Hoodoos, petroglyphs & more: Mystery in the Escalante Desert

Don't let a less than ideal camping experience overshadow the incredible sites on your trip. Book a few nights at the modern and incredible Cedar City KOA, and enjoy Utah to the fullest. It’s just a 20-minute drive from the Kolob entrance to the world-famous Zion National Park; you can start your morning at a world-class campsite and be in Zion in no time. Or in Cedar Breaks in no time, instead... it's only a 90-minute drive. Love to ski? Brian Head is just 30 miles away. Looking to take it easy instead? The Cedar City KOA property offers bike rentals, dozens of trails, and a pool for those looking to enjoy the water. Cedar City KOA also provides ATV rentals, a playground for the children, horseshoes, and ice cream. Not sure what to see in the surrounding areas? The helpful and friendly staff are sure to point you in the right direction. If you want to take your trip to the next level, this is the place you need to stay.

It's not often you can get up close and personal with incredible rock formations created over 15 million years ago, coupled with drawings from ancient Indians! With thousands of drawings, the Parowan Gap is believed to be one of the most concentrated areas of petroglyphs in the whole country. Observe hand-drawn art of lizards, snakes, and mystical creatures, and get a first-hand look at how the natives of Utah’s land lived. Pace yourself throughout the day and stop for a picnic under covered picnic grounds; then get back to observing the incredible history of Parowan Gap.

Next, make a stop at the Parowan Old Rock Church and continue taking in the rich history of Southern Utah. In one of the oldest settlements of the area, this beautiful church holds special importance to the Mormon Church, and is currently home to a historical museum that you can spend an hour or two exploring. See how the church was built, observe hundreds of photographs from past to present, and learn even more about this historic site through a quick and informative video. For additional information, be sure to stop by the incredibly helpful Parowan visitor center right nearby.

If you're looking for a home base as you venture out and explore all southern Utah has to offer, look no further than the Panguitch KOA. Equipped with modern amenities and clean and spacious campsites, it's the perfect place spend a few days while exploring the area. Boasting RV sites, cabins, and plenty of tent space, this KOA campground is welcoming to any variety of traveler. The Panguitch KOA site gets its name from the Paiute tribe; "paiute" means "big fish," and there are plenty of fish to go around here. Panguitch Lake is a popular spot, home to some of Utah's best trout fishing. With popular destinations nearby such as Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef, and Zion National Park, this KOA property puts you in the center of all Southern Utah’s fantastic attractions. Needing a day just to kick back and relax? There are dozens of restaurants and shops within walking distance of the campground.

Red Canyon, also located in Panguitch, Utah, has fascinated tourists and locals for centuries with its seemingly endless supply of gorgeous red rock formations. The easily accessible Red Canyon is the perfect spot to really immerse yourself in the unique Utah landscape. Take your pick from three short trials (all of which are under a mile): Hoodoo, Pink Ledges, and Bird's Eye Trails. They all offer incredible views and won't leave you too worn out to continue your day of road tripping. Plus, it's another hidden gem that's less crowded than the popular National Parks in the area.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Bryce Valley at the Cannonville / Bryce Valley KOA Holiday. When you first settle in, pull out a lounge chair and just take in the sights in silence. This campground is only 12 miles from the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park, so you’ll have easy access to one of the most popular parks in the US. With additional attractions such as Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grosvenor Arch, and Scenic Byway 12 nearby, you can't go wrong setting up at the Cannonville / Bryce Valley KOA Holiday. With so much to offer at prices that won't break the bank, you'd be wise to give the highly-rated campground a serious look during your adventure through Utah.

Yet another gorgeous, can't-miss stop in the state of Utah, Kodachrome Basin State Park offers a little something for the entire group. This state park is home to incredible red rock views... without the tourist rush. Within the park, you can see no less than 67 monolithic stone spires that dominate the striking landscape. With seemingly endless shades of color and countless rock formations, it's the perfect stop on your way to the Grand Escalante National Monument. Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore here... you might find yourself spending longer than you planned!

Proof that "age is just a number," Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument shows without a doubt that good things come with age. Quietly doing its thing for over 275 million years, this historic site offers views millennia in the making. Home to a wealth of modern and ancient culture, the grand staircase is still regularly providing scientists and tourists with new discoveries. Make your way up Grand Staircase to be greeted by some of the best views in Utah. Continue working your way to Kaiparowits Plateau (which is the highest location in the area at nine thousand feet), which is home to hundreds of Cretaceous fossils. Top off your visit through the Escalante National Monument by exploring the Canyons of Escalante, created by millions of years of erosion from the Escalante River.

Spooky Gulch is a slot canyon located in the Grand Staircase section of Utah that earned its nickname from its narrow, twisting walls and remarkable ability to get dark, even during the day, as the tall cliffs can block out the sun in parts. Best paired with a hike to Peek-a-boo Gulch to kick things off, Spooky Gulch is totally unforgettable. You'll definitely want to bring along your camera for this one!