Utah’s National Parks

Utah National Park Tours for Seniors

Perched along an 18-mile plateau, the freezes and thaws of the high altitude of Bryce Canyon shaped sandstone and limestone amphitheaters filled with scarlet striped spires called hoodoos. In Capitol Reef, golden sandstone pillars and arches, white sandstone domes and red-striped monoliths come together in a quilted masterpiece of Mother Nature. In Zion, shallow, shaded waters rise between towering rocks in The Narrows, and sandstone arches stretch across boulders and canyons in Arches National Park. Explore the wonders of Utah National Park tours for seniors with Road Scholar. Discover Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Arches with local experts.

Want to learn more about travel to our national parks? Check out these national park tips.

National Park Tours in Utah

Utah has one of the most diverse landscapes in the U.S. With a total of five national parks to visit in Utah, you’ll have plenty to explore in the Beehive State. From Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef to Zion and Arches and Canyonland, these Utah national parks to visit are filled with unique rock formations, breathtaking vistas and rich prehistoric histories. 

With Road Scholar, you can explore these one-of-a-kind areas through our expert-led Utah national park tours.

Utah National Parks

Utah is home to five national parks, referred to as the Mighty Five. With that said, touring Utah national parks can take some time, but it gives you plenty to explore and discover. Below are the five Utah national parks that define this state’s unique landscape:

• Arches National Park in Moab, UT: One of the top Utah national park trips is to Arches National Park. On April 12, 1929, President Herbert Hoover established the Arches National Monument, with President Richard Nixon deeming it a national park on Nov. 12, 1971. Throughout its history, Arches National Park has experienced several significant rockslides and storms that shaped its geography into what it is today.

• Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce, UT: Exploring Utah national parks is exciting, especially with Bryce Canyon on the list. Bryce Canyon National Park was established as a national monument on June 8, 1923, and later designated as a national park on Feb. 25, 1928. This park lies on the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau and is defined by its horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, high elevation meadows and unique rock formations.

• Canyonlands National Park in Moab, UT: Another place to take a Utah national park trip is Canyonlands National Park, also located in the town of Moab. On Sept. 12, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Canyonlands into a national park due to its rock structures and rich heritage with stories of cowboys, scientists, and numerous indigenous groups.

• Capitol Reef National Park in Torrey, UT: For thousands of years, archaic hunters and Indigenous Peoples groups called Capitol Reef home. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Capitol Reef National Monument, with President Nixon declaring it a national park on Dec. 18, 1971. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its petroglyphs, Fremont culture, cliffs, domes and orchards.

• Zion National Park in Springdale, UT: Taking a Utah national park tour in Zion is nothing but breathtaking. Zion National Park was established on Nov. 19, 1919. Zion is known for its sandstone canyons, high plateaus and magnificent waterfalls.

Things to Do and See on the Best Utah National Park Tours

Utah national park tours for seniors are ripe with adventure, allowing seniors and their families to learn more about each park and enjoy memorable experiences. Each park offers a unique landscape and outdoor experience, meaning everyone can find an activity or attraction that piques their interest. Take a look at some of the top things to do and see on tours of Utah national parks:

• Zion National Park: Perhaps the most popular Utah national parks tour for seniors is Zion, and for good reason. Whether you’re a senior traveling with your partner or family on a multigenerational adventure, Zion has much to offer. Rafting, hiking and horseback riding in Zion are some of the top activities where visitors can explore the park through unique modes of transportation, from the waters of the Virgin River to popular trails like Angels Landing Trail, the Watchman Trail, or The Narrows. Visitors of the park can also enjoy the stunning views through scenic drives along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway or go wildlife viewing to try and spot mule deer, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. The colorful canyons of Zion make it an excellent national park to visit solo or with family.

• Bryce Canyon National Park: A trip to Utah national parks isn’t complete without a stop at Bryce Canyon, known for its unique rock formations, called hoodoos. These spire-shaped rock formations were created by erosion and make the landscape of Bryce Canyon one of the most distinguished in the world. Bryce Canyon National Park is also known for its many hiking trails that offer incredible views of amphitheaters, such as the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail.

• Arches National Park: One of the best Utah national park tours is Arches National Park, another federally protected area known for its unique rock formations. When exploring Arches National Park, visitors can discover sandstone arches, such as the iconic Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, which are short hikes that are easily accessible for all explorers. Arches National Park also has several scenic drives with overlooks that provide stunning panoramic views of the park and fun activities like rock climbing and photography.

• Canyonlands National Park: The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is known for its expansive views of the canyons below, where you can take in the views of the Mesa Arch and other geological features. Venturing into The Needles is another must, as it offers a different perspective of the park, where you can view the towering rock spires and colorful rock formations.

• Capitol Reef National Park: Utah national park tours for seniors to Capitol Reef allow program participants to explore the orchards and historic buildings of Fruita, a former Mormon settlement located within the park. Other captivating features and activities on tours of Capitol Reef include the scenic drive along the Waterpocket Fold and hiking trails like Capitol Gorge and Hickman Bridge.

Pace and Activity Levels for Touring Utah National Parks

Utah national park tours invite you to get outside, look closely and take your time. At Road Scholar, our programs allow you to do just that, without rushing or overdoing it. As you browse our curated selection of guided tours of Utah national parks, you’ll be able to see each program’s activity level, ranging from easy-going walking adventures to challenging outdoor excursions.

As you browse, you’ll see some programs noted as “keep the pace,” perfect if you’re eager to walk at a moderate pace and make the most of your days exploring Utah’s national parks. Others are listed as “Outdoor: Spirited,” which is excellent if you don’t mind getting your heart going while traversing trails like Angels Landing in Zion. Or, you can find Utah national park tours for seniors labeled as “Outdoor: Challenging.” If you’re ready to push yourself and can keep a steady pace on rugged, steep terrain, this might be just the experience you’re looking for.

