But let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t about visitor numbers or popularity contests. It’s about pure wow factor — the kind of landscapes that make you drop your camera and just stand there in awe. So buckle up, because here’s how Utah’s parks stack up when it comes to scenery, raw beauty, and unforgettable views.

1. Zion: The King of the Canyon

Zion is, without question, the showstopper. If you’ve ever seen a picture of Zion, chances are it made you say, “I need to go there.” And for good reason. The park’s 2,000 foot red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and sweeping views of the Virgin River winding through the valley are iconic for a reason. Whether you’re tackling the heart-pounding ascent of Angels Landing (no, it’s not for the faint of heart) or splashing your way through the famous Narrows, Zion delivers those “wow” moments from the second you enter.

For an overlook that will leave your jaw on the ground, head to Observation Point. The Canyon Overlook is a great option too, offering a dramatic view of Zion Canyon. But really, anywhere in the park feels like stepping into a postcard. Come for the photos, stay for the hiking.

2. Bryce Canyon: Hoodoo Heaven

It’s not often you come across a landscape like Bryce Canyon, with its thousands of sharp, jagged rock spires known as hoodoos. The park’s surreal landscape is otherworldly, and the combination of light, color, and rock formations at sunrise and sunset is absolutely magical. If you think you’ve seen cool rock formations, think again — Bryce takes it to another level.

Sunrise and sunset are the golden hours here, casting the amphitheater in shades of orange, pink, and red, transforming it into a fiery, dreamlike maze. The hoodoos stand tall like ancient sentinels, creating a vibrant, almost mystical vibe. It’s like being on another planet. And yet, it’s all in Utah.

3. Arches: A Circular Dream

With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park is the very definition of panorama. While some parks overwhelm with sheer scale, Arches focuses on delicate, intricate beauty. From the famous Delicate Arch — best enjoyed at sunset — to the awe-inspiring Landscape Arch, the park’s rock formations are intricately sculpted and provide endless photo opportunities.

The thin, graceful arches themselves, of course, are the main draw. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a stone museum, with each formation more unique than the last. Fiery Furnace is another highlight, a labyrinth of narrow canyons and rock spires. But even simple tasks like walking Park Avenue or driving the famous road are exercises in awesomeness.

4. Canyonlands: The Wild Frontier

Canyonlands may be more rugged than its counterparts, but that’s what gives it its charm. The park’s vast, unyielding landscapes — full of mesas, buttes, and canyon vistas — offer a sense of scale and wildness that’s hard to beat. With multiple districts to explore, you’ll find yourself getting lost in the backcountry, where the silence is only interrupted by the wind.

Island in the Sky offers sweeping views of both the Colorado and Green Rivers (best seen from the amazing Green River Overlook). While the Needles district is packed with incredible rock formations, and the Maze for remote only 4×4 access. My absolute favorite thing to do here: drive the Shafer to White Rim Trail up the most amazing, white knuckle switchbacks of any road in America. Uh. Maze. Ing.

5. Grand Staircase: Untamed Wilderness

Although not a national park, let’s give a round of applause to Grand Staircase, the hidden gem of Utah. It may not draw the crowds like its big siblings, but that’s what makes it all the more special. With slot canyons, desert plateaus, and endless views of raw, untamed terrain, this park is twice the size of the other five combined and feels like a true escape from civilization.

Want to see the best of the best? Drive Hell’s Background and Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls. Devil’s Garden and Peek-a-book and Spooky Slot Canyons also come highly recommended. Make no mistake, this would be a national park in any other state that didn’t already have five famous national parks.

Honorable mention: Capitol Reef: Subtle, Yet Stunning

Finally, we come to Capitol Reef. Often overshadowed by the other parks, Capitol Reef doesn’t have the same dramatic cliffs or towering formations, but it’s beautiful in its own way, especially from the family-friendly canyoneering hike of Sulphur Creek, or the off-road-only Cathedral Valley, which is a quasi religious experience. Panorama Point provides an outstanding view of the surrounding area, while Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch are iconic spots within the park.

While each of Utah’s national parks brings its own brand of magic to the table, if you’re chasing that unmistakable “wow factor,” this is your ultimate ranking. Plan accordingly — some of these parks will leave you speechless, while others will have you chasing that perfect shot until your phone’s camera rolls out of storage. Happy exploring!

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.