21 Underrated National Parks for Avoiding Summer Crowds

13. Capitol Reef National Park (Utah): Utah's Uncrowded Wonder

Craving Utah's dramatic red rock landscapes without the intense summer crowds of Zion or Arches? Capitol Reef is your answer. Centered around the stunning Waterpocket Fold, this park offers incredible scenic drives, deep canyons to explore (like Grand Wash), natural bridges (Hickman Bridge), and ancient petroglyphs. The historic Fruita orchards provide a shady green oasis—perfect for a summer picnic (you can even pick fruit in season!). While summer is warm, the lower visitor numbers compared to its neighbours make for a much more serene southern Utah experience.