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1.

All of the national parks have seen a sharp uptick in visitorsover the past few years.

Youll also need to book certain hikes well ahead of time.

Mountains of Zion National Park

Credit:Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Additionally, the best hotels fill up quickly.

If you have special requests, like adjoining rooms for a family, youll need to plan even earlier.

Guides make a difference.

Landscape high angle view from Sunset Point Overlook cliff edge at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah with yellow flowers in foreground during day

Springtime in Bryce Canyon National Park, looking out from Sunset Point.krblokhin/Getty Images

I always recommend doing at least a couple guided tours.

They can also teach you about the people who inhabited these areas for tens of thousands of years.

Mark Brodkin/Getty Images

3.

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, UT.

The Delicate Arch in Utah’s Arches National Park.Mark Brodkin/Getty Images

Travel in the off-season.

It can be tricky to appreciate natures majesty when youre jostling for space among a throng of visitors.

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4.

Green River Overlook in Canyonlands National Park, Utah

The Green River overlook in Canyonlands National Park.Don White/Getty Images

Get up early (and go farther).

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5.

Opt for the less-traveled trail.

The Castle. Sulphur Creek & Fall Color Trees in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

The Castle summit in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park.David H. Carriere/Getty Images

you’re able to avoid a lot of the crowds simply by going to a different trail.

In Zion, instead of the Narrows take the Subway route, for example.

You might also considerspending more of your time in the smaller parks.

Zion earns its reputation as Utahs main draw, but the other four are just as lovely.

Contact her at 855-435-1621 ormary.cropper@audleytravel.com.