Top state parks
State ParkDead Horse Point State Park
State ParkGoosenecks State Park
State ParkGoblin Valley State Park
State ParkCoral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
State ParkKodachrome Basin State Park
State ParkAntelope Island State Park
State ParkSnow Canyon State Park
State ParkGreat Salt Lake State Park
State ParkEast Canyon State Park
State ParkYuba State Park
State ParkWasatch Mountain State Park
State ParkEscalante Petrified Forest State Park
State Parks by county
All state parks (32)
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.