top 5 tourism destinations in utah

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Best places to visit in utah.

Utah is truly an outdoor lover's dream. With natural wonders – including five national parks – and small towns with outdoor activities galore, Utah offers ample opportunities to reconnect with nature. To help you decide where to go for your next getaway, U.S. News took into account factors like attractions, value and accessibility to determine the best places to visit in Utah. Vote for your favorite destination below to help decide next year's list.

Zion National Park

Arches national park, bryce canyon national park, monument valley, canyonlands national park, dinosaur national monument, dead horse point state park, capitol reef national park, grand staircase-escalante national monument, salt lake city.

More and more people are discovering the beauty of Zion National Park. Utah's first national park features more than 90 miles of backpacking and hiking trails, including The Narrows, a one-of-a-kind slot canyon that takes travelers through the slimmest section of the park. There are also easier paths like Canyon Overlook Trail and Pa'rus Trail, as well as more strenuous ones, such as Angels Landing (permits are required) and the Watchman Trail. If hiking doesn't present enough of a challenge, visitors can also go canyoneering down or rock climbing up Zion's 2,000-foot-tall sandstone cliffs.

With an array of jaw-dropping red rock formations, including 2,000-plus natural arches (the most you'll find in any area on Earth), Arches National Park delights more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Some of the park's most popular rock formations include Landscape Arch (the longest arch in North America), the Windows Section (one of the most picturesque locations in Arches) and Fiery Furnace (a challenging natural labyrinth between sandstone walls). Adventurous visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering and more, while less-active travelers might prefer to see the park from the comfort of a vehicle or on horseback.

Bryce Canyon National Park is often described as otherworldly, and it's easy to see why. Its sunset-colored natural amphitheaters and hoodoos (Bryce Canyon has the highest concentration of these irregular rock columns in the world) are almost too perfect to be real. Hiking and horseback riding are great ways to see these natural beauties during the warmer months. Meanwhile, cold-weather pursuits like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available in winter. For an extra memorable experience, camp out at this International Dark Sky Park at night to enjoy a full moon hike.

Moab sits conveniently between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, making it a great home base for travelers looking to visit both parks. Vacationers will find plenty to do in and around town, too, including outdoor activities like biking, hiking, off-roading and whitewater rafting. For a bird's-eye view of Moab's stunning red rock formations, visitors can go skydiving or enjoy a thrilling flight in a plane or hot air balloon. After an active day, head to a local restaurant to satisfy your appetite and listen to some live music.

Located in Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley features a red landscape that is easily recognizable. Here, you'll find Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which houses sandstone towers and buttes that have appeared in movies like "Forrest Gump" and "Stagecoach." Must-do activities in the Utah section of the valley include hiking, horseback riding and stargazing. You'll want to also save time for learning more about the park's Navajo history, which you can do while admiring the scenery during a guided vehicle or horseback tour with a Navajo tour operator.

With a prime location near the Utah-Arizona border, the small desert town of Kanab is an excellent jumping-off point for outdoor explorers. Not only is Kanab surrounded by several must-see national parks, including Bryce Canyon, Zion and the Grand Canyon, but the town also provides access to lesser-known wonders like Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and the Sand Caves. What's more, Kanab is known as the gateway to The Wave, an iconic Arizona sandstone formation that is only accessible via an online lottery system. Save time for hiking Wire Pass Trail to the Buckskin Gulch, the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest.

This Utah national park is divided into four districts, each of which offers a different experience. The most accessible district is Island in the Sky; it rises more than 1,000 feet above the ground and provides spectacular views of the area. In the southeast corner of the park lies The Needles, a region with colorful sandstone spires, a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric rock art. The Maze's challenging, remote roads and hiking trails are best attempted by those with experience. And in the last district – where the Colorado and Green rivers form – you can explore via canoe or kayak.

Dinosaur National Monument, a protected area on the Utah-Colorado border, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in dinosaurs. Budding paleontologists can venture to the Utah side of the monument to see its array of fossils, many of which are on display inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall. After admiring the fossils, visitors can head to the Cub Creek Area, where several hiking paths – including the Fossil Discovery Trail – and pictographs and petroglyphs left behind by the Fremont people are located. The national monument also offers opportunities to camp, fish and go whitewater rafting.

Sitting about 30 miles outside of Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is undeniably one of Utah's most magnificent travel destinations. There are ample ways to explore this state park, from mountain biking the Intrepid Trail System to traversing the park's eight miles of family-friendly hiking trails. Just don't leave without visiting Dead Horse Point's overlook, which towers 2,000 feet over the powerful Colorado River and provides panoramic views of Canyonlands National Park. In the evening, retreat to one of the park's campgrounds to admire the stars from this International Dark Sky Park .

While Capitol Reef National Park may not be as well known as Utah's other national parks, it is just as breathtaking. The park's main attraction is the nearly 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold, a buckling of the Earth's surface. Capitol Reef is home to plenty of hiking trails and backcountry routes; just remember, backcountry routes here are not official maintained trails, so you'll need to obtain a backcountry permit and exercise caution. Other popular activities include biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and canyoneering. If you'd rather exert less energy during your visit, opt for a scenic drive.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a natural wonder that took millions of years to create. Occupying nearly 2 million acres, this protected area is divided into three units. The Escalante Canyons section is a hiker's dream, with backcountry trails that travel past waterfalls, arches and narrow canyons. The remote Grand Staircase region is where visitors will find Utah's most extensive network of slot canyons, as well as the colorful cliffs that give the monument its name. Separating the two areas is the Kaiparowits Plateau, which contains an impressive collection of fossils that are sure to delight paleontology enthusiasts.

You may immediately think of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when you think of Salt Lake City, but you would be remiss if you limited yourself to Temple Square. Utah's capital city is also home to interesting museums (the Natural History Museum of Utah is a popular option), multiple professional sports teams (attend events from rugby matches to motorsport competitions) and an exciting live music scene (catch an outdoor show at Red Butte Garden). Plus, Salt Lake City boasts proximity to a number of ski resorts and trail-filled Wasatch Mountain State Park, making it especially appealing to adventure seekers.

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Bonneville Salt Flats

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24 Best Places to Visit in Utah — Including National Parks, Turquoise Lakes, and Giant Salt Flats

Red sandstone arches, turquoise lakes, and epic skiing are some of the many standout attractions in Utah.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Utah doesn't get as much attention as some of its neighbors (ahem, Colorado), but anyone who's visited the Beehive State knows that it's in a class of its own. Its motto is "Life Elevated," after all. The landscape goes from desert marked with red sandstone arches to giant, snow-covered ski mountains and bright-white salt flats. In fact, the terrain is so stunning and varied that much of the natural landscape is designated national park, national monument, or national forest land.

It's impossible to check out every site the state has to offer in one visit, but certain places stand out. In addition to housing five phenomenal national parks, there are endless ski areas, state parks, hot springs, lakes, and mountain towns that are all worth exploring.

With that in mind, here are 24 of the best places to visit in Utah.

Zion National Park

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Utah has five renowned national parks, but Zion was the state's first — and there's a reason why. Hiking below the steep red cliffs surrounding Zion Canyon is truly awe-inspiring, as are the park's slot canyons, emerald-colored pools, and waterfalls with hanging gardens.

Park City is one of those places where you can have it all. It's just over 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, but has a mountain town feel that's complemented by a huge network of biking and hiking trails in the summer and two great ski areas — Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort — in the winter.

Goblin Valley State Park

In addition to camping among Goblin Valley State Park 's hoodoos, you can spend the day exploring Little Wild Horse slot canyon, which includes a stretch where the walls are so tight that you have to turn sideways to get through.

Powder Mountain

With the most skiable acreage in North America, Powder Mountain is the place to be when the snow starts flying in Utah. In addition to cruising down the resort's 154 trails, you can go off piste, exploring the mountain's untracked in-bounds terrain. (Oh, and the area receives an average of more than 500 inches of snow annually.)

Paria Canyon

This natural wonder lies on the Utah-Arizona border, but is still on the Utah side. Paria Canyon is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, found within the wildly beautiful Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

Arches National Park

The reddish-orange sandstone arches of this national park feel like they belong in another world. In addition to hiking under or walking over the arches (there are more than 2,000 of them), you'll find other geological wonders, including Balanced Rock, which towers over the desert landscape.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is unlike any other state capital in the U.S. It sits at the base of the Wasatch Range, providing a mountain backdrop to even the most urban downtown area. To see the two sides of the city, you can walk the Temple Square , headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before grabbing lunch at the Mark of the Beastro , a vegan diner with a devil theme.

Unlike other parts of the state, the city of St. George boasts year-round warm weather and easy access to endless recreation — from the dunes and red sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park to the reservoir of Sand Hollow State Park to the iconic Zion National Park . This destination also has incredible dining and great golfing.

Canyonlands National Park

The desert landscape of Canyonlands National Park is marked with towering rock pinnacles, remote canyons, and Native American rock paintings. Meanwhile, the Colorado River cuts through the dry scenery, providing whitewater rapids sought out by rafters and kayakers.

This city in eastern Utah is a gateway to the red rock wonders of the state — many of which are found within neighboring Arches and Canyonlands national parks. In addition to the parks, Moab is home to myriad petroglyphs and real-life dinosaur tracks.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is as rugged and remote as it gets, which is why it was one of the last places in the continental U.S. to be mapped. These days, you can view rock art by the ancient Anasazi and Fremont cultures, see dinosaur fossils, and explore the monument's slot canyons, arches, and monoliths.

Dead Horse Point State Park

This state park is as dry as it is immense. With a high-desert landscape of canyons crisscrossed with trails, travelers come to look out over the dramatic Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Note: When the sun drops, stick around — Dead Horse Point State Park also has stellar stargazing.

Bonneville Salt Flats

You don't have to travel all the way to South America to see the Uyuni Salt Flat; you just have to get to northwestern Utah, where the Bonneville Salt Flats sprawl over 46 square miles. The flats, which resemble snow, are actually a blinding-white salt crust that's five feet thick in some areas.

Bryce Canyon National Park

The largest concentration of hoodoos (columns of rock jutting out of the ground) can be found in Bryce Canyon National Park . In addition to the red sandstone wonders, the park provides stunning sunrise and sunset views and dark skies perfect for stargazing.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Admiring the sunset on the mounds of red sand in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park should be on every travel wish list. Visitors can hike, drive, and even slide down the dunes, which are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 years old. (Sandboards and sleds are available to rent.)

Mystic Hot Springs

This unique take on natural hot springs funnels the mineral water into a series of reclaimed bathtubs and pools where you can soak the day away. For the full experience, stick around for some on-site live music or sleep in one of Mystic Hot Springs ' many buses (including one that followed the Grateful Dead ).

Not far from Salt Lake city in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains lies this ski area that boasts 3,240 feet of vertical terrain and around 500 inches of snow annually (it has the longest ski season in the state). In the summer, you can play on Snowbird 's alpine slide or take the tram to the top.

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaurs once roamed much of Utah, and there's no better place to see and learn about it than at Dinosaur National Monument . The remains of these great wonders are still visibly embedded in the rocks, while petroglyphs showcase the area's first human populations.

Fifth Water Hot Springs

It doesn't get much better than hiking to hot springs. After just over two miles on the trail, you'll come upon a waterfall and the Fifth Water Hot Springs or Diamond Fork Hot Springs. Sit back and relax, but keep in mind you have to hike back to your car.

Homestead Crater

One of Utah's lesser-known natural wonders, the Homestead Crater is a geothermal hot spring set in a limestone dome. Inside, under the "natural skylight" created by the dome's opening, you can swim, scuba dive, or snorkel. (Fun fact: This is the only warm-water dive site in the continental U.S.)

Bear Lake State Park

Everything in Bear Lake State Park revolves around the park's shining jewel: Bear Lake. This freshwater spot is nicknamed the "Caribbean of the Rockies" because of its bright turquoise color, which is thanks to an abundance of calcium carbonate deposits in the water. In addition to sunbathing on the sandy shores, fishing, jet skiing, and sailing are popular activities.

Mount Timpanogos

One of Utah's most popular and recognizable mountains, Mount Timpanogos tops out at 11,752 feet above sea level. To summit the mountain — nicknamed "Timp" — it's a 14-mile hike round-trip. Along the way, hikers are treated to views of glacial lakes, waterfalls, and wildflowers.

Capitol Reef National Park

Everything in Capitol Reef National Park revolves around a literal wrinkle on the earth that consists of layered sandstone, canyons, and rock formations. Known as the Waterpocket Fold, the geologic monocline extends almost 100 miles and is surrounded by white sandstone domes, towering monoliths, and otherworldly pillars and arches.

Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park is tiny, but mighty. It's renowned for its clifftop vistas over the roaring San Juan River. And the views don't stop when night falls — you just have to look up. The park was recently even given an International Dark Sky designation .

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Places To Go

Utah is made up of vibrant and historic cities and towns, all surrounded by natural beauty. These natural landscapes are designated as national parks, national monuments, national forests, state parks and millions of additional acres of open spaces with no official designation save for "Utah."

Mighty 5 National Parks Ski Resorts

Parks & Outdoors

Dark Sky Parks

Cities & Towns

Ski Resorts

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The Complete Capitol Reef Trip

Planning a trip to Capitol Reef National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Capitol Reef region to make the most of your trip!

Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

• Capitol Reef National Park
• Petroglyphs
• Stargazing Capitol Reef
• Explore the town of Torrey, Utah
• Fremont Indian State Park

See Itinerary

Ski City Downhill + Downtown

Big city amenities support 10 different resorts within an hour of SLC International, which means the best in downhill meets the best in downtown.

Community, Kid-Friendly, Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard, Urban Experiences

• Craft coffee, dining and spirits
• Alta Ski Area or Snowbird Ski Resort
• Solitude Mountain Resort or Brighton Ski Resort
• Performing arts, après-ski and live music

Red Rock & Dark Skies: Stargazing the National Parks

This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Adventure, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Stargazing

• Hell's Backbone Grill
• Bryce Canyon Lodge
• Ranger-led Star Programs
• Road Trip Southwest Utah

Base Camp Kanab

From the vermilion, white and pink cliffs and wide expanses of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, to the twisting sandstone bottlenecks of Buckskin Gulch, even the vertigo-inducing views of Zion National Park if you've never been, this six-day itinerary will show you why Kanab is the perfect base camp for adventure.

Cycling, Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

• Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
• Lake Powell
• North Rim Grand Canyon
• Zion National Park

Play The Hits: Exploring Salt Lake City's Iconic Sights

Utah’s capital city boasts a unique history. It is rich in frontier history for sure but its story didn’t end (or begin) there. Experience the many layers of history, prehistory and contemporary culture.

Arts, History and Heritage, Urban Experiences

• Temple Square
• Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
• Natural History Museum of Utah
• Red Butte Gardens

Alpine, Après and Arches

Timed perfectly for winter, this journey takes you to some of the finest mountain resorts in the world, then to the most spectacular vistas of the scarlet-hued desert.

Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard

• Ski Northern Utah
• Explore Southern Utah in Winter
• Alpine Mountains to Red Rock Expanses
• Ski Boots to Hiking Boots

Outdoor Beauty

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Head to one of Utah’s many Certified International Dark Sky Parks for the best celestial views on earth. You can find a dark sky experience that fits every itinerary.

Lakes & Reservoirs

Utah's reservoirs and lakes are some of the biggest in the country.

Utah is known as the home to Life Elevated®, and the abundance and proximity of incredible mountain ranges is at the heart of Utah's identity.

Utah State Parks

There are more than 40 state parks that stretch across Utah, from the rich blue waters at Bear Lake to the hot, orange and pink sands of Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Utah's National Parks

Known as the Mighty 5, each national park can be an entire vacation all in itself. The best visits include a mix of activities inside and outside of the park, and guided experiences to bring the stories of these remarkable landscapes to the forefront.

Utah's Scenic Byways

In total, Utah’s distinct topography provides the surface for 28 scenic byways, which add up to hundreds of miles of vivid travel experiences wherein the road trip is as memorable as the destination.

Top Traveler Cities

Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain

Park City, UT

Park City is the perfect mountain town. The winter slopes were once featured in the Olympics, and in summer the mountains and nearby state parks and reservoirs transform into a hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping mecca.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City makes a great gateway for travelers making a trip to Utah's ski resorts or southward to Utah’s renowned red rock country.

St. George, UT

St. George is perfect for family adventures, luxury spas, extensive shopping, championship golf and nearby outdoor recreation assets.

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Absolute Best Things to Do in Utah: 14 Bucket List Experiences

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

Considering traveling to Utah, USA, and wondering what the top experiences are that you shouldn’t miss on your first visit? In this guide, we share some of the best things to do in Utah for your bucket list . Find out! 

Utah is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. So you likely already heard of “The Mighty 5” – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks. Indeed, no Utah bucket list would be complete without these places. But there’s so much more to see and do in Utah!

The state’s diverse landscapes extend from the Great Salt Lake to the iconic Monument Valley, known for its sandstone buttes and a rich cultural history influenced by the Navajo Nation. 

With the highest concentration of Dark Sky Parks, Utah is also a prime destination for stargazers. If you are interested in prehistoric life, you can admire ancient art and dinosaur fossils. Winter sports enthusiasts flock here to find the “Greatest Snow on Earth” and speed lovers are drawn to the vast expanse of Bonneville Salt Flats for land speed record attempts…

Utah’s cultural diversity, shaped by Native American tribes, Mormon pioneers, and other settlers, is also reflected in its festivals, architecture, and museums. This cultural influence adds an enriching layer to the state’s natural wonders as well.

With such a wide array of landscapes and activities on offer, you can imagine that no list of the best things to do in Utah could ever do it justice – even if it contains 85 or 379 experiences… Plus, there’s no way you could see it all in one trip.

So in this guide, we showcase only the VERY BEST places and diverse bucket list experiences in Utah that – in our view – are worth it the most. If you are visiting for the first time and want to see the best that Utah has to offer, this list will give you plenty of ideas.

Good to know: This guide is published with the help and tips of Janae McCormick, a full-time travel writer and founder of Adventures With TuckNae . She has spent several months traveling all around Utah and exploring its vast beauty. We hope that this guide and our experience-based tips will help you plan the most memorable trip as well.

Here are some of the best things to do in Utah for your bucket list:

1. Roadtrip Through the “Mighty 5” Utah National Parks 

Let’s start this list with some of the most famous places in Utah!

No trip to the Beehive State would be complete without seeing the famous landscapes of the “Mighty 5” Utah National Parks – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Ideally, you plan a road trip that includes at least a few of them. Time permitting, definitely visit them all!

TIP: Driving from west to east, the best order to visit them is starting with Zion and Bryce Canyon, then Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. If you are visiting from east to west, reverse the order. 

Here are a few photos and top things to do at each National Park: 

Arches National Park

Arches is famous for its over 2,000 natural stone arches. Key activities include visiting the iconic Delicate Arch, exploring the Windows Section for easily accessible arches, and enjoying spectacular landscapes from the best viewpoints along the Arches’ scenic drive .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park 

Famous for its dramatic desert landscapes, Canyonlands is known for panoramic views and backcountry adventures. Must-dos include viewing the expansive vistas at Island in the Sky, exploring the Needles District’s unique rock formations, and enjoying stargazing in its remote wilderness.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef offers a mix of historical and natural attractions. Popular activities include exploring the Waterpocket Fold, a unique geological feature, visiting the historic Fruita orchards, and hiking to viewpoints like Sunset Point.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is known for its extraordinary hoodoos and landscapes. Top activities include hiking the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails amidst the hoodoos, enjoying breathtaking views from Bryce Point, and stargazing under the park’s dark skies.

LEARN MORE: Zion – Bryce Canyon Itinerary

Zion National Park

Zion is famed for its stunning canyon views and hiking trails. Key activities include hiking Angel’s Landing for panoramic views, exploring The Narrows, a unique slot canyon experience, and taking scenic drives like the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. For a quieter adventure, the Riverside Walk offers beautiful scenery.

LEARN MORE: Best Hikes in Zion National Park

2. Admire the Majestic Temple Square

Temple Square in the heart of Salt Lake City is one of Utah’s most visited and significant landmarks. This 10-acre complex is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and serves as a spiritual, cultural, and historical center.

Even if you are not religious, this is an absolute must-see in Utah!

The square is famous for its stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and historical and religious significance, making it a focal point of Salt Lake City for both members of the LDS Church and visitors from around the world.

At the center of Temple Square is the impressive Salt Lake Temple, a magnificent granite structure that took 40 years to build and was completed in 1893. While the temple itself is not open to the public, its imposing Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with six spires rising into the skyline, provides a striking image. 

Next to the temple, you’ll find the Tabernacle, home to the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Tabernacle is notable for its remarkable acoustics and the grand organ, which is one of the largest in the world. It’s absolutely impressive – a must-visit!

TIP: If you are in Salt Lake City, try to see Tabernacle Choir Performance . It’s a unique experience!

Good to know: Temple Square is particularly enchanting during the holiday season when it is decked out with thousands of lights and nativity scenes.

3. Stand Under the Iconic Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park is one of the world’s most recognized geological landmarks. It is so iconic that is also pictured on the Utah license plate. So it definitely deserves a separate mention on any Utah bucket list!

The Arch can be reached by hiking one of the most popular trails in the park. The hike is about 3 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 480 feet. It’s a moderate hike but it can be done by most people, including children.

This trail begins at the Delicate Arch Trailhead, which is easily accessible by car. You’ll start on a well-defined path that winds through rugged terrain, offering glimpses of the park’s various rock formations.

The trail gradually ascends, leading you over slick rock and along a relatively exposed ledge for the final stretch. It requires some caution, especially with young children or those with a fear of heights.

Before you know it, you will reach Delicate Arch and be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the arch standing majestically against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains. It’s hard to put into words just how incredible it is to see this arch in person! 

TIP: The best times to hike to Delicate Arch are in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Summer months can bring extreme heat, making it essential to carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and wear appropriate hiking attire. 

LEARN MORE: Delicate Arch Hike Info

4. Walk Through the Belly of the Dragon

One of the most unique things you can do in Utah is wander through the Belly of the Dragon . Although it’s obviously not a dragon’s belly, it definitely resembles one! 

Located under Highway 89 near Kanab, Utah, this unique attraction is actually an old drainage tunnel. It received its name due to the erosion through the passageway, which resembles the inside ribcage of a dragon. 

Belly of the Dragon is part of a short 1.8-mile round-trip hike. The entrance to the tunnel is at the beginning of the trail and requires a small 4-5 foot scramble down into the ditch. Once you start through the tunnel, you will wind your way through until you reach the other end. 

Afterward, you can continue hiking through the sandy wash, or turn around and head back the same way you came. 

Good to know: Depending on the time of day when you visit, there is minimal light inside the tunnel, so be sure to pack a good flashlight. The terrain is rough and uneven in places, so watch your footing. 

This is a fun place to visit for kids and adults alike, and it’s also dog-friendly, which is a nice bonus. If you’re driving through the Kanab area, add a stop at Belly of the Dragon to your Utah bucket list. 

TIP: Plan your visit early in the morning or late in the evening to have Belly of the Dragon all to yourself. This is a popular stop and can become crowded very quickly. There is also free camping at this location. 

5. See Bison at Antelope Island State Park

The Great Salt Lake , the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, is a must-see in Utah. The scenery is stunning and a swim in this lake is a unique experience in itself. Due to the high salinity of the water, you can effortlessly float at the surface of the lake. 

One of the bucket list destinations on the shores of the lake is Antelope Island State Park . This park is located northwest of Salt Lake City, just 45 minutes drive from downtown. It’s accessible via a causeway from Syracuse, UT. Despite the proximity to the city, it’s a serene getaway with open, grassy plains, rocky beaches, and the backdrop of the Wasatch Range.

Antelope Island is known for its wildlife, but it’s particularly famous for the herd of bison that call this state park home. The bison were first introduced to Antelope Island in 1893, with the initial herd consisting of just 12 animals. Since then, the population has flourished, becoming one of the largest and oldest publicly owned bison herds in the United States.

In addition to the bison, you’ll also have a chance to spot wild pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and an abundant variety of birds. The island has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, and you can also camp here if you’d like. 

If you’re looking to photograph some of the best wildlife in Utah, then Antelope Island State Park needs to be on your bucket list! 

TIP: There is an annual bison roundup, typically held in the fall, when the bison are corralled and checked for health, allowing for the management and study of the herd. Plan your visit accordingly if you want to watch this fascinating event!

6. Brave the Heights of Angels Landing 

Angels Landing in Zion National Park is perhaps the most famous hike in the USA. This is one of the most thrilling hiking trails in the world, renowned for its stunning views and challenging terrain. 

Angels Landing is not for the faint-hearted or those with a fear of heights, but it offers an unforgettable experience for those who choose to take the challenge.

The round-trip hike is about 5 miles long, with the trail ascending approximately 1,488 feet. It typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on fitness level and crowd conditions, and is rated as strenuous due to its steep and exposed sections.

The hike begins at The Grotto trailhead, accessible by the park’s shuttle bus. The first section is a well-maintained path that gradually ascends along the West Rim Trail. 

A series of 21 short, steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles significantly increase your hiking elevation. This section is physically demanding but manageable for most hikers in good condition.

After the switchbacks, you’ll reach Scout Lookout, a relatively flat area where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning views. This is also the decision point for many, as beyond here, the trail becomes more challenging and exposed.

