in Grand Canyon National Park, it’s almost impossible to enjoy Hermit Road during peak season in the afternoons. The shuttle buses are full and private vehicles are not permitted along the route. If however you get an early start, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience. Even better, it’s just a short walk to a shuttle bus stop from any of the park lodges, and five of the lodges have wheelchair-accessible rooms.

Nature Surrounds You

There’s just no comparison between staying at a chain hotel in a gateway city and bedding down in a national park lodge surrounded by nature. How can you beat opening your drapes to a view of Half Dome, or enjoying the red rock beauty of Zion Canyon from your front porch?

And Then There’s the Wildlife!

No place is off limits to the native wildlife in national parks. For example, at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone National Park, it’s not unusual to see the resident elk graze outside the accessible cabins. It’s an especially impressive sight during the rut, when the large bulls heard their harems. And you’ll never forget the bugling cry of the bulls.

First Dibs on Dinner Reservations

The more popular restaurants in some national parks require dinner reservations, and first dibs on those go to lodge guests. For example in Yellowstone, reservations at the Old Faithful Inn, Grant Village and the Lake Yellowstone Hotel are available 60 days in advance to lodge guests; while folks staying elsewhere can only make same day reservations.

Location, Location, Location

Let’s face it, some national parks are just too far from the city to make a daily commute, so staying at an in-park lodge is the only option. Take Isle Royale National Park for example. It’s located on an island in the middle of Lake Superior, and since it’s a four-hour ferry ride from the mainland, staying overnight just makes sense. Fortunately Rock Harbor Lodge has a comfortable wheelchair-accessible room.

Competitive Pricing

Last but certainly not least, most of the popular national parks have rooms in all price ranges, and some national park concessionaires even have programs in place that offer competitively priced rooms. For example, Curry Village in Yosemite National Park offers affordable family accommodations, while the luxurious Ahwahnee offers high end rooms with prices to match. And over in Yellowstone National Park, the Xanterra Travel Collection prices a good chunk of their in-park rooms at rates comparable to those found in the surrounding gateway communities. So yes, you can book a national park lodge at gateway community prices, but you do have to book early to take advantage of these great bargains.

Five Favorite Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Cabins

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Canyonlands National Park

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Located on the east side of the state, about five hours from Zion, Canyonlands National Park is the largest of Utah’s “mighty five”. That said, it’s also a pretty rugged park, and you’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access some of the more remote areas. There are however two sections of the park that are easily accessible in a standard car or truck — the Needles District and the Island in the Sky District. Both of these areas offer scenic drives on paved roads, with overlooks and viewpoints along the route.

Insider Tips

  • Don’t miss Newspaper Rock which is located just outside the Needles District, about 12 miles from the intersection of Highway 191 and Highway 211. This massive rock contains an impressive collection of historic petroglyphs, which date back some 1,500 years. There’s a 30-foot long level trail next to the petroglyph panels that offer visitors an up-close-and-personal look at these Puebloan and Ute relics.
  • For the best view in the park, head over to Grand View Point Overlook. From there, you’ll get a very accessible view of the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River Canyon, and you can even catch a gander of The Needles District in the distance.
  • Be sure and stop at Shafer Canyon Overlook on your way out of the park. Although there are also turnouts near this overlook on the way in, it’s best to catch the view as you head north– near where the final scene of Thelma and Louise was filmed. Impressive is an understatement.

Canyonlands National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

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Bryce Canyon National Park

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Named for Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish immigrant who settled in the Paria Valley in 1875, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for the spire-like hoodoos that seem to magically rise from the canyon floor. Created by a combination of freezing, thawing and erosion, these unusual limestone formations were sculpted over millions of years. Today, this Utah national park is often described as a cave without a ceiling; as the hoodoos bear a striking resemblance to stalagmites found on cavern floors.

