Peering out of my tent at predawn hours has become pretty routine for me at this point. Listening to the final embers of last nights fire as they reach for the stars, accompanied by wisps of smoke. Waiting for the right time time to set up for the ultimate early morning prize here in the town of Bryce: a pastel sunrise in the neighborhood National Park.
My first time experiencing the Utah national parks was in February—the middle of winter. I have to say, the next time I go back to Moab, I’m planning for winter again. From the crowd-less parks and low hotel rates, to the snow-capped arches and cozy cafes, it just seems like the best time to visit.
The tinkling sounds of a trout-filled creek swept by as I sipped my morning coffee. Snow-capped peaks greeted my view in the distance, and aspen leaves gently rustled in the breeze in my periphery. The springtime sun felt good on my skin after what was a long, hard winter. This wasn’t your average morning in the mountains, though. I was sitting in the middle of City Creek Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, enjoying an orange-infused cold brew from Nordstrom eBar.
Need some help planning your national park road trip? We’ve compiled a complete list of U.S. national parks by state and territory. Check them off one-by-one or build a multi-park extravaganza! If you need help planning, be sure to browse our helpful road trip itineraries which include maps and more!