With multiple national parks, a serious ski scene and mountains galore, Utah has a wealth of experiences to offer nature-loving travelers. Just ask Erika Wiggins of the outdoor travel website The Active Explorer. An avid hiker and caver, Wiggins spent several years traveling back and forth from her home in Florida before finally following her heart and moving to the Beehive State.

Says Wiggins, “For years I commuted to have fun in the mountains, either driving long distances or buying plane tickets. The Wasatch Range right here in Salt Lake offers year-round options for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, climbing and mountain biking. I can be on a trail within 15 minutes of leaving my house.”

Curious to explore Utah’s parks for yourself? Consider the following suggestions for an enjoyable nature getaway.

Attractions

Boasting five national parks, 42 state parks and seven national monuments, the state has lots for the adventure lover to enjoy. Must-see attractions include the rock formations in Arches National Park, the canyons at Zion National Park and the red sandstone of Snow Canyon State Park. Additionally, world-famous Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is definitely worth a visit. It offers nearly 2,000 miles of serpentine shoreline with myriad inlets, side canyons and coves to explore at your leisure.

Also of note is Antelope State Park. Located on the largest island in Great Salt Lake, it can be reached via causeway and features a herd of free-roaming bison, as well as bighorn sheep.

Accommodations

With such a strong park scene, camping is the clear choice to save some scones. For example, camp sites in Canyonlands National Park range from $10 to $15 per night, while Capitol Reef National park provides individual camp site reservations at a nightly rate of 10 bucks. If rustic relaxation isn’t your cup of accommodation tea, consider selecting a full-service hotel with access to multiple attractions.

For example, Red Mountain Resort near the town of St. George offers access to both Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park, as well as a nearby amphitheater where one can enjoy outdoor concerts by acts such as The Beach Boys and the B-52s. Basic package rates start at $270, including the cost of meals, room and lengthy list of daily activity choices such as guided hikes, desert yoga, drumming workouts and water aerobics. Menu choices include everything from grilled tuna and chicken to vegan tempeh steaks and barbecue seitan sandwiches.