Kodachrome Basin State Park offers dramatic sandstone spires, hiking and mountain-biking trails, and far fewer crowds than nearby Bryce Canyon National Park.

Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather, though the park stays open year-round for both warm- and cold-season adventures.

There are several lodging options, including three campgrounds—perfect for stargazing in this designated International Dark Sky Park.

Utah’s natural beauty is legendary; following California and Alaska, it’s the state with the most national parks. While the "Mighty Five"—Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Zion—are all visually impressive in their own right (to say the least), they’re not the only parks you should check out during a Utah road trip. In fact, there’s an incredible 2,240-acre state park just down the road from Bryce Canyon that offers a similar experience, just with fewer fellow visitors.…