Utah has some of the best national parks, and on Saturday, Sept. 28, to celebrate National Public Lands Day, people can enter them for free. The celebration is held annually on the fourth Saturday of September.
There are five national parks, but Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are within an hour’s drive of Southern Utah University. Zion offers stunning canyons, towering rock formations and a beautiful drive called Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Bryce is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations, incredible sunsets, and sunrise views.
Southern Utah is also home to the Dixie National Forest, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. All of these are within a two-hour drive of SUU, and some are closer to the hour mark.
Preserving Public Lands
Volunteer efforts can make a significant impact and will help maintain the parks and public lands enjoyed by people around the world. National Public Lands Day has been the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort since 1994. Each year, the National Environmental Education Foundation lists at least 25 volunteer opportunities across the state. Here are a few located in southern Utah:
— Coal Creek (cleanup)
— Zion National Park (battling invasive species)
— Bryce Canyon
Each has something different to offer, but visit the links to learn more about signing up, times and the event’s details. If you can’t help, take the time to visit the parks and lands for free admission this Saturday!
Author: Chevy Blackburn
Photographer: Chevy Blackburn
outdoors@suunews.net