The final half-mile is the most daunting, following a narrow spine with sheer drops on either side. Chains have been installed along this section for hikers to hold onto, providing stability and security. This section requires careful navigation and patience, especially when the trail is really crowded. Always stay focused, and hold onto the chains where provided.

TIP: Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds that can make the narrow trail more dangerous. Ensure you have enough water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and check the weather forecast before starting. If you are afraid of heights, reconsider attempting the final spine to Angels Landing.

Good to know: Nowadays, you need a permit if you want to hike to Angels Landing. You can find more information about it here .

7. Hike Through a Slot Canyon

Utah boasts over 1,000 slot canyons so a trip to Utah wouldn’t be complete without hiking through one of them! Some of the best Utah slot canyons include Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, Wire Pass, and Crimson Slot Canyon. Some are technical canyons (requiring special equipment and training), and others are non-technical and can be easily visited by everyone.

If you are nervous about exploring a slot canyon on your own, you can hire a guide or a tour agency to take you through one. Some slot canyons are also hidden away and difficult to reach, making a guided tour even more appealing. 

The slot canyons in Utah are made up of various colors and sizes, so do some research to determine which one is most appealing to you. One of the best slot canyons you can easily add to your itinerary is Crimson Slot Canyon in East Zion, on the way to Bryce Canyon.

Good to know: Slot canyons can be very dangerous during flash floods. Make sure to check the weather before heading to a slot canyon, and never hike through one when any potential rain is in the forecast.

TIP: While not in Utah, the famous Antelope Canyon is located just over the border in Arizona. So a visit here can be easily added to any Utah itinerary.

The three most impressive slot canyons that you can visit here are the Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, and Antelope Canyon X. Keep in mind that they can only be visited with a guide and are extremely popular. So it’s essential to plan and book ahead! Check here for availability and book as soon as you know your travel dates!

8. Touch Dinosaur Bones at Dinosaur National Monument 

Located on the Colorado and Utah border, Dinosaur National Monument is a paleontological treasure trove known for its well-preserved dinosaur fossils. The highlight is the Quarry Exhibit Hall , built over the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, where an array of dinosaur bones are still embedded in the rock wall.

Here you have a rare opportunity to see and even touch dinosaur fossils that date back to the Jurrasic period. Visitors can get up close to the remains of dinosaurs like Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Stegosaurus, among others. 

Educational exhibits and ranger-led programs provide deeper insights into the lives of these ancient creatures and the area’s natural history.

TIP: Don’t forget to explore the grounds outside of the Quarry Exhibit Hall as well! The scenery is very nice and quite different from the rest of Utah, plus, there are no crowds. Nearby, you can also find several sites with ancient petroglyphs, some just a few minutes drive from the visitor center. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife like bighorn sheep and eagles.

9. Marvel at the Unique Scenery of Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats is yet another famous natural landmark of Utah that’s well worth a detour. It’s located at the Nevada border, about a 1.5-hour drive west of SLC. So you can easily visit here on a (half) day trip from Salt Lake City.

Spanning over 30,000 acres, the salt pan is the result of a dried-up prehistoric saltwater lake that used to cover much of the Utah and Nevada desert. The surreal landscape captivates with seemingly endless white salt-crusted terrain that looks like a snow-covered desert. It’s somewhat comparable to the Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park , but is much larger.

The Bonneville Salt Flats also attract adrenaline junkies and speed enthusiasts. The vast area of thick salt crust provides an ideal track for racing and is renowned worldwide as a high-speed haven. In fact, almost all the land-speed records in the world have been set or broken here!

Good to know: During the dry season (summer – early fall), the flats become a hardened, reflective surface due to the evaporation of rainwater. This creates a mirror-like illusion that merges the sky above with the ground below—a photographer’s dream.

When it’s dry, it’s possible to drive on the Bonneville Flats Speedway. However, the flats can occasionally be wet or impassable after rainfall, so be sure to check the conditions! It’s still worth visiting to admire the scenery and amazing reflections, but you are not allowed to drive on the salt pan when it’s wet. See here for more info.

TIP: If you just want to see the unique scenery, one of the best spots to go is a rest stop along I-80, about 10 miles east of Wendover. You can leave your car here and walk on the salt flats. There is even a place where you can wash the salt off your shoes after you come back.

Alternatively, you can visit here with this highly-rated private half-day tour from Salt Lake City. It also stops at a few other landmarks along the way.

10. Drive ATVs in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

A fun bucket experience for the adventurous traveler is ATVing in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park ! This park is famous for the color of its coral-pink sand and is located in southern Utah, just east of Zion National Park.

Although you can enjoy the park on foot or even rent sandboards to take on the dunes, arguably the best way to enjoy this park is by ATV. There’s nothing else quite like racing over these pink sand dunes!

You can either choose to rent ATVs independently, or you can enjoy a guided ATV tour . Either option is great, but we recommend taking a tour, as the guides know the best dunes and are also there to help should you get stuck in the sand and need any extra assistance. 

TIP: This is a great activity to enjoy in the winter months when the heat is more bearable! Just make sure to wear layers, and have a blast taking on the dunes.

11. Discover Mystic Landscapes of Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park , located in southeastern Utah, is truly a hidden gem with otherworldly landscapes. The park is known for its thousands of hoodoos and mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles, known as “goblins”.

These unique formations create a surreal and almost alien environment that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Valley of Goblins is the park’s main attraction. In this extensive area, you can wander among the hoodoos, enjoying an almost maze-like experience.

Photographers find this landscape particularly enchanting, especially during sunrise and sunset when the warm hues of the rocks are accentuated. Another great time to photograph the hoodoos is in the winter when the rocks are covered in a light dusting of snow.

Despite its remote location, the park has a campground, picnic areas, and restrooms, making it accessible for day trips and overnight stays. 

TIP: Goblin Valley is a very remote destination, with few amenities nearby and almost non-existent cell service. Bring everything that you need with you, including plenty of water and snacks, and don’t forget to fill your gas tank before reaching the area.

12. Meander Through Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park

Goblin Valley State Park is not the only place to find other-worldly landscapes. Another great place to see hoodoos in Utah is Bryce Canyon National Park . The scenery here is phenomenal and should definitely be on your bucket list! 

These tall, thin spires of rock, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion, create a natural amphitheater of red, orange, and white hues that change with the light of day. You can admire the stunning scenery from various viewpoints on top of the canyon. But if you have the chance, be sure to take a hike and see the hoodoos up close!

Walking inside the Bryce Canyon is like stepping into another world. Trails like the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden descend into the canyon and offer easy access to get up close to these unique rock formations. 

As you explore the paths, the towering hoodoos rise around you, creating narrow passageways and sudden openings to reveal stunning vistas. The play of light and shadow through the corridors adds to the magic, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors of the rocks are at their most vibrant.

Good to know: Wintertime offers an even more unique experience. The stunning contrast of white snow on the red and orange hoodoos is beyond gorgeous! Just beware that some roads might get temporarily closed during snowstorms.

13. Hit the Ski Slopes in Park City

While Utah is mostly known for its dry desert-like landscapes, the state also has some impressive mountains. And yes, in winter you can even go skiing in Utah!

One of the best and most popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts is Park City, Utah. The charming and historic town transforms into a bustling hub of activity during the winter months.

Park City is known for its light, powdery snow, and extensive terrain. The area is home to two major ski resorts: Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort.

Park City Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It provides a variety of runs suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Its interconnected trails and lifts offer plenty of areas to explore, and the resort is particularly known for its high-quality terrain parks and halfpipes. 

Deer Valley Resort is recognized for its luxury services and meticulously groomed runs and caters to a more upscale experience. It is a skiers-only resort known for its exceptional customer service, fine dining, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations.

Park City’s outstanding ski facilities and charming town atmosphere make it a top destination in Utah in the winter.

Good to know: The town also hosts various winter events, including the Sundance Film Festival, which brings a unique blend of art and culture to the snowy town.

14. Take a Drive Through Monument Valley 

And finally, no list of the best places to visit in Utah would be complete without the iconic Monument Valley . White technically in Arizona , it’s located right on the Utah border so we find that it’s well worth a mention here as you would not want to miss it when road-tripping in the area!

Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American West. Its vast, open vistas and dramatic skyline have been featured in numerous films and advertisements, making it familiar even to those who have never visited.

Despite the name, it is not a valley in the conventional sense but rather a vast flat landscape interrupted by towering formations, sometimes rising to over 1,000 feet above the desert floor. These formations are made of de Chelly sandstone, which provides the red and orange hues that define the area’s distinct color palette. 

The Valley Drive, a 17-mile dirt road that runs through the park, allows visitors to experience the area’s beauty at their own pace, with many stops at popular viewpoints.

Good to know: Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation Reservation and holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Navajo people. The best way to support the local community and explore the area is with guided tours .

Tour options vary from scenic drives to more adventurous options like horseback riding and hiking. They offer insight into the cultural history and geology of the region from the Navajo perspective, plus, local guides can take you to places that are not accessible to the general public.

TIP: To replicate the famous picture from Forrest Gump, stop along the road at one of the provided pull-offs on the Utah side several miles before you reach the valley. Use caution and watch for approaching vehicles, as this is a busy road! 

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Monument Valley

As you can see, there are so many amazing places and experiences to add to your Utah bucket list.

From vast salt pans and deserts to canyons and mountains, and from prehistoric life and ancient rock art to contemporary landmarks, Utah has plenty to offer for all sorts of travelers and in any season.

This unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor recreation opportunities makes Utah an unparalleled destination. One thing is certain – no matter where you decide to go on your first visit, you will want to return.

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Arizona Bucket List – Top Places to Visit

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Images: Janae McCormick of Adventures With TuckNae, Depositphotos.com, and personal collection.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Peggy Harper

Monday 8th of January 2024

Great blog, but one Utah place you didn't mention is Dead Horse Point State Park. It's less crowded than the national parks, but well worth spending time hiking and touring. And, the final scene of Thelma and Louise was filmed there. Fun times!

Hi Peggy, you are absolutely right - Dead Horse Point State Park is a beautiful place and the sunsets there are amazing! In fact, we wrote about it in pretty much all our guides about Canyonlands National Park and the Moab area. The purpose of this Utah bucket list was not to showcase everything there is to see in the state but to highlight just some of the most special places and experiences. Otherwise, it could have easily been 74 spots or even more. :) But if more readers tell me that it deserves a place on this list, I might reconsider. ;) Thanks for reading and happy travels!

25 Best Places to Visit in Utah (Vacation Spots Not to Miss!)

If there’s one word that sums up all of the best places to visit in Utah, it’s unique.

With its enormous variety of landscapes, its incredible collection of national and state parks, and its huge number of interesting things to do, Utah just may be one of our favorite US states to explore!

If you’re looking for the best Utah vacation spots to add to your itinerary, this travel guide is for you.

We teamed up with several other travel writers for this roundup of the best travel destinations in Utah, and one thing is for certain: they definitely show off just how diverse Utah is.

From beloved national parks set in the desert to cherished ski towns located high in the mountains, the Beehive State is a year-round destination that is deserving of a very long bucket list.

Here are the best places to visit in Utah!

Table of Contents

Best State + National Parks to Visit in Utah

Cool utah vacation spots in cities + towns, other beautiful places to visit in utah, map of the best places to visit in utah.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Arches National Park

With over 2,000 sandstone arches within its borders, Arches National Park definitely ranks among the most unique places to visit in Utah–or, in fact, the entire USA.

Packed with trails and desert views, a visit to Arches National Park feels a bit like visiting a playground that’s big enough for adults.

The best hikes in Arches are exciting but not too difficult, the views of and through the arches themselves are magnificent, and the variety of places to visit will ensure that you’d need to spend several days in the park in order to cover most of its most famous arches.

(But that being said, even one day in Arches NP is worth the effort to get there).

Located just outside of Moab in southeastern Utah, Arches National Park is easily combined with a visit to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park–but more on those below.

Dead Horse Point State Park

From Allison of Eternal Arrival

If you’re in Moab enjoying all the amazing hikes there are to do in nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, don’t forget about some of the lesser-known hidden gems in the Moab area as well!

One of these such gems is Dead Horse Point State Park, just a 45-minute drive from Moab.

This little-known state park offers one of the most marvelous vistas in all of Utah, which is saying quite a bit given how many incredible views there are in the state.

Dead Horse Point is best known for its incredibly impressive outlook over the Colorado River, in a particularly beautiful canyon where the powerful river has etched a gorgeous landscape over the millennia.

At this point, you can look out from the mesa over the Colorado River 2,000 feet below you.

It’s an incredible spot for sunset and you’ll often find plenty of keen photographers prepping their tripods each night at the overlook. 

Despite its famous overlook, there are other reasons to visit Dead Horse Point State Park, including hiking and mountain biking trails.

The landscape itself is really interesting, an arid high desert nearly 6,000 feet in the sky, a riot of red rock strewn with purplish and orange tones as well.

The colors become even more impressive during the golden hour and time just after sunset, when the reds richen and turn even more vibrant. 

It’s possible to camp at Dead Horse Park State Park: there are 40-some-odd spots for RVs, a few yurts you can rent, and some spots for tent camping as well.

However, there is also plentiful  free camping in Utah even in the pricy Moab area, so there are plenty of places to get even more lost out in Utah’s beautiful nature.

Canyonlands National Park

From Adriana of Czech the World

Breathtaking canyons, beautiful views, and fantastically formed buttes: welcome to Canyonlands, the largest national park in Utah!

If you want to see the true wild west, this is the place.

One can sit at these magical viewpoints for hours and it doesn’t get old!

Canyonlands is perfect for everyone – either you just drive from one viewpoint to another or you are searching for a real backcountry adventure like hiking or cycling.

Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze.

The Island in the Sky is the closest district to Moab, and can easily be enjoyed while driving your car on a paved park loop.

This is also where you’ll find the famous Mesa Arch.

The Needles District is the perfect place for hikers because there are more than 100 hikes leading into the backcountry full of amazing sandstone spires!

The Maze is the least accessible district of Canyonlands and requires more time, proper equipment, and self-sufficiency.

In case you want to enjoy the rivers, several rafting companies offer guided tours from half-day excursions to week-long floats.

If you are staying overnight in the park, don’t forget about stargazing!

Canyonlands is one of the International Dark-Sky Reserves and it’s possible to see up to 15,000 stars throughout the night.

Canyonlands National Park is simply an amazing destination and shouldn’t be left out of any  western road trip .

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

From Lauren of Ready, Set, PTO

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park should definitely be on your Utah travel bucket list!

The sand dunes were formed from the erosion of Navajo sandstone, which is where it gets its light pink coloring, and the dunes are nestled between red sandstone cliffs.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is very picturesque and one of the best state parks in Utah .

Located near the town of Kanab, Utah, about 30 minutes southeast of Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a great stop along a southwest Utah road trip .

I recommend visiting for a day to hike, go sandboarding down the dunes, or just capture some epic photos!

However, there’s also a campground in the park if you want to spend more time there. 

Entrance to Coral Pink Sand Dunes costs $10 per car

I recommend hiking up to the top of the dunes to soak in the views!

It’s harder than it looks to walk up to the top, and it might help to keep your shoes on if the sand is hot.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a sled or sandboard from the front office to slide down the dunes once you reach the top!

Go early in the morning to have the place to yourself, before people start riding ATVs, and also for a chance to see wildlife tracks in the sand. 

Natural Bridges National Monument

From Cosette of KarsTravels

Natural Bridges National Monument is in Southeast Utah and has 3 beautiful natural bridges, named Sipapu, Owachomo, and Kachina.

It was the first national monument of Utah on April 16th, 1908, and definitely belongs on your Utah bucket list!

The Owachomo bridge is the oldest, smallest, best accessible, and the most photographed of the 3.

Sipapu Bridge is the largest of the 3 and the second-largest natural bridge in the USA.

Kachina bridge is the widest and youngest of the 3 bridges.

To reach all the natural bridges you can use a trail and an overlook. They’re along the main driving loop.

The overlooks are 10-minute hikes and a must-visit for everyone.

With more time on your hands try one of the hikes leading to the bridges, they take 1 to 2 hours.

For more strenuous hiking go on one of the 3 loop trails, they pass all 3 or 2 of the natural bridges and the canyon. The hikes vary from 5.7 to 9.8 miles.

The natural bridges are the main attraction at the national monument, but not the only ones.

There’s also the Horse Collar Ruin, an ancestral Pueblo site, which is exceptionally well preserved.

The overlook for the ruin is a little further than the others, it’s a 30-45 minute hike, and well worth it to learn more about the human history of the monument.

For lovers of stars and dark sky, Natural Bridges National Monument has some of the darkest skies in the USA and was the first International Dark Sky Park.

Zion National Park

Home to what is arguably Utah’s most famous hike–the formidable yet widely loved Angel’s Landing–Zion National Park is the most visited of all of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks.

Standing in the stunning canyon and looking down on the Virgin River, it’s not hard to see why!

Zion National Park is stunningly beautiful, and home to a wide variety of hikes.

In addition to ascending high into the air at Angel’s Landing, you can also go completely in the opposite direction by hiking in the bottom of a canyon right through the river in The Narrows .

Other popular hikes in the park include the Canyon Overlook Trail , the Subway (permits required), and the Observation Point Trail.

Whatever your skill level, there is definitely an unforgettable hike for you within Zion National Park!

Due to its popularity, Zion is also one of the most crowded vacation spots in Utah–if you have your heart set on visiting, be sure to plan ahead and/or visit during winter!

Winter trips to Zion, while a bit different than more typical spring and fall trips, can be magical.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Located 20 miles away from Bryce Canyon National Park , Kodachrome Basin State Park is one of Utah’s best hidden gems.

Compared to more popular national parks in Utah, Kodachrome isn’t crowded.

The area boasts over 2,000 acres of prime wilderness with bright orange colors and clear blue skies.

It’s surrounded by the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and can be accessed through the northern entrance from Cannonville.

What makes this park special is the sandstone spire-like formations and towering sand pipes, that dominate its bright-orange landscape.

These geologic formations are believed to be the remains of geysers that once populated this area.

After the sandstone eroded, these colorful layers of sediment became exposed giving the area an array of unique colors that change under the bright sun. 

Kodachrome offers multiple hiking trails with relatively low elevation gain which makes it a perfect place for hikers of all levels.

Some of the best trails are the 1.5-mile Angel’s Palace Trail, and Shakespeare Arch and Sentinel Trail, a 1.7-mile loop that offers a stunning overlook of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. 

Aside from being an excellent hiking destination, Kodachrome is also a photographer’s paradise. Many people come here to snap photos of amazing bright rock formations, especially during sunrise and sunset. 

Unfortunately, the arch collapsed in April 2019, but although you no longer can see it, you can still hike the trail and enjoy the great views. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

From Francesca of Homeroom Travel

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique places to visit in Utah.

One of the “Mighty 5” National Parks of Utah, it offers majestic sites and has miles of amazing hiking trails.

Opt to spend at least   one day in Bryce Canyon National Park  on any Utah trip. You will not be disappointed!

Bryce Canyon is about 270 miles from both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. From there, visitors will need a rental car to get out to the park.

Although there are many places to stay near Bryce Canyon, you can opt to stay in Springdale near Zion National Park if you do not want to continually move hotels.

April through October is the best time to visit the park, but visiting in the wintertime will also get visitors some snow-covered views!

The most popular hike in Bryce Canyon is the Queen’s Garden Trail combined with the Navajo Loop.

Combined, this 2.5-mile trail takes visitors through Wall Street , a trail lined with tons of gorgeous rock formations.

Visitors will also see Thor’s Hammer and the Queen Victoria Hoodoo (both popular formations).

Besides hiking, visitors can take in one of the many gorgeous viewpoints.

Bryce Point will give visitors the best view of the park and is a popular place to watch the sunset.

No matter what adventure visitors choose, Bryce Canyon National Park is well worth a visit.

Goblin Valley State Park

Wandering into Goblin Valley feels a bit like wandering into a classic Mario game on an old Nintendo 64.

The unique hoodoos that are found in this valley give the desert landscape a distinctly whimsical appearance, and depending on who you ask, look a bit like overgrown mushrooms… or curious goblins.

While there are some trails in the park, the valley where you’ll find the largest concentration of goblins has no distinct trails.

Instead, when visiting Goblin Valley State Park, you can wander through an absolute maze of formations.

Goblin Valley State Park is located conveniently between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park.

If you’re road-tripping Utah’s Mighty Five, consider adding this quirky state park to your list of places to go in Utah!

Capitol Reef National Park

From Taylor of Travel Outlandish

Capitol Reef is often forgotten on a southwest road trip , being overlooked for the jagged canyons of Zion and the spectacular geology of nearby Arches nearby.

But, cruising right past Capitol Reef National Park on Highway 24 would be a massive mistake.

The grandest feature of Capitol Reef National Park is the Waterpocket fold, a 160km bend in the earth’s crust.

It’s hard to understand what that actually means until you’ve seen it for yourself. Climb up high to see the sloping effect of rock layers tilting from west to east some 2100 meters.

Another feature of the park is that scenic Highway 24 meanders right through it.

It’s possible to drive the length of Capitol Reef and see many of its most impressive features out your window!

The other scenic drive in the park, the creatively named Scenic Drive, is also a good way to experience the slickrock, slot canyons, and sandstone formations. 

While hiking isn’t the main draw of Capitol Reef, the Upper Muley Twist Canyon and Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs are a couple of the best trails in the park.

And perhaps the most unexpected thing to do in Capitol Reef is to pick fruit in the Fruita Rural Historic District.

Between June and October, you can pick fruit from some of the 3,000 fruit trees flourishing in the desert.

Salt Lake City

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Salt Lake City is one of the most unique cities in the United States. Where else can you visit Brigham Young’s old house or eat funeral potatoes?

There are enough museums, botanical gardens, and other cultural wonders to keep a visitor to Salt Lake City occupied for several days.

The most visited tourist attraction in Salt Lake City is Temple Square.

This National Historic Landmark belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, so it’s the best place to go to learn more about this church’s history.

The sister missionaries lead free tours of the square every day. But if you’re not interested in the tour, you can explore the lovely square on your own.

You can also hear the famous Tabernacle Choir perform here. They have open rehearsals on Thursday and a broadcast every Sunday, but you should definitely reserve tickets in advance.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking Temple Square is the only thing to do in SLC!

If you want to learn what life in 19th and early 20th century Utah was like, be sure to check out the living history museum This is the Place.

If you are more interested in science, stop at the Natural History Museum of Utah to see some amazing dinosaur bones.

The stunning Red Butte Garden is just a short distance away, and it offers amazing views of Salt Lake City and its surrounding mountains.

Finally, remember Salt Lake City is Utah’s capital, so take a moment to tour the Utah State Capitol Building. Keep an eye out for the beehive sculptures. After all, Utah’s nickname is the Beehive State!

From Becky of Two Wheeled Wanderer

For many travelers, Hurricane, Utah is simply the gateway town into Zion National Park, but it’s actually an incredible area to explore.

There are miles upon miles of world-class mountain biking singletrack, a great state park, endless off-roading opportunities, and a surprising number of great restaurants. 

For mountain bikers, the most popular network is Gooseberry Mesa. Explore slickrock riding, incredible views, and trails for every level of rider.

If you’re looking for an epic day in the saddle, head out on the 24-mile Hurricane Rim Loop that showcases amazing views of Zion and a pedal along the Virgin River.

If you have kayaks or want to spend an afternoon by the water, Sand Hollow State Park is one of the prettiest parks in the state.

The blue waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir contrast with the surrounding red rock making it a very picturesque and special place. You can also camp overnight.

Off-roading is one of Hurricane’s most popular draws. The surrounding area is scattered with fire roads that can be explored by truck, jeep, or OHV.

A popular drive is to head out to beautiful Toquerville Falls, 35 minutes from Hurricane, to swim in the idyllic swimming hole and watch the cascades fall down the red rock. 

And for those looking for a meal or snack, Hurricane is home to some really good food.

The Dixie Pizza food truck makes homemade pizza every weekend (call to order ahead!) and the River Rock Roasting Company serves incredible breakfasts and really good coffee.

From Dan of Cabin Critic

Whether visiting in winter or summer, Park City is a gem in Utah located an easy 45-minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport.

In the winter months, the city is alive and the slopes are filled with skiers and snowboarders at the largest lift-served ski resort in the USA, Park City Mountain Resort.

At the Utah Olympic Park, you can see the structures and memorabilia from the 2002 winter Olympics.

One of the many unique experiences is going on a thrilling bobsled ride on the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Sliding Track. 

When you aren’t enjoying winter sports you can stroll the shops on Park Slope’s picturesque Main Street and enjoy the hearty local cuisine.

End your day relaxing in a hot tub or keeping warm around a firepit.

The summer comes with beautiful weather and smaller crowds.

The ski resorts offer unique activities like an alpine slide, mountain coaster, zip lines, mini-golf, and a few ski lifts are open you can take up enjoy hiking and mountain biking.

Take the opportunity to be outside, enjoying fly fishing, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, river rafting, and golf all summer long.

Park City has a unique charm unlike any other area in Utah.

If you love enjoying the snow or being outside in the summer, you might find Park City to be perfect for you.

From Leigh of Campfires and Concierges

Vernal is definitely one of the best places to visit in Utah. Known as “Dinosaurland,” the geology of this region has allowed for the amazing preservation of dinosaur bones and fossils.

While the majority of the best things to do in Vernal  are outdoors, there are some key Vernal museums to include in your trip as well.

