Staying in Springdale Utah vacation rentals like Flanigan’s Resort is perfect if you want to spend some time exploring Zion National Park. Located less than a mile from the park’s South Entrance, Flanigan’s is one of the best Zion National Park resorts.
But visiting Zion is far from the only way to spend your stay. In addition to a variety of on-site amenities and activities, there are also plenty of destinations perfect for enjoying an afternoon or a day trip.
While Zion might be Southern Utah’s best-known outdoor destination, it’s far from the region’s only park. Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park are both a day trip away. However, there are several Southern Utah state parks that are even closer to Springdale—and no less beautiful. Southern Utah’s state parks offer incredible views and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, off-roading, and even boating. Ready to plan a fun day trip outside of Zion? Check out these must-see Utah state parks.
Coral Pink Sands State Park
Few visitors to southern Utah realize that the area is home to an expanse of sand dunes colored a pale pink hue. Even fewer visitors get to see the dunes, as they aren’t located in one of the national parks that draw so many tourists to the region. Luckily, they are just a stone’s throw away.
Coral Pink Sands State Park is located in Kanab, Utah. Kanab is around an hour’s drive from our Springdale Utah vacation rentals.
This shifting landscape is in constant motion; in fact, the dunes can move as much as 50 feet each year! The dunes give visitors a glimpse of what much of southern Utah is thought to have looked like thousands of years ago.
This state park is stunning no matter what time of day you visit, but sunrise and sunset cast a particularly beautiful glow on the pink sand. If you’re hoping to do some off-roading during your Utah vacation, this park is a great place to add to your list. Bring your own ATV or easily rent one or join a tour from one of the many guides in the area.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Take a look at any one of the park’s more than 60 giant stone spires and you’ll understand where the name came from. Named for Kodak’s old color film, this park features colorful sandstone formations, as well as plenty of hiking. The state park was actually named in 1949, by a group of National Geographic explorers. Kodachrome Basin State Park is a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying beautiful scenic drives. The park is around 2 hours from Springdale.
Quail Creek State Park
Looking to cool off on a hot day in Southern Utah? Plan a visit to Quail Creek State Park. Known for its large reservoir filled with deep, cool water. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, crappie, and catfish, making it a popular destination for fishing. It’s also a great spot for some relaxing boating on a hot day.
Elsewhere in the park, you’ll find quiet trails and plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic. Because of the park’s elevation, it enjoys milder weather year-round than much of the rest of the region. So while Quail Creek is most popular during the summer months, it’s also a good day trip on a cold winter day, too.
Sand Hollow State Park
Quail Creek isn’t Southern Utah’s only reservoir. Sand Hollow State Park also has a reservoir perfect for fishing and boating. This reservoir is even open for scuba diving. But this park’s most popular feature is the massive expanse of off-road designated acreage that joins up against the park’s border. Sand Mountain covers more than 15,000 acres and includes sculpted sand dunes, rocky expanses, and fields of cacti.
The park is open to off-road vehicles of all kinds. Bring your own, or join one of the many local tours. Sand Hollow State Park is the closest state park to Springdale. You can easily hop here in the morning, and back to Flanigan’s Resort for an afternoon of fun.
Planning Day Trips for Your Favorite Springdale Utah Vacation Rentals
Flanigan’s Resort offers the best Springdale Utah vacation rentals if you’re planning to spend some time in Zion. Our location, just a short walk or drive from the entrance to the park, allows you to hop in and out of Zion throughout the day for hiking, picnicking, or sightseeing. But Zion isn’t the only outdoor destination worth visiting during your trip. There are a number of other beautiful state and national parks located throughout Southern Utah.
Ready to start planning your next visit to one of the best Zion National Park resorts? Book your next stay today!