Insider Tips

  • Free wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus transportation through the park amphitheater is available from April through the end of September. Although cars are allowed along this route, parking is at a premium during the busy summer season, so taking the shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the park.
  • Don’t miss the Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path – the longest accessible trail in the park. This paved trail begins outside of the park at the shuttle staging area at Ruby’s in Bryce Canyon City, and travels 2.4 miles to the park entrance, then continues another 2.6 miles to Inspiration Point. It also connects with the shuttle system at the visitor center, general store, lodge, Sunset Point, Sunset Campground and Inspiration Point, so you can do as much of the trail as you like, then hop on the accessible shuttle to return to your car.
  • The historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon, which dates back to 1925, offers four wheelchair accessible rooms – two with roll-in showers and two with tub/shower combinations. This rustic property was the brainchild of Gilbert Stanley Underwood who also designed Old Faithful Lodge at Yellowstone, the Ahwahnee at Yosemite, and Jackson Lake Lodge at Grand Teton National Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Zion National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

More About National Parks in Utah

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Arches National Park

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Located in Eastern Utah just five miles north of Moab, Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The main park road runs from the visitor center to the Devils Garden Trailhead, and connects with side roads to the Windows Section and Wolfe Ranch. And although the major sites are marked on the park map, there are also a number of unmarked pullouts along the way that offer spectacular windshield views of the beautiful red rock landscape.

Insider Tips

  • Don’t miss Balanced Rock – one of the most accessible sites in the park. It offers a nice .2-mile out-and-back accessible stroll around the seemingly precariously perched namesake rock, with a killer view from an overlook located midway along the route.
  • Although the main trail to Skyline Arch is not accessible, due to steps and rocks. wheelchair-users and slow walkers can easily access the other side of the arch from the Needles Campground. Just drive to the amphitheater, park in the accessible parking area, and take the level sidewalk over to the amphitheater. There’s an absolutely beautiful close-up view of Skyline Arch from just about anywhere in the amphitheater.
  • In addition to an entrance fee or a park pass, a day use vehicle entrance reservation is also required for Arches National Park, for visits from April through October between 7 AM and 4PM. Reservations are released in monthly blocks on recreation.gov beginning in January. Print out the reservation or do a screen capture, as cell phone service is spotty in the park. Entry reservation are not available at the park, and visitors who don’t have one will not be admitted.
  • If you don’t have an entrance reservation, consider entering the park before 7 AM. You’ll dodge the crowds and the park is absolutely beautiful as things begin to come to life for the day.

Arches National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

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Five Wheelchair-Accessible Mount Rainier Views

Five Wheelchair-Accessible Mount Rainier Views

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Mount Rainier

Located in Northwest Washington, Mount Rainier towers 14,410 feet over the surrounding alpine meadows. And when the “mountain is out” it’s visible from as far away as Seattle, Portland and even Vancouver. That said, there’s nothing like a close look at this active volcano, which can be had from Mount Rainier National Park , as well as aboard a local rail excursion. Although it’s only possible to access these sites in the summer season, due to snow and road closures; they are definitely worth a visit. So take some time to to check out these wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views on your next Washington national park road trip.

Kautz Creek Boardwalk

Located about three miles east of the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, the Kautz Creek Boardwalk is one of the newest accessible trails in the park. There’s accessible parking near the picnic area, with level access to the .1-mile boardwalk across the street. The boardwalk leads through a section of forest that’s still recovering from a 1947 glacier generated debris flow, and it ends in a crushed granite viewing area with a few benches. And on a clear day, you just can’t beat the Mount Rainier view from there.

Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center

Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center

Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views is the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, which is located about 14 miles up the road in Paradise. This area of the park was named by an early settler who reportedly exclaimed “Oh, what a paradise!” when she first saw it. And it’s a fitting description. There’s accessible parking in front of the building, with barrier-free access to all areas of the visitor center. The visitor center offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the area, but you’ll also get a great Mount Rainier view if you just step out the back door. And if you hit this stop at the right time in the summer, you’ll also be treated to a nice view of the wildflower-filled meadows.

Reflection Lake Pullout

The next stop is about 3.5 miles up the road at the Reflection Lake Pullout. Although the lake is on the left side, the most accessible viewpoint is located on the right. The small parking area includes an accessible parking place with curb-cut access out to the viewpoint. And you just can’t beat the stunning reflection of Mount Rainer in the water. This is also a great stop for folks who have trouble walking, as you can get a nice windshield view from the pullout.