Start your trip to Vernal at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, where dozens of dinosaur skeletons are on display.

Next, head to Dinosaur National Monument, where you can view 1,500 fossils still embedded in the Quarry Wall exhibit.

Don’t miss the scenic drive out to Harper’s Corner, with several hikes and scenic overlooks along the way.

About an hour south of Vernal is a spot on BLM land known as Fantasy Canyon. This surreal area is full of unusual rock formations that will make you question if you are still on Earth.

It’s a small area that you can explore in about an hour, but well worth the drive from Vernal.

Other things to do in Vernal include a rafting trip on the Green River, where day trips and overnight camping trips are both an option.

Red Fleet State Park and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area are both great spots for water recreation, hiking, and camping.

From Jarrod of Ramble Around the World

Moab, Utah is a tiny little town in the middle of the desert, packed with all the lodging, supply shops, and restaurants an adventurer could need to appreciate the surrounding landscape.

Its deep red cliffs shoot toward the sky forming arches, balancing rocks and skyscrapers made of pure sandstone in the desert.

It’s a place of extremes, where summer heat quickly rises above 110 degrees and winter coats its landscape in snow.

Moab is a paradise for outdoor lovers, including hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and off-roaders . It offers an untamed version of fun for each of those and many more.

Its extremes lend themselves to the surrounding landscape, which includes easy access to 2 national parks.

At the town’s center, Moab sits just 10 minutes from Arches National Park, 30 minutes from Canyonlands National Park, and 40 minutes from Dead Horse Point State Park, an astounding landscape in its own right.

But those who seek adventure don’t have to go far from town. Corona Arch sits outside of both national parks and is one of the best and most underrated arches in the area.

Those seeking a taste of history can drive the banks of the Colorado River down Highway 279 or Kane Creek Boulevard in search of pictographs, an ancient art form of the Ute Indians from more than 500 years ago.

Pictographs can be found carved into the sides of those precious red rock sandstone cliffs that surround the town in every which way.

Whatever kind of adventure you’re searching for, you’ll have a great chance of finding it in Moab.

From Samantha of My Flying Leap

Nestled between Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon lies a small town packed full of amazing scenery and set against a tapestry of gorgeous red rock.

Just a little over an hour north of Page and Lake Powell , you’ll find the town of Kanab, Utah.

This area is known for its Western Legends Roundup festival, an ode to lovers of the Old West, and the filming of some notable classic western films like “Gunsmoke.” 

Kanab is filled with some beautiful scenery including the Vermillion Cliffs overlooking the town.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument holds many of the sights including the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons and the famous and often-elusive area in Coyote Buttes North known as The Wave.

A permit is required to view this stunning striped slickrock painted in streaks of orange, red, and gold and it’s challenging to secure one. 

A striking alternative with much easier access is Coyote Buttes South with similar features including arches, thin fins, and teepees.

Hike out to see the free-standing wind-sculpted erosional statues with names like Dali Rock, the Frog, and Turtle Rock.

Then head over to the photo-worthy expanse of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park where you can see the wind-blown erosion of these striking sandstone buttes and plateaus. 

Now that your heart is pumping from some great hiking and stunning scenery, head over to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to do your heart some more good.

Located in a stunning red-rock canyon, Best Friends is home to over 1,500 animals including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, bunnies, and others. 

Though many people pass through this amazing area on their way to some of the most famous national parks in the area, Kanab is worthy of its own stop.

Admire the gorgeous surroundings or fill your heart with love by visiting the largest animal sanctuary in the country—you’ll have it all in Kanab.

Grafton Ghost Town

From Hannah of HH Lifestyle Travel

The ghost town of Grafton sits on the Virgin River, hidden from view beyond the town of Rockville.

A mere 5 miles from Zion National Park, this ghost town is a great stop while you’re in the area.

Settled by Mormons fleeing persecution in 1859, when the area was Mexican territory, Grafton was fraught from the beginning.  

The first settlement was washed away in the floods of 1862. The location was contentious for the local Indigenous population too, and the Black Hawk War broke out in the mid-1860s and decimated the population of Grafton.

Eventually, peace was restored, but continued irrigation issues meant that viable farmland was limited. The last inhabitants left Grafton in 1945.

As  Grafton became a ghost town , its destiny lay not in dusty ruin, but by being immortalized in Hollywood movies!

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, In Old Arizona,  and  The Arizona Kid  were all filmed in Grafton.  

The abandoned town of Grafton has now been preserved – a legacy of pioneer Utah and Hollywood heritage, frozen in time.  

The town hall (which was also used as a church and school), the founders’ house, a weaving shed, the cemetery, and a few other homes and farm buildings have been restored and maintained.

Grafton Ghost Town is a fascinating place to visit on your way to or from Zion National Park.

From Nicole of American SW Obsessed

St. George Utah often gets overlooked in favor of other Utah cities and towns, but there are so many  fun things to do in St. George .

First, St. George is located close to Zion National Park and two state parks, Sand Hollow and Snow Canyon. All three parks are known for their hiking and cycling.

Snow Canyon is located on the edge of the Mojave Desert and has some pretty incredible landscapes.

From the rock formations to the sand dunes, this is one of the most beautiful places in Utah.

Sand Hollow State Park is a unique and deservedly popular corner of Utah, offering something a bit different than many of the parks surrounding it.

The warm waters and the red rock formations make it a favorite with locals. It’s a popular place for fishing, boating, and swimming.

And you can’t forget about the things to do in towns such as Dinosaur Park and Pioneer Park. 

Yes, there is an actual Dinosaur Park where you can see footprints and fossils and learn all about dinosaurs.

And Pioneer Park may not have a playground, but this is a great outdoor park where kids can play and run around.

Bonneville Salt Flats

From Rachelle of Adventure is Never Far Away

Ready to visit a place that will mess with your senses and make you believe you’ve stepped foot onto an alien planet?

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is the perfect place to experience the wild nature of forced perspective for the first time!

You don’t need to go all the way to Bolivia to visit incredible salt flats: these are located just a short drive west of downtown Salt Lake City.

If you’re ready to get away from the city and be surrounded by silence, the Bonneville Salt Flats is the perfect destination.

Pack up your car with blankets, sunscreen, water, and props, and head towards one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.

The salt pan ecosystem is essentially a desert, unable to support most forms of life, with the exception of some microorganisms. 

If you have a high-clearance vehicle and want to do some off-roading into the middle of the salt flats, go for it!

Many record land speeds have been reached at the nearby Bonneville Speedway.

One of the best things to do at the Bonneville Salt Flats is to take unique perspective pictures.

Putting a prop in the foreground and having human subjects walk a quarter of a mile behind the prop creates an interesting illusion.

With this kind of perspective, you can take pictures of people standing on the roof of cars, being stepped on by a giant foot, or running out of a Pringle’s can!

Monument Valley Tribal Park, Navajo Nation

From Mae-Gene of The Wandering Suitcase

Monument Valley Tribal Park  is part of the Navajo Nation which sits on the border between Arizona and Utah.

As one of America’s most recognizable places, Monument Valley is famous for its large sandstone buttes.

Many travelers might recognize Monument Valley from old John Ford country films or the movie Forrest Gump.

Most travelers experience Monument Valley from a distance, by stopping at Forrest Gump Hill, where Tom Hanks’ character, Forrest stops running on the US-163 highway, with Monument Valley in the background. 

Despite this, the Monument Valley Tribal Park is more than a brief photo stop.

If you’re looking for the best places to vacation in Utah, actually visiting the park is highly recommended for its incredible views and to learn about its significance for the Navajo people. 

Entry fees are $20 per car (remember the Monument Valley Tribal Park is not a US National Park and National Parks Passes are not valid here).

Once in the park, travelers can drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop which includes the most popular spots in monument valley.

The roads aren’t paved, with lots of gravel and dirt, so this is not recommended on a rainy day or for those who are precious about their cars!

A great alternative to the self-drive is to go on a backcountry tour, where you are taken out on a 4WD to parts of Monument Valley inaccessible to self-drivers.

Tours are operated by the Navajo Nation, and this is a great way to learn about the history, significance, and importance of the Monument Valley Tribal Park.

For active travelers, you can also go hiking! The Wildcat Trail is a 4-mile return loop that takes 2-3 hrs and is the only self-guided hike in Monument Valley.

There are also longer hikes with incredible views, but these require a tour guide to access them. 

Regardless of your interests, there are so many things to do at the Monument Valley Tribal Park.

If you’ve worked up an appetite at the end of your visit, don’t forget to visit The View Hotel for Navajo-inspired food and get a window seat for your last glimpse of Monument Valley’s iconic views.

Powder Mountain

From Nicole of Wandering With a Dromomaniac

Located 55 miles north of Salt Lake City, Powder Mountain is  Utah’s best-kept secret .

For the ski and snowboard enthusiasts out there, Powder Mountain has the most skiable terrain in the county with 8,464 acres.

The beauty of this mountain is it does not have the traditional ski mountain feel, it’s very backcountry and the lodge has a comfortable cabin-in-the-woods feel. This location is very much a local’s mountain.

You will never have to worry about crowds here, as tickets are capped at 1,500 a day ($99 for adults/day).

The best part is that you don’t have to “ski within the boundaries.” The wide expanse of the mountain provides terrain that allows you to ride the groomers or head into the trees at a moment’s notice.

It’s recommended that you take the local bus ($4 each way) to the mountain from Ogden as the roads can get a little hairy in the winter.

So, unless you have chains for your tires, the bus is an easy solution.

The views here are incredible and the powder is second to none. Powder Mountain does not make any snow as the location provides more than you could ever need.

Of course, the best time to visit is on a “powder day” after some fresh snow has fallen but the groomed trails provide a good variety if the fresh powder is in short supply.

You can also pay ($25) to take a snowcat up to some of the backcountry runs. Each of these runs leads to a road where buses regularly come through to pick you up.

This mountain is more for moderate to advanced riders, though there are sections of the mountain where beginners could spend their day learning the ropes.

Valley of the Gods

From Jenifer of The Evolista

Valley of the Gods is a sandstone valley with incredible rock formations and monoliths that is one of the coolest places in Utah and should definitely be on your USA bucket list .

The richly colored geologic masterpiece was formed 250 million years ago, carved by water and erosion.

It is a favorite Utah hidden gem due to its backcountry location where camping, backpacking, hiking, and biking are allowed without a fee or permit.

Some people heading to Monument Valley on the border of Utah and Arizona dismiss a visit to Valley of the Gods since it’s smaller, thinking they will see the better version in 30 minutes.

But, it’s a mistake. Unlike super touristy Monument Valley, what Valley of the Gods lacks in size, it makes up for in intimacy.

Best accessed with an SUV, you can take a 17-mile, self-guided tour that weaves through the valley.

The bumpy, unpaved road is also passable by cars in dry weather. Just make sure there’s no rain in the forecast.

Park anywhere along the road to get out and explore. You will be blown away by the beauty of this remote location.

If you are here in the evening hours, the stargazing is phenomenal.

There is no staff or facilities like restrooms, food, or trash cans. Be prepared with everything you need, including water, food, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

As always when visiting Utah’s incredible nature, pack out whatever you bring in.

Ice Castles of Midway, Utah

From Melissa of Parenthood and Passports

Utah may be known for its red rocks and stunning desert landscapes, but in winter one small town in the Beehive State is known for its icy and Instagrammable attraction.

Less than one hour from Salt Lake City, the charming town of Midway, Utah is transformed into a winter wonderland each January through March.

If you’re visiting Utah in winter, especially with kids, the Ice Castles belong at the top of your list of places to visit in Utah!

The Midway Ice Castles are made entirely from ice and span across roughly an acre of land at the Homestead Resort.

The man-made structures resemble frozen waterfalls and boast ice slides, beautiful fountains, crawl tunnels, and narrow slot canyons.

Adults and kids alike will enjoy roaming through the maze-like tunnels and exploring secret passageways made from ice.

At night, the ice is illuminated with color-changing lights that fade from brilliant blue to vibrant red, pink, and purple.

Visiting the Midway Ice Castles requires some pre-planning .

The attraction is only open for about 2 months each winter. It typically opens in early January and closes in early March when the weather starts to warm up. 

Pro tip: For those visiting the frozen paradise, snow pants, boots, and a warm coat are a must.

Plan your visit for around sunset for a chance to see the ice in both daylight and nighttime hours.

Lake Powell

From Chantae of Chantae Was Here

Wedged along the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell runs 200 miles long and has hundreds of winding inlets to explore.

The rust color landscape is unique to the region and the sculpted buttes on Lake Powell’s coastline formed over millions of years, making it a geological wonder.

One of the best ways to explore Lake Powell is on a  houseboat trip. If you venture out of the main bays, you’ll find untouched sandstone beaches to enjoy all by yourself.

Since much of the lake lacks phone service, you’ll be able to disconnect and enjoy water skiing on mirror-flat water, wakeboarding, kayaking, and standup paddling through the many coves of Lake Powell.

Pack a pair of sturdy shoes and head out on a hike–there are panoramic views at the top of just about every hill!

A houseboat trip will allow you to truly experience the lake, embedding yourself into the scene.

If you can only visit Lake Powell from the shoreline, camp at Lone Rock Beach at Wahweap Bay, or consider going on a one-day cruise through Glen Canyon.

No matter how you visit Lake Powell, it is sure to be memorable. 

Mystic Hot Springs

From Jeanine of Le Wild Explorer

The fascinating Mystic Hot Springs is located in the city of Monroe in central Utah.

This small city has a population of just over 2,000 but has a lot of geothermal activity. It’s home to natural hot springs that can reach up to a temperature of 168°F.

Mystic Hot Springs is one of Monroe’s hot springs and one of the most interesting Utah vacation spots.

Many visitors arrive at Mystic Hot Springs just to soak for the day and you can do so by booking a soaking pass.

However, if you want to extend your stay a little longer you can spend the night in one of the authentic pioneer cabins or retrofitted buses.

Each cabin and bus are unique and offer a cool experience.

If you’re driving your RV, you can park the night as well or set up a tent at the campsite.

Staying the night is an experience to remember as you can opt to relax and watch the sunset or even enjoy a midnight soak to stargaze.

And you’ll be nice and cozy in one of the pools that range in temperature from 100 -111°F.

Mystic Hot Springs is an out-of-this-world gem you will not forget, and definitely one of the most unqiue places to visit in Utah!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

4 thoughts on “25 Best Places to Visit in Utah (Vacation Spots Not to Miss!)”

Wow, amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Did I miss the map somehow?

It’s an embedded google map at the bottom of the post, right after the section about Mystic Hot Springs! 🙂

I really love this! 🙂

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21 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Utah

Written by Lana Law Updated Feb 15, 2022

Utah is one of the nation's great outdoor states, with fabulous ski resorts, incredible national and state parks , and natural wonders like you won't find anywhere else in the world. A road trip through Utah is one the best ways to see the sights, and scenic drives are everywhere throughout the state.

For cultural highlights or nearby skiing, head to Salt Lake City . If you're looking for outdoor adventures, from hiking, mountain biking, and camping to ATV motorcycle riding and off-road pursuits, be sure to check out Moab and St. George . You'll even find lakes in Utah where you can bask on a beach or enjoy a boat ride.

Keep in mind, Utah's elevation varies considerably, and while it's hot and sunny in some areas, it may be snowing in others. Some parks have only limited accessibility in winter, and some towns almost shut down during this season , but most of the best places to visit are open year-round. For more ideas, see our guide to the top attractions in Utah.

1. Zion National Park

2. arches national park, 3. monument valley, 4. canyonlands national park, 5. bryce canyon national park, 6. salt lake city temple, 7. utah's ski resorts, 8. park city, 10. grand staircase-escalante national monument, 11. dead horse point state park, 12. capitol reef national park, 13. st. george, 14. sand hollow state park, 15. snow canyon state park, 16. cedar breaks national monument, 17. natural bridges national monument, 18. dinosaur national monument, 19. great salt lake, 20. bonneville salt flats, 21. coral pink sand dunes state park.

Zion National Park, less than a three-hour drive from Las Vegas , features some of Utah's most outstanding scenery. Red rock cliffs, waterfalls, and stunning vistas are some of the key attractions.

Many of the park's most impressive sites are found in Zion Canyon, along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive , which follows the valley floor. From spring until fall, a sightseeing bus takes visitors through the park along this route, stopping at all the major sites and trailheads. This makes touring the park very simple. In winter, you can drive this route in your own vehicle.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway runs east-west through the park and is also a must-do drive. This self-drive route takes you high above the valley and offers incredible views from the lookouts.

Sometimes referred to as a vertical park due to its sheer vertical walls, Zion is a hiker's paradise. The most popular hikes in Zion are accessed off the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Here, you'll find everything from simple walks along the valley floor to cliff-side trails, like the famous Angel's Landing trail, which is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights.

If you are here to truly experience the outdoors, you'll find quality campgrounds and RV parks in and near Zion National Park .

• Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Zion National Park

Stunning stone arches and rolling petrified dunes, backed by the often snow-capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains, make this one of the most scenic parks in Utah. Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The most famous of these, and the most photographed, is Delicate Arch , standing like a horseshoe jutting out of the ground, framing the distant mountains.

Numerous walking trails and hikes lead to the most popular arches and other interesting rock formations. But many of the main highlights can be seen right from the scenic drives through the park and easily accessed from the parking areas.

The best places to visit in the park are Devil's Garden, Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, Double Arch, Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, the Windows, Broken Arch, and Sandstone Arch.

Arches National Park is located just outside Moab , a town well-known by mountain bikers and outdoor adventurers. The park is considerably higher than the town and reached via a winding road with impressive views. You'll find several other scenic parks in the vicinity and a variety of good campgrounds in the area.

Like a scene from an old western film, red rock buttes rise up from the orange desert floor, and occasionally a horse and rider even wanders by. This is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park , located on the Navajo Indian Reservation on the Utah-Arizona border.

Numerous films and commercials have been shot in this scenic area, which is famous for its spectacular red mesas and stone pinnacles. Within the park is Valley Drive, a one-way, 17-mile, self-drive dirt road running between the buttes and through the dramatic landscape. Pullouts all along the route offer great opportunities for photography and soaking up the scenery.

If you want to go beyond this one road to explore the park more fully, you must use a guide, which can be arranged at the visitor center. If you don't have time for the drive, which is usually done at a snail's pace due to the curves and sightseeing stops, the view from the Monument Valley Visitor Center is spectacular, and one of the best viewpoints in Monument Valley.

Canyonlands National Park is Utah's version of the Grand Canyon, without the crowds. The park has three sections, but the main portion, which attracts the majority of sightseers, is Island in the Sky . This area offers incredible vistas looking out over carved canyons and beyond to the snow-capped mountains. It is arguably as impressive as the Grand Canyon in its own unique way, and far less visited.

One of the main attractions in Island in the Sky is Mesa Arch . This beautiful stone arch, particularly stunning in the early morning hours or late afternoon, forms a window to the canyons, buttes, and torn landscape below. Also of note in this section is the White Rim Road , which runs down from the park to the valley below, following a dirt road of switchbacks along sheer cliff walls. This road is only for the brave. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the White Rim Road, across the road from the Island in the Sky Visitors Center.

Canyonlands' Island in the Sky section is located not far from the town of Moab. The main access point is reached by heading north along Highway 191, beyond Arches National Park. The Needles District is located in the opposite direction, off Highway 191 heading south from Moab and takes about two hours to reach.

The other two sections of the park, the Needles District and The Maze , offer a slightly different type of landscape but are also impressive. These areas are more remote. The Needles area is one of the best places for hiking in the park, and The Maze is a popular place for 4x4 road trips.

The brightly colored and tightly packed hoodoos that dominate the landscape at Bryce Canyon are what set this national park apart from the rest of the spectacular sites in Utah. Stone pillars, glowing in shades of orange, pink, cream, and cinnamon, jut up from the floor of a huge natural amphitheater, creating a magical landscape that almost begs to be explored.

A scenic drive runs through the park and provides numerous lookouts all along the canyon. However, it's worth venturing down into the forest of hoodoos on one of the numerous hiking trails in the park to fully appreciate the size and unique shapes of these formations. Bristlecone pine trees are another surprise attraction found in Bryce.

Bryce Canyon National Park is located at an elevation of 8,000 to over 9,000 feet and receives snowfall during the winter months and into spring. Temperatures up here, even in summer, can be cool to very cold. The best time to visit is from April to October, particularly if you are planning on staying at one of the campgrounds in the area .

This park might feel like it's a long way from anywhere, but there are several options for visiting Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas .

Salt Lake City is often associated with skiing and winter activities, and certainly many of the best ski resorts in the state can be reached within an hour's drive of here. But this is a city worth visiting, regardless of the season, and offers numerous attractions and things to do .

Standing on Temple Square is the late 19th-century Temple , the largest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of Salt Lake City's principal sites. The temple may only be entered by church members, but it is definitely worth walking by to have a look. Another site in the area worth checking out is the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

The entire complex is in the midst of a massive multi-year renovation and revitalization, with different buildings under construction at different times. Be sure to check to see what is open before visiting to avoid disappointment.

If you're a skier and haven't been to Utah, it's time to go. While other states like Colorado and California tend to steal the spotlight, Utah has some fantastic ski resorts .

Utah gets a surprisingly large amount of snow every year, and the snow that does fall is light and fluffy, making powder days especially amazing. Fun fact: The largest ski resort in the United States is located in Utah.

Many of the best resorts are located within an hour of Salt Lake City, either in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, where you'll find Snowbird and Alta; or Big Cottonwood Canyon, where Solitude and Brighton call home; or up by the town of Park City, where Deer Valley and Park City Resort are located. Other popular ski resorts in Utah are Snowbird, Alta, Snowbasin, Sundance, and Powder Mountain .

Park City is a fun mountain town, about 45 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City, and home to some of Utah's best ski resorts . Park City is an actual historical town not something artificially created for the skiing crowd. As a result, you'll find an authentic main street with buildings, now full of restaurants and shops, dating from the town's mining days.

One of Park City's most famous events, the annual Sundance Film Festival , is held in late January. At this time, the town is buzzing with creative energy, and regular celebrity sightings are the norm.

On the town's doorstep is Park City Mountain Resort , with lifts operating right from town, and just down the road is Deer Valley Resort , one of Utah's poshest ski resorts. Both of these offer outstanding terrain for all levels of skiers.

Utah Olympic Park , also located in the vicinity, was used as a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, it offers year-round activities for kids and adults, from ziplining and hiking in summer to bobsledding in winter.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Park City, UT

For outdoor adventures in the Southwest, it's hard to beat the town of Moab. As the closest community to Arches National Park , Canyonlands National Park , and Dead Horse Point State Park , this area offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, off-road adventures , and more. The rolling petrified dunes and surrounding mountains provide breathtaking scenery and offer a playground for numerous outdoor pursuits.

Mountain bikers come here in droves in the spring and fall for the outstanding riding. Although the town is known among mountain bikers for being the home of the famous and challenging Slickrock Trail , you can find trails here for all levels of bikers. When it comes to hiking, the trails in the nearby parks offer amazing scenery, including Utah's famous Delicate Arch . You'll also find some incredible campgrounds near Moab .

In winter, this area receives snow, and the adventure opportunities diminish. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) . You can still enjoy yourself here in summer, but daytime temperatures get very hot.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a huge area of rugged terrain, with a landscape of canyons, arches, hills, waterfalls, forest, and scrubland. It offers a sense of remoteness that is hard to find in other parks.

Dirt roads, where you can drive great distances without ever passing another vehicle, are all part of the experience. Covering 1.9 million acres, this is the largest national monument in the United States, and it's managed by the Bureau of Land Management, not the National Park Service.

Hiking is a popular way to explore the region. Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail offers some fabulous scenery and is one of the most photographed locations in Grand Staircase-Escalante.

In the southern part of the monument is Paria , a town near the Paria River, founded in 1865, but abandoned by 1920. Remnants of the town and the nearby areas have been used in a number of western films.

The park offers camping, but if you're looking for a little more luxury, one of the best resorts in Utah is right next to Grand Staircase-Escalante.

Dead Horse Point State Park, just outside of Moab , delivers one of the best lookouts of any state park in Utah . The main viewpoint looks over a gooseneck in the Colorado River carving through the colorful landscape. Cliff walls rising 2,000 feet and plateaus at various levels stretch out into the distance.

On a shelf of land below the viewpoint, the Potash Road runs along a ledge. Looking to the left along this road, you can see Thelma and Louise Point , where the final scene of the motion picture Thelma and Louise was filmed.

The best way to see the sights at Dead Horse Point State Park is to take a stroll on the walking trail along the rim.

Capitol Reef National Park is another great place to explore Utah's interesting landscapes. Located directly west of Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef reveals a huge wall of banded sandstone rising above the Fremont River.

The canyons, rock spires, cliff walls, arches, and gorges are an inspiration for anyone with an interest in photography. From a distance, the wall dominates the landscape and glows an almost purple color in the late-day sun.

Most people come here for sightseeing, but you'll also find a variety of hiking trails in the area. This park sees far fewer tourists than most of the other big parks in Utah, which can be a refreshing treat.

The nearest town to Capitol Reef is Torrey , to the west of the park, where you can find accommodation and camping options . The park's visitor center is 15 minutes from town and located at the start of the beautiful Capitol Reef Scenic Drive , one of the main highlights of a visit to the park.

