Move over Zion! This affordable Utah city is just as beautiful, with fewer crowds

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So many things come to mind when it comes to Utah.

Whether it’s how underrated and beautiful Salt Lake City is, one of the best states to book the trip of a lifetime to the slopes, or maybe a handful of jokes about BYU student life, Utah is so much more diverse than people think.

But if there’s one obvious claim to fame, it’s Zion National Park, for better or worse. As someone who has had a mix of pleasure and displeasure when visiting, prepare yourself for what awaits you, whether it’s the lack of pet-friendly trails or the surprising amount of traffic on scenic winding roads along the fiery landscape.

Here at Travel Off Path we know that a seamless journey is rare, but we believe in it the city of Moab is the perfect Zion alternative that’s just as beautiful, less tricky to navigate, and less crowds in two beautiful private national parks in the red rock desert.

Arches National Park

If you’re in Utah, seeing a McDonald’s sign isn’t the only arches you should stop for.

Arches National Park is a stunner and features open spaces, no traffic jams, and majestic red rock panoramas that we all imagine when we imagine Utah’s outdoors.

Although Arches and Zion both depict nature’s wondrous fiery terrain, there are some distinct differences:

• Arches are defined by otherworldly rock formations rather than towering canyon walls
• The crowd feels more spread out than packed together
• Zion has shuttles; Arches is best explored by car
• The landscape feels wide open and vast
• Walks are generally less physically demanding
• Being pets not allowed on Arches hiking trails (campsites pass the sniff test)

Recognition costs $30 per vehicle to enter, but if you plan to visit more than once, purchasing an annual pass for $55 makes more sense.

Unlike some national parks that don’t live up to the hype beyond a short drive through, Arches offers more than just an enchanting environment that has to be seen to be believed, whether it’s mysterious balanced rocks or enormous rock fins.

There is a deep-rooted history here that you can still witness today Newspaper rockhome to one of the most remarkable collections of Indian petroglyphs, dating back thousands of years.

Canyonlands National Park

Some may consider it Canyonlands Arches 2.0, but that doesn’t mean it’s one of those ‘drive-through’ national parks that aren’t really worth visiting.

While Arches is north of Moab, Canyonlands is south of Moab. Admission also costs $30 and can be used with the same annual pass.

As you might imagine from the name, this vast area is more in line with Zion, with seemingly endless red canyons, but without winding roads full of cars moving at a snail’s pace and tourists staring at every turn.

Despite some similarities, there are also some clear differences:

• It feels so remote that you would think you could hear the sound of silence
• Offers huge panoramic views instead of closed canyon walks
• Landscapes feel much more vast and untouched
• Scenic drives offer open roads with dramatic views and no gridlock
• You’ll find even less crowds here than Arches
• Pets are not allowed on any route

Moab is one of the coolest cities in America

You don’t often hear travelers brag about Utah’s cities, unless they’ve booked a fancy ski resort in Park City.

Some even believe Salt Lake is a snoozer, but we all know the title should go to Provo.

Moab is no such thing.

It’s just a cool, unpretentious city that makes you excited to see the sights.

With many fellow adventurers out to explore the rustic townscape, there is a constant excitement of people sharing their experiences.

It’s a great place to grab a local pint in places like this Moab Brewery. It’s true that Utahns enjoy a brewski just as much as we do, contrary to their uptight reputation…

Moab is super affordable across the board, as you can see from the $30 entrance fees to national parks.

However, it is recommended book in advance to score great hotel rates at one of the many hotel chains or highly rated glamping resorts as travelers look forward to 60 to 70 degree weather in the spring.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.