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There are only a handful of US National Parks that come to mind when you feel like booking an epic trip to see the wild side of America.
First and foremost, I think of Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, even though the Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited.
In addition to the beautiful parks you can visit, Utah’s claim to fame is of course none other than Zion National Park.
As popular as this destination may be, there’s another Utah National Park that’s breaking all attendance records, giving Zion a run for its money.
Glen Canyon welcomed more than 5 million visitors last year Zion has been surpassed by hundreds of thousands.
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Utah has a strange reputation compared to other states. For example, many NBA players roll their eyes when they see the Utah Jazz on the schedule because they think there is nothing to do in Salt Lake City.
While certainly not New York City, Salt Lake has become an understatedly trendy city and has even broken tourism records.
Without knowing about Utah’s breathtaking nature, the state is often overlooked and may even be one of the reasons why Glen Canyon has soared to new heights.
Like other National Parks, they take up a lot of space and sometimes cross state lines. Although commonly considered a Utah destination, Glen Canyon shares its wonders with neighboring Arizona.
And we all know how Utahns like to share. There are even reality shows about it.
Joking aside, the park is a great alternative to the hassle of Zion and the Grand Canyon and is certainly making a name for itself.
Are people tired of Zion’s rules?
If you visit Zion during peak season, fill up with gas first and prepare to sit in a line of cars.
But hey, on the other hand: the views are impeccable!
There are many rules for visiting Zion, from making advanced reservations for both hiking and camping to limited routes allowed for man’s best friend to come along.
Considering that Zion has long been the staple of Utah’s natural attractions, there must be a reason why Glen Canyon expands beyond the most iconic National Park in the state.
If we’re honest, National Parks are what they are. It’s not like there’s a new animal in the zoo, a new Michelin-starred restaurant, or a new geyser that appears out of nowhere.
They’re just there. And also breathtakingly beautiful, with plenty of reasons to be protected. Right, Pierce Brosnan?
Glen Canyon is a beautiful destination all year round
Because we live in such a digitalized world, National Parks are the perfect place to reset. Glen Canyon is certainly no different, as there is so much to see that will leave your jaw on the floor and boost your dopamine beyond 10,000 ‘likes’.
Perhaps the most recognizable site to visit Horseshoe bendingwhere you can enjoy the scenic views around the Colorado River.
One of the most sought-after selfie spots for the ‘gram is an easy walk of just 1.5 miles to the best viewing area, but be sure to leave drones at home as this is considered a ‘no drone zone’.
Next is the beautiful majestic view of Lake Powell perfect for hiking and boating, among other water activities like fishing, wherever you can actually be paid for your catch!
Another popular Instagram spot. You don’t have to have a boat to enjoy the water, as there are tour boats available for rent.
That said, reports describe how the very popular lake is seeing water levels drop, so it’s best to check the latest reports to avoid disappointment.
Like Zion, another disappointment can be long lines and crowds. While camping and road trips for incredibly scenic drives are common here, the huge spike in popularity is sure to dwarf the open space.
Local communities are dealing with the “blessing and curse” aftermath of such a wave, and so too will visitors if this trajectory continues.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
