OUTDOORS + RECREATION

Check out Utah’s national parks today for free

Aug 4, 2022, 11:30 AM

Red rock arch in Arches, one of the national parks in Utah...

Double O Arch in Arches National Park. A 66-year-old man from Texas was found dead inside the park on Tuesday. (Photo by Tom Smart)

(Photo by Tom Smart)

SALT LAKE CITY —  National parks throughout the country, including “Utah’s Mighty 5”  are waiving entrance fees today to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act.

Utah’s parks include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Park. 

The Great American Outdoors Act was passed in 2020 and set apart nearly $3 billion for maintenance projects for National Parks and other public lands.  The Secretary of the Interior declared that Aug. 4 would be a free entrance day into the National Parks for the foreseeable future.


 

What to know before you go to national parks:

Arches National Park is the only one of the Mighty 5 to require a timed entry reservation. The reservation system allows the park to manage crowds and improve the visitor experience. 

Be prepared for weather conditions. Utah has seen record-breaking heat this summer. Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water, wear proper clothing and seek out shade when possible. 

Southern Utah can be prone to flash floods. Checking the National Weather Service before heading out is advised.

Make sure you are prepared to “trash your trash” and pack out anything you pack in. 

For more tips on visiting Utah’s parks go to visitutah.com.

Related: 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Outdoors + Recreation

A red and black Jeep climbs up the sandy orange rocks of Moab, Utah during a Jeep safari....

Mariah Maynes

As Jeep event begins in Moab, police provide reminders to drivers

Moab police want Easter Jeep Safari participants to remember rules about speed limits, vehicle lighting, and stop signs,

2 days ago

River Barry received the Carnegie Medal of Heroism for saving a base jumper's life....

Tammy Kikuchi

Salt Lake therapist awarded Carnegie Medal of Heroism

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission awarded their Carnegie Medal of Heroism to a Salt Lake City therapist, after a day of mountain biking turned into rock climbing to save a life.

2 days ago

Boy tries out his new eclipse glasses he just bought from Clark Planetarium in preparation for the ...

Heather Peterson

Want to see the solar eclipse? Go to Dallas

Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer said the closest part of the eclipse's path to us is Dallas. 

3 days ago

Attendees climb at the grand opening of an outdoor climbing wall outside of Millcreek City Hall on ...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Olympian and hopefuls break in Utah’s biggest outdoor climbing wall at Millcreek City Hall

The Millcreek City Hall opened a brand new climbing wall on Saturday. It's the tallest outdoor wall in Utah.

4 days ago

Deer Valley and other ski resorts in Utah have extended their closing dates....

Britt Johnson

Utah ski resorts extend closing dates

Several Utah ski resorts aren't closing as soon as they thought. Several announced extended seasons thanks to an extra snowy February.

6 days ago

maple syrup buckets on trees, local maple syrup in utah is difficult to get...

Mitchell von Puttkammer

Project aims to make local maple syrup more available

Can you buy local maple syrup? You can, but it's not easy. Utah State University is trying to change that with the Maple Tree Tapping Project.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Check out Utah’s national parks today for free