From dense, snow-covered mountains to deserts with Mars-like rock formations, the best state and national parks in Utah have it all.

One of the best things about Utah is that it’s home to some of the most astonishing — and varied — landscapes in the world. The state has expansive deserts, dense forests, and snow-covered mountains, some of which are preserved and protected in national and state parks.

Utah is probably best known for its national parks, nicknamed the “Mighty Five.” You don’t have to stray too far off the beaten path to see something otherworldly and awe-inspiring, like the Navajo sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park or the 2,000 natural arches that arc over the desert in Arches National Park. In addition to the state’s five national parks, Utah has a whopping 44 state parks, including the otherworldly Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and the sandy beaches and bright blue waters of Bear Lake State Park.

Here are 15 of the best state and national parks in Utah:

Zion National Park

The hallmark of this blockbuster park in southern Utah is its vast cliffs, made of sandstone and situated at the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Massive precipices like these can be found in other parks, but none are quite as prominent as those found in Zion National Park. For a slightly more remote adventure, try a wilderness hike in Kolob Canyons, which showcases narrow slot canyons throughout the park.

Deer Creek State Park

The sunsets at Deer Creek State Park are some of the state’s best. Reserve a campsite and spend a few days enjoying the scenic views of Mount Timpanogos while playing in the refreshing Deer Creek Reservoir. Kids (and kids at heart) can participate in zipline tours or enjoy themselves at the Island Aqua Park.

Bear Lake State Park

You don’t have to head south to experience Caribbean-blue waters. Northern Utah is home to Bear Lake, a freshwater lake with a stunning turquoise tint (thanks to calcium carbonate deposits). Around the lake, which is found in Bear Lake State Park, visitors can fish, boat, or simply relax on the sandy shores.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is known for its stellar stargazing, but it also offers stunning daytime views with deep canyons and expansive deserts that invite exploration along its hiking trails.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Located about 80 miles from Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the famous hoodoos—jagged rock pillars that shoot straight out of the ground, originally created by river sediment. A popular starting point for hikers is Sunset Point, where among the many unusual limestone deposits one can spot Thor’s Hammer — the most recognized hoodoo.

Goblin Valley State Park

Bryce Canyon National Park isn’t the only place to see hoodoos in Utah. The aptly named Goblin Valley State Park features a wealth of peculiar rock structures resembling goblins. Visitors can explore the Little Wild Horse slot canyon during the day and camp among the “goblins” at night.

Sand Hollow State Park

The crown jewel of Sand Hollow State Park is the massive 1,322-acre reservoir, which attracts boaters and campers eager to sleep under the stars on the sandy beaches. The park’s bright blue waters provide a perfect setting for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Arches National Park

For stunning night shots, try driving through Arches National Park after dark. The elongated, weather-hollowed rock shapes (termed “fins” by geologists) look striking against a star-speckled sky. During the day, visitors can explore some of the park’s renowned over 2,000 arches, such as Delicate Arch, Turret Arch, and Double Arch.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Colorado boasts the Great Sand Dunes National Park, but in Utah, the sand dunes are uniquely pink. The color is particularly vibrant at sunset, making it an ideal time to visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Don’t forget to explore during the day, where you can rent sleds and slide down the dunes for a thrilling experience.

Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park features over 38 miles of hiking trails and more than 15 miles of equestrian trails within its expansive 7,400 acres. Along the trails, visitors can enjoy views of towering sandstone cliffs and occasionally spot the elusive desert tortoise.

Utah Lake State Park

At Utah Lake State Park, visitors can enjoy an array of water activities at Utah’s largest freshwater lake. Boating and fishing rank among the park’s top attractions, while many also come to swim in the pleasantly warm waters, with average temperatures around 75 degrees.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park, often less crowded than its counterparts, allows visitors to experience the stunning Waterpocket Fold in relative solitude. The park’s richly colored sedimentary rock formation represents a 65-million-year-old ripple in the earth’s crust, offering breathtaking views with massive cliffs and jagged skylines reminiscent of Zion.

Jordanelle State Park

Set above the picturesque Heber Valley in the Wasatch, Jordanelle State Park is a favorite among boaters and fishers. The park offers an array of hiking trails, in addition to providing opportunities to set up camp under the stars.

Canyonlands National Park

As Utah’s largest park at a sweeping 337,598 acres, Canyonlands National Park features the stunning combined essence of giant mesas, wild rock formations, and thousands of miles of hikeable canyons. White Rim Road is particularly popular for biking, and the park’s spiritual allure is best experienced from Island in the Sky, where views extend for up to 100 miles in each direction.

Goosenecks State Park

In the southern part of Utah, near the Arizona border, you will find Goosenecks State Park. The park is renowned for its cliff-top views over the San Juan River, known for its tightly coiled, winding S-shape.