Sunrise Visitor Center

Mount Rainier viewed from Sunrise Visitor Center

The highest point in Mount Rainier National Park which can be reached by vehicle is located in Sunrise, about 60 miles northeast of the Nisqually Entrance. And it just makes sense that you’ll get a good mountain view from this 6,400 foot vantage point. Although the front entrance to the Sunrise Visitor Center has steps, there’s an accessible side entrance. There are a number of interpretive exhibits inside, but the main attraction is the view. You’ll get an absolutely jaw-dropping glimpse of the mountain from the spotting scope on the far side of the room. It’s definitely worth the drive! Plan ahead though, as the visitor center is generally only open from July through mid-September, as the road closes after the first substantial snowfall.

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

The Nisqually River Viewed from Mount Rainier Railroad

Last but not least on our list of wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views, is the impressive vista that can be seen aboard the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad (mtrainierrailroad.com). This seasonal train excursion departs from the Elbe depot, which is just 15 minutes from the Nisqually Entrance. There’s accessible parking near the depot, with barrier-free access to the building. Accessible restrooms are located next door, and there are plenty of accessible pathways around the outside depot area. There’s lift access up to the roomy baggage car, which has plenty of room for a wheelchair. This scenic excursion travels along the Nisqually River and offers no shortage of photo worthy views. And there’s an announcement right before you round the corner for that iconic Mount Rainier view. And with the large open doorways and a safety fence in place, wheelchair-users have the perfect vantage point. It’s a great addition to any Mount Rainier visit.

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How to get a Lifetime National Park Pass 

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The National Park Service offers a number of lifetime passes for free admission to national parks and other federal lands. They are available to anyone with a permanent disability, members of the military, veterans, Gold Star Families and people over 62 years old. These passes can be obtained in person at national parks and federal recreation areas across the country (nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm). The passes are also available online at the USGS store (store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes); however there’s a fee for processing and shipping. And although the national park pass application is pretty straightforward, specific documentation is required for each pass. With that in mind, here’s what you need to have in hand to get your lifetime national park pass.

America the Beautiful Access Pass

This free lifetime pass is available to US citizens or residents with a permanent disability. Applicants must provide documentation of a permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

A physician’s letter that states that the applicant has a permanent disability is the most common documentation provided. Documents issued by a federal or state agency are also accepted, but they must include the nature of the disability, and state that the disability is permanent. If the documentation is issued by the Veterans Administration, it must also include the percentage of the disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include a notice of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, a summary of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or an award letter from the Veterans Administration.

It’s important to note that an accessible parking placard is not accepted as proof of a permanent disability for the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Additionally, using a wheelchair or other assistive device is not considered proof of a permanent disability.

A driver’s license, passport or state issued ID is also required to document residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Senior Pass

This lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older. The cost of the pass is $80. An annual America the Beautiful Senior Pass is also available for $20, and the cost for this annual pass can be applied to the purchase of a lifetime pass.

This is probably the easiest pass to document, as a driver’s license, passport or state issued ID are all accepted as proof of age and residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Military Pass

Last but not least, the free America the Beautiful Military Pass is available to active duty service members and veterans of the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. It’s also available to Gold Star Families who have lost a family member in the line of duty.

Accepted documentation for this pass includes a Department of Defense identification card, a veteran health identification card or a veteran ID card. A veteran designation on a state issued US driver’s license or identification card is also accepted.

Gold Star Families can self-certify that they meet the required criteria by downloading and signing a voucher at https://www.nps.gov/customcf/goldstar/voucher.htm. Once they arrive at the park they can exchange the voucher for an America the Beautiful Military Pass.

So plan ahead, and pack along the right documentation to get your national park pass.

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Wondering about Wheelchair Access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks? Check Out This Comprehensive Access Guide

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If you’re planning a Western States road trip and are wondering about wheelchair access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks, then be sure and pick up a copy of Candy B. Harrington’s newest access guide, Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Be it a three-day getaway to a single park, or a two-week adventure to all three national parks, this handy resource includes the detailed information and authoritative resources needed to help slow walkers and wheelchair-users plan the perfect visit.

