Utah’s National Parks
1st EDITION 1991
2nd EDITION 2001
5th printing 2010
Copyright © 1991, 2001 by Ron Adkison
Front cover photo © 2001 Tom Till
Back cover photo © 2005 Michael McKay
Interior photos, except where noted, by Ron Adkison
Maps: Ron Adkison
Illustrations: Nicky Shriver
Cover and book design: Larry B. Van Dyke
ISBN 978-0-89997-242-8
Manufactured in the United States of America
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Cover photos: Green River Overlook at sunset, Canyonlands National Park (front); Looking into the Maze District, Canyonlands National Park (back)
Frontispiece: Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.
SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions and know your own limitations.
Acknowledgments
Writing a guidebook to the national parks of Utah, a multifaceted landscape encompassing nearly one million acres, was a monumental task, and keeping the book up to date is an equally large and never ending process.
To keep a guidebook up to date, there is no substitute for firsthand re-scouting of trails, roads, trailheads, and campgrounds, as well as becoming familiar with new and ever-evolving regulations, restrictions, and park management direction. In 1999 I seized the opportunity to return to my beloved canyon country to gather information for the second edition. This pleasant task was accomplished with the companionship of my son, Ben, who shares my enthusiasm for wild places, and like myself, favors Utah’s canyon country.
The task, however, could not have been accomplished without the generous support of numerous staff members of the National Park Service in Utah. Rising far and above the call of duty, these gracious individuals read every word of the book and scanned each map to ensure the book is accurate and up-to-date. These people are truly public servants, and we share as a common bond our love for this incomparable country.
To the following individuals, and to all associated with the national parks of Utah, this book is dedicated:
Zion National Park: Denny Davies, Tony Thaler.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Robert Mack.
Capitol Reef National Park: Judy Chrobak-Cox.
Arches National Park: Diane Allen.
Canyonlands National Park: Paul Henderson.
Contents
Geology of the Colorado Plateau
The Rock Formations of Utah’s National Parks