St. George's position in southern Utah, near some incredible parks, makes it a convenient city to base yourself if you're interested in outdoor activities. But, even if you're not, the town has its own attractions and is worth a visit.

Zion National Park is just an hour away, and one of Utah's great undiscovered natural areas, Snow Canyon State Park , is less than 20 minutes away. Within a half-hour drive of St. George, you'll find outstanding hiking trails , as well as beautiful areas to camp .

The city of St. George has a number of attractions and things to do related to its Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints history, including the St. George Temple and the Brigham Young Winter Home Historical Site . Pioneer Park and the adjoining Red Hills Desert Garden are also must-see sites.

Just down the road from St. George is one of Utah's best state parks , Sand Hollow. This unique park holds a large lake with several unique features. At one end, exposed sandstone rocks descend into the clear waters; at the other, sand dunes extend towards the water's edge, making for wide and wonderful beaches, some of the best in Utah.

The park is one of the most popular places to camp near St. George , with sandy, but tight sites located just back from the beach at the Sandpit campground, or for the RV set, the West Side campground is near the entrance and is more spread out.

The park is full of great things to do, like motorized off-road riding in the 15,000 acres of sand dunes, swimming in the warm waters, kayaking, and pleasure boating.

Located mere minutes from downtown St. George is Snow Canyon State Park. Somewhat overshadowed by the famous national parks nearby, this amazing state park has the best of everything the big parks have but all packed into a relatively small area, and without the crowds.

Take one of the many wonderful hiking trails across petrified sand dunes to see the spectacular red and tan rocks tower up from the valley floor against impossibly blue skies. If you'd like to get underground, climb down into one of the lava tubes , and give some thought to what fiery events once took place here. If slot canyons are your thing, the park has those, too.

A popular campground attracts RVers and tenters from across the country to its scenic sites.

The same forces of nature that shaped Bryce Canyon were at work in Cedar Breaks, creating a smaller but equally dynamic-looking amphitheater. Dominated by colorful hoodoos, the amphitheater is more than 2,000 feet deep and three miles in diameter.

Located at an elevation of 10,000 feet, the park sees full on winter conditions, with snow covering the monument from fall until spring. Cedar Breaks is open year-round, but the scenic drive through the park (Highway 148) is closed from approximately mid-November to late May or June.

The best views can be seen from the Rim Drive . A number of short hikes along the rim and through alpine meadows and forest offer good views of the canyon and access to a few bristlecone pines.

The Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook Trail is a popular four-mile route along the edge of the plateau that leads to a viewpoint of the spectacular Cedar Breaks Amphitheater.

Less spectacular, but interesting nonetheless, is the Alpine Pond Trail , a circular, two-mile hike to a subalpine forest glade and a pond at the end of the trail.

South of Canyonlands National Park, but somewhat out of the way, is Natural Bridges National Monument, protecting some outstanding formations. If you are in the vicinity, or if you haven't had an opportunity to view a natural bridge before, this park is definitely worth a stop. The main tourist attractions are three natural bridges ; Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu, all of which are accessible by short hikes.

If you are only going to visit one, make it Sipapu , the largest and most impressive of the three. The walk in is a moderately strenuous, 1.2-mile round-trip hike, and it involves navigating steep sections and climbing a few stairs and ladders.

Kachina Bridge is reached by a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, but the trail is easier, although it still has some steep sections.

Owachomo Bridge is the easiest to reach, requiring less than a half-mile round-trip walk. It is the smallest of the three but still worth seeing.

Also of interest in the park are the Horsecollar Ruins , revealing the remains of ancient Native American buildings inhabited more than 700 years ago.

Dinosaur National Monument is known not only for the large number of Jurassic period fossils that have been discovered here but also for the surrounding terrain. The main highlight is the collection of more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils, which can be seen embedded in the cliff wall of Carnegie Quarry.

The new Quarry Hall has been built right over top of a section of the rock, allowing for close up access and comfortable conditions for visitors. Hiking, rafting, and camping are also popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument.

The Great Salt Lake, a half-hour drive northwest of Salt Lake City, is the largest inland lake west of the Mississippi, measuring 72 miles long, 34 miles wide, and up to 50 feet deep. It is a remnant of a much larger freshwater lake, Lake Bonneville.

Following a fall in the water table, this lake was left with no outlet and shrank as a result of evaporation, leaving the Great Salt Lake Desert. The combination of evaporation with the inflow of surface waters rich in minerals led the salt content of the lake to rise steadily, and at one stage it reached 27 percent (eight times as high as the world's oceans).

At the south end of the lake are bathing beaches and a recreation park . Like the Dead Sea in Israel, Great Salt Lake is salty enough to allow bathers to float without sinking.

About 90 minutes west of Salt Lake City along I-80, near Wendover, is an unassuming area of flat land, extending off into the distance as far as the eye can see. But during certain times of the year, this area becomes the world's fastest race course .

This natural salt flat is perfectly flat, devoid of all vegetation, and most of the time has a hard surface, making it perfect for high speeds. Speed Week is held here each year in August and World of Speed is held in September. These races have produced world land-speed record runs.

Most of the time it's completely empty, and you can try it out for yourself. If you venture out here when no event is taking place, you'll find little more than a sign on the side of the road and endless miles of salt flats. Take exit 4 off I-80 , turn right, and drive past the truck stop. There is nothing else out here. Eventually, you'll come to a sign and an area where you can drive onto the flats at your own risk.

In winter, some areas of the salt flats are covered in a thin layer of water and are not drivable.

The coral pink color of the sands at this park make for an interesting twist when it comes to sand dunes. Sculpted by the wind, the shifting dunes and rolling hills are also a fun place to play. Popular things to do here, beyond simply climbing the soft sand mountains, are sandboarding, ATVing, and of course, photographing the scene.

While the park is mainly used for day-use visits, a pleasant campground is located on the edge of the dunes, with sites sheltered by small trees.

More on Utah

25 Best Things to Do in Utah + Map

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If you long to explore the American West and its rugged terrain, you’ll find plenty of  things to do in Utah . With five national parks and eight national monuments, this state is a wonderland for hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation.

Besides, it’s a landlocked state bordered by Colorado and Wyoming to the east, Arizona to the south, Idaho to the north, and Nevada to the west, so there is a ton of open space to explore.

In this guide, I’ll share the top  attractions in Utah  so you can make the most of your trip here. Utah is my favorite place on earth and has given us so many photographic opportunities. The first time we visited was during our 10-day West Coast Road Trip, but we have been coming back since then because there are so many places to explore. If you fly here, hire a car to get around this beautiful state.

You can also rent an RV for an adventure of a lifetime (check our guide with all you need to know before renting an RV in the USA ).

Now, let’s dig into the  best places to visit in Utah. At the end of this article, you will also find a map with all the important tourist spots in Utah so you can plan your perfect route.

1. Hike in Zion National Park, the best thing to do in Utah

It’s no contest that  Zion National Park  is one of the  best places to visit in Utah . The park is the ultimate playground for hiking enthusiasts, although there are plenty of family-friendly trails, too.

Two of the best trails in Zion National Park are  The Narrows  and Angels Landing . The former follows the gorge where the North Fork of the Virgin River runs (bring your water shoes!), while the latter include a via ferrata section that takes you to a beautiful lookout with panoramic views (not for those who are afraid of heights).

Some easier trails include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail , which passes by several waterfalls, and the  Weeping Rock Trail . The  Canyon Overlook Trail  is also a popular choice, and you might see wildlife along your route.

A  must-see in Utah  that you might recognize is  The Subway , a colorful pipeline carved into the canyon by the Left Fork North Creek. It requires a permit to visit, but it’s one of the most surreal sights in the world.

Even if you can’t see The Subway, you can explore the  Zion Canyon Scenic Drive  by hopping on the park’s shuttle bus. It makes stops to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Museum, Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, Big Bend, and the Temple of Sinawava.

We have a specific guide for those visiting Zion National Park . Besides, if you plan to do an overnight trip, check the best places to stay in Zion.

2. Bryce Canyon, aN STUNNING place to visit in Utah

If you’re not familiar with  Bryce Canyon National Park , it will be a pleasant surprise as it’s one of the  coolest places to visit in Utah .

Bryce Canyon is famous for the  Hoodoos rock formations , which are some of the most peculiar natural structures on earth. Here, you can find Thor’s Hammer, Queen Victoria, and stunning overlooks like Sunrise Point and Sunset Point.

This place is also perfect for  outdoor activities in Utah,  like camping and hiking. Among the easiest hikes is the  Queens Garden Trail , which starts at Sunrise Point and passes by the Queen Victoria rock formation. The Navajo Loop is very popular and does a circuit around Thor’s Hammer and the Two Bridges rock formation. There are also several backcountry trails if you’re going to be in the area for more than a day.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park, a breathtaking place to visit in Utah

While you’re in Bryce Canyon, you must check out the best viewpoints, such as Bryce Amphitheater, Fairyland Point, and the Natural Bridge. Inspiration Point is especially beautiful at dawn, and the area around Thor’s Hammer is perfect for Milky Way photography.

We have written a specific guide on visiting Bryce Canyon National Park and another on where to stay in Bryce Canyon .

3. Arches National Park, a spectacular place to see in Utah

Arches National Park  is appropriately named for its many natural arch formations, and it’s a beautiful  place to visit in Utah .

There are over 2,000 arches in the park, but some of the most popular are the Turret Arch and The Windows. A heavily-trafficked 1.2-mile trail loops around these rock formations and can be a fun  thing to do in Utah with kids .

Double Arch  is one of the most popular sights in the park and has the tallest opening and second-longest span in Arches. Another cool feature in the park is  Balanced Rock , which is visible from the road. The entire structure is nearly 130 feet tall, with the balancing rock rising 55 feet above the base.

However, the most popular sight is Delicate Arch (it’s even on Utah license plates). You can see it from afar at the Upper and Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint or you can hike the 3.4-mile trail to the arch, which is especially beautiful at sunset.

My favorite hike in the park is the Devil’s Garden loop which is twice as long but passes through the Landscape Arch , Dark Angel Spire, and several interesting rock fins.

While you’re in Arches, you can check out the town of  Moab . Along with the famous  Corona Arch , Moab also has places to stay overnight.

4. Canyonlands National Park, another place to visit in Utah

Canyonlands National Park  is another area near Moab with a distinct landscape that you must see. The park is divided into four parts: The Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Green and Colorado Rivers Plateau.

The Island in the Sky region includes the 500-foot-tall  Washer Woman  and 600-foot-tall  Monster Tower . The  Mesa Arch  is one of the top attractions in Utah  and stunning at sunrise. I also recommend walking to the  Green River Overlook , which sits 1,000 feet above sea level and boasts impressive views.

This area also overlooks the White Rim Sandstone level of the park, so it’s a good place to go in Canyonlands. That said, the Needles area south of the Colorado River features the  Druid Arch  and the  Elephant Hill Trailhead . It’s worth checking out, but most visitors choose just one region to visit because they’re spread far apart.

The entire park is gorgeous and full of wildlife, such as cottontail rabbits, mule deer, and pronghorn. There is also ample opportunity for bird-watching, as you’ll find several varieties of hawks and eagles here.

For some outdoor  activities to do in Utah , Canyonlands offers hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting, and kayaking.

5. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park, another awesome thing to do in Utah

Dead Horse Point State Park  is another  place to visit in Utah  if you’re looking for a unique experience in nature. This state park covers over 5,300 acres and offers spectacular views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.

The name originates from a legend that 19th-century cowboys used the land as a corral, but the horses often died from exposure. Whether or not that’s true, Dead Horse Point remains a beautiful natural area with great viewpoints, especially at sunrise. You might even recognize this high-desert setting from the classic film  Thelma & Louise .

Dead Horse Point has a few picnic areas and campgrounds, as well as eight miles of hiking trails. The hikes are relatively easy, so it’s a  fun thing to do in Utah with family .

The most popular hiking path is  Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail , although the  Visitor Center Nature Trail  is good for all levels and leads to the East Rim Overlook.

The West Rim Trail System is a moderate hike and includes several stunning overlooks and impressive cliffs. The Bighorn Overlook Trail is the longest and most worthwhile, featuring desert potholes and canyon views.

You could also take the mountain bike paths at Dead Horse Point for a pleasant day trip from Moab.

6. Salt Lake City, the best city to visit in Utah

As the state capital,  Salt Lake City  has plenty of interesting places to visit. The city offers a mix of urban attractions and natural scenery, so it’s one of the  best places to visit in Utah .

You might enjoy taking a free tour of the  State Capitol  building, or maybe  Temple Square , one of the main  Utah attractions . The Square includes the world’s largest Mormon temple and the Mormon Tabernacle. If you go inside, you’ll see one of the biggest pipe organs ever, with over 11,000 pipes.

If you’re looking for  cool things to do in Utah’s  wilderness, check out  Antelope Island  at the Great Salt Lake , which is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. You can also explore the caves at  Timpanogos Cave National Monument and drive the 20-mile Alpine Loop Scenic Byway .

We’ve written more tips about visiting Utah’s capital city in our guide to the best things to do in Salt Lake City .

7. Capitol Reef National Park, an interesting place to visit in Utah

A visit to  Capitol Reef National Park  is one of the top  things to do in southern Utah . The name Capitol Reef comes from the white sandstone domes in the park, as well as the rocky cliffs that resemble reefs.

The park is in the heart of red rock country, so it’s a wonderland of canyons, cliffs, and natural bridges. It’s also the most accessible part of the  Waterpocket Fold , a monocline or natural wrinkle in the earth, that extends for 100 miles.

If you’re looking for  adventurous things to do in Utah ,  take a hike  in the national park. The Fruita area has 15 hiking trails, many of which are along the Scenic Drive. Ranging in difficulty, the paths traverse deep canyon gorges, high cliffs, and stone arches.

You can also check out the Waterpocket District for longer hikes, or the Cathedral District for unpaved, backcountry trails. These challenging hikes will lead you through the high desert to volcanic dikes, crags, and monoliths. Keep an eye out for the ancient  Mormon petroglyphs  along the main highway.

Capitol Reef is also an International Dark Sky Park, so it’s an excellent place for night photography.

8. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument  (GSENM) is one of the best  places to visit in southern Utah . This vast area is one of the most remote in the country. You could spend a week here and still not be able to see everything.

There are three main regions: The Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante. We drove the  Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Byway , which passes by many attractions. I highly recommend renting a 4×4 if you’re going to visit!

For example, a 3-mile trail leads to the 126-foot Lower Calf Creek Falls, and there are several slot canyons along the Byway. A few notable ones include Zebra Canyon, Peek-a-Boo Canyon, Spooky Gulch, and Brimstone Gulch.

8. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, another exciting place in Utah

We did the  Coyote Gulch Trail  loop through the Crack-in-the-Wall to Jacob Hamblin Arch, and it was the best hike we’ve ever taken. If you do this hike, you’ll need water shoes to cross the river, and a rope to get out of the gulch at the Jacob Hamblin Arch.

A few other  attractions in Utah  worth visiting are Devil’s Garden and the four hoodoos; the Cosmic Ashtray ; and the Golden Cathedral Trail in the lower Neon Canyon. The dramatic lighting makes for an unforgettable experience.

9. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Another top  Utah destination  is  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area . This is another large swath of land around Lake Powell and the lower Cataract Canyon in Utah and Arizona. It shares borders with Capitol Reef and GSENM, so if you’re in those areas, be sure to stop by.

Glen Canyon is also a conservation area, and the rugged, high desert terrain can feel otherworldly at times. This is where you can find the  Rainbow Bridge National Monument , the world’s highest natural bridge and a  must-see in Utah.

9. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, an extraordinary place to visit in Utah

Another popular spot in this area is  Lake Powell , the second-largest manmade reservoir. The lake extends to the Escalante River, and many interesting sights line its shores. For example, Castle Rock, Gunsight Butte, and the Waterpocket Fold can be found along the lake. You can also enjoy a swim or a bit of kayaking on the water.

From Big Water in Escalante, you can hike to  Alstrom Point , one of the best overlooks in the area. We opted for the hike t o Reflection Canyon , which was a challenging overnight trek of nearly 19 miles. The trailhead is at Hole-in-the-Rock Road and the path takes you to the astonishing canyon that lives up to its name, especially at sunrise.

10. Goblin Valley State Park, a unique place to go in Utah

Located in the San Rafael Desert, the  Goblin Valley State Park  resembles an alien planet. It features thousands of hoodoos rock formations, some of the largest in the world. They are often referred to as “goblins”, hence the name of the park.

Goblin Valley is a haven for mountain biking and hiking. The Goblin’s Lair is a strenuous hike, but it leads to an awesome cavern hidden within a slot canyon. The Carmel Canyon loop is 1.5 miles and passes by Molly’s Castle butte, another fascinating sight.

The easiest route is the Three Sisters trail, which leads to one of the most famous  attractions in Utah , the Three Sisters monument. Or you can follow the Curtis Bench Trail between the rock formations to a lookout over Goblin Valley.

The state park is also an International Dark Sky Park and a good place for wildlife spotting, so keep an eye out for jackrabbits, scorpions, pronghorn, kit foxes, and coyotes. There is an entrance fee, but I think it’s worth it.

Not far from Goblin Valley is Little Wild Horse & Bell Canyon , two other interesting  tourist spots in Utah . You can do an 8-mile loop to explore these beautiful slot canyons, but I recommend doing the loop counterclockwise through Little Wild Horse first, as the elevation gain is nice and gradual.

11. Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

If you’re not sure  what to see in southern Utah , then  Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park  is a great option. It’s the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau and is just southeast of Zion National Park, which I mentioned earlier.

The park is instantly recognizable for its exquisite, pink-colored dunes, which look striking next to the red sandstone cliffs and scattered pinyon pines. The dunes, which are believed to be at least 10,000 years old, get their distinct orange color from grains of hematite-covered quartz.

11. Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, another thing to experience in Utah

This state park is also a conservation area and a great place for wildlife viewing and photography. It’s also the only place where you can find the Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle.

The hiking trails here are quite easy and not very long, but they’re scenic. Interestingly, the dunes can move as much as 50 feet per year, so the park may look different the next time you see it!

There is a small entrance fee, but this is one of the  coolest places in Utah , so it’s worth it.

12. Goosenecks State Park, an unusual place to visit in Utah

A visit to  Goosenecks State Park  is a  unique thing to do in Utah  that you won’t regret. However, unlike other state parks in Utah, Goosenecks is mostly undeveloped, so come prepared with enough water and gear.

The park has some impressive overlooks that span the San Juan River, and the views extend for miles. There, you can look out at the meanders, also called goosenecks, that resulted from years of flowing water cutting into the rock. The San Juan River flows through and eventually makes its way to Lake Powell.

Goosenecks is a small park, but its landscape reflects 300 million years of geological activity. It truly is one of the most impressive  things to see in Utah . For example, you can see Alhambra Rock, a volcanic formation made of cooled magma, as well as the buttes of Monument Valley.

There aren’t any marked hiking trails in Goosenecks, but the nearby Honaker Trail leads to the park. On your way there you can stop by  Fry Canyon , a small ghost town that’s just 8 miles from the  Natural Bridges National Monument . The monument was the first International Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing here is divine.

13. Try your luck in Kanab & win The Wave lottery

Kanab  is known as Utah’s Little Hollywood due to its appearance in many film westerns. Just north of the Arizona border, Kanab offers convenient access to Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Lake Powell, GSENM, and several other  Utah attractions .

Close to Kanab, you’ll find the  Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness , which spans southern Utah and northern Arizona.  Coyote Buttes North  is just a small part of the 112,500-acre region, but it’s easily accessible from Kanab. It’s most famous for  The Wave  sandstone rock formation, which you need a permit to visit.

Only 20 people can go through this area each day, so if you want to visit, try your luck with the  online lottery  or the in-person lottery in Kanab. We tried four times, but no luck.

13. Try your luck in Kanab & win The Wave lottery, something you must do in Utah

Besides The Wave, Coyote Buttes North includes The Second Wave, The Alcove, Top Rock Arch, Melody Arch and the Grotto, Sand Cove, and Fatali’s Boneyard.

The lottery for  Coyote Buttes South  is said to be easier, but we didn’t have any luck there either. If you manage to win a permit, you’ll get to see some of the most striking geology in the country. Just opt for a 4×4 or take a tour because the sands are deep.

Both Coyote Buttes North and South are strenuous hikes, so bring plenty of water. And if you’re lucky enough to be able to visit these incredible  Utah destinations , be sure to take plenty of photos!

14. Buckskin Gulch, one of the best things to see in Utah

In the same county as Kanab, you can see  Buckskin Gulch , the longest and deepest slot canyon in the US, and maybe the world. Together with  Paria Canyon  and the  Wire Pass , it’s one of the  best attractions in Utah  and a prime hiking spot.

We hiked through the Wire Pass and a portion of the Buckskin Gulch. The  Wire Pass Trailhead  is right off House Rock Valley and leads to Coyote Buttes North too, where you’ll find The Wave. However, as I mentioned, you can’t hike to The Wave without a permit. The rangers check, and you’ll be slapped with a heavy fine if you’re caught!

From I-89, you can take the Buckskin Trailhead or the White House Trailhead. If you have more time, get a permit  to stay overnight and hike the 31 miles between these two trailheads (you’ll need to book a shuttle back to your car).

With its huge walls and narrow passageways, Buckskin Gulch is one of those  must-see places in Utah . In this area, I also recommend visiting the  Toadstool Hoodoos  (1.8-mile hike) and the  Wahweap Hoodoos  (a 9-mile hike). If you’re willing to get off the beaten path, check out the  White Rocks  and  Sidestep Canyon , two unique geological structures worth the extra effort!

15. White Pocket, another amazing attraction to visit in Utah

White Pocket is one of the top  places to visit in southern Utah , so be sure to add it to your itinerary. It’s close to the Coyote Buttes, and a good alternative if you can’t snag a permit to see The Wave.

Actually, it’s part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona. However, the area is more accessible from Kanab, Utah, which is where most tours depart from.

The sandy roads are hard to navigate, so I don’t recommend driving there. It’s safer to take this tour to see the varied landscape, with layers of white, yellow, and orange mineral deposits that span millions of years.

Not only is this one of the best  road trips from Utah , but it’s also a great place for photographers. The cliffs, some of which are as tall as 3,000 feet, consist of layers of sandstone, siltstone, limestone, and shale, and look absolutely incredible against the Western sky.

16. Monument Valley, another place to visit in Southern Utah

Monument Valley  is one of the highlights of the American West, so it’s a  must-see in Utah . Often referred to as Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is also on the Utah-Arizona border.

Take the  Monument Valley Scenic Drive  if it’s your first time here, as this will introduce you to some of the most well-known landmarks. Just keep in mind that there is a $20 entrance fee.

It’s a small price to pay to see all the geological wonders that await.  The Mittens and Merrick Butte  are some of the most famous rock formations in Monument Valley. Rising 6,500 feet above the plains, they are an impressive sight, especially at sunrise.

16. Monument Valley, another place with more things to do in Utah

Be sure to also check out  Elephant Butte, Three Sisters,  and  Camel Butte , which are all named after their appearance. That said, Camel Butte is best seen facing west, so you might have a hard time spotting it. And if you’re a fan of western films, check out the view from  John Ford’s Point .

There is only one hiking route that you can take on your own, and it’s the  Wildcat Trail . It takes about 2 hours and leads to the East Mitten Butte. Alternatively, you might enjoy a  guided Navajo tour  to learn more about Navajo culture, history, and the tribe’s important connection to Monument Valley.

If you want to further explore this area, be sure to read our guide to  visiting Monument Valley , and spend a day or two in one of the best places to stay in Monument Valley .

17. Rafting on the Colorado River from Moab

For thrill-seekers,  rafting on the Colorado River  is one of the most  adventurous things to do in Utah . The town of  Moab  offers incredible rafting tours and opportunities, so if you’re in the region, be sure to check them out.

I recommend this   half-day rafting trip , which covers seven miles of Class 1 and 2 rapids. As you travel down the river, you’ll get great views of Fisher Towers and the La Sal Mountains.

17. Rafting on the Colorado River from Moab, something to do in Utah with kids

While you’re in town, you should also check out  Scenic Byway U-128  which meanders along the Colorado River gorge, the sixth-longest natural rock span in the US. Starting at the city’s northern end, you’ll pass by several beautiful hiking and bouldering spots and picnic areas.

You might want to stop at  Lions Park  or the  Castle Valley Overlook  for stunning photos. The  Film Heritage Museum  is great for movie buffs, while the  Castle Creek Winery  is a perfect pitstop for couples.

Of course, driving on the Scenic Byway is a fun  thing to do in Utah with kids , too. For some outside time, check out the Grandstaff Hiking Trail or Fisher Towers Trail.

18. Kanarra Creek Canyon, another quiet place to go in Utah

Kanarra Creek Canyon is another fun place in Utah . It’s not far from Zion National Park, but you will need to book a spot in advance since there is a daily limit.

If you’re able to take the Kanarra Falls Hike , bring water shoes because you’ll have to tread through the stream. There are two waterfalls along the hike, but you’ll have to work a bit to get there.

About 1.5 miles into the hike, you’ll find the first one, and then you’ll have to climb a narrow log-ladder to the top of a boulder. Then, continue through a narrow slot canyon and tread knee-deep water to get to the second waterfall and a beautiful natural pool.

This hike is one of the most adventurous things to do in Utah , and it’s well worth the effort. However, if you can’t get into Kanarra Creek Canyon, you can check out Hidden Haven and Spring Creek Canyon, which are free, or Taylor Creek .