Wheelchair Access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton

This comprehensive second edition includes:

  • Accessible trail and attraction information
  • Photos and access details of all in-park lodges
  • Accessible lodging options in gateway communities
  • Barrier-free campgrounds
  • Accessible bus, snowcoach and boat tours
  • Accessible shuttles to and around the parks
  • Insider access tips
  • Fly-drive suggestions with accessible rental vehicle resources
  • National park discounted pass information

This inclusive title is the most recent addition to Harrington’s national park series; and although it’s written for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, stroller moms will also appreciate the access information in this guide. It will help everyone plan a truly accessible Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Park road trip.

Says Harrington, “I’m especially excited about the accessible lodging improvements since the first edition of this title. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel renovated their main lodge rooms, and they now have five accessible guest rooms, including three with roll-in showers. And outside of the parks, there are some excellent accessible choices at two new properties — William Bridger Cabins in Gardiner and West Glacier Cabin Village.”

According to Harrington, park concessionaires are placing an increased emphasis on accessibility. “From Xanterra’s accessible Glacier Red Bus Tours to the accessible boat tours down in Grand Teton offered by Jenny Lake Boating, there really are a lot of options for slow walkers and wheelchair-users in the parks,” she notes.

For more information wheelchair access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks, visit emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/ and order your copy of Harrington’s newest access guide today.

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Wheelchair-Accessible Yellowstone Lodging at Jim Bridge Explorer Cabins

Wheelchair-Accessible Yellowstone Lodging at Jim Bridge Explorer Cabins

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Cabin 2 at Jim Bridger Cabins

If a trip to Yellowstone National Park is on your travel calendar, then consider staying in Gardiner at the Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins (www.yellowstonevacations.com). This new addition to the Ridgeline Hotel features nine explorer cabins grouped around two community fire pits. It combines the best of both worlds — the feeling of roughing it in the outdoors, but with all the luxuries of home and hearth. And the wheelchair-accessible cabin is packed full of accessible amenities — including a choice of bed heights. As an added bonus, it’s just a short drive from Gardiner to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s the perfect pick for a wheelchair-accessible Yellowstone visit.

Spend the Night

There’s accessible parking near the Ridgeline Hotel office, with level access to the front desk. From there, it’s just a short drive around the corner to the accessible parking space near accessible cabin 2. The parking space is located close to the ramp that winds around to the front porch of the cabin. Alternatively, there are steps up to the front porch, with accessible parking located nearby.

Entry to Cabin 2

Access features in the cabin include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and low-pile carpet for easy rolling. The great room is furnished with a 13-inch high sleeper sofa and a coffee table in front of a gas fireplace. The kitchenette includes a roll-under sink, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a cooktop and a microwave. Also included are a nice selection of dishes, glasses, utensils and pots and pans. Add in a toaster, a coffee maker and even an ice maker and you have all your bases covered.

Kitchen in Cabin 2

The master bedroom is furnished with a 31-inch high platform bed with wheelchair access on both sides; while the second bedroom has a bunk bed with a double on the bottom (23-inches high) and a twin on top. So between the sleeper sofa and the two bedrooms, guests definitely have a choice in bed heights.

Master Bedroom in Cabin 2

There’s excellent access in the bathroom as well, which boasts a full five-foot turning radius. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. Other access features include a roll-under sink and a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated).

The Extras

And then there are those little extra features at this fun wheelchair-accessible Yellowstone lodging pick. Lets start out with the private rooftop deck in cabin 2. Although the other cabins have a spiral staircase up to this feature, there’s a private elevator to access the deck in accessible cabin. It’s a great place to chill at night or to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.

