Utah Division of State Parks

Nothing says “all eyes on you” like glowing bright blue-green in the middle of the night.

Some creatures spend the evening quietly blending into the dark.

Scorpions, however, are out here wearing fluorescent exoskeletons that react to ultraviolet light and light up under a UV glow.

Scientists think this helps them sense light levels and avoid predators.

So while others are fading into the background, the scorpion is very visibly… not.

Put down the phones and head outside!

Some of the best family memories start with a simple day outdoors.

Whether you’re hiking a trail, joining a ranger program, playing a game along the way, or watching the sunset, Utah State Parks offer plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together.

Swipe for a few ideas to try on your next visit ➡️

As we celebrate Family Connection Week, it’s a great reminder that meaningful moments are often the simplest ones.

Which activity would your family choose first? 🤠

Imagine packing up a third of the entire U.S. Army, marching them to the Utah desert to stop a rebellion, and arriving to find out… there is no rebellion. Awkward.

Well that’s exactly how Camp Floyd State Park started, where in 1858, 3,500 troops arrived for a rumored uprising that didn’t exist. Instead of fighting, they stayed for three years, creating a massive military camp and transforming the tiny frontier town of Fairfield into the third-largest city in the territory—complete with a busy Pony Express stop and 17 saloons.

Today, things are a lot quieter around the old historic buildings, but we’re throwing it back to the old western range days next weekend.

Join Camp Floyd State Park Museum this Saturday,June 13th (10 AM–7 PM), for the annual Cowboy Way of Life Festival!

Grab a picnic blanket and come experience the history firsthand with live cowboy poetry, music, wagon rides, and great food available from Beefsteak’s Bistro. 

More Info.:
- Cost: $5/person or $15/family (at the gate)
- Music: Artie Hemphill & the Iron Horse Band at 5:00 PM
- Rides: Wagon & stagecoach rides available ($5/person or $25/family)

Visit our Event Calendar on our website for more information.

📍 Camp Floyd State Park Museum, Utah

Happy National Trails Day!🥾

The trails we hike, bike, and ride don’t stay accessible by accident. They remain open and enjoyable through ongoing stewardship, maintenance, and responsible recreation.

If you’re heading out today, help protect the trails you love:

🥾 Stay on designated routes
🎒 Pack out what you pack in
🦌 Respect wildlife and give them space
🧡 Be courteous to other trail users
🌱 Leave natural and cultural resources where you find them

Whether you’re exploring something new or revisiting a favorite route, today is a great day to get outside and enjoy the trails.

Ready for some fun? 🥳

Ranger-led events are the perfect way to experience Utah State Parks this June! Learn about constellations, find glowing scorpions, or even craft your own drum.

Start planning your next adventure and gear up to make this summer unforgettable! ☀️

Which events are on the top of your list??⬇️

Looking for a reason to unplug for a few days?

Trade the notifications, emails, and endless scrolling for fresh air, open skies, and quality time with the people you care about most. Camping is the perfect opportunity to slow down, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the simple moments that are easy to miss in everyday life.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer stay, now is a great time to start planning your next camping trip.

Visit stateparks.utah.gov to start planning your adventure today!

Looking for hikes the whole family can enjoy? Here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly hikes throughout Utah’s state parks!

Whether it’s playing hide-and-seek through sandstone goblins, viewing petroglyphs of the past, or admiring 360-degree landscape views, there’s a trail for everyone to love. From simple, paved strolls to slightly more moderate terrain, these spots are perfect for all age groups and hiking levels!

Swipe through to see the distance each one:

🥾 Buffalo Point, Antelope Island State Park – Enjoy panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake, climb boulders and keep your eyes peeled for free-roaming bison below.

🥾 Jenny’s Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park – A super short, sandy walk into a towering slot canyon that kids will love exploring.

🥾 Valley of the Goblins, Goblin Valley State Park – The ultimate natural playground where families can wander and play hide-and-seek among thousands of unique rock formations.

🥾 Parade of Rock Art Trail, Fremont Indian State Park – An easy, paved walk packed with incredible, ancient petroglyphs carved right into the cliffside.

🥾 Visitor Center Nature Trail, Dead Horse Point State Park – A great 1-mile loop that stays safely away from the cliff edges while winding through trees and rocks with stunning desert views!

When exploring, remember to stay on the designated trail, stay hydrated, pack out your trash and dress appropriately for the summer heat. ☀️

Grab the kiddos and head out for a walk! Don’t forget to log your miles for America 250’s Challenge. Get those steps in before the challenge wraps up this July! 🇺🇸

What family-friendly hike are you looking forward to exploring this summer? Drop your favorites in the comments!

OutdoorsWithKids