Hidden Haven is about 1.5 miles and is an easy hike that ends at a waterfall. Spring Creek Canyon is perfect for a day hike and passes by lush canyon flora. Taylor Creek is a bit longer and runs through a wooded area with old rancher cabins.

19. Go to the Cedar Breaks National Monument, a stunning thing to see in Utah

Another cool place to visit in Utah is Cedar Breaks National Monument . Located 10,000 feet above sea level, this area overlooks a natural amphitheater and the vast landscape of southwestern Utah.

The rock formations at Cedar Breaks are ancient, but the land is constantly changing. An array of hoodoos, spires, and cliffs make it one of the best attractions in Utah for day hiking.

There are two easy hiking trails near the canyon’s rim. The Sunset Trail runs between the Point Supreme Overlook and Sunset View Overlook, while the Nature Trail connects the Point Supreme Campground to the Sunset Trail. From there, you can see striking views of the badlands’ fins, arches, and caves.

For a more moderate hike, take the Alpine Pond Loop Trail or the South Rim Trail to the Spectra Point Viewpoint. If you’re up for it, continue to Ramparts Viewpoint and Bartzen Viewpoint. Along the way, keep an eye out for mule deer and porcupines, as well as other canyon rodents.

There is a small entrance fee, but the park is open year-round. I suggest going during the warmer months so you can see the eroded canyon layers of iron and manganese. It creates a brilliant display of reds, oranges, yellows, and purples, which is why the canyon is often called the Circle of Painted Cliffs.

20. Explore the Bonneville Salt Flats, something fun to do in Utah

The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of those hidden places in Utah that you might not know about. Located in northwestern Utah near the border with Nevada, the salt flats are what remains of Lake Bonneville from the Pleistocene era. The lake dried up, leaving behind one of the largest salt flats in the state. Covering over 30,000 acres, you can see it as you drive along I-80. Just be sure to stay on the marked roads, as it’s a very fragile environment.

The salt flats are one of the most extraordinary places to go in Utah . This area boasts a unique landscape in that it’s totally flat and seems to extend forever.

While you’re visiting, you might want to check out the Bonneville Speedway . This area of the salt flats is used exclusively for motorcar racing and has been a tourist attraction since 1914. If you visit in mid-August, you can catch Bonneville Speed Week, one of the major racing events of the year.

21. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area & Snow Canyon State Park

If you’re visiting southern Utah, it’s worth stopping by St. George , a city surrounded by the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin.

Here, you can visit the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area . Located on the edge of the Mojave Desert, it’s part of the larger Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which protects the endangered habitats of native species like the Mojave Desert tortoise.

There are plenty of recreational opportunities, too. I suggest hiking the Silver Reef Trail or the Anasazi Trail. The former leads to dinosaur tracks while the latter goes to ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins.

21. Visit Red Cliffs National Conservation Area & Snow Canyon State Park

Or take the Red Reef Trail, an easy route of about 1.5 miles. It starts at the campground and leads to natural pools, passing by a rugged landscape of Navajo sandstone.

In the same Reserve, you can explore Snow Canyon State Park which is known for its red and white canyon. Here, you’ll also find lava tubes and the extinct Santa Clara volcano, two awesome things to see in Utah . The stunning red rock formations provide shelter for creatures like the Gila monster, horned rattlesnake, and giant desert hairy scorpion.

Finally, I highly recommend the Toquerville Falls Trail via LaVerkin Creek . The 12-mile route leads to a beautiful natural pool with a waterfall. It’s one of the top swimming holes and has cliffs you can use to jump into the water.

22. Go to Mystic Hot Springs, the best thing to do in Utah for couples

With its bohemian vibe and rustic setting,  Mystic Hot Springs  is one of the  coolest places in Utah . These natural hot springs have been used by the Ute, Shoshone, or Piute tribes for generations, although it has a more hipster atmosphere these days.

After an artist/filmmaker discovered the area, he purchased the land and made some aesthetic changes to create an immersive experience for visitors. Along with hosting concerts throughout the year, Mystic Hot Springs has several soaking area and offers massages and other therapeutic services.

The 165° F water flows downhill, and by the time it reaches the pools, it’s between 100°-111° F. There are also nine cooler ponds full of tropical fish, and a few wild animals roam the property. It makes for a relaxing experience that revolves around nature and art, and some people call it a hippie oasis.

Not far is  Meadow Hot Springs , which has three private thermal baths. A visit here could be a good  thing for couples to do in Utah  for some much-needed TLC. Just be aware that it’s about a half-mile hike to get to the springs.

23. See the Dinosaur National Monument, the best thing to do in Utah with family

For something that will appease the whole family, check out  Dinosaur National Monument , one of the best-kept  hidden places in Utah . This American national monument sits in the Uinta Mountains, on the Utah-Colorado border. Most of the monument is in Colorado, but the Dinosaur Quarry is in Utah, and it’s well worth a visit.

There are over 800 paleontological sites at Dinosaur National Monument spanning millions of years of natural history. These include numerous petroglyphs and dinosaur fossils, and a nearly-complete  Abydosaurus  skull.

The park also includes  Mantle’s Cave , a cliff alcove dating to the pre-Columbian Fremont culture, and several rustic buildings, including the  Josie Bassett Morris Ranch Complex .

Moreover, the area is a designated International Dark Sky Park and provides stunning panoramic views of the Green River Canyon, so it’s a  must-see in Utah  for nature lovers.

24. Park City & nearby ski resorts, the top-rated place for winter sports in Utah

Park City Mountain Resort  is part of the Wasatch Back region of the Rocky Mountains and is just over 30 miles from the capital, so skiing here is an awesome  thing to do near Salt Lake City, Utah .

Park City actually gets less snow than other Utah ski resorts, but it’s more accessible. The resort features 17 slopes, 300 trails, and 22 miles of lifts. Besides, the town of Park City offers tons of shops, clubs, bars, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, and hot springs. It was even named one of the “20 prettiest towns” in the United States.

If you’re not near Park City or you want to check out other  Utah ski resorts , you have plenty of options.

Alta  and  Snowbird  are close to each other and are great for experienced skiers.  Deer Valley  is a more upscale ski resort, and  Powder Mountain , while being a bit further out, is much less crowded. Finally,  Snow Basin  and  Brighton  ski resorts are more affordable and offer more  fun things to do in Utah for the family .

25. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, two amazing places to visit near Utah

Antelope Canyon  is a slot canyon on the Navajo land of Page, Arizona. While it’s not in Utah, it’s just 15 minutes from the border, so it makes for an excellent  road trip from Utah .

As we wrote in our  guide to Antelope Canyon , this region is famous for its curving, red-streaked canyon walls. While it’s a touristy spot, it is worth braving the crowds because of the fascinating geology. Whether you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, you will need to book a tour with a Navajo guide because the slot canyon is in the Navajo Nation.

Upper Antelope Canyon  is absolutely stunning because during the early afternoon in summer, sunlight filters through the water-carved crevices. If you’re a photographer, this is the section you will want to visit.  Lower Antelope Canyon is longer and, while not as popular, is the cheapest and more convenient option for most of visitors.

If you’re going to be in this area, you should also stop by  Horseshoe Bend , which we’ve also written about. As the name suggests, this horseshoe-shaped meander is an imposing structure on the banks of the Colorado River. The sinuous form is nearly 1,000 feet tall, so while sitting on the edge is mesmerizing, it’s also dangerous.

You’ll spend less time at Horseshoe Bend than at Antelope Canyon, but if you want to stay overnight, we have a guide to the best  Page accommodations .

Now you know the top 25 things to do in Utah, so you can plan the perfect itinerary. To help you figure out your trip, we’re including this map of  attractions in Utah .

There is a lot to see in this western state, from natural formations to beautiful recreational areas. Take your time looking through this guide and if you have any other questions, just leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help. Happy trails!

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25 Best Places to Visit in Utah For Your Utah Bucket List + Map

This Utah Bucket List is filled with adventurous things to do and mind-blowing beauty.

The Utah Mighty Five National Parks are a huge draw to the state but the epic Utah hidden gems are also what make it one of the most beautiful states in the USA The destinations on this list are undeniably the best places to visit in Utah .

A road trip is our favorite way to explore Utah. Use the Utah attractions map at the bottom to plot your course. That way you can plan your route without missing any of the best sights to see in Utah.

We’ve road tripped Utah in our car several times and tried out van life with an Outdoorsy rental. If you are looking to do a sprinter van rental, the code  Jen50 will get you $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental .

This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure  here .

Planning a trip to the American Southwest? Check out these latest posts.

• 18 Things to do in Kanab, Utah on the Utah/Arizona Border
• 20 Best Places to Visit in Arizona for Your AZ Bucket List
• 20 Bucket List Adventures Around the World
• 10 Hiking Essentials to Pack for a Day Hike

25 Best Places to Visit in Utah For Your Utah Bucket List

These 25 places to put on your Utah bucket list came from spending a few months exploring the state and some of our favorite travel bloggers recommendations.

You’ll also find tips and the best places to stay to make your trip planning easy. Where we can, we’ve listed the best things to see along with hotels and campgrounds.

This interactive Utah attractions map will allow you to see where everything is located.

Utah Attractions Map

Best Things to Do in Northern Utah

Bonneville Salt Flats Tops the List of Cool Things to do in Utah

About 1.5 hours west of Salt Lake City at the Nevada border are the Bonneville Salt Flats. This picturesque area has a hard salt crust that covers more than 25,000 square acres of land.

The high speed cars that race on the salt at Bonneville Speedway is one of the reasons this remote area is well known. We were lucky enough to catch all the action including a new world record set at 470 MPH.

Visiting Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is such a unique, bucket list experience.

Bonneville is also the site for other annual events like the Salt Flats Endurance Runs. These races vary in length from a 5K to a 100 mile ultra marathon. The Utah Rocket Club hosts a rocket launch event called LDRS (Large Dangerous Rocket Ships).

To visit Bonneville, pull off Interstate 80 at the rest stop and drive your own car right onto the salt. We highly recommend catching sunrise or sunset there.

Regardless of the time you visit, bring a camera and have fun taking photos especially when it turns into a big mirror after it rains. If it’s wet though, you can’t drive your car on it because you can get stuck.

Since the area is run by the Bureau of Land Management, you can camp for free in one of the designated areas. Check the weather first, it’s really hot in summer. The Best Western Plus Wendover Inn is also nearby.

Ice Castles in Midway is One of the Best Winter Places to Visit in Utah

Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Located in the cute mountain town of Midway, Utah, Ice Castles is a winter attraction built entirely from ice.

The experience, which is typically only open in January and February, features 25 million pounds of icicles, all hand-placed to create the acre-size walk-through display. The ice glows and lights up at night with color-changing LEDs. 

But this unique Utah attraction is more than just a beautiful, artistic place to visit. It also features ice slides, crawl spaces, a maze of tunnels and caverns, and narrow squeeze spaces designed to look like the famous slot canyons in Utah .

It is great for a romantic date night or a family outing, as kids love exploring the icy playground. Dress warmly, in insulated pants and coats, and plan to spend about an hour to truly appreciate this man-made wonder.

You’ll want to book tickets in advance on their website, as the popular attraction sells out quickly since it’s only open two months of the year. 

Hiking Mount Timpanogos Alpine Loop is a Fun Thing to Do Near Salt Lake City

Recommended by McKenna Hurd of One More Step Travels

When hiking near  Salt Lake City Utah, the Alpine Loop is a must visit! This scenic byway is one of the most beautiful places in the Wasatch Mountains. It’s home to Utah’s most famous mountain: Mount Timpanogos, measuring 11,752 feet tall.

Reaching the summit is a rite of passage for Utah hikers and definitely bucket list worthy!

There are two ways to hike Mount Timpanogos—the gradual way through wildflower-filled meadows or the steeper way past waterfalls and lakes. Both ways are stunning and get you to the top after about 8 miles of hiking.

16 miles in one day can be a daunting task, so if you aren’t ready to conquer Mount Timpanogos, take a drive along the entire Alpine Loop. There are enough activities on the loop to last a day or even a long weekend.

You can explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument, kayak or stand up paddleboard in Tibble Fork, and stroll along Cascade Falls or one of the many other hikes in the area.

Before you leave, stop by or stay overnight at Sundance Mountain Resort ! It’s a beautiful resort with lodging for all group sizes. The activities at Sundance are endless, from skiing in the winter to zipping over the mountains anytime of year.

Entrance to the alpine loop is $6, or free with a National Parks Pass . The road past Sundance is closed during the winter, so visit before then to enjoy the beauty of nature, away from the bustling cities on the other side of Mount Timpanogos.

Rafting the Green River in Utah is a Great Family Bucket List Adventure

Recommended by Ladona Stork of Walking the Parks

Rafting the Green River is an adventure not to be missed that starts at Brown’s Park National Wildlife Refuge in the SW corner of Colorado. It continues for 3 to 4 days through the Dinosaur National Monument, and ends near Vernal, Utah.

Floating through the aptly named Gates of Lodore , rafts pass through a narrow canyon that is carved out by the Green River. The canyon walls, 800 feet tall, cast an ominous shadow over your raft as you travel downstream.

As a protected area, rafters experience exhilarating class II, III and IV rapids just as naturalist and explorer John Powell’s team did in 1869.

Well, except in a modern raft designed for the rushing water instead of his small wooden boat that smashed against the rocks.

Group camping sites are spread along the river bank where the dark sky makes for amazing star watching. 

This multi-day rafting trip is best experienced with a professional guide, although you can enter an annual lottery for your permit if you have heavy duty gear. OARS rafting trips on the Green River are available from May – September.

May brings high water and strong river currents so children must be at least 11. However, summer trips are calmer and kids as young as 7 are welcome. Best of all, the guides provide all your gear.

The guides secret spots along the river like their favorite swimming hole, hot springs and waterfalls.

The Green River also offers fishing opportunities as the river is stocked with trout. Both a Colorado and Utah fishing license is required as the river flows through both states.

Visiting Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

Arches National Park is One of the Must Sees in Utah

With over 2,000 natural stone arches – the largest concentration of arches in the world, Arches National Park has something amazing for everyone.

There are quite a few easy trails that are really close to the parking areas and great for families like Sand Dune Arch, Double Arch, and the North and South Window.

Photographers and hikers head up the slick rock Delicate Arch for spectacular sunsets.

The area of Moab itself is one of the best Utah places to visit for adventurers. Bike enthusiasts come from all over for the Slickrock Moab Bike Trails .

It’s a strenuous 12 mile ride though incredible terrain. If it sounds fun but maybe too hard, just know that E-bikes are allowed.

A few great tours that will add lots of fun to your trip are the half day Colorado River rafting trip and driving a 4×4 on the Hells Revenge Guided Tour . You can even take the kids and get a serious adrenaline rush.

A great time to visit Arches is Spring and Fall when the weather is nice, tons of activities are available but the crowds are definitely the biggest. Summer is extremely hot.

The winter is peaceful and cold but you get a chance to see massive arches at times all by yourself.

The Needles in Canyonlands National Park for a Backcountry Adventure

Recommended by Meg of Fox in the Forest

Backpacking The Needles District in Canyonlands National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list, especially if you’d like to experience the raw desert magic of eastern Utah.

Think wacky sandstone spires piercing the sky, hoodoos twisting their way into canyons, and landscapes that look like they came straight out of Mars. That’s what visiting this secluded district in Canyonlands is like!

There are countless routes for the intrepid backpacker, many of which are considered the best  hikes in Moab   for those who don’t mind roughing it.

By far, the Elephant Canyon area is the best part to backpack in Canyonlands. It offers super secluded spots to catch the most magical views. You’ll get to choose from plenty of spur trails and have lots of backcountry campsites to spend the night.

Tip: Make sure to check out Druid Arch at sunset, you’re almost guaranteed the entire place to yourself!

Spring and fall are the best seasons for backpacking the Needles, particularly mid-March through April, and October through mid-November. Avoid summers are temperatures are extreme.

You can backpack the Needles in two days. Spending a night at one of its backcountry campsites is essential to fully get to experience the desert.

The Needles is a very remote place and you’ll need to carry enough water for the time you’ll be there. Moreover, you need a permit to backpack the Needles.

They tend to book out months in advance, so make sure you snag one as soon as you confirm your trip.

Backpacking the Needles is not recommended for dogs or children due to the extreme conditions. For an even longer adventure, look into bikepacking the famous White Rim Loop .

RELATED POST: 60 Bucket List USA Road Trips

Glamping in Moab to Visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Recommended by Allison Green of Eternal Arrival

One of the most bucket list worthy places to visit in Utah is Moab, and you can up the ante by glamping at the beautiful Under Canvas Moab glampsite — a must on any  Moab itinerary .

Located just a short drive from two national parks, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, glamping in Moab is the perfect way to continue the outdoor adventure, even while you sleep!

While glamping at Moab, there are tons of different activities you can do during the day before returning to your glampsite.

Check out Delicate Arch for a sunrise hike, admire the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park, or take a scenic drive through Canyonlands. Then return to Under Canvas Moab for s’mores, stargazing, and an amazing sunrise the next morning. 

Visit Under Canvas Moab in fall and spring for the best weather. Summers are boiling hot and the tents only have small battery-powered fans. 

Winter is cold and can snow in Moab! However, there are wood-fired stoves you can use to heat the glamping tent on chilly nights, and plenty of warm blankets if you need it.

Under Canvas Moab is both kid- and pet-friendly! Kids will have a great time staying in the tents, and some of the tents come with a small tipi-style structure for kids to sleep in away from the parents. 

Bring a portable battery pack for any electronics, and be prepared to unplug — there is no WiFi (though I was able to get phone service).

Book it in advance because it sells out quickly, especially the nicer tents with private bathrooms! The tents without private bathrooms share the bathrooms on-site are very clean and well tended.

RELATED POST: 7 Amazing Glamping Destinations in the USA

Capitol Reef National Park Petroglyphs

Recommended by Ale Leon of Sea Salt & Fog

Capitol Reef is the hidden gem of Utah’s National Parks. Located in the south-central area of the state, the park is relatively unknown (a good thing!).

Capitol Reef is stunning, and has many epic, bucket-list worthy adventures for everyone. The best part? No crowds! One of the  best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park  is to explore its history.

The park is home to beautifully preserved petroglyphs carved by the Native American people that inhabited the land hundreds of years ago, and they don’t require a ton of effort to see. 

The most accessible area to see the petroglyphs is right off the main road (Hwy 24). There are signs pointing the way, a parking lot, and a boardwalk with signs that will tell you where to look.

Bring binoculars to see the petroglyphs better, they’re high off the ground in the red rock face. 

Another spot to see petroglyphs is on the Capitol Gorge trail. This super easy hike will first take you to see petroglyphs so close you can touch them, then to see the Pioneer Register where settlers carved their names into the rock in the 1800s. 

The Capitol Reef Resort in nearby Torrey has beautiful cottages, luxurious Teepees and even covered wagons to add the adventure. In the park, the Fruita campground is a good choice.

The weather tends to be beautiful and cooler than the rest of Utah, but winter brings snow that can close down the park. Aim for early fall or late spring for your visit!  

Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park

Recommended by Kate Storm of Our Escape Clause

Dramatic, striking, and easy to find, hiking through Wall Street slot canyon is not only one of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park, it’s one of the best Utah bucket list destinations!

So many visitors just see Bryce Canyon from up above at the various view points but hiking down among the hoodoos gives you a better appreciation for how amazing they are.

Wall Street, one of the most popular hikes is a perfect quick addition that allows you to experience the beauty first hand.

It can be accessed either from the Navajo Loop trailhead or the Queen’s Garden trailhead. The views from Navajo Loop are a bit better, as you descend into the slot canyon rather than climb out of it.

If you combine both trails (two of the most popular in the park!) with a hike through Wall Street, the total distance is about 3 miles. Wall Street closes during the winter but there are plenty of things to still do in Bryce Canyon in winter .

If you are looking for a longer distance, more challenging hike try the 7.8 mile Fairyland Loop Trail .

For the best views, consider hiking in the middle of the day when the light reaches the bottom of the canyon. It’s a great place to capture an amazing family photo.

To stay in the Bryce Canyon area overnight, the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel features beautiful views, great rooms, and a fantastic breakfast.

Zion National Park Has Some of the Top Sights to See in Utah

Zion National Park is one of the best places to visit in Utah and many people end up staying for at least a few days. There are multiple Utah bucket list hikes and it’s great to do one per day.

Stay in the area for a multi day Zion trip at South or Watchman campgrounds or Red Rock Inn Cottages is also a great option.

The Narrows is a Top Tourist Attraction in Utah for Good Reason

Recommended by Mark and Kristen Morgan from Where Are Those Morgans

The Narrows river slot canyon hike deserves not only to be on every Utah bucket list, but also every US hiking bucket list. It is that good.

Walking through ankle, shin, knee and even waist deep water up the North Fork of the Virgin River, with towering red cliffs just meters apart on each side is endlessly exhilarating.

You can choose two ways to do this hike; either from the top down (permit required) or the bottom up.

The Narrows top down can be done either as a 16 mile one-day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. It begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch and ends at the Temple of Sinawava.

Permits must be obtained in advance or with a walk-in permit.

Hiking The Narrows bottom up  is the more popular way to experience this extraordinary canyon. Visitors can begin at the Temple of Sinawava and simply turn around whenever ready.

To reach the “end” of the day hike version, you must wade through water, traverse boulders, scale banks and have a good level of stamina. It will take around 8 hours total to reach ‘Big Springs’ and return back to the trailhead.

Fall is the best time to hike The Narrows. The water level is lower and there are fewer people.

Summer is crowded but the water is warmer. In Spring the trail closes regularly due to high water levels. The Narrows hike is not good for pets or younger kids.

Renting a walking pole is vital and renting neoprene boots, socks and pants is highly recommended.

The Angels Landing Hike is One of the Coolest Sights to See in Utah

Recommended by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Angels Landing is an immense rock formation in Zion National Park that is often touted as the one of the most breathtaking and dangerous hikes in the world. The knife edge ridge trail with drop-offs on each side draws experienced hikers from all over.

The 5-mile roundtrip route usually takes 4-5 hours to hike and involves steep slick rock and holding on to chains to protect you from falling off. Leave kids and pets at home for Angels Landing. Off-season is the time to go to avoid summer queues.

The route begins at the Grotto Trailhead with easy hiking along the canyon bottom into the shady Refrigerator Canyon. Next Walter’s Wiggles begin. The 21 switchbacks bring you up the slope to Scout Lookout.

Views of Zion Canyon and the behemoth formation of Angels Landing are abundant. Scout Lookout is a perfect rest stop before tackling the challenging steepness to come.

From here the excitement begins with a climb of 500 feet with steep drop-offs on either side. This final half mile up a razor thin ridge gripping chains to keep you from falling is the essence of a Utah bucket list adventure.

The view from the top of Angels Landing across the expanse of Zion Canyon makes it all worthwhile.

The Subway Hike is One of the Best Hikes in Utah

Recommended by Agnes of The Van Escape

The Subway Hike in Zion   is an amazing adventure for everyone who likes hiking and fabulous rock formations. What makes the Subway special is it’s tube-like tunnel.

After the challenging trek getting there, it seems like you enter a different world, the Subway, to a different galaxy. Mother nature made this oval tube perfectly. Step by step, you move forward on the slippery rock, wondering what is at the end of the tunnel. 

This unusual slot canyon is located within the Zion Wilderness in Zion National Park in Utah and you need a Zion wilderness permit to do this hike.

It’s a long, 8 miles round trip in rough terrain, so start your hike early in the morning. The all-day adventure includes walking in the cold stream and crossing it from one riverbank to another with plenty of slippery stones.

The best season to do this hike is fall, when the level of water in the stream is the lowest.

Check the weather forecast before hitting the trail if you want to do it in spring or summer. For your safety, check the water level and the speed of its current. 

Pack your items, especially the camera, in a waterproof bag to prevent them from getting wet. Also, wear waterproof shoes with good grip and neoprene socks for this hike. Trekking poles will also be helpful.

Sights to See in Utah Near Escalante

Lower Calf Creek Falls is a Great Place to Visit in Utah with Kids

The area around Escalante, Utah is off the beaten track for most people. Hands down it has some of the most magnificent landscapes in the state.

It’s definitely worth a trip on Utah Scenic Byway 12 through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Right off the highway, you’ll find the trailhead for Lower Calf Creek Falls. The hike is 6.7-miles out-and-back with very little elevation gain. It’s easy enough for kids but it does take 3-4 hours to complete the trek.

Since there’s very little shade, make sure you head out early. Along the hike, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Calf Creek Canyon, as well as some prehistoric petroglyphs.

The enormous sandstone canyon walls are reminiscent of Zion National Park without the crowds of people.

And at the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a dip in the pool at the base of a stunning 130-foot waterfall. It’s a great spot for picnic too.

So if you’re looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, be sure to add Lower Calf Creek Falls to your list. Yonder Escalante Luxury Glamping is a great place to stay in the area with the coolest cabins, a pool and outdoor theater.

Coyote Gulch Tops the List of Utah Outdoor Adventures

Recommended by Jenny Kotlyar of Limitless Hiker

Coyote Gulch is a must do backpacking trip in Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument in Utah.

This is one of the most stunning backpacking trips and Utah bucket list adventure. It takes you from the top of the canyon down to the bottom where you will spend a majority of the time hiking through the river.

