Camping is available at Bullfrog, Halls Crossing and Wahweap, but here again, at this late date, securing a site will be difficult if not impossible. Visitors, too, can always get on the list to reserve a houseboat or a boat and pick a secluded campsite around the lake's 1,900 miles of shoreline.

Flaming Gorge does not get the Memorial Day business those parks in the southern part of the state do simply because the temperatures are not as warm. It will, however, be busy.

Bryce Canyon has some camping within the park, but those sites that can be reserved have been taken, and those open on a first-come basis will be filled well before the weekend.

Bryce, like Zion, is a popular visit for families. And, like Zion, there is a full range of recreational opportunities starting with hiking along the easy and popular Rim Trail, which follows along the rim of the canyon. There are also a number of more challenging hikes that run along the bottom of the canyon and through the ever-present hoodoos or pillars of rock Bryce is famous for. The area is also a spider web of biking and ATV trails. Maps showing the various trails are available at Ruby's Inn and the park's visitors center.

The campsites at Wasatch are reserved and have been for more than a month. There are a number of places to stay that are near the park, including the new Zermatt Resort and Spa and the Homestead in Midway, and in the town of Heber.

Those planning a round of golf at any of the five courses, which include those at Wasatch and Soldier Hollow and the one at the Homestead, will need to make reservations.

Arches and nearby Canyonlands will be busy over the holiday. And, here again, those looking for a place to pitch a tent or park a trailer or simply throw down a sleeping bag won't find many vacancies.

At Arches this year, prior to its 7:30 a.m. opening, a notice will be posted indicating campsites that will be available.

"The purpose is to let people know about availability. If there's 10 spots that will open up that morning, and there's already 10 people in line, then those behind the 10 will be able to make other plans," said Diane Allen, information officer at Arches. There are 52 sites within the park.

Along with the self-guided hikes, the most popular being to Delicate Arch, park staff members conduct a guided hike to the Fiery Furnace each day. Hikers must check in and register for this hike at the visitors center.

Grand Staircase is the newest of the country's protected areas and is virtually undiscovered.

And, to help, there are 959 miles of open roads within the monument, of which 565 are open for off-highway vehicles. This is an excellent place to explore.