Planning Your Utah National Park Tour

Planning your Utah national park tour is part of the adventure! With so much open space and dramatic scenery to choose from, a little thought will help you find the perfect program that’s right for you. Start with what excites you, then the rest will fall into place.

• Choose the experience you prefer: Utah’s parks can be explored in many ways. At Road Scholar, you can find a range of programs to suit your preferences. Whether you’d rather have an easier-paced adventure offering gentle walks with scenic overlooks or longer, more active hikes through the wilderness, you can pick the style that matches how you like to spend your time!

• Follow your curiosity: Are you drawn to geology, wildlife or human history? Each park tells a different story, so choose a program that aligns with your interests.

• Consider the season: The light, temperature and crowds vary throughout the year, which means each season offers a unique way to experience Utah’s national parks. If you’re looking for dramatic winter landscapes where bright white snow contrasts with the deep red hues of the cliffs in parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon, opt for a winter escape. Or, consider spring or summer for your adventure, when warmer temperatures and blooming wildflowers bring the landscapes to life in a different, yet equally stunning way.

• Pack accordingly: For a comfortable experience, pack layers that can adapt to changing temperatures and weather conditions. The varying altitudes in Utah national parks can lead to unpredictable weather, with rain one minute and warm sun the next. Be sure to include basics like a rain jacket, comfortable hiking boots, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and moisture-wicking garments.

• Let us handle the logistics: Once you’ve chosen your program, you can sit back and relax! We’ll take care of everything, including accommodations, transportation, lectures and field trips, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Why Choose Road Scholar for Utah National Park Tours

At Road Scholar, we make touring Utah national parks fun and exciting. You’ll learn from local experts and knowledgeable group leaders who know the landscapes like the back of their hands, sharing the stories behind the rock formations, ecosystems and human history. They’ll help you see details you might miss on your own and provide context that stays with you long after the program ends.

You’ll also travel with a diverse cohort of lifelong learners who share your curiosity and enjoy engaging in thoughtful discourse along the way. Conversations tend to be just as rewarding as the excursions themselves, offering opportunities to exchange experiences, perspectives and a love of learning.

Our guided tours of Utah national parks are also carefully planned but never rigid. Each day has a clear purpose, with time for lectures, exploration and reflection, balancing active moments with opportunities to rest, absorb and fully enjoy your surroundings.

Most of all, we respect the places we visit and the people who travel with us. Our Utah national park tours for seniors are educational adventures that are designed to deepen understanding, encourage connection and leave room for wonder.

Utah National Park Tours FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Utah’s national parks?

Overall, the best time of year to visit Utah’s national parks is during the spring or fall. When spring arrives, the snow begins to melt and temperatures begin to rise, making for a more comfortable travel experience. During April and May, wildflowers begin to bloom, blanketing the landscape in a vibrant array of colors. Waterfalls and rivers, especially the Zion River in Zion National Park, are often at their best due to the snowmelt, and trails are usually less crowded than in the busier summer months.

Fall offers a similar travel experience, with pleasant temperatures that follow the hot summer months, typically ranging from the 60s to 80s. On Utah national park tours during the fall, visitors will experience fewer crowds at top attractions, and the striking autumn colors seen at higher elevations, such as in Bryce Canyon, create a stunning landscape of reds, yellows and oranges.

While spring and fall are both great times of year to explore Utah’s national parks, summer and winter offer their own unique travel experiences. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy warmer temperatures and the opportunity to see abundant wildlife, while winter travel brings opportunities for exciting activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Regardless of the time of year you plan to join Utah national parks guided tours, make sure to review our U.S. National Parks Checklist to prepare for your excursion.

Is touring Utah’s national parks suitable for seniors with limited mobility?

All of Utah’s national parks are accessible to seniors with limited mobility, allowing all visitors to enjoy the preserved landscapes these parks offer. Zion National Park features free shuttle buses that are easy to board, with paved paths that are short and flat, such as the Riverside Walk and Pa’rus Trail. Bryce Canyon’s scenic drive stops at all major attractions, with short walking distances from their parking lots and short paved trails like the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point trail. Arches, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks also offer scenic drives. All parks feature accessible visitor centers that provide plenty of seating, restrooms and educational exhibits.

How do small group tours of Utah’s national parks enhance the experience for seniors?

Touring Utah national parks with a small group offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience for seniors. When exploring with a group, you’ll be able to connect with like-minded travelers, allowing you to have enriching conversations and forge lasting friendships well beyond your program. You’ll also have the peace of mind that comes with traveling with a group, ensuring your safety and comfort. At Road Scholar, our Utah national park tours pair you with knowledgeable local Group Leaders who offer deep insights into each park’s history, wildlife and geography.

How can I enroll in a Utah national park guided tour for seniors with Road Scholar?

At Road Scholar, we make enrolling in our national park tours easy. When you find a small group tour of a Utah National Park that piques your interest, you can sign up for a program right online by selecting your preferred dates and filling out your travel information. Or, if you prefer, contact us by phone to start planning your Utah adventure.

What is the best way to experience Utah national parks on a guided tour for seniors?

Utah has some of the most popular national parks in the U.S., and our Utah national park guided tours allow you to get the most out of your adventure. For an enjoyable excursion, you can filter through guided tours based on your desired activity level, such as an easygoing option or something more rigorous. You can also find curated itineraries for varying interests, such as hiking tours or history tours. Explore our Southwest national park tours to find a program that suits you.