You’ll see alcoves carved by water, natural arches, and pictographs. Spend time exploring some of the local waterfalls, enjoying the arches, or scrambling to see ancient archeological sites.

This is an 11 to 25 mile backpacking trip depending on which trailhead you start at and if you do any side hikes while you’re there. There are several trailheads, but the most popular one starts at Hurricane Wash.

Although it’s a backpacking trip, it’s a beginner-friendly one because there is minimal elevation gain/loss. 

The Utah desert can get very hot so this hike is best done in April, May, October, or early November when temperatures are warm but still mild.

Backcountry permits are required, but they can be acquired at the trailhead. Pets are not permitted on this trail and make sure to properly dispose of human waste by carrying it out in WAG bags.

Cosmic Ashtray is Definitely a Utah Bucket List Hike

If you’re looking for a challenging hike that’s sure to test your endurance, look no further than the Cosmic Ashtray near Escalante, Utah.

This rugged hike is 8-11 miles long, depending on the trail you take, and features some of the most breathtaking views in the state.

The Cosmic Ashtray was created by erosion over hundreds of thousands of years and is now a massive weathering pit that’s almost 200 feet wide.

The oval pit is filled with a red hued sand dune and features a large 33′ tall rock inside, garnering the nickname, the Navel.

While it may not be the most comfortable hike on the list, it’s definitely one of the most unique and definitely worth checking off your Utah bucket list.

Just be sure to bring plenty of water and a GPS to avoid getting lost – this is one hike you don’t want to take lightly.

Utah Tourist Attractions in Southern Utah

Kanarra Falls is a Must Do Utah Hike

Kanarra Creek Falls is a Utah hidden gem. This slot canyon is unique for its two interior waterfalls, and it’s a popular destination for hikers because it’s so beautiful and it’s a canyoneering adventure. This is like a mini-Narrows.

Depending on the time of year, when you first enter the canyon you may be walking through water. It might be cold too!

As you approach the first waterfall, you’ll find an aluminum ladder attached to a tree. Then there is a boulder you need to climb over that is more difficult to get to the 2nd waterfall.

Make sure you wear waterproof hiking boots when it’s cold and water shoes for hiking (flip flops won’t work) in the summer. You need a good grip for climbing and it can be slippery.

A permit is required for this popular hike. You can purchase a $12 permit online or at the trailhead kiosk. Only 150 hikers are allowed per day, so if you’re planning a visit to Kanarra Creek Canyon Trail, plan ahead!

Check the weather before you go. Like all slot canyons, Kanarra Creek is subject to flash floods.

It’s only a 1 hour drive from Zion National Park, making it the perfect day trip for visitors to Utah.

Visit Utah State Parks – Snow Canyon State Park is One of the Best Things to do in St George Utah

Snow Canyon State Park is a 4,700 acre hidden gem at the bottom southwest corner of Utah that’s perfect for your bucket list. It’s only and hour from Zion National Park and filled with gorgeous red rock hikes that most people don’t know about.

Families love Jenny’s Canyon , a short hike with a cool slot canyon. The lava tube caves are one of the most unique sights to see in Utah. Take the 2.5 mile round trip Lava Flow Overlook Trail and bring a flashlight so you can see in the dark caves.

Dogs are not allowed on the trails in Snow Canyon State Park but the rest of the Red Reef Conservation area is kid and pet-friendly. Red Reef Trail is a 2.2 mile round trip hike to a waterfall. Don’t miss this beautiful hike!

Since St. George is such a popular golf destination, definitely add a tee time to your trip. In the evening check out a concert or show under the stars at the outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheatre .

Or combine your stay with relaxing spa services at Red Mountain Resort .

Weather wise, St. George, like all of Utah is nicest in Spring and Fall. Winter is temperate with some rain and snow but generally mild. Summer is crazy hot but also busy because so many people stay in St. George to visit Zion National Park.

Buckskin Gulch is a Utah Hidden Gem Most People Miss

Recommended by Chris and Lindsay of Called to Wander

One of the most beautiful ways to connect with Buckskin Gulch is via the Wire Pass Trail.

This hike in itself is amazing, as it takes you through the narrow slot canyons that lead to Buckskin Gulch. The trail eventually opens up to wide expanses with towering walls.

People that want to hike the entire 15 miles typically do this as a multi-day backpacking trip, for which a permit is required. There aren’t many places in the world with better views of the night sky than from within Buckskin Gulch! 

The best time to hike Buckskin Gulch is in the fall or spring. You are still likely to encounter water in the gulch leftover either from the snow or the rain. Still, this is part of the journey and adds to the adventure. 

Buckskin Gulch is one of the most popular hikes in Utah . At 15 miles, this adventure is not for everyone. But you don’t have to tackle the whole thing if you don’t want to. In fact many people only go in for the first few miles and are completely wowed.

Utah slot canyons and gulches can be extremely dangerous when rain causes flash flooding. Don’t go on this hike if the weather report is predicting rain.

Another safety issue can be extreme summer temperatures so make sure to bring tons of water and hike early in the day.

The hike through Buckskin Gulch is both kid and dog-friendly. An awesome hotel if you are traveling with a pet is the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, Utah.

In addition to being the nicest hotel for pets and owners, it’s conveniently located to the office for Buckskin Gulch overnight permits and The Wave Lottery .

RELATED POST: 18 Awesome Things to Do Near Kanab Utah

Toadstool Hoodoos – One of the Coolest Utah Tourist Attractions

Recommended by Wendy Lee of Empty Nesters Hit the Road

Located in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah, not far from Kanab, is an unusual grouping of rocks called The Toadstools.

It looks as if someone has intentionally placed these rocks to mimic a collection of giant mushrooms, but this is a naturally occurring sight. In fact these are actually hoodoos, columns or pinnacles of weathered rocks. 

Fortunately it’s easy for anyone to see these rocks since the mostly flat trail to and from Toadstools is just 1.5 miles.

While you can’t climb on the actual Toadstools, the rocks around them are very kid-friendly. There are also great views of the surrounding canyon. Dogs are also permitted on the trail as long as they remain on a leash. Allow about one hour for this hike.

This area gets very hot in the summer. It’s not unusual for temperatures to exceed 100 degrees, so this may not be the best season for hiking to The Toadstools. But winter, spring, and fall are all good times for this hike. 

Page, Arizona is conveniently located 30 minutes from The Toadstools, where you’ll find other activities, like the Horseshoe Bend Hike , and hotels.

Monument Valley is One of the Most Unique Places to Visit in Utah

Recommended by James Ian of Travel Collecting

When you think of classic wild west scenery with picturesque buttes and mesas rising up out of the valley floor, you are probably thinking of Monument Valley. Featured in countless movies, it has the most iconic western scenery in the United States.  

Monument Valley is half in Utah and half in Arizona, and fully in the Navajo Nation. The whole area is officially the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and there is a $20 per vehicle entrance fee.  

The main route through the valley is a 17-mile loop scenic drive, which is currently only available on a tour with a Navajo guide. 

There are also tours into the backcountry where you see less visited places and visit a Navajo hogan (traditional mud house).  On the main loop drive, you’ll see all of the most famous landmarks and get to stop at John Wayne Point.

The only hike you can do without a guide is the Wildcat Trail. It’s a great way to experience a part of the valley that very few people do. 

Best visited in spring or fall, Monument Valley can be very hot in summer and snow in winter. If you visit in summer, it is best to head out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially if you have kids.

In a one day visit, you can do the scenic drive, possibly a longer back country tour, hike the Wildcat Trail, try Navajo nachos at the restaurant, and do some souvenir shopping.  The closest place to stay is The View overlooking the main valley. 

Valley of the Gods is an Epic Place to Explore in Utah

Utah is home to many amazing geological attractions, and the Valley of the Gods is one of the most impressive. However, it’s rarely visited because it’s impressive neighbor, Monument Valley is only 35 miles away.

This area of Cedar Mesa sandstone was sculpted 250 million years ago into buttes and monoliths, and today it offers breathtaking views.

There is a 17 mile unpaved loop that allows you to drive past these sandstone monuments. This is a great place to break out your camera or drone to capture

The Valley of the Gods is less crowded than nearby Monument Valley, making it a great option for those who want to avoid the crowds.

And since it’s located on Bureau of Land Management land, there’s no permit required and camping is free. So if you’re looking for an Utah attraction that’s truly out-of-this-world, be sure to add the Valley of the Gods to your list.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, add a visit to Rainbow Bridge National Monument to your Utah bucket list. Spanning 275 feet and standing 290 feet tall, Rainbow Bridge is one of the world’s largest natural bridges.

The bridge was first discovered by the ancestors of the Navajo almost 8,000 years ago, and in their culture, it is considered a sacred symbol.

Rainbow Bridge is best visited in spring or fall, and there are several ways to get there. You can take a boat tour from Waheap or Bullfrog Marina, or you can rent a boat and make the 50-mile journey yourself.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and you’re in great shape, you can get a permit from the Navajo Nation and hike the 32-mile round-trip backcountry hike (just be prepared for some rough terrain).

No matter how you get there, a visit to Rainbow Bridge National Monument is sure to be a memorable Utah experience.

We hope that this list helps you find some of the best places in Utah that you may not have known of before. What places do you have on your Utah Bucket List? Have we missed any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below.

Must Sees in Utah – Central Utah

Goblin Valley State Park is a Great Stop on a Utah Road Trip

Recommended by Ashley Jansen of Jetset Jansen

Utah is full of unique places to visit but one that looks particularly other-worldly is  Goblin Valley State Park .  

The state parks in Utah can often get overlooked because of the 5 National Parks within the state, but that’s also an advantage when it comes to the crowds. 

Goblin Valley is a little off the path and kind of in the middle of nowhere. It’s about a 40-min detour south of I-70 and about 1.5 hours from Moab. However, if you have the time, it’s a great stop for the afternoon or a short day trip. 

This state park is full of weird looking formations, nicknamed ‘goblins’.

There are 3 valleys to explore that are full of rock formations and one of the fun things about this park is that you can roam free. It’s essentially a rock playground, because they allow you to climb all over the rocks here.

Some of the formations are quite large, so exploring the valleys is pretty fun, although you definitely want to keep an eye out for how to return. 

As you can imagine with rocks in the middle of nowhere, there’s little to no shade here. Going in the middle of summer and in the middle of the day can get extremely hot and you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of water and snacks.

If you want to stay in the area, Goblin Valley does have a campground and even a unique yurt option. It’s a fun place to explore and definitely worth the effort to get there!

San Rafael Swell One of the Secret Beautiful Places in Utah

Recommended by Ashlee Fechino of The Happiness Function

The San Rafael Swell is a dramatic upheaval in Utah close to Green River. The area has become one of the fastest-growing places to visit, thanks to its rock formations and wide-open spaces.

For outdoor enthusiasts of all types, the San Rafael Swell offers full enjoyment with its diverse terrain that ranges from steep canyons to wide open spaces for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and more.

It is free to explore and camp in the San Rafael Swell since it is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  Camping on BLM land  is one of Utah’s best-kept secrets because camping on public land is free!

Once campers find a dispersed campsite (meaning camping without a formal campground), it is important to be mindful not to damage biological soil crust along the way.

These complex crusted dirt ecosystems take years and even centuries before growing across arid west landscapes.

This part of Utah can be hot in the summer. The best times to hike and camp in the area are spring and fall.

Since there are practically no facilities, recreationists must bring their own food, water, bathroom equipment, electricity, etc., and practice  Leave No Trace . There is limited to no cell phone reception in this remote area.

For outdoor enthusiasts of all types, whether you’re a couple, a solo traveler, or family, the San Rafael Swell makes for the perfect backcountry adventure.

Dogs are even allowed in the area too! Be sure to add exploring the San Rafael Swell to your Utah bucket list!

Meadow Hot Springs is One of the Awesome Hidden Places in Utah

Recommended by Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler

On a Utah road trip , a fun thing to do in central Utah is take a dip in Meadow Hot Springs. It’s a series of three warm pools in the bucolic town of Meadow.

These springs reside on a private farm, in the middle of a literal cow pasture, so their more rural location has allowed this picturesque spot to fly under the radar.

The road to get to the main parking area is gravel and, while it has a few potholes, most passenger vehicles should be able to make it down the road just fine.

The first pool from the parking lot is the clearest and hottest of the springs, at a toasty 100°, making it the perfect spot to warm up during the cooler months.

The second and third pools are a bit chillier (and can be, at times, murkier) than the first and are probably a better bet to soak in during the warm summer months.

The springs are child-friendly and while leashed dogs are welcome, they must not swim in the springs themselves.

While some soakers seem to get a bit rowdy at night, plan your visit for just before sunset and watch the stars twinkle to life here- with little light pollution around. The stargazing is incredible.

During your visit, be sure to follow the posted rules and when you’re done soaking, remember to pack out any of your trash.

These pools are privately owned and if treat badly, the owners may cut off access to them and prevent future hot spring lovers from relaxing at this beautiful spot.

If you’re looking for a place in the area overnight, try the Best Western Inn & Resort or camping at the Fillmore KOA Journey.

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18 Best Places to Visit in Utah

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on February 5, 2024

Utah translates to people of the mountains. Its rich heritage is borne in exploration, one that led to the discoveries of some of America’s most treasured destinations. Its sun-soaked desert landscapes filled with mesas, buttes and hoodoos along with world-class winter adventures make the Beehive State a worthy destination all year long.

Utah has been delivering epic road trips for generations. Journeying between the state’s Big Five national parks is, for many, a rite of passage. They are, of course, some of the top places to visit in Utah but as you’ll soon realize, there are many more layers to discover.

Map of Places to visit in Utah

State parks and monuments are spread throughout. These bring more local culture and history, plus significant Native American heritage. In addition, the state’s capital, Salt Lake City, proves to be far more than just a launchpad for adventures.

18. Dead Horse Point State Park

One of several must-see destinations minutes from Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park, boasts one of the best views in Utah. The state park is home to high desert woodland that leads to jaw-dropping canyons which sparkle when the sun rises and falls.

But the star of the show is Dead Horse Point. The point is a mesa that continues to narrow until there’s nothing but cliffs ahead, to the left and right. Back in the day, cowboys corralled horses here. Today, it’s an incredible overlook that showcases the Colorado River, making close to a 360-degree turn through a landscape packed with buttes and canyons.

From this point you can head along the East or West Rim trails to further views. The latter being more popular for its addition detours and views towards Canyonlands National Park.

17. Goblin Valley State Park

If you get bored with hoodoos, take things to another level by admiring the hobbit like rocks within Goblin Valley State Park. Not far from Bryce Canyon, this park takes your regular hoodoo and transforms them into mythical looking creatures.

However, these peculiar, mushroom-shaped formations are, in fact, Entrada Sandstone pillars that have been eroded over millions of years. They are spread apart like a kooky looking community. It makes for a different experience than neighboring Bryce, ensuring you should visit both.

There are three hikes through the mystical Goblin Valley State Park, which will deliver an up-close experience with the rock residents. But it also presents the opportunity to admire ancient petroglyphs created by the Fremont and Paiute tribes.

Aside from hiking, travelers can try their hand at canyoneering or explore on a mountain bike.

16. Bonneville Salt Flats

Whether you’re interested in head scratching optical illusions or just want to drive fast, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Bonneville Salt Flats. A fun ninety-minute drive west of Salt Lake City, you’ll venture from one salty expanse to another. However, rather than a lake, the inch (or sometimes five feet) of salt creates some marvelous photography.

Getting to the flats is easy. What you choose to do when there is up to you. The road it ends abruptly, and you’re welcome to drive onto the salty flats. The temptation for speed is ever present, but beware – the ground is not always solid.

After taking a quick spin, place your camera close to the ground so your reflection and distant self come into view. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the mix of colors creates a stunning landscape.

15. Dinosaur National Monument

A designated UNESCO cultural site, the Dinosaur National Monument, is a wondrous look into the discovery of thousands of prehistoric fossils. These bones date back 160 million years and can be seen embedded into the vast cliff within the Carnegie Quarry.

It all began in 1909 when paleontologist, Earl Douglass discovered eight dinosaur tailbones. Over time, that number grew to 1,500 fossils, providing the quarry with international fame. But why so many in one place? The amount is unusual, leading scientist to believe the quarry was a prehistoric watering hole.

In 1915 it became Dinosaur National Monument. Today you can admire the cliff wall and embark on several short hikes around the monument, where you’ll uncover a vast rolling desert punctuated by a river that offers great rafting.

14. Monument Valley

It’s a picture you can hear, the red rock buttes of Monument Valley complemented with the distinct twang of rustic guitar. For generations, old Western films used this very image as a backdrop to iconic flicks. But it’s a real place, one found within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Straddling the border between Utah and Arizona, the park is home to the 17-mile Valley Drive. This is a road whose stark black color is interrupted only by straight yellow lines. On either side is a vast expanse of red and orange, with a tinge of green desert flora hanging on for dear life.

It’s a dramatic landscape that has been made famous by van lifers showcasing the road as it heads straight well into the distance. Along the way, there are numerous pullouts, but to explore further, one needs a Navajo guide.

13. Bears Ears National Monument

The fight to protect Bears Ears National Monument has been splashed across our TV screens over the last few years. It’s all the more reason to visit this important place to learn more about its importance to Native American communities such as the Zuni, Ute and Hopis.

Visitors to Bears Ears National Monument won’t have to go far to find fascinating rock art, ancient cliff dwellings and significant sites that have been at the forefront of local life for hundreds of years. This is a land that has long been sacred and it’s easy to see why.

Wide open mountain meadows quickly dissipate as they reach the edge of sandstone canyons. On the edge of the San Juan, cliff dwellings such as the River House Ruin, once home to generations of tribes, offer a glimpse into the past as the land now stands frozen in time.

12. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

For thousands of years, Native American tribes such as the Paiute, Navajo and Hopi called the breathtaking Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument home. In 1996, it became a protected monument, ensuring the significant cultural and historic sites are protected for generations to come.

The monument is a massive expanse of land hiding secrets around every corner. The archaeological sites, along with the Escalante canyons, are the star attraction. Here, centuries of river flow have carved deep and slender slot canyons that make for epic day hikes and even multi-day expeditions.

With no official entrances, the monument can often feel remote and a true desert wilderness. As travelers converge within the more popular national parks, it’s easy to escape the crowds whether on foot or via 4WD. If you choose the latter, Cottonwood Canyon Road provides 47 miles of epic views, including the main canyons, the Paria River Valley and Grosvenor Arch.

11. Cedar Breaks National Monument

If you fell in love with Bryce Canyon, then you’ll want to spend time exploring Cedar Breaks National Monument. The monument is a smaller, yet equally beautiful landscape filled with hoodoos and a sprawling amphitheater 2,000 feet deep.

Like Bryce, Cedar Breaks erodes from the top down, exposing the eye-catching platforms in the valley. From the rim, you’ll stand at over 10,000 feet above sea level. From fall to spring, you can expect the massive expanse of yellow, orange and red to be complemented by a hearty dose of snow.

Just as in the more famous national parks in Utah, you can see Cedar Breaks National Monument along a scenic road. The Rim Drive delivers views and memorable hikes. Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook Trail is the cream of the crop, taking you from the plateau to the edge of Cedar Breaks Amphitheater across four miles.

10. Lake Powell

The winding, slender nature of Lake Powell sets it apart from other famous lakes in America’s west, including Lake Tahoe. Lake Powell accentuates the red rock canyon vibe of Utah by adding an enormous body of water that has a longer coastline that most American states.

Lake Powell is surrounded by soaring canyon walls and meandering across Utah and into Arizona in a snake-like manner. Because of this, from any given perspective, you’ll never understand the sheer scale of this impressive lake. Thankfully, there are many ways to explore the lake that will have you appreciating its unique beauty.

Hiking trails spread along the lake’s shoreline, bringing you to postcard-worthy views. But getting around the 280 square mile lake is no easy task. Thanks to the rolling rock walls, driving is limited. You’re best off exploring on a boat to explore the flooded canyon country.

Numerous attractions can also be found here, including canyons that are home to Anasazi ruins. The lake has also served as a shooting location for dozens of television series and films, including both the 1968 and 2001 versions of Planet of the Apes.

9. Antelope Island

Around 90 minutes from Salt Lake City, Antelope Island presents impressive views of the Great Salt Lake with plenty more to discover. The island is the largest on the record-breaking lake at 15 miles long and is named after the pronghorn antelope that roamed the space when it was discovered in 1845.

Three years later, Antelope Island’s began what would become a rich ranching heritage before becoming a state park. It was during this time that 12 bison were introduced, the beginnings of what would become a modern day herd of over 550 beasts.

A winding road takes you through the state park, allowing you to see the herd and quickly load up on photographs. But the chance to see pronghorn antelope, the continent’s fastest animal (and distant relative to the giraffe) attracts many visitors. Mule deer, bighorn sheep and coyotes are other common sights.

In eastern Utah, Moab has become America’s face of outdoor recreation. It’s here that mountain bikers, rock climbers and hikers converge into a mass of outdoor enthusiasts, it what will become a long season under the Utah sun.

Wherever you find yourself in Moab, you’re just minutes from some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. This includes both Arches and Canyonlands. It’s no surprise that the rather remote town boasts such a transient community, which is also why it’s such a fun place to be.

With an official population of just over 5,000 folks, it’s both a small village yet a bustling town with a fabulous atmosphere. When you aren’t ripping up the trails on Potash Road or rafting down the nearby Colorado River on world class rapids, Woody’s Tavern is the place to trade stories with seasoned adventurers.

7. Park City

After a simple yet scenic drive from the state capital, you’ll find yourself in one of the United States’ best adventure playgrounds. Park City may be famous for its role in the 2002 Winter Olympics, but you can rest assured that it’s a year-round destination.

Long before skiers and snowboarders came to town in droves, Park City was a 19th century mining town. It boomed upon the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and thus, has plenty of historic architecture and a charming main street.

This part of town is where you’ll find a great collection of restaurants and bars, ready to help reflect on a day of fun. In the summer, you’ll have a packed itinerary of local hikes, fishing, rafting and swimming. Come winter, prepare for a memorable day on the slopes and the arrival of January’s Sundance Film Festival.

6. Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the most common gateway to the many highlights around Utah. From the state’s capital you can access the Big Five national parks, go skiing in Park City and biking in Moab. However, there are plenty of reasons to stick around for a little first.

The city is the home of the Mormon church and some of the top attractions in Salt Lake City include Temple Square home to the Salt Lake Temple. The square features memorable architecture, including the temple, plus the Gothic-Revival Assembly Hall and the Tabernacle, home to the church’s famous choir.

From Temple Square, you’ll find the remainder of downtown SLC to be extremely walkable. But within a quick drive, you’ll find yourself on the edge of Great Salt Lake, the largest of its kind in North America. To see it from above, make your way to the summit of Ensign Peak.

5. Capitol Reef National Park

Out of Utah’s Big Five, Capitol Reef National Park can get lost among the flurry of hoodoos, arches and canyon. However, place this national park in a different state and explorers would be singing a different tune. Thus, it’s not a place to be missed.

Capitol Reef was formed thanks to a collection of major geological events that saw a conglomerate of different rock as old as 270 million years settle in the region. Then a major mountain building event saw the Waterpocket Fold expose these rocks, placing them thousands of feet higher than the valley below.

Overtime, literal pockets of water continue to erode the rock, creating more hoodoos, arches, rugged cliffs and narrow gorges. When viewing the fold from a distance, it indeed looks like a sedimentary reef and an eye-opening collection of warm colors.

Hikes such the Rim Overlook and Capitol Gorge bring you away from the main drag and into the heart of the park.

4. Canyonlands

Back in the 1800s, the Wild West was in full swing. It was here, in what is now Canyonlands National Park, that Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch Gang would hide out for weeks on end until the heat from their latest heist subsided.

Fast forward to the modern day and hikers can make their way to Robbers Roost, the infamous canyon home to the old outlaws. It’s just one of the many worthwhile hikes that allows you to dive deep into exploring this magical place.

Despite this historic connection, the most popular part of Canyonlands is the Island in the Sky. The name alone should pique your interest and it doesn’t disappoint. At the center of the island is Mesa Arch. The arch itself is impressive, but the views are more so. From elevation, you can gaze upon a maze of canyons spread as far as the eye can see.

3. Arches National Park

The name Arches National Park is an apt description of this incredible landscape. Yep, spoiler alert, there are a ton of natural stone arches here. In fact, there are more than 2,000. Each was painstakingly formed across the span of 100 million years.

It’s hard to imagine what this landscape may have looked like back then. But it now is home to some of Mother Nature’s best work, featuring the largest collection of arches on earth. The best part? You don’t even have to work hard to see them.

Arches National Park presents visitors with a 36-mile scenic drive that is a veritable highlight reel. Spread along the road are famous arches such as Delicate Arch and the Fiery Furnace. The former being the largest free-standing arch in the national park and the latter the perfect sunset spot.

But there’s more than just arches here. Short side trails take you into the desert wilderness where you’ll uncover such memorable gems as Balanced Rock.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

In southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to towering spires and a gorgeous amphitheater carved by wind and time. The spires, aka hoodoos, aren’t uncommon throughout the world. Yet here, you’ll find the largest collection of these fascinating rock columns on earth.

As you enter the park, you’ll already find yourself at a high elevation. In fact, as you explore, you’ll mostly stand above the marvelous creations below. Erosion, which has occurred over thousands of years, has essentially carved the park from the top down.