Rooftop deck on Cabin 2

The explorer cabins come equipped with walking sticks, flashlights and binoculars. There’s also a nice little collection of games in the hall closets, including National Park Monopoly. And if you need to do some laundry, it’s free — along with the detergent — over at the Ridgeline Hotel. Last but certainly not least, there’s the free s’mores kit, so you can craft your own yummy creation around the community fire pit. All in all, it’s a great wheelchair-accessible Yellowstone lodging pick, with plenty of choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

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Field Station Moab – A Breath of Fresh Air

Field Station Moab – A Breath of Fresh Air

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Lobby at Field Station, Moab

A sister brand of AutoCamp, Field Station properties exude a distinctive outdoor vibe. And Field Station Moab (www.fieldstation.com) is a shining example of this. So much so that when you walk in to the front lobby you feel like you’ve just entered a REI or some cool low-key coffee house. The first thing you see is a collection of outdoor gear and apparel, with a few folks lingering over coffee and snacks over to the left. The back wall is a large window, that folds open to create a seamless transition to the comfortable outdoor space. And way over in the corner you can spot the front desk – proof positive that you really are in a hotel. To say it’s a refreshing change is an understatement. And in keeping with this progressive concept, access is also front and center at this debut property of the Field Station brand.

The Public Spaces

Little Station Café at Field Station Moab

The whole Field Station concept is also a refreshing departure from typical hotel development. Instead of going into a town and clearing a lot to erect a new addition to the concrete jungle, Field Station instead buys distressed properties, guts them, and adds their own unique brand accents to them. And the results are astonishing. In fact it’s hard to imagine that Field Station Moab was previously an abandoned and deteriorated Super 8 property.

And again the access is excellent. There’s plenty of accessible parking in the large lot, with level access to the power assist front door. And inside there’s ample room for even the largest wheelchair or scooter to maneuver through the public spaces. Accessible restrooms – which double as changing rooms for the retail space – are located just off the front lobby. And there’s plenty of room for wheelchair-users to enjoy a cup of coffee, a breakfast bagel, pizza or a burger in the Little Station Cafe. Beer and wine are also available, and if you’re in a hurry they have a number of grab-and-go selections.

Outside there’s level access to the picnic tables and outdoor furniture, which are bordered by a mister. And in the center you’ll find the signature AutoCamp fire circle. There’s also level access to the pool area, and the portable pool lift can be used in the pool or the adjacent hot tub. Next door there are family bathrooms that are each equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. They also each have a toilet with grab bars and a roll-under sink, and ample room for a large wheelchair and an attendant. They can be used as changing rooms, or as bathroom facilities for folks that rent out the van life spots.

Outside grounds at Field Station Moab

The Rooms

Field Station Moab has seven accessible rooms, all of which are located on the ground floor. Room 101 includes a level threshold, wide doorways, a lowered peephole, lever handles and good pathway access. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a table and chairs, a bench, a chest of drawers and a refrigerator, And, like all the accessible rooms, it also has remote controlled window shades. The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a bathtub with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a tub bench. It also includes a roll-under sink and a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (a seated). It’s a comfortable room with a definite outdoor feel to it.

Room 101 at Field Station Moab
Bathroom in room 101 at Field Station Moab

Rooms 103, 114 and 301 are also accessible king rooms with a tub/shower combination. Rooms 349 and 352 are accessible double queen rooms. Room 349 has a tub/shower combination, while room 352 has a roll-in shower.

Room 300 – which is huge – can comfortably accommodate up to eight people. It includes the same basic access features as room 101, except that it has a wider double entry door. It’s furnished with two 25-inch high queen sized beds with wheelchair access on both sides, and a double bunk bed (the bottom bunk is 21 inches high). It has the same basic furnishings as room 101. There’s also level access to a patio, which has a few chairs and a fire pit. The bathroom includes a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. Top it off with a roll-under sink and a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated).

Room 300 at Field Station Moab
Bathroom in room 300 at Field Station Moab

The Extras

And then there are the Field Station Moab extras. Like free laundry. There’s level access to the laundry room with plenty of room for wheelchair-users to access the front loading machines. Even the detergent is free. And if you want to heat up a quick snack there are also microwaves located in the community space.

But one of the best extras at Field Station Moab are the employees, as they are all local experts in one area or another. Ask them a question and you’ll get great advice from a local. They can also help set up tours or connect you with a local guide. And if you forgot something at home, they have a good selection of rental gear.

So check out Field Station Moab on your next Utah road trip. It makes a great home base for exploring nearby Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

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