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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Utah has "The Greatest Snow on Earth," but playing in that snow is often too costly for larger families. This is the time of year when it's hard to find fun ways to enjoy the Beehive State's unique weather.

Here's where our our five national parks come in to play (more than any other state can boast). Many people mistakenly think that there's not much to enjoy in these places once the snow flies; however, the opposite is true.

Winter brings solitude, quiet and an entirely new landscape to places most Utahns are intimately familiar with. Here are some of the best national parks to take your family to this winter.

Capitol Reef ============

Located just east of the town of Torrey, Capitol Reef is one of Utah's most consistently underrated national parks. It's also perhaps more beautiful in the winter than in the summer.

Entrance to the park is between $30-$40 for most Utah families (fees are based on car capacity.) That cost is still cheaper than a single lift ticket at nearly any ski resort. Once inside the park, you have the opportunity to view one of the most geologically unique areas of the world.

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From cliffs, canyons and domes to the awe-inspiring sights of Thousand Lake Mountain to the north and Boulder Mountain to the south, it's hard to beat the scenery available at Capitol Reef.

The park has many hikes that are family friendly; if your children are older, there are more strenuous hikes available as well.

Perhaps the biggest draw to the park, though, is its designation as a "Gold Tier" International Dark Sky Park. Capitol Reef offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Utah. You'll be amazed once the sun goes down and you see just how many stars really are up in that inky black sky.

Canyonlands ============

Not too far from Capitol Reef lies the scenic vista of Canyonlands National Park. It's southwest of Moab in a pretty remote part of the state.

Canyonlands is particularly great in the winter since it's a bit further south than Capitol Reef, and the Island in the Sky trails are usually accessible (though you'll want to call the park beforehand to get an update on current conditions.)

The Island in the Sky trails allow families of all sizes and ages to explore the mesa top of the park with minimal elevation gain and well-marked trails. From the easy Mesa Arch trail to the strenuous Wilhite Canyon trail, Canyonlands has a hiking opportunity for everyone.

If your children are older and up for a winter-camping adventure, the Lower Red Lake Trail is a great option. It takes hikers 1,400 feet down from the park's initial elevation to the Colorado River. This section of the Colorado River is very remote, beautiful, and it's a sight few people get to say they've seen.

Whether your children are all young and you just want a nice drive during which you can enjoy Utah's beauty or you're a family of adrenaline junkies seeking adventure, Utah's national parks have plenty to offer — and more of it during winter's less crowded months.

Have you been to either of these parks during the winter? Which was your favorite? Let us know below in the comments.

![Spencer Durrant](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2583/258385/25838585\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65) About the Author: Spencer Durrant \--------------------------------- Spencer is an outdoors columnist and novelist from Utah. His debut novel, Learning to Fly, was an Amazon bestseller. Connect with him on Twitter @Spencer_Durrant or on Facebook.

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