Bryce Canyon is particularly arresting during sunrise and sunset. It’s here, in the low hanging light, that the shadows do their best work, illuminating and darkening different hoodoos and canyons to create a living piece of art.

Utah does a great job of making its parks accessible. That trend continues here with wheelchair accessible trails and an abundance of short treks that take to the park’s best spots like the Fairyland amphitheater and Bryce Point.

1. Zion National Park

Even among America’s National Parks, few can match the stunning beauty of Zion National Park. Situated near Springdale in southern Utah, is the cream of the crop in a state that arguably has the best collection of national parks. It’s the pinnacle of the Big Five and the centerpiece of epic road trips that connect them all.

Nothing can quite prepare you for the majestic landscapes within Zion. It’s a place that is so utterly Utah, yet out of this world. Unlike many other parks in the American Southwest, where visitors look down from the rim of a canyon, visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up. The sprawling mix of burnt orange rocks, lush desert flora and startling cliffs make for unforgettable views and photographs wherever you look.

Running east to west through the national park is the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This winding road will deliver you to a litany of spectacular pullouts and trailheads that allow you to venture deep into the park, particularly the mesmerizing Zion Canyon.

Boasting a thousand-foot drop, the canyon’s shadows dance as the sun moves and is home to famous short hikes such as Angel’s Landing. It’s a hiker’s paradise. But one should be warned, the views are as grand as the cliffs are daunting.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Utah (UT) » 19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Utah

19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Utah

Utah , nicknamed “Beehive State”, offers some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and places to visit! Just browse through these awesome pictures and be amazed by it’s beauty. Fun fact: The name Utah derives from the Native American Ute tribe and means people of the mountains.

1. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of America’s most iconic landmarks, home to huge sandstone formations that reach up to 1,000 ft tall. The desert area is a popular hiking, jeeping and horseriding location, with local guides available to navigate you through the Valley. Steeped in a rich Native American and Old West history, Monument Valley is atmospheric and unforgettable.

2. Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is home to the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. Hoodoos are unique rock formations created by uneven erosion and weathering, giving them a distinctive and unmissable appearance. At Bryce Canyon, you will also find woodland, wildlife and caves, making it a hiker’s paradise. At night, the lack of local light sources create the perfect location for stargazing with unparalleled starry skies.

3. Arches National Park

Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural stone arches as well as a variety of other strange and captivating rock formations, including balanced rocks. The stone here is a rich red, evocative of the Old West and natural America. You can also find Wolfe Ranch on site, a one-room cabin built in 1898 and largely unchanged today. The Ranch offers a glimpse into the harsh desert life for early 20th-century Americans.

4. Escalante National Monument

The Escalante National Monument has been around for millions of years, forming an incredible rock formation that we can enjoy today. The Monument features three main areas with the most famous being the Grand Staircase (Escalante). The Staircase features a number of plateaus descending like steps from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon. Perfect for hikers, Escalante also features the fossil-filled Kaiparowits Plateau at its highest point, and the Escalante Canyons at the base.

5. Red Cliffs

Utah’s Red Cliffs span a stunning and colourful 45,000 acres. The cliffs are formed from red sandstone which gives them their unique appearance and the shade of the towering formations offers some respite in the hot desert. The Red Cliffs Conservation Area offers plenty of space for tourists to explore and hike. There is an Archeological Site featuring ruins of Native American pueblos, and even dinosaur tracks from the Early Jurassic period.

6. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is Utah’s first national park and offers a slice of the Utah wilderness. The multi-coloured sandstone cliffs and desert wildlife craft an immersive environment that was once inhabited by Native Americans and pioneers alike. At Zion National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, rock-climb, mountain-bike and explore. Climb to the top of the cliffs to witness a desert sunset like no other.

7. Buckskin Gulch

Buckskin Gulch is considered to be the world’s longest slot canyon, full of twisting narrow corridors formed from towering red stone. Buckskin Gulch is considered by climbing and hiking enthusiasts to be a challenge. Some points along the route are extremely narrow and dark, whilst others are filled with waist-deep water. This makes it ideal for those seeking adventure or a unique location to be active.

8. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park features many canyons and other rock formations, carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years. Humans have been on the Canyonlands for over 10,000 years, weaving a rich Native American and pioneer history. Native American art can still be found in the Horseshoe Canyon today. In addition, the Canyonlands offer a variety of different desert environments for tourists and hikers, including the labyrinthine Maze, hiking trails, and rafting or kayaking on the rivers.

9. Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is a 22-acre lake with stunningly clear waters at the base of the towering 12,000 ft tall Bald Mountain. The Lake is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and kayaking. The lake is surrounded by forest so it is ideal for wildlife-watching. There are a number of hiking trails accessible from this serene location making it a great place to relax after a long hike – or to recharge before setting off.

10. Antelope Island

Situated in the Great Salt Lake – one of the largest lakes in the world – is Antelope Island, the lake’s biggest island. Antelope Island is situated near Salt Lake City making it easily accessible. The island is a haven for wildlife including its namesake antelope, as well as bison, sheep, coyotes and water birds. The island features a number of mountains and natural springs. You can also find the Fielding Garr Ranch here. The house was built in 1848 and is the oldest building in Utah still on its original foundations.

11. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is a large national park in Utah filled with beautiful rock formations. The park is a reminder of the Old West with its colourful canyons and cliffs, and the shrubbery that lines much of the desert floor. In the park, you can find the famous Waterpocket Fold which is a huge ridge in the earth formed by shifting plates lifting one side of a fault. You can also see Native American art and rock shelters alongside later settlers’ houses.

12. Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point is a collection of overlooks surrounding a portion of the Colorado River, which runs below. Dead Horse Point was originally a corral used by cowboys and got its name from the horses that frequently died of exposure. Today, the state park offers stunning views of the Colorado River and the Canyonlands, as well as a small taste of the extreme conditions that the cowboys of old would have faced. The area was also used to shoot the final scenes in the 1991 film ‘Thelma and Louise’.

13. Toquerville Falls, LaVerkin Creek

LaVerkin Creek can be found near the Zion National Park and offers hiking trails and camping opportunities. The Toquerville Falls can also be found near the Creek. The falls feature sunbaked sandstone ledges surrounding three crystal-clear waterfalls flowing into a pool. The falls are perfect for cooling off in the summer and offer a true oasis in the middle of the baking Utah desert.

14. Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a huge man-made reservoir visited by 2,000,000 people every year. It straddles both Utah and Arizona. The water is stunningly blue and the rocks contrast beautifully in hues of red, orange and yellow. In the adjacent Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, you can also find the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. This is considered to be the world’s highest natural bridge.

15. Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop is a scenic drive spanning 20 miles through alpine canyons. On the drive, the glacier-topped Mount Timpanogos and other mountains are visible, offering impressive views. Along the way you can access the Timpanogos Cave National Monument as well as the Cascade Springs. The Springs are fed by water trickling down from the mountains. In the larger pools, the water is clear and shallow enough to see native trout swimming.

16. Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is so-called because of its natural abundance of unique rock formations called hoodoos. These formations are locally known as goblins due to their likeness to the mythical creature. There are a number of hiking trails through the park as well as evidence of ancient Native American art in one area called the San Rafael Swell. It is also possible to see some hardy local wildlife including lizards, scorpions and jackrabbits.

17. Four Corners

The Four Corners Monument marks the location in the Southwest of America where four states meet: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. This is the only place in America where four states meet in such a way. The spot also marks the boundary between the Navajo and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe governments, making it an excellent location to learn about the indigenous culture and history of the region.

18. Golden Spike National Historic Site

The Golden Spike site commemorates the joining of the Union and Central Pacific Railroads to create the first Transcontinental Railroad. This historic event occurred in 1869 at Promontory Summit, the current location of the Golden Spike site. At this site, you can see replica working locomotives that run on a regular basis each day. In addition, the visitor centre offers souvenirs and historical exhibits that explore the significance and cultural importance of America’s first Transcontinental Railroad.

19. Timpanogos Cave National Monument

The Timpanogos Cave National Monument protects the cave system on Mount Timpanogos in Utah. The caves are accessible to visitors via a trail and guided tour during spring and summer. The cave system features a number of interesting formations and cave features including stalactites, stalagmites and helictites, which are slim spiralling cones of rock.

19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Utah:

• Monument Valley
• Bryce Canyon
• Arches National Park
• Escalante National Monument
• Zion National Park
• Buckskin Gulch
• Canyonlands National Park
• Mirror Lake
• Antelope Island
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Toquerville Falls, LaVerkin Creek
• Lake Powell
• Alpine Loop
• Goblin Valley State Park
• Four Corners
• Golden Spike National Historic Site
• Timpanogos Cave National Monument

A first-timer’s guide to Zion National Park

May 6, 2024 • 12 min read

Plan your trip to Zion National Park with this first-timer's guide © Mark Muratore / Shutterstock

Heavenly Zion National Park is the holy grail of Utah’s "Mighty 5"  and one of the most-visited national parks in the country. 

The towering red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon, one of Utah's most dramatic natural wonders, loom high over the Virgin River, and are enshrined in the park’s original name, Mukuntuweap, the Native Paiute word meaning "straight canyon." Mormon settlers who arrived here in the 19th century rechristened it Zion, an ancient Hebrew word meaning "sanctuary."

It’s impossible not to be overcome by the awesomeness of Zion, and the names of its prominent features and rock formations reflect the early Anglo view that Zion is a place on a higher plane: Angels Landing, Court of the Patriarchs , Cathedral Mountain and the Temple of Sinawava, named for the Paiute coyote spirit.

Hiking through the Virgin River in the Narrows or gaping at the canyon from the top of Angels Landing after a 1500ft ascent is indeed amazing, but for all its might and majesty, Zion National Park also holds smaller and more delicate beauties: sandstone rocks "weeping" with water, tiny grottoes, hanging gardens and mesa-top wildflower meadows.

Zion’s beauty is no secret. Nearly five million people pass through its entrances every year, making it the third most-visited national park in the United States . Summers can sometimes feel claustrophobic, and more mandatory permits have been introduced to control the crowds. But quieter corners can still be found, and much of Zion's 232 sq miles are little-visited backcountry.

If it’s your first time visiting Zion National Park, here’s a guide to what you need to know before you go.

When should I go to Zion National Park?

Zion is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States, and about half a million people pour through the park’s entrances every month between April and October. The best times to visit Zion National Park, spring and autumn, bring balmy temperatures and relief from sweaty summers and frosty winters, but these seasons also attract crowds looking to enjoy the park at its prime.

However, if you’re set on hiking the Narrows, spring and summer can be tricky times to visit. The springtime snowmelt that feeds the Virgin River can send water levels soaring, and when the flow of water is faster than 150 cubic feet per second, the National Park Service closes the hike. The Virgin River’s flow rate in spring is unpredictable: sometimes the Narrows will close in early March and not open until late June, and other years the hike will remain open all season. The National Park Service posts current closure notices and dates from previous years on its website .

In summer, flash flooding in the Narrows and other Utah slot canyons is a genuine threat, and hikers have died from being swept away in the rushing waters. The rain doesn’t necessarily have to fall in the park – a surge of stormwater can flow down the river even when the sun is shining overhead. Heed all warnings posted by the National Park Service before you set out on a hike.

Some of Zion’s most popular hikes and activities – including Angels Landing, the Subway and the top-down route of the Narrows – require permits that are issued by lottery, so when you visit might be dependent on when you can score a permit. Far fewer people apply for wintertime permits, though these hikes, especially those in water, require extra care and equipment.

How much time should I spend at Zion National Park?

While you can zip through Zion Canyon in a day, you’d miss out on getting to the heart of this gorgeous national park. With limited time, hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle from the Visitor Center and set off on the shorter hikes that give a taste of Zion’s unique landscape. Ride the shuttle bus to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and take the 2-mile round-trip Riverside Walk, a dry, paved route alongside the Virgin River. The paved trail ends where the Narrows begin, but if you’re short on time, resist the river and check out Zion’s other watery features: the delicate hanging gardens at Weeping Rock and the three Emerald Pools, where clusters of tiny, fragile plants cling to near-vertical rock walls, fed by water seeping out of the sandstone.

If you have more time, tackle Zion Canyon’s longer and more challenging hikes – Angels Landing (permit required) and the Narrows (additional gear often required) – and visit East Zion and Kolob Canyons.

Is it easy to get to and around Zion National Park?

Yes, depending on your starting destination, it’s easy to get to Zion National Park, even without a car. The largest major airport closest to Zion is in Las Vegas , and shuttle bus companies can whisk you to the gateway town of Springdale in about three hours. (The closer Utah town of St George has a small airport with just a few direct flights.)

Getting around Zion Canyon without a car is also easy – and even required for much of the year. From March to the end of November, the National Park Service runs the free Zion Canyon Shuttle between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava, the location of the trailheads for the Riverside Walk and the Narrows. Private vehicles are not allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the road through the canyon, when these shuttle buses are operating.

If you’re staying in Springdale, a separate but also free shuttle bus stops along the town’s main street, where most of the hotels are located. The Springdale Line Shuttle ends a short walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Limited free parking is available inside the park; arrive as early as possible. Otherwise, it costs $20 to park in Springdale.

The main part of Zion National Park has two ways in: the south entrance near Springdale and the east entrance a short drive from Hwy 89. Near the national park’s east entrance, the historic 1.1-mile Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel was once the longest tunnel in the country. It was completed in 1930 to the specifications for cars at that time (it’s just 22ft wide), so today’s RVs and other oversized vehicles are a tight squeeze. If your vehicle is wider than 7ft 10in or taller than 11ft 4in, you must pay $15 for a tunnel permit and drive through during specified hours when rangers are present so that the tunnel can be converted to one-way traffic.

You need a car to visit the lesser-seen areas of Zion National Park, including Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Rd. These areas are not served by regular shuttle buses or other public transportation.

Top things to do at Zion National Park

The 5000ft of elevation change from Zion Canyon’s floor to the park’s highest peak provides an astounding range of environments. Even the park’s two main hikes – the Narrows and Angels Landing – are polar opposites: one wades through river water that churns through a slot canyon, and the other embarks on a chain-assisted white-knuckle climb to a narrow plateau so high that a minister visiting in the early 1900s quipped that "only angels could land there." 

Angels Landing permits are required to hike the final stretch – the famous part where hikers pull themselves up by chains to reach the overlook with sheer drops and 360-degree views – but you can go as far as Scout Lookout without a permit. For our money, if you’re already putting in the work to conquer Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks on the hike up, you might as well reward your athletic efforts with the full experience and get the Angels Landing permit.

The three Emerald Pools (Lower, Middle and Upper) and Weeping Rock offer gentler trails to oasis-like hanging gardens where plants cling to dripping seeps on the canyon walls. Note: at the time of writing, Weeping Rock was inaccessible due to rockfall. Check online for the latest information before heading out.

Zion Canyon certainly hogs the spotlight, but it’s not the only part of the national park. In East Zion, Observation Point stands 700ft above Angels Landing, but it feels like cheating to reach the viewpoint along the flat woodland path, gloriously skipping the sweaty haul up Walter’s Wiggles. Observation Point was previously accessible from Zion Canyon via the East Rim Trail, but this route has been closed since 2019 because of a landslide and has yet to reopen.

The area around Zion’s east entrance has several more trailheads, and another excellent hiking option is Cable Mountain. At the end of the hike and at the edge of the canyon, the remnants of the historic Cable Mountain Draw Works are a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who have called this place home. The contraption was once used to lower lumber 2000ft from the East Rim mesa to the floor of Zion Canyon, reducing the timber's transport time from weeklong trips by wagon to just two minutes. Hundreds of thousands of board feet were sent into the valley, including the lumber used to build the original Zion Lodge .

You can also escape the Zion Canyon crowds by checking out the trailheads along Kolob Terrace Rd and in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. These areas aren’t connected to Zion Canyon by road, but they are on overnight backpacking trails. Kolob Canyons is actually just off Interstate 15 but doesn’t see nearly as many visitors as Zion Canyon.

Need more inspiration?  Here are the best hiking trails in Zion National Park

My favorite thing to do at Zion National Park

My hiking boots and I have spent a lot of quality time together. We’ve trekked all over the world, but I can easily say that wading through the Narrows at Zion National Park is one of my favorite hikes on the planet. The Narrows is quintessential Zion, and this wet and wild "trail" is actually the Virgin River itself. Nothing brings out the kid in me like splashing in the river, and the sense of awe is infectious as you hike through the flowing water, wondering what’s around every river bend.

Hordes of hikers visit the Narrows, but many don't walk more than a mile or two. Quieter sections await the further you go. The best part about hiking the Narrows is that you can walk for as little or as long as you'd like and still have a great time.

As an almost entirely water-based hike, the Narrows isn't your standard walk in the park. Outfitters in Springdale rent canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, wooden walking sticks, and dry suits or bibs. You don’t necessarily have to get the gear, but what you wear in the Narrows will greatly influence your enjoyment of the hike. The Narrows is cooler than elsewhere in Zion because of the tall canyon walls, and hypothermia can be a risk in colder months. A walking stick helps you navigate the fast-moving currents on slippery rocks, and you'll want to put your phone, camera and anything else you don't want to get wet in a dry bag.

How much money do I need for Zion National Park?

The standard entrance pass for Zion National Park costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person if you’re visiting on foot, and it’s valid for seven days. If you’re visiting more national parks on a road trip through Utah and beyond, it’s worth buying the America the Beautiful pass for $80. The America the Beautiful pass is valid for a year at all national parks and federal recreation land across the country for one vehicle or four per person entry fees – arguably one of the best travel deals available.

Accommodations in and around Zion National Park can be pricey. Zion Lodge costs $200 to $350 per night depending on the season and the room size, and rooms can be booked out months in advance. Tent-only campsites at Watchman Campground cost $35 a night, and sites with electrical hookups cost $45 per night. 

Tent-only campsites at Lava Point Campground off Kolob Terrace Rd are cheaper ($25 a night) but are open seasonally (usually May through September). These sites are primitive, with pit toilets and no running water. You can camp for free on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah, but these areas have no facilities.

What is the closest city to Zion National Park?

The town of Springdale sits at Zion National Park’s south entrance, and it’s so close that you can treat yourself to a post-hike beer at Zion Canyon Brew Pub just after leaving the park boundary. Springdale is a small town but is filled with excellent, if pricey, accommodation options, as well as lots of restaurants, cafes and grocery stores. Find cheaper accommodation options in the towns of Virgin, La Verkin and Hurricane (pronounced "hur-uh-kin") west of Zion along Hwy 9.

Where’s the best place to stay near Zion National Park?

Zion is one of Utah’s two national parks that has noncamping accommodations inside the park, at the historic Zion Lodge , opened in 1924 but rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1966. (Nearby Bryce Canyon National Park also has a lodge.) Reservations here and at Zion Canyon’s two campgrounds (Watchman Campground and South Campground, currently closed for long-term renovations) can be made up to six months in advance.

Springdale has a wealth of accommodations, though the proximity to the south entrance means higher prices. Not far from Zion’s east entrance, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a good pick for families, with tons of on-site activities, including a climbing wall, swimming pool, mini golf and paintball. You can even glamp in a Conestoga wagon.

Zion Ponderosa is also a good base camp for travelers looking to tackle the hikes in East Zion. Its sister company East Zion Adventures runs shuttles to the trailheads for Observation Point and Cable Mountain, and it’s best to go with it because the roads are extremely rutted and parking is minimal.

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The Top 15 Amazing Southern Utah Attractions You Must See

LAST UPDATED: 3/12/24 – Top 15 Amazing Southern Utah Attractions

Southern Utah is one of the most breathtaking regions of the United States. With five beautiful national parks, many national monuments, and incredible state parks, it’s full of beauty. In fact, there are so many incredible things to see that it is hard to know where to start. That is why I have put together this list of the top 15 most amazing Southern Utah attractions that visitors should plan to see. By using this list to plan your trip, you can be sure not to miss any of Southern Utah’s top sights.

Before I start laying out my list of the top Southern Utah attractions, here is a map that outlines where to find each attraction. It may be difficult to visit each spot on one trip, but with some good planning, you can hit many in one visit. For those interested in a Southern Utah road trip itinerary, I would suggest checking out one of my itineraries below. Both of these itineraries include stops at many of the spots on my list of the top Southern Utah attractions.

V iew Larger Map

Monument Valley

If you like old western movies, then Monument Valley should look very familiar to you. This iconic destination was featured in such movies as Stagecoach (1939), Billy the Kid (1940), and Laramie (1949). It has also been featured in more recent films such as Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) and Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014). However, my favorite use of this beautiful landscape in the film was undoubtedly in the movie Forest Gump. With its ruggedly beautiful desert buttes and mesas, it isn’t hard to see why.

Monument Valley isn’t a US national parkland but instead is part of the Navajo Nation in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. While you can see some of the most famous parts of the valley from a car, many hidden treasures require you to hike to see. If you are interested in visiting Monument Valley during your next trip to Southern Utah, then I have provided a guide you can use for planning below.

Don’t Miss When You’re There

Stopping at Forrest Gump Point

For those who have seen the movie, Forrest Gump, then you are probably very familiar with which spot I am referring to. Forrest Gump Point is the spot where Forrest Gump stops on his cross-country run and decides to stop. In the background, there is a long, straight road through the desert with the mesas of Monument Valley in the distance. It is arguably the most famous roadway view in the entire American Southwest.

Natural Bridges National Monument

Southern Utah is famous for its natural rock formations and one of the most popular with visitors are natural bridges. These rock formations are created when water erodes the bottom area of the rock, leaving an arch with an opening underneath. While these natural bridges vary in size, the really big ones are a spectacular sight to behold. One of my favorite of the top Southern Utah attractions to visit is the Natural Bridges National Monument .

With three incredible natural bridges to see in one small area, it is a great place to check out some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful rock sculpting. At 220 feet tall and spanning 268 feet, the Sipapu Bridge is the monument’s largest bridge. Although it is the oldest, the Owachomo Bridge is also the smallest at 106 feet tall and spanning 180 feet. The last of the monument’s natural bridges, the Kachina Bridge stands at 210 feet tall and spans 204 feet across.

While the hikes to the bridges themselves are classified as moderate, it is a relatively easy 10-minute walk to viewpoints where you can see each of the monument’s natural bridges. If you’d like to hike to more than one of the bridges, several loop trails in the national monument will take you to different combinations of the natural bridges on 5 to 10-mile hikes.

NEARBY BEARS EARS NATIONAL MONUMENT

While you are in the area of the National Bridges National Monument, I would also strongly suggest that you check out the nearby Bears Ears National Monument. In addition to being a stunning landscape, this area is renowned for its rock art sites, pueblo homes, and rock climbing areas. In addition to the well-preserved Puebloan sites, the area is also a great place to hike and do some star gazing at night.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

There are some truly spectacular rock formations in Southern Utah, but the many natural rock archways and bridges are my favorite. While Arches National Park near Moab is famous for having the highest concentration of arches, there are some spectacular ones outside the park. One of the prettiest of these archways is the incredible Rainbow Bridge National Monument near the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Rising 290 feet over the dry bed of Bridge Creek, the Rainbow Bridge National Monument is the sixth longest natural bridge in the world. The easiest way to access Rainbow Bridge is by taking a boat ride across Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There is a dock on the other side of the lake and the Rainbow Bridge is less than a mile from the dock. If you don’t want to take a boat, several other trails will take you to the Rainbow Bridge, but each of these hikes is over 15 miles long.

NEARBY Reflection Canyon

While you are visiting the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, I would also suggest checking out the beautiful Reflection Canyon . It’s not easy to get to, but the views you will see at the canyon are among the most stunning you will find in Southern Utah. It’s a roughly 18-mile out-and-back hike to the canyon, so make sure you start your hike early if you want to visit. Most people who visit Reflection Canyon spend the night by the canyon and do the hike over two days. This also allows you to see the canyon at both sunrise and sunset.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

While a majority of Southern Utah is dominated by desert, canyons, and red sandstone rock formations, they aren’t the only landscapes. One of the top Southern Utah attractions is Lake Powell, which is a large, manmade lake. Lake Powell is the primary focal point of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , which also includes the area around the lake. In addition to the Rainbow Bridge and Reflection Canyon, which I covered earlier in this guide, Glen Canyon is also a popular hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation destination.

One of the most popular things for tourists to do at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is to go boating. Whether by pontoon, fishing boat, kayak, or canoe, there are plenty of incredible things to explore on Lake Powell. While you are there, I would also strongly recommend checking out the Glen Canyon Dam . It is an amazing feat of engineering and getting to see it up close on a tour is a fun experience.

The Views From Alstrom Point

While there is a seemingly endless number of spectacular viewpoints in which to enjoy the beauty of Lake Powell, my favorite spot is undoubtedly Alstrom Point . While it is accessible by vehicle, the road to get there is not paved and can be very rough in spots. For those who wish to make the drive, I would strongly suggest bringing a 4WD vehicle and going slowly. Believe me, the effort to get there will be well worth it when you see views like the one below.

Goosenecks State Park

One thing that Southern Utah certainly is not in short supply of is incredible canyons. Carved by rivers that run through the soft red sandstone that makes up most of the high desert plateaus of the area. The sandstone is carried away by the rivers, leaving behind some of the most spectacular canyons. Most travelers are familiar with the Grand Canyon, which was formed this same way, but Southern Utah’s canyons are less well known.

One of the top Southern Utah attractions that travelers must see when visiting is one of the area’s lesser-known, but incredibly beautiful, canyons. Goosenecks State Park, which sits very near the city of Mexican Hat, features the steep meander of the San Juan River. In many ways, the river bend and the canyon it formed resemble the infamous Horseshoe Bend in Northern Arizona. This spectacular horseshoe turn of the San Juan River has created one of Southern Utah’s most incredible vistas.

M exican Hat Rock

While in the area, I would strongly recommend stopping to see one of Southern Utah’s most interesting rock formations. Mexican Hat Rock , featured below, is an incredible balancing rock that looks much like its namesake. Located just outside the city of Mexican Hat, it is an easy stop when you are visiting Goosenecks State Park.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

There are quite a few canyons and amphitheaters among the top Southern Utah attractions, and each one of them is unique. The Native Americans used to call Cedar Breaks National Monument the “Circle of Painted Cliffs” because of its incredibly beautiful colored cliff sides that drop over two thousand feet to the canyon floor. While Bryce Canyon and its hoodoos get most of the glory, Cedar Breaks is every bit as beautiful.

One thing that you need to keep in mind when visiting Cedar Breaks National Monument is that it is at a very high altitude. You might not realize it when you are there because it isn’t a mountain destination, but it is high up. In fact, at over 10,000 feet above sea level, it is the third-highest national monument in the United States. Only the Sand to Snow and Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monuments in California are higher.

The Views From the RampartS Overlook

There are a lot of breathtaking views at Cedar Breaks National Monument, but I think the views from the Ramparts Overlook are the best. From this viewpoint, you can see just how incredible the canyon is. The beautiful colors of the canyon walls really shine in the light from this spot. From here, it is easy to see why Cedar Breaks is considered one of the top Southern Utah attractions.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Several incredible state parks are among the top Southern Utah attractions, but Dead Horse Point State Park is undoubtedly the most popular. The park got its name back in the 19th century when cowboys used the park to round up wild mustangs who roamed the mesa. The cowboys would drive the horses down the neck of the peninsula, using the two-thousand-foot cliffs as a natural corral. Unfortunately, some horses would be driven off, giving the spot the name “Dead Horse Point”.

There isn’t any horse wrangling going on in the park these days, but the breathtaking canyon and its sheer cliff walls are still there to be admired. If you are into mountain biking, Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the top mountain biking destinations in Southern Utah. It also has many incredible hiking paths and viewpoints for visitors to enjoy. The park is located just outside the Islands in the Sky entrance to Canyonlands National Park, so it is a convenient stop before heading into Canyonlands.

The Views from Dead Horse Point

With some of the most incredible canyon views in Southern Utah, Dead Horse Point is a must-see. While you are there, I would strongly suggest checking out the views from Dead Horse Point. This is the iconic spot that gave the park its name and offers stunning views of the canyon. Legend has it, if you listen closely, you can still hear the horses from here.

The Corona Arch

In many circles, the city of Moab, Utah is considered to be the outdoor adventure capital of the United States. It is the equivalent in America to what Queenstown is to New Zealand. Located near two of the country’s most popular national parks, it’s easy to see why. However, with so much to see and do in the Moab area, it is easy to overlook some attractions. One such attraction that doesn’t get nearly the acclaim it should be is the beautiful Corona Arch . This stunning arch is as beautiful as any you will find inside Arches National Park.

Located just outside the city limits of Moab, Corona Arch requires a short hike for visitors to see. The trail isn’t very difficult and takes you to see the Bowtie Arch as well. While the hike isn’t very long or difficult, there is a lack of shade on the trail. If you are going to hike to Corona Arch, I would suggest doing it either early or late in the day and bringing lots of water.

Seeing the Corona Arch at Sunset

If you think the pictures of the Corona Arch taken at midday are beautiful, wait until you see the arch at sunrise or sunset. It is an absolutely magical thing to see in the soft light of the golden hours. If you plan on hiking to see the arch at sunset, I would recommend making sure you have a headlamp and proper navigation equipment with you. It is a fairly marked trail, but it can be tricky to navigate in low light.

Goblin Valley State Park

For travelers who are a fan of the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon or the Needles of Canyonlands, you will love the lesser-known Goblin Valley State Park . Known for its incredible rock formations that fill several valleys within the park, Goblin Valley is one of the best-kept secrets of Southern Utah attractions. It is only about a 1.5-hour drive from Moab, which makes it a convenient side excursion if you are visiting the area’s national parks. However, if you plan on visiting, I would do the park justice and spend a full day exploring it.

In addition to several great observation points where you can view the beautiful rock-filled valleys, there are some great hiking trails in the park as well. It is hard to appreciate just how beautiful these rock spires are until you are up close. It will feel as though you are hiking on a whole other planet.

Camping Under the Stars

A great way to fully appreciate the remoteness of Southern Utah is to spend a night under the stars camping. I can think of few places better for camping than Goblin Valley State Park . The silhouettes of the beautiful rock spires and a sky full of bright stars will be an experience you will cherish for a lifetime. For those who have camped beneath the stars at Joshua Tree National Park in California, the experience is just as great in my opinion.

Capitol Reef National Park

In my opinion, Capitol Reef National Park may be one of the most underrated national parks in the American park system. Often overshadowed by the other national parks in Southern Utah, it is often skipped by travelers in a rush. It doesn’t help that some of the best features of this park are not as easy to get to as the popular features in the other parks. Don’t get me wrong, there are incredible things to see in Capitol Reef National Park that don’t require long hikes. The Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch are great examples.

However, there isn’t the extensive park road system in Capitol Reef that you see in some of the other parks. This means that a lot of the park is backcountry or accessible only by rough road. If you have the time and are willing to put in the work, the views in the backcountry are breathtaking. For more information on what to see when you visit Capitol Reef National Park, please review the visitor guide that I linked to below.

Seeing the Cathedral Valley

One of my absolute favorite areas within Capitol Reef National Park is Cathedral Valley. This stunning valley contains several incredible rock monoliths that rise above the valley floor. In addition to their beauty, they have incredible names. The Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon do look like majestic temples rising from the sand in this gorgeous landscape. If you would like to see the Cathedral Valley, be aware that it requires a lengthy drive on a rough road, so you will need the right vehicle.

Grand Staircase National Monument

In many ways, the remoteness of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a double-edged sword. Because it is so remote and isolated, it has become one of the most popular destinations for outdoor adventurists. However, this same remoteness means it is less accessible to less experienced hikers, so its incredible sights are less well known. In essence, it is one of the last remaining areas in the continental United States where you really have to work to explore the region.

This is why I am absolutely in love with the Grand Staircase and think it is one of the top Southern Utah attractions. It’s the explorer’s destination in Southern Utah. The land is rugged, the trails are long and unmarked, and the destinations are mind-bogglingly beautiful. Whether you are hiking to see one of the many incredible slot canyons or to the infamous “Hole in the Rock”, it’s always an adventure in the Grand Staircase.

However, because of its remoteness and lack of paved roads and marked trails, it does take more effort to plan a trip to see. Before you start planning your trip to the Grand Staircase, I would strongly recommend researching your hikes, printing topographical maps, and making sure you have the right gear. I have individual guides for many of the incredible sights within the Grand Staircase on my blog that you can use.

Hiking to the Zebra Slot Canyon

One of my favorite hikes within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is the hike to the Zebra Slot Canyon. It is an unmarked trail, so it does take some navigation ability to get to, but the hike isn’t incredibly long or difficult. This makes it a fairly accessible landmark to see, even if you aren’t an avid backcountry hiker. If you would like to hike to the Zebra Slot Canyon, I have included my guide for you to review below.

Bryce Canyon National Park

You will be very hard-pressed to find a more beautiful destination among the Southern Utah attractions than the incredible Bryce Canyon National Park . Unlike the steep canyons that you will find at Canyonlands National Park or the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon is renowned for being filled with beautiful, thin rock spires that are called “hoodoos”. These hoodoos give Bryce Canyon a fairytale-like look and are absolutely breathtaking to behold in person.

There are remote backpacking trails that you can take within Bryce Canyon, and the area was infamously used by Butch Cassidy to hide out back in his time. However, the park is extremely popular with tourists because of its accessibility. There are many wonderful viewpoints in which to enjoy the beauty of Bryce Canyon located just off the park road. You can see most of this incredible park without having to walk very far at all.

Viewing the Hoodoos From Inspiration Point Viewpoint

One of my favorite viewpoints inside of Bryce Canyon National Park is the amazing Inspiration Point . I can see why they named this viewpoint what they did because every time I visit the views truly inspire me. In my opinion, there is no better place in Bryce Canyon to view the incredible hoodoo-filled canyon than from Inspiration Point. When you visit the viewpoint, make sure your camera is out because you will want a lot of photos.

Arches National Park

There is a lot of debate about whether the eastern or western half of Southern Utah is the best to visit. To be honest, both are incredibly beautiful and filled with some of the top Southern Utah attractions. What most people do agree on is that the city of Moab, Utah is one of the capitals for outdoor adventure in the United States. Located in southeast Utah near the border with Colorado, Moab is near two of America’s most popular national parks.

The first of these two parks is the Legendary Arches National Park . Natural sandstone arches are common in Southern Utah, but Arches National Park has over 2,000 arches for you to see. These arches come in all shapes and sizes, with some that are as tall as a building. Though most of the arches can be seen from the park road, there are some great hikes in the park as well.

If you plan to visit Arches National Park, I would strongly suggest planning ahead and arriving early. It is one of the busiest parks in the US National Park System. It is not unusual to see a several-hour wait to get in during peak season. In addition, the campgrounds inside the park and hotels in Moab book up very quick. For more information on how to plan your trip, refer to my Arches National Park Guide linked below.

H iking to See the Delicate Arch

One of the most impressive arches in the park is undoubtedly the Delicate Arch . It is one of the top Southern Utah attractions for good reason. At 52 feet tall, it is one of the largest free-standing arches in Southern Utah. In fact, it is so popular that it is featured on the state license plate of Utah.

The hike to Delicate Arch is a 3.2-mile out-and-back that is heavily trafficked. It isn’t a very technical hike, but it can be challenging for some people in the heat. If you are going to pick one hike while visiting the park, this is definitely the one I would recommend.

Canyonlands National Park

The second of the big national parks in the Moab, Utah area is the incredible Canyonlands National Park . Known for its breathtaking vistas and incredible slot canyons, it is an absolute must-see. If you don’t count the rivers themselves, the park is divided into three distinct districts, which are separated by the Colorado and Green Rivers. These districts include the Needles, the Island in the Sky, and the Maze districts.

The Needles District is located in the southeast corner of the park and is the most accessible. The district was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. There are several wonderful hikes historical sites and petroglyphs for visitors to enjoy in the district.

Conversely, the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park is the least accessible of the park’s districts. Because of the remoteness and the roughness of the roads, the Maze District requires more planning to visit. However, if you put in the work to plan, the reward is very high. The spectacular maze of slot canyons in the area is absolutely incredible to explore.

The Mesa Arch Viewpoint at Sunrise

The Mesa Arch viewpoint is located on the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, which is my favorite. This district features some of the most spectacular canyon vistas that you will find in the park. In addition to the Green River Overlook, Grand View Point Overlook, and the Buck Canyon Overlook, there is the Mesa Arch viewpoint. Mesa Arch is a beautiful arch that faces the perfect spot to view the sunrise over a stunning canyon. When you visit, you can expect incredible views like the one below.

Zion National Park

Without any doubt, Zion National Park is my favorite of the Southern Utah attractions. This breathtaking canyon is home to two of the most epic hikes that you will find in the park system of the United States. My favorite is the Angel’s Landing hike, which gives visitors a bird’s eye view down the canyon and some of the most beautiful vistas you will find anywhere in the world.

The other hike that visitors absolutely must try when visiting Zion National Park is the incredible Narrows Hike, which takes hikers down the Virgin River and through the slot canyons. With a vast majority of the trail being in the river, it is one of the most unique hikes that you will find in America’s national parks. You will be absolutely blown away by the beauty of the sheer rock cliffs that surround the river as you follow it through the maze of canyons.

These incredible hikes are just some of the many things that make Zion National Park one of the most amazing places in North America, if not the world. However, if you plan to visit, you need to plan ahead. In addition to being one of America’s prettiest national parks, it is also one of the nation’s busiest. For more information on how to plan a trip to see Zion, please refer to my Zion National Park Visitor Guide linked below.

Hiking to Angel’s Landing

When it comes to incredible hikes in America’s national parks system, there aren’t many that can compete with the Angel’s Landing hike in Zion National Park. The views from the perch of Angel’s Landing are nothing short of spectacular. However, in addition to being beautiful, it is also one of the most challenging and dangerous hikes in the park system.

The trail follows the spine of a 1,488-foot-tall rock formation that has sheer drops on both sides. There is a chain for hikers to hold in the precarious spots, but it can get crowded during peak season. The traffic also goes two ways on the trail. However, for those who make it to Angel’s Landing, the views are out of this world.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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9 comments ›.

Photos are awesome!!

Thank you so much!!

You are welcome

This makes me want to return to Utah.

I know, right? I just can’t stay away. It’s incredible!

Oh, this makes me long for Utah! I’ve been to many of these places over several trips, but not all. Didn’t know about Reflection Canyon, but now I do and it just went on the list. Thank you!

You are very welcome! I am doing the reflection canyon hike in October. Will let you know how it goes.

• On Our Way - An Overview of My Southern Utah Road Trip October 8, 2021 • 10:01 am
• The 30 Top Travel Destinations for Travelers in 2022 January 21, 2022 • 8:51 am

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My pleasure Josh.

Thanks so much for the kind words Carl!! Glad you found it helpful!!

Thanks so much for the kind words John! I am glad you found it helpful!!

Thank you so much for the kind words!

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Utah doesn’t have something for everyone. That would be impossible. But almost.

You know that kid in class who was good at everything? Smart, beautiful, athletic and shredded the guitar like Eddie Van Halen? So annoying. Well, Utah’s sorry, but it’s not gonna downplay its talents just so California doesn’t feel bad about itself.

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Alpine lakes with trophy-sized rainbows. Great big little  cities  with world-class ballet and plenty of parking. Red-rock slot canyons and other geologic oddities. Performance-enhancing powder at bucket-list  ski resorts , 45 minutes from the airport. Plus we brag about it. Ugh. We’re the worst.

National Parks →

The Colorado Plateau is the big, beautiful orangey blotch centered at Four Corners, millions of years and layers of stone laced with canyon-cutting rivers and unlikely art rock. The feds found five different spots in Utah’s quadrant weird and wild enough to designate and protect. If you’ve only got a week, these should top your list of places to see in Utah.

National Monuments & Landmarks →

These are like National Parks Express. Not quite as extensive, but still briefly intensive. And they’re packed tightly enough between national parks and lots of other Utah attractions that it’s not an either/or situation.

State Parks →

Sand dunes, petrified forests, pioneer heritage and Native American sites: half a hundred dots on the map with dozens of kinds of low-traffic attractions. Disregard the occasional side-eye from a local. Once you see the sights, you’ll forgive them for not wanting to share.

Natural Areas →

Some things aren’t so easily classified. These Utah points of interest are generally outdoors, typically remote and unanimously awesome. If your map only shows the big, obvious Utah attractions, get a new map, because mind-blowing can’t be categorized.

Cities & Towns →

Let’s be honest: You don’t book a trip to Utah to see what a big city feels like. But first of all, we do small-town right, with the proverbial Mom & Pop cooking, cleaning and making sure you’re comfortable. Then there are the resort towns, with all the outfitters and outposts you need to go (into the) wild. And lastly, the biggish cities you do find in Utah punch way above their weight class — the Wasatch Front has things to do, see and eat on par with the world’s much larger, much less convenient metropolises.

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These Utah destinations show you a corner of the state without skimping on the luxury — the kind of all-inclusive experiences that make leaving the campus optional.

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9 Best Places to Live in Utah, According to Real Estate Experts

From the state capital to a buzzy ski town, here are nine of the best places to live in Utah.

Utah is a state of natural wonders that will leave even the most experienced traveler awestruck. With five national parks (Arches National Park, Bryce National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park), the state rewards its residents and guests with millions of acres of stunning vistas featuring sandstone arches, vast canyons and valleys, towering buttes, lush mountains, and otherworldly salt flats. 

And while the Beehive State is certainly a popular vacation destination (in 2022, Utah recorded over 15 million visitors ), it is even more popular with new residents. U.S. Census numbers show that Utah was the fastest-growing state in the nation between 2010 and 2020, largely due to out-of-state migration. The state’s economy is also a big draw. Between 2017 and 2022, Utah ranked second in the country for economic growth, with manufacturing, real estate, and scientific and technical services as the largest employers. So, where do people settle down?

Here, we rounded up some of the best places to live in Utah, according to real estate experts. 

Related: 24 Best Places to Visit in Utah — Including National Parks, Turquoise Lakes, and Giant Salt Flats

Salt Lake City

Set in a valley surrounded by epic mountain views at 4,327 feet elevation, Utah's capital has something not many cities do — modern urban amenities and world-class winter recreation less than an hour outside the city limits. But for many of its residents, including realtor Paul Svendsen, who moved here with his family from San Francisco, Salt Lake City's draw lies in its manageable size and beautiful neighborhoods. 

"Running to get groceries is a snap. There's no commute. You never have to fight for parking, and you can get a reservation at a good restaurant the day before," Svendsen said. With its curving, tree-lined streets and stately homes just minutes from downtown and the University of Utah campus, Federal Heights is Svendsen's favorite area in Salt Lake City.

"The quintessential Salt Lake City home is probably a brick bungalow — the city has thousands of them, especially in the popular Sugar House neighborhood. The Avenues is a wonderfully intact historic area full of lovely Victorians from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Or if mid-century modern is more your thing, Olympus Cove has plenty of those, including some with cool views of the Wasatch Mountains or the Salt Lake Valley," he added. Currently, the median home price in Salt Lake City is $532,895.

With at least 10 ski resorts within a 45-minute drive, Park City is a winter sports enthusiast's haven. Along its historic main street, the annual Sundance Film Festival is a magnet for movie fans and Hollywood celebrities in January. In the warmer months, visitors and residents enjoy an abundance of cultural events, hiking, fishing, boating at Jordanelle Reservoir, and mountain biking. 

"Park City, rooted in its rich mining history, showcases a diverse array of homes representing various styles, sizes, and decades dating back to the late 1800s. The residential landscape ranges from charming mining cabins to modern ski-in, ski-out mansions," Daimon Bushi, a branch broker at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , told Travel + Leisure, adding that some homes offer access to skiing, hiking, or biking directly from their doorstep. He explained that Silver Star is a hidden gem with many high-end amenities and ski-in/ski-out access, while Old Town is for those who want to be closer to Park City's best bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Provo and Orem

If access to education is a priority, consider these two neighboring towns at the heart of Utah County; Provo is home to Brigham Young University and Orem to Utah Valley University. 

"Both cities offer a small-town feel, yet have every amenity one could look for with shopping, restaurants, and recreation. The demographic is on the younger side and is family-friendly," Gary Peterson, an associate broker at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , said. The median home price in both towns is around $480,000, and there are many neighborhoods to choose from, including the upscale River Bottom.

Saratoga Springs

Although Saratoga Springs was incorporated only in 1997, its mineral springs and beautiful mountain views have drawn people for hundreds of years. However, according to Windermere Real Estate realtor Lisa Dimond, new residents benefit from having plenty of choice when it comes to homes that range from modern farm and traditional designs to prairie and ultra-modern styles.

"Saratoga Springs is one of Utah's most sought-out destinations for new construction, lifestyle, and ease of community. In addition to all the new construction, Saratoga Springs is working on building new schools, shopping — from large to small shopping centers — restaurants, and so much more," Dimond said. The median home price in Saratoga Springs is $568,122.

Related: Travel + Leisure Readers' 10 Favorite Resorts in Utah of 2023

Eagle Mountain

As one of the fastest-growing cities in Utah , Eagle Mountain attracts young people and families seeking a quiet and safe environment and a top-notch public school system south of Salt Lake City. The city boasts 50 square miles, including 30 miles of hiking and biking trails and easy access to open spaces and outdoor recreation.

And while real estate inventory is low, developers continue to build new homes — the median sale price in Eagle Mountain is $480,000. "You have everything from ranchette properties to mountainside homes with amazing views of Utah Lake, Cedar Valley, and the Wasatch Mountains, to carefree living in beautiful townhome and condominium communities," realtor Connie Elliott said.

This city in the larger Salt Lake City metropolitan area was once a booming mining town that now attracts residents with its Wasatch Mountains views, proximity to world-class skiing facilities, many parks, and outdoor activities. 

"There is no excuse for not getting out to enjoy the wonderful outdoors," longtime Sandy resident and realtor Lisa Jungemann said. "I have seen a lot of growth throughout the years, but Sandy still holds its charm." Jungemann explained that the city offers a wide range of home types — from luxury sprawling residences in the Pepperwood neighborhood to smaller bungalows and single-story rambler-style houses.

"Residents of Daybreak often say that Daybreak is more than a community; it is a lifestyle," Adam Frenza, associate broker at Windermere Real Estate , said. "Strategically planned villages are designed to draw residents out of their own backyards and into a plethora of beautifully unique community spaces, including neighborhood parks, a variety of pools, two amazing lakes, miles of walking trails, and a meandering bike path aptly named 'The Loop.’” Frenza says these “are just a few of the amenities that make this a wonderful place to call home."

Community is at the heart of this vibrant town south of Salt Lake City, where a busy year-round cultural program keeps its residents engaged and entertained. The city's downtown area is bustling with shops and restaurants, and a new library has been added, with plans for a new baseball stadium to open in 2025 .

Draper's main draw is the access to thousands of acres of protected land and open spaces, making it a haven for outdoor lovers and active lifestyle enthusiasts. The city is also known for its family-friendly amenities and emerging cultural scene. Draper's government just released plans for The Point , a multi-billion-dollar, mixed-use development with hotels, a retail promenade along the Jordan River, thousands of housing units, offices, and green spaces with hiking trails, which makes it one of the most important real estate developments in Utah.

"A favorite neighborhood in Draper that buyers should consider is SunCrest. This area is known for breathtaking vistas, invigorating mountain air, hundreds of miles of year-round trails, and a strong sense of community," Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International realtor Scott Steadman said, noting that the local market's performance suggests that now is an excellent time to buy property with the potential for long-term value and growth.

This Northern Utah valley town will charm you with its picture-perfect natural setting, allowing endless outdoor recreation. The city, home to Utah State University (its biggest employer), had a 2.2 percent unemployment rate in September , less than the nation's average of 3.3 percent.

According to Bankingrates.com , Logan is one of the top three cities in Utah where home prices have skyrocketed over the past three years. The company notes that home values have increased by 60 percent, reaching $421,327 in 2022. Redfin's data shows that the current median sale price is $367,000. 

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Utah ranked the No. 1 overall state by U.S. News and World Report

Utah takes the crown for the third year in a row.

By Emma Pitts

As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Utah has proven year after year that it can sustain its increasing population.

According to the latest U.S. News and World Report ranking , the Beehive State has remained at the top. The study focused on over 70 metrics and thousands of data points to determine which states best serve their residents.

These are the 2024 top five best states overall in the ranking:

• New Hampshire.

“Utah has a vibrant, diverse economy and unsurpassed natural beauty, but what truly sets our state apart is our people,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, per the press release. “We lead the nation in volunteering and charitable giving every year and this spirit of community leads to a collaborative approach to problem solving, an ecosystem that supports innovation, and a culture that strengthens families and individuals. I’m proud of the Beehive State and appreciate the validation that Utah really is the best state in the nation.”

Utah ranked in the top 20 of seven of the eight categories and top three in three of them:

• Second in education.
• Third in economy.
• Third in infrastructure.

Other categories involved in the ranking of the states included crime, health care, natural environment, fiscal stability, infrastructure and opportunity.

Utah’s top rankings

Regarding economic rankings, Utah fell from the top of the list to third overall. “It’s important to acknowledge that a No. 3 ranking isn’t a bad ranking,” Phil Dean, chief economist at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, told the Deseret News.

One aspect of this is “we have seen some moderation in our job growth rates. I think some of that is related to the tech sector or some of the financial service sector, where we have a stronger presence than the rest of the U.S. economy,” Dean added. “Those sectors are sensitive to interest rates, and with higher interest rates, we see impacts there. That being said, that’s not true for the entire economy. So we’re seeing portions of our economy where we’re seeing flatter growth, or even a little bit of decline, where most of the economy is still growing quite well.”

Dean said Utah’s large population of young people is also a big benefit to Utah’s economy. “We’re feeling the impacts of baby boomer retirements here in Utah, but it impacts us less than other states. Our diverse economy certainly helps us.”

Something that Dean emphasized is unique to Utah is the ability to think about the greater good rather than allowing a political divide to influence decisions.

“You know, looking at an NHL announcement downtown and looking at people from a bunch of different groups throughout the state that were represented, that kind of shows this ability that we have, as a state, to come together still,” he said. “We may disagree, but if possible, we’ll try to work toward a win-win solution.”

Although Utah has the second-most national parks, behind only California, its worst ranking was in the natural environment category. Sitting in 46th place, the state does not prioritize government policies geared toward environmental initiatives related to public health, according to U.S. News.

“As many as 131.2 million people in the U.S. live where the air quality gets failing grades due to too-high levels of ozone or particle pollution,” the Deseret News previously reported, and Utah is no exception.